GB2620105A

GB2620105A - Meditative aid

Info

Publication number: GB2620105A
Application number: GB2207704.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Warren
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-05-25
Filing date: 2022-05-25
Publication date: 2024-01-03
Also published as: GB202207704D0

Abstract

A meditative aid 100 comprising a processor 110 comprising a memory 120 and a first and second timer 130,140, a switch 150 operable when contacted by a user, an output 160 to indicate the period of time that the user has contacted the switch and to indicate to the user the period of time that that they have subsequently removed contact from the switch. The memory stores a first threshold time for the period of switch contact and a second threshold time for the period of subsequent removal of contact from the switch. When the period of contact time is within the first threshold and the period of removal of contact time is within the second threshold, a use is successful. The processor further comprises a counter 170 to count the number of successful uses. The output may comprise at least one of a touchscreen, a speaker or a haptic device. A computer implemented method is also provided.

Description

MEDITATIVE AID

[0001] This invention is a meditative aid.

[0002] One form of meditation includes techniques that fall within the collective term "conscious breathing". It is thought that conscious breathing can promote a state of mindfulness, whereby breathing patterns are seen as an anchor for concentration and awareness.

[0003] Conscious breathing techniques may be used by practitioners of yoga and other widely practised forms of meditation.

[0004] One such conscious breathing technique involves inhaling, exhaling and then holding the breath for a set period of time before recommencing the inhalation step. A person wishing to use this breathing method may also pinch together their thumb and forefinger for the inhalation and exhalation steps, separate their finger and thumb for the breath-holding step and then pinch again the thumb and forefinger to begin the process again. The pinching and unpinching together of the thumb and forefinger can help to focus the mind on the breathing and is therefore beneficial to the conscious breathing technique.

[0005] It may take a while to be able to learn and master the conscious breathing technique and there is no readily-available incentive or reward, since 20 any benefits from meditation may take a long time to become apparent.

[0006] Furthermore, whilst meditating at home or in other peaceful environments may be achievable, it can sometimes be difficult to practise the conscious breathing technique in more stressful environments such as at work or whilst travelling.

[0007] This invention is a device which helps train the user in conscious breathing technique and helps to build confidence by providing incentive and reward. Furthermore the present invention could be used as a tool as part of a treatment regime whereby healthcare providers and similar may be able to monitor activity and ensure compliance.

[0008] Therefore, according to the present invention there is provided a device for use as a meditative aid comprising a device for use as a meditative aid comprising: a processor comprising a memory and a first and second timer; a switch operable when contacted by a user; an output to indicate the period of time that the user has contacted the switch and to indicate to the user the period of time that that they have subsequently removed contact from the switch; wherein the memory stores a first threshold time for the period of switch contact and a second threshold time for the period of subsequent removal of contact, and when the period of contact time is within the first threshold and the period of removal of contact time is within the second threshold, a use is successful; and wherein the processor further comprises a counter to count the number of successful uses.

[0009] A preferred conscious breathing technique which may be assisted with the present device may be as follows. A user concentrates on an inward breath and an outward breath for a period of time of between 3 and 10 seconds, and then holds their breath for a further 2 to 5 seconds before recommencing the inward and outward breaths over a further period of 3 to 10 seconds and so on.

By concentrating on their breathing in this way, the user is able to clear their mind of other thoughts and this promotes mindfulness and helps them to relax. In some conscious breathing techniques a user will pinch their thumb and forefinger during the inward and outward breaths and then unpinch the thumb and forefinger for the breath-hold step. The physical contact is an important part of the conscious breathing technique as it aids concentration. With the present device, a user contacts the switch on the device to replace the action of pinching the thumb and forefinger and this contact on the switch will furthermore begin the first timer to measure the length of time that the user is contacting the switch and by proxy measure the time taken to make an inward and outward breath. Once contact has been broken, the second timer will then record the period of time during which contact is broken with the switch.

[0010] The memory stores the first and second threshold times. The first threshold can be set at a minimum time, a maximum time, or between a minimum and maximum times. The minimum and/or maximum times for the first or second thresholds could be user defined. The threshold times could adapt to a user's breathing patterns. For example, the first and/or second threshold times might change based on a user's patterns of contact with the switch, or input from a further source, such as heart rate from an external device. The threshold times may be changed in increments of 1 second, or in increments of fractions of a second.

