EP1916982A1

EP1916982A1 - Skin surface stimulation using a matrix of contolled stimulation elements

Info

Publication number: EP1916982A1
Application number: EP05821519A
Authority: EP
Inventors: King Andrew Dr. Freebody
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-07
Filing date: 2005-11-28
Publication date: 2008-05-07
Also published as: WO2006081883A2

Description

DESCRIPTION

SKIN SURFACE STIMULATION USING A MATRIX OF CONTROLLED STIMULUS SIGNALS

BACKGROUND ART

[0001] The present invention relates to skin surface stimulation.

[0002] EP-A-0866592 discloses an array of stimulators providing the user with tactile messaging. In US-A-2003174121 a haptic device is described that converts a signal from a signal-producing unit into force or tactile pattern. In CA-A-2430317 a tactile sensing transducer provides as its output a skin deformation signal for storage or transmission to a tactile stimulation display transducer, whereby the deformed skin surface is optically, acoustically or otherwise imaged. US-A-6445284 describes a transducer to provide a tactile actuator or sensor based on variations in the separation of the gab between two contactors.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved skin surface stimulation. The object is solved by the independent claim(s). Preferred embodiments are shown by the dependent claim(s).

[0004] According to embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for stimulating a skin surface comprises a first matrix of stimulation elements, each element being adapted for providing a stimulus signal to an area of the skin surface, and a controller adapted for controlling operation of the first matrix of stimulation elements. This allows to individually addressing each stimulation element so that any kind of stimulus signals (e.g. a pattern of stimulus signals) can be provided on the skin surface. Preferably, a spatial pattern of stimulus signals can be provided on the skin surface, which pattern might comprise a plurality of stimulus signals applied e.g. in parallel, simultaneously, instantaneously, sequential, or any combination thereof. A series of pattern might be applied repeatedly or using different, arbitrary or random shape pattern. [0005] Stimulus signals can be e.g. heat, cold, temperature, mechanical, touch, electrical, magnetic, optical, chemical, or electromagnetic signals, and might be generated using e.g. a heating unit, cooling unit, a pin, a needle, a mechanical activator, a piezo element, a source of electrical potential, a spark generating unit, a magnetic device, a coil to generate a magnetic field, a laser device, a light source.

[0006] Preferred application of the stimulating apparatus can be for stimulating the skin surface of a foot sole, a palm of a hand, any other area of the body, or combinations thereof. It is preferably used for humans but might also be applied to animals.

[0007] In one embodiment, a second matrix of stimulation elements is applied, thus allowing e.g. to stimulate both feet or palms, one feet and one palm, or any other combination of body areas. Further matrices might be applied to expand application on any plurality of body areas. Accordingly, a plurality of matrices might be applied for a group of persons. Preferably, the controller provides a pair-wise operation of the matrices, so that the matrices might be arranged or operated e.g. symmetrically to each other.

[0008] In one embodiment the controller is adapted for controlling an alternating, parallel, simultaneous, or serial provision of stimulus signals or patterns of stimulus signals by the matrices. Preferably, the controller controls a sequence of patterns to be provided by the matrices, with the sequence provided by the second matrix being delayed with respect to the first matrix. In case of different sequences of patterns to be provided by the matrices, the sequence provided by the second matrix might be applied simultaneous or delayed with respect to the first matrix.

[0009] Any kind of suitable attaching devices can be provided for attaching the apparatus to the body in the region of the skin surface to be stimulated, such as a fastener and/or one or more straps.

[0010] A carrier might be provided for carrying and/or beari ng at least one of the first and second matrices, which might comprises a substrate attaching at least one of the first and second matrices. Thus, a higher mechanical stability and robustness can be achieved. Preferably, the carrier is provided to be bendable thus allowing to be attached in close(r) fitting to the skin area to stimulate. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier comprises a plurality of elements, each comprising a plurality of the stimulation elements. Elastic joints might be provided between two or more adjacent ones of the plurality of elements. This allows modeling the apparatus closer to the three dimensional form or shape of the body, thus further fostering close(r) fit and attachment of the matrix to the skin. Preferably, the carrier provides a form adaptation to the body surface in the region of the skin surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the controller is adapted to receiving a physiological signal indicative of a physiological parameter of the body relating to the skin surface and controlling operation of the matrix in response to the physiological signal. The physiological parameter can be, for example, heart beat, breath, and pulse rate, body temperature, electroencephalogram (EEG), skin electrical resistance or potential, or combinations thereof. Further, the physiological signal might be derived from changes or variations in the physiological parameter. Using such physiological signals allows adapting the stimulus to the actual state, action and reaction of the user and using such (bio-)feedback for controlling the stimulus.

