BR112021008931A2 - food container and devices and methods to attract greater attention - Google Patents

Abstract

FOOD CONTAINER AND DEVICES AND METHODS TO ATTRACT MORE ATTENTION. The present invention relates to a container (10) for use, for example, for beverages, having a wall (12) with an outer surface (14) and an inner wall (16) of substantially uniform thickness. The wall (12) has a fractal profile that provides a series of fractal elements (18-28) on the inner and outer surfaces (14-16), forming holes (40) and bulges (42) in the wall profile and in which a ditch (40) viewed from one of the outer or inner surfaces (12, 14) forms a bulge (42) on the other of the outer or inner surfaces (12, 14). The profile allows multiple containers to be coupled together through the inter-engagement of ditches and snags on the corresponding containers. The profile also improves grip as well as heat transfer into and out of the container. Devices to attract more attention include: a lacunar pulse train input signal with characteristics of a pulse frequency of approximately four Hertz and a pulse train fractal dimension of approximately half; and at least one controllable light source configured to be pulse-operated by the input signal; wherein a neural flame emitted from at least one controllable light source as a result of the lacunar pulse train is adapted to serve as a uniquely identifiable signal beacon over potentially competing attention sources, selectively triggering human anomaly detection filters or artificial, thus attracting more attention.

Description

FOOD CONTAINER AND DEVICES AND METHODS TO ATTRACT A

GREATER ATTENTION Technical field of the invention

[01] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a food container suitable for liquid and solid food products.

[02] In another aspect, the present invention refers to devices and methods to attract more attention. More specifically, the present invention relates to flares to sustain increased interest/attention, as well as flares with symbolic importance.

Background of the Invention a) Food container

[03] The packaging industry is well developed across the industrialized world and is subject to general standards and practices. In general, in the case of food or beverage packaging, it needs to be able to keep the food or beverage in a hygienic and food-safe condition and withstand storage and transport; specifically to provide physical protection and serve as an obstruction to content, to prevent contamination and crowding, and to provide security, including tamper control, and convenience. In recent years, there have been moves to reduce the amount of material used in packaging and also focusing on more ecological packaging, such as through the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials.

[04] Lightness is a concept that has been around for some time in the industry, which aims to reduce the amount of material used in packaging, its weight and also the energy required for its manufacture.

[05] In the case of packaging for liquids or other fluid materials, it is common to use bottles, cans, cardboard boxes, bags and the like.

Generally, this package is generally cylindrical in shape, such as a beverage can or bottle, or a cuboidal shape, such as milk or juice cartons of the type commonly sold under the Elopak™ or Tetra Pak™ brand names. This package is normally made up of a smooth-walled structure, often multi-layered, which minimizes the surface area and optimizes the usable volume of the package. Package contents are often used to maintain the shape and integrity of the package, particularly during shipping and storage.

For example, a beverage container will often rely on the pressure of the beverage within the container to keep it in its original shape. This allows for the development of very thin walls for the containers, to the point where, after opening the container, the walls often become fragile and easy to collapse.

[06] Food products are usually sold in several units, such as cans and bottles, in which case it is common to tie them with additional packaging, such as cardboard, ring or plastic. This additional packaging also serves to prevent individual packages from coming loose during transport or storage, thus reducing spoilage. However, this additional packaging adds more costs, both monetary and environmental.

[07] The smooth nature of such a package reduces a person's ability to grip and it is not uncommon, particularly for large packages, for a person to struggle to handle the package without crushing it and causing the contents to spill. This is particularly the case with large plastic beverage bottles.

[08] DE 10004386 discloses a container for food or beverages with a cylindrical container that has molded walls to allow the interlocking of a plurality of such containers. b) Devices and methods to attract more attention

[09] In the prior art, signal and headlamp indicators are normally based on color, brightness, periodic flashing frequency, rotation and motion pattern, but not on fractal dimension.

[010] WO 95/17854 discloses a trophotropic response system comprising: a control module for providing a visual signal and an auditory signal, wherein the auditory signal includes at least a digitally generated ocean signal component and a component of binaural beat signal; an audio unit for receiving the audio signal from the control module; and a visual unit for receiving the visual signal from the control module wherein the visual signal is provided having a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the binaural beat signal component of the auditory signal.

[011] Both cognitive studies and simulations of the limbo-thalamo-cortical system of the brain through artificial neural networks have shown that the original ideas produced in the brain's stream of consciousness occur at a specific rate, usually close to 4 hertz and one fractal dimension of approximately ½ (see literature references below: Thaler, 1997b, 2013, 2014, 2016a, b, 2017b). An interval of 300 ms (~4 Hz) has been referred to as the “speed of thought” (Tovee 1994).

[012] In Thaler's referenced theoretical work, the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) of the brain is modeled as an auto-associative neural network in constant adaptation (ie, an anomaly or novelty detector) to which such ideational rhythms are more noticeable due to their sporadic and unpredictable nature.

Essentially, neural activation patterns within the cortex are thought to emit a telltale light signal to the thalamus when they are generated within a stream with that frequency and fractal signature. Furthermore, these sporadic cognitive currents often correspond to the formation of new patterns and are considered the signature of inventive ideation.

[013] It was also shown (Thaler 2016a) that the TRN's behavior as an anomaly detector was linked to creative thinking and greater attention to the formation of useful ideational patterns, as stated in the following passage: “In the first case, creative achievements are the result of a convergent thought process, demanding the attention of critical networks looking for sporadic activations within the cortex that signal the formation of new and potentially useful ideational patterns [3] With non-linear stimuli flows present in the external environment (ie , sporadic events such as the two audible clicks used in EEG studies to measure the so-called P50 response), the attention of critical networks selectively shifts to these sporadic external event streams [3,14] dominating within the cortex, rather than exploring the weaker, internally seeded stream of consciousness for seminal thought."