[0011] The output of the device may comprise a touch screen of the device on which a visual signal may be displayed, a loudspeaker, which may be integrated within the device or may comprise means for connection to an external loudspeaker and/or headphones, such as a headphone jack or wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth®. Alternatively, the output could be a haptic device and the device could comprise a vibratable element such as a 10 piezoelectric to vibrate when thresholds have been met and/or exceeded.

[0012] The output will indicate the period of time that the user has contacted the switch and indicates to the user the period of time that they have removed contact from the switch. Where the output comprises a touchscreen, the touch screen may display one or more of the following: a visual representation of the period of contact time; a visual representation of the period of removal of contact time; a visual representation of the counter; an indication to begin an exercise; a target to be contacted by the user. The period of contact time and period of removal of contact times could be displayed as separate time bars. The first time bar may display the first threshold for switch contact, such as indicating from 0 to 10 seconds whereby a visual cut-off is displayed to show the user that they have exceeded an initial time for this threshold, for example 3 seconds. The time bar may change colour when this threshold has been met. An alternative display could include a clock showing elapsed or increasing time in seconds.

[0013] The visual representation of the removal of contact time may also comprise a time bar set apart from the contact time bar and which will begin once contact has been removed from the switch. Such a second time bar could also include a cut off for when the second threshold for a minimum time has been met and/or exceeded.

[0014] A visual representation of the counter could comprise a number which accumulates with each successful use, though this could also comprise other visual representations such as a countdown for a target number of successful uses or a bar that increases in increments.

[0015] The visual representations of the first and second timers and counter could be user defined and be altered depending upon the preference of the user.

[0016] The switch could comprise a touch sensor; a pressure sensor or a mechanical switch. The switch could be a touch screen, which could be the same touch screen as the output, if provided. Alternatively the switch could be separate to the output but integral with the device. The switch could be separate from the device and be in wired or wireless communication with the device. For example, a switch could be provided on the steering wheel of a car, or in a user's pocket but be remote from the rest of the device. The switch can be small, discreet and accessible without the device being a distraction to the user.

[0017] The device may comprise a smartphone or smart watch, as is well known in the art, which would comprise a processor, having a memory and further comprise an output and switch in the form of a touch screen. A computer programme in the form of an app could be loadable onto the processor of the mobile phone or smart watch to enable the present application. There may be provided a computer implemented method of assisting meditation, the method comprising: [0018] providing a device as previously described; [0019] -sensing contact on the switch by the user; [0020] -sending, when the switch has been contacted by the user, a signal from the switch to the processor to indicate that the switch has been contacted; [0021] -sending, from the processor to the first timer, a signal to begin the first timer [0022] -sensing, with the switch, removal of contact with the switch by the user; [0023] -sending, when contact is removed from the switch by the user, a signal from the switch to the processor to indicate the contact has been removed from the switch; [0024] -sending, from the processor to the first timer, a signal to stop the first timer and sending, to the second timer a signal to start the second timer; [0025] -comparing, with the processor, the time recorded by the first timer with the first threshold in the memory and if the first time is within lower and/or upper limits of the first threshold, the processor sends to the output a signal to indicate that the first threshold has been met and the method proceeds to the next step, and wherein if the first time is not within the lower and/or upper limits of the first threshold, the processor sends to the output a signal to indicate that the first threshold has not been met, and in which case the method begins again at the first step; [0026] -sensing contact on the switch by the user; [0027] -sending, when the switch is contacted by the user, a signal to the processor to indicate the switch has been contacted; [0028] -sending, from the processor to the second timer, a signal to stop the second timer and sending, from the processor to the first timer, a signal to start the first timer again; [0029] -comparing, with the processor, the time recorded by the second timer with a second threshold in the memory and if the first time is within lower and/or upper limits of the second time threshold, wherein if the first time is within the lower and upper limits of the first time threshold, the processor sends to the output a message to indicate that the second threshold has been met and the method proceeds to the next step, and wherein if the second time is not within the lower and/or upper limits of the second threshold, the processor sends to the output a signal to indicate that the second threshold has not been met, and in which case the method begins again at the first step; [0030] -sending, if both the first and second thresholds have been met, a signal from the processor to the counter, to register a successful use, the method then proceeds back to the method step: sensing, with the switch, removal of 25 contact with the switch by the user [0031] Alternatively, the device may comprise a standalone device comprising the present invention.

