US20210166480A1

US20210166480A1 - Virtual Reality System and Method for Treating Medical Condition in User

Info

Publication number: US20210166480A1
Application number: US17/108,104
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Labron; Kimberley Clark-White
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-14
Filing date: 2020-12-01
Publication date: 2021-06-03
Also published as: CA3008498A1; US20190385367A1; US10885709B2; WO2019237204A1

Abstract

A virtual reality system including a virtual reality headset with a display unit configured to display a three-dimensional virtual reality environment. The virtual reality headset includes a processor and a memory to display the three-dimensional virtual reality environment on the display unit. The virtual reality system is useful for providing a simulation for completing a medical-mission to eliminate a virtual-representation of a medical condition associated with a user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 16/008,981 filed on Jun. 14, 2018. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of treatments for medical conditions of existing art and more specifically relates to a virtual reality software for psychologically treating a medical condition.
Being diagnosed with a medical condition such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease can be difficult to cope with. It is normal to experience a range of emotions in the wake of such a diagnosis. Distress is common following a diagnosis of a medical condition. In the past, patients have been guided to practice a variety of techniques such as yoga, counseling, behavior medications and the like to deal with the emotions associated with a medical condition. However, facing the medical condition head-on may lead to the best way of coping. Therefore, a suitable solution is desired.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and methods from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for a virtual reality system. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known treatments for medical conditions art, the present disclosure provides a novel virtual reality system and method. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an efficient and effective virtual reality system and method.
A virtual reality system is disclosed herein. The virtual reality system includes a virtual reality headset having a display unit configured to display a three-dimensional virtual reality environment. The virtual reality headset may include a processor embedded in the virtual reality headset and configured to provide controls for performing one or more multimedia interactions with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment. The virtual reality headset may further include a memory removably embedded in the virtual reality headset and configured to store the multimedia interactions.
The processor of the virtual reality headset may further be configured to communicate with the memory, to execute the multimedia interactions, and to display the multimedia interactions on the display unit such that the user is able interact with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment.
The virtual reality headset may be configured to host a software providing the three-dimensional virtual reality environment. The three-dimensional virtual reality environment is configured to provide a simulation for completing a medical-mission to eliminate a virtual-representation of a medical condition associated with the user. This may enable the user to psychologically treat and face the medical condition by obtaining the virtual-representation of their medical condition.
According to another embodiment, a method for using a virtual reality system is also disclosed herein. The method for using the virtual reality system includes providing a virtual reality system as described above; interacting with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment with an avatar; controlling the avatar via a controller in communication with the virtual reality headset; and completing the medical-mission with the avatar to provide therapeutic relief to the user for the medical-condition.
For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the virtual reality system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary screen of the virtual reality system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the virtual reality system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of the virtual reality system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A shows a flow diagram illustrating a method using a virtual reality system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B shows a flow diagram illustrating a method using a virtual reality system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the wearable sanitizer dispenser. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for dispensing hand sanitizing solution to a hand of the wearer. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention. References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “first embodiment”, “second embodiment”, or “third embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
Generally, the present disclosure provides an interactive software or “video game” where users can battle their personalized medical condition or illness to mentally improve wellbeing. The software may allow the user to travel throughout the human anatomy to reach the location of their specific medical condition or illness and attack it. By doing so, the user may mentally heal themselves and increase positive reinforcement for fighting the medical condition. The present disclosure may substantially benefit to users during long wait times for appointments and those who are admitted to hospital for lengthy treatments.
Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of a virtual reality system 100. Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a virtual reality system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the virtual reality system 100 is beneficial for use by a user 40 to treat the mental and emotional state of the user 40 associated with a medical condition via a simulation. As illustrated, the virtual reality system 100 may include a virtual reality headset 110 having a display unit 112 (head mounted display) configured to display a three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. The virtual reality headset 110 includes a processor 114 embedded within. The processor 114 is configured to provide controls for performing one or more multimedia interactions 124 with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. Multimedia interactions 124 may be understood as virtual interactions performed by the user within the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120 (i.e., shooting, flying, right turn, left turn, aiming, etc.).
The virtual reality headset 110 further includes a memory 116 removably embedded within. The memory 116 is configured to store the multimedia interactions 124 made within the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. The memory 116 is further configured to store a software 150. In some embodiments, the memory 116 includes a removable hardware 140, such as a flash memory card. In other embodiments, a port 142 is included on the virtual reality headset 110 for receiving the removeable hardware 140.
The processor 114 is configured to communicate with the memory 116; execute the multimedia interactions 124; and display the multimedia interactions 124 on the display unit 112 such that the user 40 is able to interact with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120.
In some embodiments, a controller 118 in communication with the virtual reality headset 110 is provided to the user 40 for performing the multimedia interactions 124 within the three-dimensional virtual environment 120. In an alternate embodiment, the virtual reality headset 110 includes a microphone (not shown) to provide a voice recognition system permitting the user 40 to perform the multimedia interactions 124 with the three-dimensional virtual environment 120. The voice recognition system provides an output of synthesized voice instructions and be configured to receive an input of voice commands from the user via the microphone.