[014] In another publication (Thaler 2016b), frequency and fractal dimension were shown to be indicative of the relationship between attention, novelty of ideation and such thought process characteristics: “The search for an adequate resource to guide such attention revealed that rhythm of pattern generation by synaptically disturbed neural networks is a quantitative indicator of the novelty of its conceptual production, that cadence, in turn, characterized by a frequency and a corresponding temporal grouping that is discernible through the fractal dimension”.

[015] Regarding the human response to light modulation, the Color Usage Lab at NASA Ames Research Center has published an article entitled "Blinking, Flashing and Temporal Response" (https://colorusage.arc.nasa.gov/flashing_2. php), stating the following: “The glare rate has a powerful influence on the salience of the glare elements. The human eye is more sensitive to frequencies of 4-8 Hz (cycles/second).

A very slow and very fast blink require less attention than rates near this peak.”

[016] A proposed approach based on the effects of fractal flicker of light stimuli was previously published (Zueva 2013). Fractal scintillation exhibits time-scale invariance in retinal and visual cortex evoked responses in normal and neurodegenerative diseases. In the proposed approach, standard stimuli are presented to patients who adapt to a shimmering background with “specific variability of chaotic intervals between flashes (dynamic light fractal)”. It was theorized that such an approach could be applied to facilitate adaptation to non-linear scintillation with fractal dimensions in electrophysiological diagnostics.

[017] Finally, in an article (Williams 2017) entitled "Why Fractals Are Soothing", about fractal patterns in Jackson Pollock's paintings, the physiological response to the visualization of images with fractal geometries with a fractal dimension between 1.3 and 1.5 has been suggested as a “economical” means for the human eye tracking mechanism to simplify the processing of image content.

[018] The ability to explore fractal flicker for evoked visual responses (as in the approach described in Zueva 2013), or to detect a visually fractal image (as in the studies in Williams 2017), is related to visual and image processing.

[019] It would be desirable to have devices and methods to attract more attention. Such devices and methods would provide, inter alia, unique advantages over the prior art mentioned above. Summary of the present invention a) Food container

[020] This aspect of the present invention seeks to provide an improved container for food products. The invention is particularly suitable for, but not limited to, containers for liquids such as beverages and other fluid products.

[021] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food or beverage container comprising: a generally cylindrical wall defining an inner chamber of the container, the wall having internal and external surfaces and being of uniform thickness ; a top and a base at each end of the wall, generally cylindrical; in which the wall has a fractal profile with corresponding convex and concave fractal elements in the corresponding internal and external surfaces; where the convex and concave fractal elements form holes and bulges in the wall profile; wherein the container wall is flexible, allowing the fractal profile of the container to flex; the fractal profile of the wall allows inter-engaging engagement of a plurality of said containers together; and the flexibility of the wall allows disengagement of said or any engagement of a plurality of said containers.

[022] The present invention provides a container for food or beverage having a container wall other than that known in the art. The form taught here provides a number of practical advantages over known packaging products.

[023] Preferably, at least some of said pits and protuberances have heads with a width greater than their bases.

[024] The feature of the fractal profile of the wall allows the inter-engaging engagement of a plurality of said containers. This feature can provide a number of practical advantages, including being able to eliminate separate and additional lashing elements to hold together a plurality of containers, as is required with currently available packages that rely on cardboard or plastic.

[025] The flexibility of the wall allows the disengagement of the interconnected containers, by appropriate compression of one or more of the containers to change the fractal shape of the containers at the point of inter-engagement.

[026] Advantageously, the corresponding convex and concave fractal elements provide an increased surface area of the inner and outer surfaces of the container in relation to the volume of the chamber. An increased surface area can assist in transferring heat into and out of the container, for example, to heat or cool the container's contents.

[027] The wall of the container can be formed by metal, plastic, elastomeric material or glass. It can also be made from flexible or potentially flexible food products.

[028] The fractal shape of the container wall can also contribute to better container retention, while known packages made with a smooth surface can be slippery, particularly when wet, as when condensation forms on the outside as a result of the contents being cold.

b) Devices and methods to attract more attention

[029] This aspect of the present invention aims to provide devices and methods to attract greater attention.

[030] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" is used in this document to refer to examples of modalities and/or implementations and is not necessarily intended to indicate a more desirable use case. Likewise, the terms "alternatively" and "alternatively" are used in this document to refer to an example of a variety of contemplated modalities and/or implementations and are not necessarily intended to indicate a more desirable use case. Therefore, it is understood from the above that "exemplary" and "alternative" may be applied in this document to various modalities and/or implementations. Various combinations of such alternative and/or exemplary embodiments are also contemplated in this document.

[031] The embodiments of the present invention provide a method for producing and supplying a pulse train for an LED or lamp at a fractal frequency and dimension that is highly perceptible to humans, being the same pace with which the original ideas they are formed and recognized in the brain and advanced creativity machines. A light source activated in this way can serve as an emergency beacon in environments filled with distracting light sources flashing randomly or periodically. Ease of detection can be improved by using auto-associative neural networks as anomaly detectors in a machine vision algorithm.