[0012] By receiving such physiological signal indicative of a physiological parameter of the body relating to the skin surface, operation of the matrix can be controlled in response to the physiological signal. In one embodiment, a parameter of the operation of the matrix first substantially follows a rate or variation in the physiological signal for first period of time and is then decreased or increased. By this, first a 'synchronization' with the user can be achieved, and then the apparatus might start 'leading'. The decrease or increase might follow a given pattern. A repetition rate for providing patterns of stimulus signals preferably first substantially follows a breath rate for the first period of time and is then decreased or increased.

[0013] Wireless or wired connection coupling might be provided between two or more of the matrices and/or the sensor for the physiological signal. Preferably, one of the matrices represents a master adapted for controlling each other matrix coupled to master. [0014] Embodiments of the invention can be partly or entirely embodied or supported or controlled by one or more suitable software programs, which can be stored on or otherwise provided by any kind of data carrier, and which might be executed in or by any suitable data processing unit. Software programs or routines can be used to control all aspects of the operation like the start and stop, activation of the individual activation of the stimulators, their intensities or the particular patterns described by the stimulators.

[0015] Embodiments of the invention allow providing e.g. an improved attention tuning and improved concentration skill-building through skin surface stimulation. The attention of the user can be directed so as to aid the user to easily concentrate and/or to learn to concentrate. This can be achieved by providing a tactile stimulation of the skin such that the attention of the user is kept keen. By providing the user with only a tactile stimulation, there is no information overload and there is only a minimum of information for the user.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention show the advantage of aiding the user to easily focus and learn to focus his/her concentration. By relying on only tactile stimulation and reducing the amount of information presented to the user, concentrating can be enhanced and the user can relax thereby. Through the preferable use of symmetric tactile stimulation there can further be an enforcement or enhancement of the symmetry in the brain waves of the two hemispheres of the brain. By preferably including large areas of the skin surface in the stimulation, many parts or the brain can be simultaneously stimulated. By preferably pacing a physiological signal like the breath during stimulation and leading the same physiological signal after sometime of synchronized pacing, the breath can for example be slowed down or speeded up, thereby allowing to relax or arouse the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be readily appreciated and become better understood by reference to the following more detailed description of embodiments in connection with the accompanied drawing(s). Features that are substantially or functionally equal or similar will be referred to by the same reference sign(s).

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a stimulation apparatus 10 having a matrix 20 of individual stimulation elements 30.

[0019] Fig.2-4 show different variations of a force-exerting and moving stimulation element 30.

[0020] In Fig. 1 , each stimulation element 30 allows providing an individual stimulus signal, when the matrix 20 becomes attached to the skin surface (e.g. a foot sole as in the example of Fig. 1 ). A controller 40 is provided for controlling operation of the matrix 20 of stimulation elements 30. The controller 40 can be connected with the matrix by any kind of connection known in the art, such as wired or wireless, and might be attached to the foot or leg.

[0021] The matrix 20 is preferably provided on or with a carrier 50, which might have a variable sized flexible surface of e.g. up to a few cm thick to be placed on the skin surface of the wearer or user. The side in contact with the skin surface of the user shall be denoted as side A and the opposite side as side B.

[0022] The side A of the carrier 50 bears the matrix 20 of individually controllable elements 30 each for stimulating a small part, preferably a skin surface of e.g. up to 2cm in diameter. Each stimulation element 30 can be or comprise a heated pin, cooled pin, force-exerting and moving pin, electrical spark releasing pin, magnetic field charged pin-point, laser beam emitting point, or other light source emitting point. The point can occupy a space enclosing a circle with a diameter e.g. of up to a maximum of 2 cm. While preferably all elements 30 in one matrix 20 are all of the same type and even be identically built, combinations of different stimulation types might be applied accordingly.