[0032] The device may further be in communication with a server and the server may store one or more of the following: a user profile; the number of successful uses. The server and/or memory of the device may keep statistics relating to the use of the device so that a user can monitor their progress. Furthermore, other users could access the server, for example healthcare professionals could monitor use of the device. The present device could be provided in a hospital or prison environment and would allow information relating to the use of the device to be uploaded where healthcare or prison officials can monitor it.

[0033] The device, and/or server, if present, could be linked to at least one further input device such as heart rate monitoring devices; a blood pressure monitoring device; and an exercise monitoring device. A more detailed picture of a user's health and the effects thereon from use of the present invention could then be monitored.

[0034] So that it may be better understood the present invention will now be described by way of example only wherein: [0035] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device according to the present application; [0036] Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of a breathing technique aided by the device of the present application; [0037] Figure 3 shows a device according to the present application.

[0038] Turning first to Figure 1 there is shown a schematic diagram according to one aspect of the present invention. There is shown a device generally indicated 100 comprising a processor generally indicated 110, which comprises a memory generally indicated 120, a first timer generally indicated 130 and a second timer generally indicated 140. The processor 110 is in communication with a switch generally indicated 150 which is operable when contacted by a user.

[0039] The first timer 130 times how long a user has pressed the switch 150, and the second timer 140 times how long the user has removed contact with the switch 150, after having first pressed the switch 150. The memory 120 stores first and second thresholds. The first and/or second time thresholds may be a minimum time threshold, a maximum time threshold, or minimum and maximum time thresholds.

[0040] The device 100 further comprises an output, generally indicated 160, which provides feedback to the user indicative of the period of time for which the user has contacted the switch 150 and feedback indicative to the user of the period of time that they have removed contact from the switch 150.

[0041] The processor 110 further comprises a counter 170 to count a number of successful uses of the device 100.

[0042] The processor 110, switch 150 and output 160 may all be provided within a single unit generally indicated 180. Alternatively, the switch 150 and/or output 160 may be provided remote from the rest of the device 100 and linked thereto by wired or wireless connection such as through infrared or Bluetooth®. The output 170 may comprise one or more of a touchscreen, speaker or a haptic device.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a flow chart showing use of the device 100 to aid a conscious breathing technique.

[0044] At step 200, a user contacts the switch 150 on the device 100 and at step 210 the user inhales and then exhales. At step 220 the user then removes contact from switch 150 and holds their breath. The time that the user has pressed the switch is compared by the processor to the first threshold in the memory 120 at step 230. If the period of contact of the switch is between 3 and 10 seconds, which in the present example is the first threshold, then the process moves to step 240 when the user presses switch 150 again after holding their breath. If the contact with the switch is less than three seconds or more than 10 seconds then the process proceeds to step 250 whereby the processor resets the process and the user must begin again by pressing the switch 150 at step 200.

[0045] At step 260, the time that the user has released contact from the switch is compared by the processor to the second threshold in the memory. If the time period is within the second threshold, which in this example is between 2 and 5 seconds, then the process has been successful. At step 270 the processor increases the counter by 1 and the user can continue the process at step 210. Should the second threshold have not been met then the processor will reset the process at step 250 which will begin the process again at step 200 where the user must again press the switch.

B

[0046] By using device 100 and following the procedure of Figure 2, the user will consciously be inhaling, exhaling and holding their breath whilst also pressing and releasing the switch. This procedure can be repeated as many times as the user wishes and each successful use will be captured by the counter.

[0047] Figure 3 shows an example of the present invention whereby the device comprises a mobile phone generally indicated 300 comprising software uploaded onto a processor thereof. The mobile phone 310 comprises a touchscreen 310 which displays a first time bar 320, a second time bar 330, a target 340 and a counter 350. First time bar 320 is divided into two sections 320a and 320b, divided by line 360 which represents the first threshold. The top of bar 320 may represent a second threshold, or a second line may be provided to represent the second threshold.