[032] Thus, using TRN behavior as an anomaly filter in sustained creative activity and mental focus, as detailed above in the context of Thaler's works, the present invention explores such a concept incorporating the same necessary characteristics (ie, frequency and dimension fractal) in a signaling device to trigger the brain's innate ability to filter out sensory information, “highlighting” certain parts to make those parts more perceptible to the brain.

[033] That is, a single light-emitting element blinking at a prescribed frequency is highly noticeable when seen through anomaly detectors built from artificial neural networks. The sporadic nature of such pulse streams overrides the anomaly filter's ability to learn and anticipate its rhythm, making the light pulses visible as anomalies. Also, in contrast to pulse trains, with fractal dimensions less than ½, the prescribed rhythms are often enough to draw attention from a moving window of attention, as when humans are shifting their attention to widely separated portions of a scene. If the detection system can calculate the fractal dimension of anomalous light sources within the filtered scene, the "neural flame" can be used as an emergency light signal that discriminates from other alternating light sources within the environment.

[034] Even with the naked eye, and without the use of an anomaly detector, ½ pulse fractal dimension fluxes preferentially attract the attention of human guinea pigs. The most striking aspect of such flows is that the 'holes' or gaps between the pulses occur as anomalies in what would otherwise be a linear flow of events. In other words, the pattern is often broken, such anomalous behavior possibly being detected by the TRN within the human brain as inconsistencies in the established inward trend of visual stimuli. In contrast, if the fractal dimension drops significantly below ½, the frequency of anomalous pulses drops, making them less noticeable to humans if attention or gaze is scattered.

[035] The incorporation of a "fractal rhythm" in a light signal, having a spatial fractal dimension close to zero and a temporal delivery of a fractal dimension close to ½, relates to exploring the understanding of the behavior of the

TRN, thus avoiding visual and image processing aspects as contributing elements.

[036] The modalities of the present invention further provide a symbol that celebrates the unique pace by which creative cognition occurs. The algorithmically controlled neural flame can be incorporated within one or more structures that resemble candles or altar fixtures, for example, to make the significance of the spirituality of light more prominent. Note that the light source or light signal can incorporate any type of light emitting device.

[037] Such modalities derive from the notion of someone who perceives the neural network monitoring another network of imagination, the so-called "Paradigm of the Creativity Machine" (Thaler 2013), which was proposed as the basis of an "adjunct" religion in which the Cosmic consciousness equates to a deity, spontaneously forming as regions of space topologically separated from one another to form similar ideational and perceptual pairs, each consisting of mere inorganic matter and energy. Ironically, this same neural paradigm proposed an alternative use for this rate of sway, that is, a religious object that integrates features of more traditional spiritual symbols such as candles and torches.

[038] Furthermore, in a theory of how cosmic consciousness can form from inorganic matter and energy (Thaler, 1997a, 2010, 2017), the same light signals of attention may be at work between different regions of space. time.

[039] Thus, luminous elements similar to neurons can be used as philosophical, spiritual or religious symbols, especially when mounted on top of lamps similar to candles or torches, celebrating what can be considered cosmic deified consciousness. This light source can also serve as a light signal to cosmic consciousness itself, probably operating through the same neuronal signaling mechanism.

[040] Therefore, according to aspects of the present invention, there is provided for the first time a device to attract more attention, the device comprising: (a) an input signal of a lacunar pulse train with characteristics of a frequency of pulse of approximately four Hertz and a fractal dimension of a pulse train of approximately half generated from a random walk at successive intervals of 300 milliseconds, each step being of equal magnitude and representative of a pulse train that satisfies a fractal dimension equation of ln (number of network input intercepts of a neuron with a trigger threshold) / ln (the total number of sampled 300 ms intervals); and (b) at least one controllable light source configured to be pulse-operated by said input signal; wherein a neural flame is emitted from at least one source, such light source being controllable as a result of said lacunar pulse train.

[041] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided for the first time a device to attract greater attention, the device including: (a) an input signal of a lacunar pulse train having characteristics of a pulse frequency of approximately four Hertz and a pulse train fractal dimension of approximately one-half; and (b) at least one controllable light source configured to be pulse-operated by the input signal; wherein a neural flame emitted from at least one controllable light source as a result of the lacunar pulse train is adapted to serve as an identifiable light signal uniquely over potentially competing attention sources,

selectively triggering human or artificial anomaly detection filters, thus attracting more attention.

[042] Preferably, the device further includes: (c) a processor for providing the input signal of the lacunar pulse train having the characteristics; and (d) a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter for transmitting the input signal to at least one controllable light source.

[043] Advantageously, the D/A converter is an integrated processor module in which the module is incorporated in at least one form selected from the group consisting of: hardware, software and firmware.

[044] Preferably, the processor includes a threshold unit to monitor random path traces for tracing axis crossings of a threshold unit trigger threshold, and where tracing axis crossings result in trigger to trigger transitions to generate pulse activation sequences from the lacunar pulse train.

[045] Advantageously, pulse activation sequence samples are filtered based on a zeroset dimension, and where the samples are filled into a selected sequence buffer with a fractal dimension of approximately half.

[046] Preferably, the filtered patterns are drawn randomly from the selected sequences in the buffer, and where the filtered patterns are configured to serve as the input signal to the D/A converter for transmission to at least one controllable light source.

[047] Advantageously, filtered patterns are generated on board the processor.

[048] The uniquely identifiable light sign can reduce distraction by providing a preferential alert about potentially competing sources of attention.

[049] The neural flame can serve as an object of contemplative focus incorporating symbolic meanings of varying meanings.