[0023] Each stimulation element 30 can have one or more points acting together in concert or one after the other to provide the stimulation. So the stimulation element 30 can be single-, double- or multiple-pointed pins arranged such that the said pins can be individually activated by moving them towards or away from the foot sole, or by bringing together or moving away laterally a pair of pins, or by twisting the pair of pins individually, or by changing the geometry of the point of the pin to stimulate the surface of the skin.

[0024] Different variations of a force-exerting and moving stimulation element 30 shall be illustrated as non-limiting examples. In the first example of Fig.2, by applying a voltage U to a piezoelectric element 200, its contraction causes a force-exerting element 210 to move upwards towards a skin surface 220, so as to touch and indent the surface 220 thereby providing a tactile stimulus to this part of the surface.

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a second example, wherein a tactile experience is achieved through a twisting of the point of contact on the skin. Further details are disclosed in US-A-6445284, the teaching thereof in particular with respect to creating a tactile experience through skin stretch shall be incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] Fig.4 shows a third example, whereby in this case the view is perpendicular to the plane of the skin surface 220, whereas the views of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are parallel to the plane of the skin surface 220. In Fig. 4, 400 denotes the pin(s) for stimulation. On applying a voltage U to the piezoelectric element 200 one of the pins 400 is pulled, thereby creating on the skin surface 220 a twist that acts as the desired stimulus.

[0027] The matrix 20 of such single elements 30 can for example be tailored to stimulate the sole of the foot, or any part of the body. To describe the principle of embodiments according to this invention, the example of stimulating and applying this invention to the foot sole is given.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1 , a sole 50 comprising the matrix 20 of single elements 30 closely spaced on the sole is used to stimulate the foot sole of the wearer or user. One or more straps 60 may be provided to attach the sole 50 onto the foot sole, thereby preferably ensuring that the contact to the foot sole is firm. Elastic joints 70 might further be provided between segments of the matrix 20 and/or sole 50 thus increasing flexibility and ensuring better contact to the foot sole.

[0029] Each stimulation element 30 is individually controllable by the controller 40 so that any kind of pattern of stimulation signals can be imposed on the foot sole of the user. Such pattern can be, for example, a sequence of stimulation signals applied consecutively or in parallel. In Fig. 1 , an example of such pattern 80 is indicated by the elements 30 dotted in black. Pattern 80, which shall have the shape of an '8', is preferably 'drawn' by first providing a stimulating signal from element 80a, then a stimulating signal from element 80b, then a stimulating signal from element 80c, and so on until a stimulating signal is provided from element 8Oi thus 'closing' this exemplary '8'-shape pattern. Accordingly, all elements 80a to 8Oi might provide their stimulus signals in parallel, so that the pattern 'appears' at once. While all elements forming a pattern might be neighbouring elements 80, some elements can be 'omitted' (or not activated) during application of the pattern, as indicated in Fig.4. Such omitting of elements within a pattern can even be applied as stimulation tool in order to have the user virtually 'complete' the pattern in his/her brain.

[0030] It goes without saying that the provision of different pattern shapes is only limited for example by the resolution (i.e. the number of elements 30 per area unit), the lateral dimensions of the matrix 20, and the repetition rate (i.e. the time required until a successive stimulus signal can be applied by a same or a different element 30) of each element 30.

[0031] Preferably, a driver circuit is used to control the activation of the matrix elements 30. The pattern can be drawn (e.g. sequentially) by activating the appropriate stimulation elements 30 representing the desired pattern one after the other. The user therefore feels a tactile pattern being drawn (e.g. on his/her sole) and attention can be activated by the stimulating pattern.

[0032] The duration time of stimulation by each stimulation element 30 is preferably variable and can preferably be controlled by the controller 40 and/or adjusted by the user e.g. depending on how long is needed for the user to become aware of the stimulus. This time is preferably less than one second. The time interval between the action of a stimulation element 30 and the next stimulation element 30 to be activated is a measure of the speed or rate with which the pattern is being drawn.

[0033] In case of a sequential application of the stimulus signals preferably over neighbouring elements 30, it has been found that the drawing of the pattern appears to the user as though just a single pointed device is being used to describe the pattern on this part of the body. Thus attention of the user can be kept occupied since s/he must feel the pattern being drawn.