[0048] The touchscreen 310 of the mobile phone 300 comprises a target 340 which acts as the switch. A user presses the target 340 which then begins the process. The first time bar 320 incrementally fills starting from the bottom and reaches the threshold line 360, and continues up to the top of the bar. A user should release contact with the target 340 after the first time bar 320 has filled beyond the threshold line 360 (which can be set at 3 seconds) and before the first time bar 320 has completely filled, which can be set at 10 seconds.

Alternatively, a second threshold line can be provided in the first time bar 320.

[0049] The user then releases contact with the target 340 and this begins the second timer, which is represented by second time bar 330. Second time bar 330 is also divided in section 330a and 330b, divided by threshold line 370 which in this example is set at 2 seconds and the entire bar 330 fills up in 5 seconds. The top of bar 330 may represent a second threshold, or a second line may be provided to represent the second threshold.

[0050] If the user presses the target 340 whilst the second bar has filled beyond threshold 370, the use will be successful. Counter 350 will then progress by 1.

[0051] The filling in the time bars 320,330 can be a uniform colour or different colours, for example the filling of section 320a can be red and the filling of section 320b can be green, to indicate to the user that they are within the first threshold.

Claims

CLAIMS1 a device for use as a meditative aid comprising: a processor comprising a memory and a first and second timer; a switch operable when contacted by a user; an output to indicate the period of time that the user has contacted the switch and to indicate to the user the period of time that that they have subsequently removed contact from the switch; wherein the memory stores a first threshold time for the period of switch contact and a second threshold time for the period of subsequent removal of contact, and when the period of contact time is within the first threshold and the period of removal of contact time is within the second threshold, a use is successful; and wherein the processor further comprises a counter to count the number of successful uses.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the output comprises at least one of a touchscreen; a speaker; or a haptic device.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the touchscreen displays one or more of the following: a visual representation of the period of contact time; a visual representation of the period of removal of contact time; a visual representation of the counter; an indication to begin an exercise; a target to be contacted by the user.
4. A device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein the switch comprises a touch sensor, pressure sensor or mechanical switch in communication with the device.
5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the touch sensor comprises a touchscreen.
6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, where the switch is integral with the device or in wired communication or wireless communication with the device.
7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a smart phone or smart watch, and wherein the output and the switch comprises a touchscreen of the smart phone or smart watch.
8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device is in 10 communication with a server, and wherein the server stores one or more of the following: a user profile; the number of successful uses.
9. A device as claimed in any previous claim, further comprising at least one input, the input comprising at least one of: a heart rate monitoring device; a blood pressure monitoring device; an exercise monitoring device.
10. A computer implemented method of assisting meditation, the method comprising: - providing a device as claimed in any preceding claim; - sensing contact on the switch by the user; - sending, when the switch has been contacted by the user, a signal from the switch to the processor to indicate that the switch has been contacted; - sending, from the processor to the first timer, a signal to begin the first timer; sensing, with the switch, removal of contact with the switch by the user; sending, when contact is removed from the switch by the user, a signal from the switch to the processor to indicate the contact has been removed from the switch; - sending, from the processor to the first timer, a signal to stop the first timer and sending, to the second timer a signal to start the second timer; - comparing, with the processor, the time recorded by the first timer with the first threshold in the memory and if the first time is within lower and/or upper limits of the first threshold, the processor sends to the output a signal to indicate that the first threshold has been met and the method proceeds to the next step, and wherein if the first time is not within the lower and/or upper limits of the first threshold, the processor sends to the output a signal to indicate that the first threshold has not been met, and in which case the method begins again at the first step; - sensing contact on the switch by the user - sending, when the switch is contacted by the user, a signal to the processor to indicate the switch has been contacted; - sending, from the processor to the second timer, a signal to stop the second timer and sending, from the processor to the first timer, a signal to start the first timer again; - comparing, with the processor, the time recorded by the second timer with a second threshold in the memory and if the first time is within lower and/or upper limits of the second time threshold, wherein if the first time is within the lower and upper limits of the first time threshold, the processor sends to the output a message to indicate that the second threshold has been met and the method proceeds to the next step, and wherein if the second time is not within the lower and/or upper limits of the second threshold, the processor sends to the output a signal to indicate that the second threshold has not been met, and in which case the method begins again at the first step; - sending, if both the first and second thresholds have been met, a signal from the processor to the counter, to register a successful use, the method then proceeds back to the method step: sensing, with the switch, removal of contact 25 with the switch by the user