[050] According to other aspects of the present invention, there is provided for the first time a method to attract more attention, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating a lacunar pulse train with characteristics of a pulse frequency of approximately four Hertz is an approximately one-half pulse train fractal dimension generated from a random walk over successive 300 millisecond intervals, each step being of equal magnitude and representative of a pulse train satisfying an ln fractal dimension equation ( number of network input intercepts of a neuron with a trigger threshold) / ln (the total number of sampled 300 ms intervals); (b) transmitting said input signal to at least one controllable light source; and (c) pulse operating said at least one controllable light source to produce a neural flame emitted from said at least one controllable light source as a result of said lacunar pulse train.

[051] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided for the first time a method to attract more attention, the method including the steps of: (a) generating a lacunar pulse train with characteristics of a pulse frequency of approximately four Hertz and a pulse train fractal dimension of approximately half; (b) transmitting the input signal to at least one controllable light source; and (c) pulsating operation of the at least one controllable light source to produce a neural flame emitted from the at least one controllable light source as a result of the lacunar pulse train being adapted to serve as a beacon signal that is identifiable in a manner exclusive, overriding potential sources of attention that may compete with it by selectively provoking anomaly detection filters in humans and other artificial systems, thus attracting greater attention.

[052] Preferably, the method further includes the step of: (d) monitoring a random walk trace for tracking axis crossings of a trigger threshold, and wherein the tracking axis crossings result in trigger to trigger transitions generate pulse activation sequences from the lacunar pulse train.

[053] Advantageously, the method further includes the steps of: (e) filtering samples of pulse activation sequences based on a zeroset dimension; and (f) fill the samples into a buffer of selected sequences having a fractal dimension of approximately half.

[054] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of: (g) randomly removing filtered patterns from selected sequences in the buffer; and (h) use the filtered patterns as the input signal.

[055] Advantageously, the uniquely identifiable beacon reduces distraction by providing preferential alert to potentially competing sources of attention.

[056] Rather, the neural flame serves as an object of contemplative focus that embodies a symbolic meaning of elaborate significance.

[057] These and other modalities will be evident from the detailed description and examples that follow. Brief description of the drawings

[058] The modalities of the present invention are described below, by way of example only, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 2 and 3 are schematic views in partial axial section of an embodiment of two fractal containers in the process of being coupled together;

Figures 4 and 5 are schematic partial axial perspective views of the two fractal containers of Figures 2 and 3 in the process of being coupled;

Figure 6 shows several views of another embodiment of the fractal container;

Figures 7 to 9 show the engagement and disengagement of two containers according to the embodiment of Figure 6;

Figures 10 and 11 show, respectively, the engagement of two other fractal container modalities;

Figure 12 is a simplified high-level schematic diagram depicting a neural flame device to attract further attention, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a simplified flowchart of the main process steps for operating the neural flame device of Figure 12, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; Figure 14 represents a trace of the evolution in entry time for a neuron-like threshold unit of the neural flame device of Figure 12,

in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

Figure 15 represents a video stream for detecting fractal beacons within a generalized scene from the neural flame device of Figure 12, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Description of preferred modalities a) Food container

[059] The following description and accompanying drawings generally disclose the teachings of this document. Elements that are common in the art are omitted for clarity, such as, but not limited to, the specific materials the container may be made of, typical volumes for the container, and so on. Also, the drawings are not to scale.

[060] The concept disclosed here makes use of a fractal profile for the container wall, which has been found to provide a number of advantageous features when applied to a container, particularly for food and beverage products. The skilled person will understand that the wall profile will not be of pure fractal form, but will be of a form dictated by practical considerations such as the minimum or desirable practical size of its fractal components. However, the relationship between the elements of the profile is fractal in nature. In practical embodiments, the fractal container can display a fractal interpretation at two or more size scales.

[061] Referring to Figure 1, this schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the container 10 for use, for example, for beverages. The container has a wall 12 with an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16. The wall 12 is of substantially uniform thickness.

[062] As with known containers, especially for food products, the wall 12 is preferably made of a food-safe material or otherwise provided with a food-safe inner liner.

To this end, and as is known in the art, the wall can be of a single layer material or it can be made as a laminate of different materials. The wall can be made of or comprise a plastic material, a metal or metal alloy or an elastomeric material. It is also considered that in some embodiments the wall may be made of a flexible or potentially flexible food product (eg noodles, pasta, licorice and so on).

[063] Wall 12 has a fractal profile that provides a series of fractal elements 18-28 on the inner and outer surfaces 14, 16. It should be understood that these fractal elements 18-28 have fractal characteristics within given practical considerations, for example , by the limits of the chosen manufacturing/forming process, the material chosen for the wall, the wall thickness and so on. In practice, fractal elements 18-28 will typically reach a minimum practical size determined by such restrictions.

[064] The fractal elements 18-28 of the wall create, as a result of the wall 12 having a generally uniform thickness, a series of ditches 40 and protuberances 42 in the wall profile, in which a hole 40 seen from one of the outer surfaces or inners 12, 14 form a corresponding protrusion 42 on the other of outer or inner surfaces 12, 14 and vice versa. This feature is exhibited both on a large scale, for example, with the pits 40 and bulges 42 identified by the reference numerals in Figure 1, as well as with the smallest of the fractal elements 18-28. Wells 40 and protrusions 42 can be described as opposing images of each other on the outer 14 and inner 16 sides of walls 12. Repeating features (eg, holes and protrusions) at a variety of scales creates the fractal shape or profile on the surfaces of the container. The fractal profile can extend over the entire area of the container surfaces or just over selected surfaces or surface portions. Thus, the fractal profile may, in some embodiments, extend over the entire container, while in other embodiments the majority of the container may be smooth with only the contact areas between the containers having fractal formations.