[0034] The speed of drawing the pattern can preferably be varied and might be set to or dependent on any kind of physiological parameter such as heart beat or breathing rate. In the latter case, the controller 40 might receive a physiological signal indicative of a physiological parameter and controls operation of the matrix elements

30 in response to the physiological signal. Further, a button or other suitable element might be provided allowing the user to control or set the pattern drawing speed, so that e.g. a 'steady-state' speed (after an initial settle or setup time) of the drawing can be set.

[0035] As an example, a sensor might be provided for detecting and signalling the breathing rate or the start of each in-breath or out-breath or both. The activation of each stimulation element 30 might then commence exactly synchronic with the in- breath, out-breath or both initially. After this initial short time of preferably about three minutes, the speed of the drawing changes gradually. For example, to relax the user and stimulate the shift of the brain waves from beta to more alpha waves, the speed of the drawing decreases. The decreased speed can then be maintained for as long as necessary or varied again as desired. Similarly, to arouse the user the speed of the drawing increases after the initial time, thereby stimulating a shift to more beta or even gamma brain waves. This speed is then maintained for as long as is needed.

[0036] In case of applying the stimulation apparatus 10 in the form of a 'sole' for foot stimulation or in the form of a 'glove' for palm stimulation, preferably a half pair on both the left and the right is used. The use of a complete pair can produce a synchronization of the brain waves in the two hemispheres of the brain.

[0037] The pattern 80 described by the matrix 20 of the individual stimulation elements 30 together can preferably be chosen by the user or set as default and might also be arbitrary or random. The intensity of the stimulus provided by each stimulation element 30 can also preferably be varied e.g. using the aforementioned button. The intensity, for example, for the force-exerting pin 210 would be given by the depth into the skin surface moved by the pin when activated and that is further given by the amplitude of the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 200.

[0038] To prevent adaptation of the skin to the stimulation by a chosen pattern 80, the outline of the pattern to be described by the individual elements 30 is preferably not going to be the same on each cycle, but rather within the neighbourhood of each individual element 30 the particular element to be activated can be randomly chosen. For synchronization of both brain hemispheres a complete cycle of pattern-drawing can be completed on each side of the human body and this is repeated as required.

[0039] The foot stimulation apparatus 10 is preferably battery operated but can also be operated otherwise. The pair comprising the left and right half of the stimulation apparatus 10 might communicate using a wired or wireless connection. There can be communication between several units of the stimulation apparatus 10, all as peers or one as a master and the others as slaves or a different combination thereof. There can be different units on different parts on the same person such that the units operate in a coordinated fashion or on several persons also operating in a coordinated fashion. The coordination of the different units is controlled using inputs from physiological signals collected as necessary.

[0040] Audio or visual signals can be combined with the use of the foot stimulation apparatus 10.

[0041] It is clear that instead of (a pair of) soles as illustrated above, the stimulation apparatus 10 can also be attached or strapped to any different part of the body and might be applied to humans as well as animals. It can cover a small or large part of the body. The particular form of stimulation apparatus 10 is preferably adapted to fit closely the particular part of the body chosen.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for stimulating a skin surface, comprising:

a first matrix (20) of stimulation elements (30), each element (30) being adapted for providing a stimulus signal to an area of the skin surface, and

a controller (40) adapted for controlling operation of the first matrix (20) of stimulation elements (30).

2. The apparatus of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the controller is adapted for controlling provision of a pattern (80) of stimulus signals to be provided on the skin surface.

3. The apparatus of the above claim, wherein the pattern is a spatial pattern of stimulus signals on the skin surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 or any one of the above claims, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of at least one of parallel, simultaneous, instantaneous, and sequential stimulus signals.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 or any one of the above claims, wherein the controller is adapted to provide at least one of a series of repeating, different, arbitrary or random shape pattern.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein at least one stimulus signal is one of: a heat, cold, temperature, mechanical, touch, electrical, magnetic, optical, chemical, or electromagnetic signal.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein at least one of the stimulation elements comprises at least one of: a heating unit, cooling unit, a pin, a needle, a mechanical activator, a piezo element, a source of electrical potential, a spark generating unit, a magnetic device, a coil to generate a magnetic field, a laser device, a light source.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the skin surface is one of a foot sole, a palm of a hand.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, further comprising:

a second matrix of stimulation elements, each being adapted for providing a stimulus signal to an area of skin surface, wherein the controller is adapted for controlling operation of the second matrix of stimulation elements.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 or any one of the above claims, wherein the first matrix is adapted for providing stimulus signals to a first area of the skin surface, and the second matrix is adapted for providing stimulus signals to a second area of the skin surface.