[065] It should be understood that Figure 1 is only an axial cross-sectional view. Fractal elements 18-28 may in some embodiments extend linearly along the length of wall 12, but in other embodiments elements 18-28 may be pure fractal of a type similar to, so to speak, kale. broccoli flower or florets to create an array of distinct nodules, both circumferentially and longitudinally along wall 12.

[066] The container 10 may be generally cylindrical in shape, so that the cross section shown in Figure 1 extends into and/or out of the plane of the paper. In such embodiments, container 10 will include a top and base, typically of any type known in the art.

[067] Container 10 of this embodiment, and the other embodiments described and contemplated herein, provide a number of practical advantages. One of these advantages can be seen with reference to the modality shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[068] Referring first to Figures 2 and 3, these are axial cross-sectional views of two containers 100, 110 similar to the view in Figure 1, but in which only a portion of the circumference of the wall of each container can be seen. Each container 100, 110 has, as with the embodiment of Figure 1, a wall 12 having outer 14 and inner 16 surfaces and fractal elements 18-28 formed in the wall and present on outer and inner surfaces 14, 16.

[069] Containers 100,110 have the same fractal shapes and profiles, which are also symmetrical, as will be apparent from the Figures. This matching in shapes allows the wells 40 and corresponding protuberances 42 on the walls of the two containers 100, 110 to engage with each other so as to interlock along a portion of their circumferences, as can be seen in particular in Figure 3. In this modality, wells 40 and protuberances 42 have the same shapes

(but opposite) so that they are able to comfortably fit together. This can be achieved, in some embodiments, by creating two identical fractal sheets and bending them in opposite directions so that a surface of one of the sheets becomes the outer surface of a container and the same surface of the other sheet becomes the inner surface. from the other container.

[070] Furthermore, in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3, the wells 40 and protrusions 42 have what could be described as flared heads with narrower neck portions, in which the fractal elements extend to a smaller width or diameter than at or near their bases compared to a larger width or diameter D further away from their bases. This flared-head feature may be prevalent in all wells 40 and bulges 42, but in other embodiments it may be exhibited in only a portion of the fractal formations on wall 12.

[071] As can be seen in Figure 3 in particular, the engagement of the two containers 100, 110 occurs, in this example, because the containers have a generally curved or rounded shape, in which case the containers will only touch and interconnect, in their tangents.

[072] In other embodiments that have different broad general shapes, such as square or polygonal, the engagement of the fractal formations of two containers can occur through an entire side wall or a portion of one or more of the side walls of the containers.

[073] When used for packaging, this feature allows multiple containers to be coupled together without the need for any other lashing mechanism of the types commonly used in the art. In other words, two or more containers 100, 110 can be joined together only by inter-engaging some of the fractal formations of the walls of container 12. The containers need not be tiled shapes, as it is only necessary that one or more of the fractal formations of each of the containers interact to achieve engagement.

[074] Figures 4 and 5 show a view of another embodiment similar to Figures 2 and 3, in which the fractal formations of containers 100, 110 extend generally linearly for at least a short distance longitudinally, in other words in a two-dimensional manner , rather than in a three-dimensional way like a flower would. In this embodiment, the same fractal elements of the containers 100, 110 shown in Figures 4 and 5 will interconnect longitudinally along their length, and if they extend along the entire length of the containers, they will then interact equally along the length. length of containers. In the case of three-dimensional fractal elements, which could be described as having a flower shape, the inter-engaging of two or more containers along such a tangent will involve the engagement of multiple fractal formations along the length of the containers.

[075] The containers can be disengaged by squeezing the containers 100, 110, for example, from either side of the engagement zone, to cause the engaged wells 40 and the protrusions 42 to deform and open. A user can, in this way, separate the containers 100, 110 with relative ease.

[076] Referring now to Figure 6, this shows another embodiment of the fractal container 200 having a fractal shape similar to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 5. In this embodiment, the fractal formations extend linearly along the length of the container 200, as can be seen in particular in the perspective view of Figure 6. Container 200 may have any of the features described elsewhere in this document.

[077] With reference to Figure 7, in this modality the wells 240 and protrusions 242 are not of the same shape or size to fit one inside the other accurately, as is the case with the modalities shown in Figures 2 to

5. However, wells 240 and protrusions 242 are still able to partially engage, as will be apparent in the Figure. The two containers can be tied together by adhesive positioned in the interstice or pocket 244 between the partially engaged wells 240 and protrusions 242. More than two containers can be engaged together in this manner, in a fully or partially tiled fashion depending on the shapes of the containers.

[078] Containers 200 can be separated from each other by applying pressure to one or both containers, as shown in Figure 8. In the example shown in this Figure, pressure can be applied diametrically opposite the adhesive coupling 244, as per the arrow in Figure . This pressure will deform the walls 12 of the containers and, as a consequence, will apply shear stress (and typically also compressive and tensile forces) to the adhesive in pocket 244, which will break or come loose. It will be understood that containers can be squeezed from other directions and achieve the same result.

[079] Once the adhesive hitch has been released, the containers 200 can be separated from each other as shown in Figure 9.

[080] Referring now to Figure 10, this shows in schematic form partial wall profiles of two fractal containers 300, 300' according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the wall has what can be described as a random fractal path profile, with zigzag wall elements of different lengths I1-ln.

[081] The two container profiles 300, 300' preferably have substantially identical inverted or replicated profiles over at least a portion of their length so that they can engage together in a precise nesting arrangement as shown in Figure 10B. The two fractal elements 300, 300’ can thus be engaged, usually by a combination of mechanical inter-engagement and friction. The skilled person will understand that in this embodiment, as with the following embodiment shown in Figure 11, the profile does not include any fractal elements with protrusions or hollows with flared heads, as with the embodiments of Figures 1 to 9, although it is not excluded that in some modalities they may have such characteristics.

[082] Figure 11 shows another example, in which the profiles of the two containers 400, 400’ nest only partially in each other. It will be appreciated that the degree of engagement of the containers together can be changed by adjusting the fractal profiles of the two interconnecting surfaces to one another.

[083] In the preferred embodiments, the lengths I1-ln of the zigzag wall elements are advantageously determined as statistical fractals whose dimensions can be adjusted by means of random walk parameters to optimize the interlocking of two or more fractal containers. The bond between the containers can be relatively strong with an increased number and size of capture points and weaker with fewer capture points.

[084] In the modalities of Figures 10 and 11, the inter-engagement can be provided by the profiles themselves and, optionally, according to the modalities described above, aided by the use of adhesive between adjacent containers.

[085] The container shapes disclosed in this document provide a number of other advantages, in addition to a greater ability to engage multiple containers.

[086] First, the fractal nature of the container's outer surface provides better container grip compared to a container that has a smooth outer surface. This can be particularly advantageous with larger or heavier containers, for which good adhesion can be obtained with less holding pressure on the container wall.

[087] In addition, the corresponding convex and concave fractal elements provide an increased surface area of the inner and outer surfaces of the container in relation to a volume of the chamber. This can be useful to increase the heat transfer characteristics of the container, for example to cool or heat its contents.

[088] The person skilled in the art will understand that the teachings of this document may provide other advantages and features not exhibited in containers known in the prior art.

b) Devices and methods to attract more attention.

[089] The present invention relates to devices and methods to attract greater attention. The principles and operation for providing such devices and methods, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description and drawings.

[090] Referring to the drawings, Figure 12 is a simplified high-level schematic diagram depicting a neural flame device to attract further attention, according to embodiments of the present invention. A neural flame device 2 includes a mount 4 that serves as a beacon or an imitation candle, which can be configured to accommodate the needs of the application (in relation to physical dimensions), as an emergency alert, or as a focus object. contemplative embodying varied meanings.

[091] The neural flame device 2 has a controllable light source 6 (eg an LED component) with an optional translucent cover 8, which can be shaped like a neuron or soma cell body. The controllable light source 6 can incorporate any type of light emitting device. The neural flame device 2 includes a base 10 that houses an optional digital to analog (D/A) converter (D/A module 12) and an input connector 14 for providing a digital input signal to drive the controllable light source. 6 with the necessary voltage sequence at a frequency corresponding to approximately 4 Hz and a fractal dimension close to ½. Note that module D / A 12 can be implemented as hardware, software and / or firmware as an integral component of a dedicated processor for neural flame device 2.

[092] Figure 13 is a simplified flowchart of the main steps of the process to operate the neural flame device of Figure 12, according to embodiments of the present invention. The process starts with the system generating pulse trains with a frequency of approximately 4 Hz and a fractal dimension of nearly ½ (Step 20). A system buffer is then filled with these special lacunar pulse trains (Step 22). These pulse trains are then sequentially pulled from the buffer and then transmitted to the controllable light source 6 via input connector 14 (Step 24).

[093] Optionally, pulse trains can be randomly removed from the buffer before transmitting the signal to controllable light source 6 (Step 26).

[094] Such aspects are elaborated in more detail in relation to Figure 14.

[095] Figure 14 represents a trace of the input time evolution for a neuron-like threshold unit of the neural flame device of Figure 12, according to embodiments of the present invention. The trace represents the output of a random walk algorithm performed on a computer or processor which, in turn, is applied to a neuron-like threshold unit, resulting in a series of activation transitions as the trace crosses (ie. , intercepts) the firing threshold of the "neuron". The arrival patterns of these activation transitions are then filtered by an algorithm that calculates the fractal dimension (ie, zeroset dimension of the trace) and fills a buffer with these transition patterns having an approximate fractal dimension of ½. These filtered patterns are then pulled from the buffer and transmitted to trigger the controllable light source.

[096] The algorithm can be generated on an integrated processor and power supply within the base 10 of neural flame device 2. It should be noted that not only do these pulse patterns represent the desired ½-dimensional fractal pulse trains of 4 Hz. , but they differ widely from one another, thus preventing any anomaly detection filter, biological or otherwise, from adapting to repeated activation flows.

[097] The neuron activation flux is generated by introducing a random walk form of equal sized steps to the neuron, with each of these steps being a notional 'coin flip' to determine whether the step has a positive or negative sign. As the random input crosses the neuron's firing threshold (as depicted in Figure 14), a pulse is fired by the algorithm, the analog input source to drive the controllable light source 6 of neural flame device 2.

[098] Returning to optional Step 26 of Figure 13, the resulting flux of the lacunar pulse train can be used as a set of candidate trigger sequences which are then randomly taken from the buffer and transmitted to trigger the controllable light source 6.

[099] The random walk can be started repeatedly from scratch in a series of trials, calculating the fractal dimension for each one and then accumulating a library (ie a buffer) of just those short pulse sequences with the dimension fractal required close to ½. Step 26 can be performed in nanoseconds and the sequences computationally shortened to time scales close to 300 ms before being transmitted to the controllable light source 6.