11. The apparatus of the above claim, wherein the first area is one foot sole or one palm of a hand, and the second area is one foot sole or one palm of a hand but different from the first area.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 or any one of the above claims, wherein the controller is adapted for controlling a pair-wise operation of the matrices.

13. The apparatus of claim 9 or any one of the above claims, wherein the matrices are arranged symmetrically to each other.

14. The apparatus of claim 9 or any one of the above claims, wherein the controller is adapted for controlling one of an alternating, parallel, simultaneous, or serial provision of stimulus signals by the matrices.

15. The apparatus of claim 9 or any one of the above claims, wherein the controller is adapted for controlling one of an alternating, parallel, simultaneous, or serial provision of patterns of stimulus signals by the matrices.

16. The apparatus of claim 9 or any one of the above claims, wherein the controller is adapted for controlling a sequence of patterns to be provided by the matrices, with the sequence provided by the second matrix being delayed with respect to the first matrix.

17. The apparatus of claim 9 or any one of the above claims, wherein the controller is adapted for controlling different sequences of patterns to be provided by the matrices, with the sequence provided by the second matrix being applied simultaneous or delayed with respect to the first matrix.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, further comprising one or more attaching devices (60) adapted for attaching the apparatus to the body in the region of the skin surface.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 or any one of the above claims, wherein the one or more attaching devices comprise at least one of a fastener and a strap.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, further comprising a carrier (50) for carrying and/or bearing at least one of the first and second matrices.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 or any one of the above claims, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate attaching at least one of the first and second matrices.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 or any one of the above claims, wherein the carrier is bendable.

23. The apparatus of claim 20 or any one of the above claims, wherein the carrier comprises a plurality of elements, each comprising a plurality of the stimulation elements.

24. The apparatus of the above claim, wherein elastic joints (70) are provided between two or more adjacent ones of the plurality of elements.

25. The apparatus of claim 20 or any one of the above claims, wherein the carrier provides a form adaptation to the body surface in the region of the skin surface.

26. The apparatus of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the controller is adapted to receiving a physiological signal indicative of a physiological parameter of the body relating to the skin surface and controlling operation of the matrix in response to the physiological signal.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 or any one of the above claims, wherein the physiological parameter is at least one of: heart beat, breath, and pulse rate, body temperature, electroencephalogram (EEG), and skin electrical resistance or potential.

28. The apparatus of claim 26 or any one of the above claims, wherein the physiological signal is derived from changes or variations in the physiological parameter.

29. The apparatus of claim 9 or any one of the above claims, further comprising a wireless or wired connection coupling between two or more of the matrices.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein one of the matrices represents a master adapted for controlling each other matrix coupled to master.

31. A method for stimulating a skin surface, comprising:

providing a first matrix of stimulus signals to the skin surface, and

controlling operation of the first matrix of stimulus signals.

32. The method of claim 31 , further comprising:

providing a pattern of stimulus signals to the skin surface.

33. The method of claim 31 or any one of the above claims, further comprising:

receiving a physiological signal indicative of a physiological parameter of the body relating to the skin surface, and

controlling operation of the matrix in response to the physiological signal.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein a parameter of the operation of the matrix first substantially follows a rate or variation in the physiological signal for first period of time and is then decreased or increased.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the decrease or increase follows a given pattern.

36. The method of claim 33 or any one of the above claims, wherein a repetition rate for providing patterns of stimulus signals first substantially follows a breath rate for first period of time and is then decreased or increased.

37. A software program or product, preferably stored on a data carrier, for executing the controlling in the method of claim 31 or any one of the above claims, when run on a data processing system such as a computer.