[0100] Other techniques can also be employed to mitigate such effects, as known in the prior art. However, randomly pulling short pulse trains from the buffer has the advantage of adding another layer of randomness to the pulse train, allowing it to stand out when viewed by an anomaly detector, whether in the brain or a novelty based on a filter artificial neural network . With small pulse train libraries, there is a chance of repetition as the short pulse trains are attached to each other, making it easier for the anomaly filter to adapt to them.

[0101] This “baseline reset” has already been described (Thaler 2014).

The fractal signature of the random walk is largely determined by the step size. In the case of the neural flame, the random walk is adjusted to provide a trace (ie, a wavy line) that has a fractal dimension of 1.5. Sampling the intersections (ie intersections) of this feature with a baseline that is purposely introduced into the intermediate channel results in a zeroset dimension of one less than the fractal dimension of the feature, ie 0.5.

[0102] It is observed that the rigorous calculation of the fractal dimension (ie, Mandelbrot Measures) is immune to regions where the trace moves away from the baseline. Without directly viewing the trace, the zeroset dimension can be verified by waiting until the trace resumes its baseline crossovers again, and then calculating how these intersections are scaled over time.

[0103] In Thaler 2014, resetting involves fetching the memory closest to the current output pattern of the network and using that as a new benchmark to measure how far this vector has gone. The equivalent of activating a single neuron crossing a baseline, the output pattern oscillates through a point in multidimensional space.

[0104] Figure 15 represents a video stream to detect fractal beacons within a generalized scene of the neural flame device of Figure 12, according to embodiments of the present invention. Using a machine vision system, the video stream is propagated through an adaptive self-associative neural network used as an anomaly filter. With periodic, random, and fractional light signals (as depicted in (a) "raw scene" of Figure 15), the anomaly filter (as in (b) of Figure 15) can block anomalies representing the periodic source (as in (c) of Figure 15). The subsequent algorithmic steps (as in (d) of Figure 15) calculate the fractal dimension of the activation flux of each anomaly, allowing the separation of any random source from that which has a tuned fractal dimension (as in (e) of Figure 15) . Thus, the use of the fractal dimension at frequencies close to the human brain's clock cycle, around 250-300 milliseconds, serves to increase attention to other potentially concurrent attention sources, selectively activating the detection filtering of physiological anomalies in the brain. .

[0105] To generate pulse trains to trigger the neural flame device 2, enter a computational neuron takes the form of a random walk along successive intervals of 300 milliseconds, each step being of equal magnitude (Figure 14). The aggregate intersections with the time axis represent the zeroset, with each of these points ultimately representing a pulse within the sequence that drives the neural flame device 2.

[0106] As these pulse train samples are generated, they are evaluated by their zeroset (or fractal) dimension, D0, which is approximated as: D0 = ln (N0) / ln (N), where N is the total number of sampled 300 millisecond intervals and N0 is the total number of traps from the neuron's network input with the trigger threshold. Since any new trigger pattern is evaluated with a fractal dimension close to ½, the pattern is stored in a memory or matrix buffer. Subsequently, such pulse trains are randomly accessed and transmitted to the D/A module 12, where they are converted into analog voltages to trigger the neural flames of the controllable light source 6.

[0107] Alternatively, the use of a storage buffer can be avoided by using an optimization algorithm that varies the step size of the input variations to the neuron until the average fractal dimension of the pulse trains is evaluated to the desired fractal dimension .

[0108] For use as a signal beacon, humans can search with or without the aid of a camera and machine vision system. In the latter case, the video stream from the camera can be viewed through an anomaly detector, the preferred modality being an adaptive auto-associative network that calculates the difference vector between the filter input and output patterns, R = Pin - Pout, thus producing an anomaly map within the camera's field of view. Subsequent filters calculate the fractal dimension of the anomalies that appear in this filtered view. Using this methodology, not only ½ fractal dimension sources can be identified, but a range of pre-specified fractal dimensions in the range (0, 1), opening up an entirely new approach to secure signaling and communication.

[0109] In addition, aspects of the present invention provide an object of contemplative focus that embodies symbolic meaning of varied meaning (eg, philosophical/religious) due to the fact that the unique fractal rhythms used are those intended to: (1) be explored by the brain to detect the formation of ideas and (2) have great significance as the temporal signature of creative cognition, whether in extraterrestrial intelligence or cosmic consciousness.

[0110] Although the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be understood that many variations, modifications, equivalent structural elements, combinations, subcombinations and other applications of the present invention can be made.

[0111] The disclosures in European patent applications numbers EP18275163.6 and EP18275174.3, from which this application claims priority, and in the abstract accompanying this application, are incorporated in their entirety by reference.

LITERATURE REFERENCES Tovée, MJ (1994). How fast is the speed of thought? Neuronal Processing, Current Biology, Vol. 4, No. 12, pp. 1125-1127.

Thaler, SL (1997a). The Fragmentation of the Universe and the Devolution of Consciousness, U.S. Library of Congress, Registration Number TXuOO0775586, January 1997.

Thaler, SL (1997b). A quantitative model of seminal cognition: the creativity machine paradigm, Proceedings of the Mind II Conference, Dublin, Ireland, 1997.

Thaler, SL (2010). Thalamocortical Algorithms in Space! The Building of Conscious Machines and the Lessons Thereof, In the Proceedings of World Future 2010: Sustainable Futures, Strategies, and Technologies, July 8-10, 2010, Boston, MA.

Thaler, SL (2013). The Creativity Machine Paradigm, Encyclopedia of Creativity, Invention, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, (ed.) E.G. Carayannis, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Zueva, MV (2013). Dynamic Fractal Flickering as a Tool in Research of NonLinear Dynamics of the Evoked Activity of a Visual System and the Possible Basis for New Diagnostics and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases of the Retina and Brain, World Appl. Sci.J., 27 (4): 462-468, 2013.

Thaler, SL (2014). Synaptic Perturbation and Consciousness, International Journal of Machine Consciousness, Vol. 06, No. 02, pp. 75-107.

Thaler, SL (2016a). Cycles of Insanity and Creativity within Contemplative Neural Systems, Medical Hypotheses, 94:138-147, Elsevier, 2016.

Thaler, SL (2016b). Pattern Turnover within Synaptically Perturbed Neural Systems, Procedia Computer Science, 88, Elsevier, 2016.

Thaler, SL and Zbikowski, K. (2017b). Cognitive Engines Contemplating Themselves, APA Newsletter on Philosophy and Computers, 17(1), Fall 2017.

Williams, F (2017). Why Fractals Are Soothing, The Atlantic, Jan. 26, 2017.

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Claims (20)

1. Food or beverage container (10), characterized in that it comprises: a generally cylindrical wall (12) defining an inner chamber of the container, the wall having inner (16) and outer (14) surfaces and being of uniform thickness ; a top and a base at each end of the generally cylindrical wall wherein the wall (12) has a fractal profile with corresponding convex and concave fractal elements (18-28) on corresponding interior and external surfaces (14, 16); wherein the convex and concave fractal elements form pits (40) and bulges (42) in the profile of the wall (12); in which the container wall is flexible, allowing the flexion of the fractal profile thereof; the fractal profile of the wall allows the inter-engaging engagement of a plurality of said containers together; and the flexibility of the wall allows disengagement of said or any engagement of a plurality of said containers. 2. Container for food or beverages, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of said wells (40) and protrusions (42) each have heads and bases, wherein the heads have a greater width than its bases. 3. Container for food or drink according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least some of the wells (40) and protrusions (42) have inter-engagement or corresponding shapes and sizes, so that a bulge (42) of a container can fit into a well (40) of an identical container, thus to hook two containers together. 4. Container for food or drink, according to claim 3, characterized in that the wells (40) and protrusions (42) of said two containers fit precisely one inside the other. 5. Container for food or beverage, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the wells (40) and protuberances (42) of said two containers partially fit one inside the other. 6. Container for food or beverage, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that two or more containers can be engaged by an adhesive disposed between the opposing wells (40) and the bulges (42) of containers adjacent. 7. Container for food or drink, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the corresponding convex and concave fractal elements (18-28) allow to increase the surface area of both the internal and external surfaces of the container (10) in relation to a volume of the chamber. 8. Container for food or drink, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the wall is formed of metal, plastic or elastomeric material. 9. Container for food or drink, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the wall is formed of flexible food product. 10. Device (2) to attract more attention, the device characterized by the fact that it comprises: (a) an input signal of a lacunar pulse train with characteristics of a pulse frequency of approximately four Hertz and a fractal train dimension pulse rate of approximately half generated from a random walk over 300 millisecond intervals, each step being of equal magnitude and representative of a pulse train satisfying a fractal dimension equation of In (number of intercepts of a network input of the neuron with a firing threshold) / In (the total number of sampled 300 ms intervals); and (b) at least one controllable light source (6) configured to be pulsed operated by said input signal; wherein a neural flame is emitted from said at least one controllable light as a result of said lacunar pulse train. 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the device (2) further comprises: (c) a processor for providing said input signal of said lacunar pulse train having said characteristics; and (d) a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter (12) for transmitting said input signal to said at least one controllable light source (6). 12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that said D/A converter (12) is an integrated module of said processor, and in that said module is incorporated in at least one form selected from the group that consists of: hardware, software and firmware. 13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that said processor includes a threshold unit for monitoring a random walk tracking for tracking axis crossings of a trigger threshold of said threshold unit, and in that said tracking axis crossings result in activation transitions to generate pulse activation sequences of said lacunar pulse train. 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the samples of said pulse activation sequence is filtered based on a zeroset dimension, and in that said samples are filled in a buffer of selected sequences with a fractal dimension of approximately half. 15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the filtered patterns are randomly taken from said selected sequences in said buffer, and in that said patterns are configured to serve as said input signal to said converter D / A to transmit to said at least one controllable light source. 16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that said filtered patterns are generated on board said processor. 17. Method to attract more attention, the method characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps of: (a) generating a lacunar pulse train with characteristics of a frequency pulse of approximately four Hertz and a pulse train fractal dimension of approximately half generated from a random walk over 300 millisecond intervals, each step being of equal magnitude and representative of a pulse train satisfying a fractal dimension equation of In (number of intercepts of a neuron network input with one trigger threshold) / In (the total number of sampled 300 ms intervals); (b) transmitting said input signal to at least one controllable light source (6); and (c) pulse operating said at least one controllable light source (6) to produce a neural flame emitted from said at least one controllable light source (6) as a result of said lacunar pulse train. 18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises the step of: (d) monitoring a random path tracking for tracking axis crossings of a threshold shot, and wherein said axis crossings tracers result in activation transitions to generate pulse activation sequences from said lacunar pulse train. 19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: (e) filtering samples of said pulse activation sequences based on a zeroset dimension; and (f) filling said samples into a buffer of selected sequences having a fractal dimension of approximately one-half. 20. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: (g) randomly removing filtered patterns from said selected sequences in said buffer; and (h) using said filtered patterns as said input signal.