In the illustrated embodiment, the virtual reality headset 110 is configured to host the software 150 providing the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. The three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120 is configured to provide a simulation for completing a medical-mission to eliminate a virtual-representation of a medical condition associated with the user 40. The medical-mission can be utilized to emotionally and mentally treat the user 40 by destroying the visual virtual-representations.
Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other virtual reality system 100 arrangements such as, for example, improvements in the virtual reality headset 110, etc., may be sufficient.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown the virtual reality system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the virtual reality software system 100 includes the virtual reality headset 110 having the display unit 112 configured to display the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. The virtual reality headset 110 includes the processor 114 embedded within. The processor 114 is configured to provide controls for performing one or more of the multimedia interactions 124 with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. The virtual reality headset 110 further includes the memory 116 removably embedded within. The memory 116 is configured to store the multimedia interactions 124 made within the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. The processor 114 is further configured to communicate with the memory 116; execute the multimedia interactions 124; and display the multimedia interactions 124 on the display unit 112 such that the user 40 is able to interact with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120.
In the illustrated embodiment, an avatar 122 is provided with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. This enables the user 40 to virtually interact within the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120 by use of the multimedia interactions 124. A set of command prompts before beginning the simulation allows the avatar 122 to be personalized according to characteristics (i.e., hair color, eyes, body shape) and/or the medical condition of the user 40. The medical condition may comprise of a physical illness (i.e., asthma, cancer, etc.) and associated anxiety disorders developed from having the medical condition. The virtual reality system 100 provides a therapeutic outlet for the user 40 suffering from the physical illness with associated anxiety.
In the illustrated embodiment, the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120 is representative of an anatomy. In some embodiments, the anatomy includes an organ or a blood stream. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120 represented as the blood stream contains visual representations of good/bad blood cells. The bad blood cells can be targeted by the avatar 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the avatar 122 includes a means of transportation throughout the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. The transportation can be in the form of vehicle configured to transport the avatar 122 within the virtual reality environment, such as throughout different parts of the anatomy. The three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120 may be customized (or selected) according to the medical condition of the user 40. Customization of the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120 may occur on the software 150 prior to uploading to the memory 116.
In one embodiment, the medical-mission may comprise of reaching a location within the anatomy and eliminating the virtual-representation(s) of the medical condition. A weapon system may be used for eliminating the virtual-representation(s). The weapon system can be chosen by the user 40.
Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a block diagram of the virtual reality system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the virtual reality system 100 includes the virtual reality headset 110 having the display unit 112 configured to display the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. The virtual reality headset 110 includes the processor 114 embedded within. The processor 114 is configured to provide controls for performing one or more of the multimedia interactions 124 with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. The virtual reality headset 110 further includes the memory 116 removably embedded within. The memory 116 is configured to store the multimedia interactions 124 made within the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120. The memory 116 is further configured to store the software 150. In some embodiments, the memory 116 includes the removable hardware 140.
In the illustrated embodiment, the multimedia interactions 124 are configured to impart at least one sensory output selected from three-dimensional graphic visuals and audio. To provide the audio, the virtual reality headset 110 may be in communication (wireless or wired) with an auditory output device 130 (i.e., speakers, headphones, or any other known device in the art).
In some embodiments, the controller 118 is in wired communication with the virtual reality headset 110 and configured to provide controls for performing the multimedia interactions 124. In other embodiments, the controller 118 is in wireless communication with the headset. In another embodiment, the controller 118 is contemplated as the voice recognition system to provide hands-free control over the virtual reality system 100.
Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a flow diagram of the virtual reality system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow diagram details the steps taken by the user 40 in regard to beginning the simulation and completing the medical-mission. The memory 116 enables progress of the user 40 to be saved and returned to later. When the medical-mission is complete, a strength point system read out may be acquired. The strength point system read out may provide a performance summary to the user 40.
Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there are shown flow diagrams illustrating a method for using a virtual reality system 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method for using the virtual reality system 500 includes one or more components or features of the virtual reality system 100 as described above. In some embodiments, the method for using the virtual reality system 500 includes the steps of: step one 501, providing a virtual reality system 100 comprising a virtual reality headset 110 hosting a software 150 and having a display unit 112 configured to display a three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120, the virtual reality headset 110 including, a processor 114 embedded in the virtual reality headset 110 and configured to provide controls for performing one or more multimedia interactions 124 with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120, and a memory 116 removably embedded in the virtual reality headset 110; step two 502, interacting with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120 with an avatar 122; step three 503, controlling the avatar 122 via a controller 118 in communication with the virtual reality headset 110; and step four 504, completing a medical-mission with the avatar 122 to provide therapeutic relief to a user 40 for a medical-condition.
In some embodiments, the method for using the virtual reality system further includes the steps of: step five 505, customizing the three-dimensional virtual reality environment 120 on the software 150 to correspond with the medical condition; step six 506, uploading the software 150 to the memory 116, wherein the memory 116 includes a removable hardware 140; and step seven 507, inputting the removable hardware 140 into a port 142 in the virtual reality headset 110, such that the virtual reality headset 110 is able to host the software 150.
It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use 500 can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for the virtual reality system 100 (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. A virtual reality system for treating a medical condition in a user to improve mental wellbeing and psychological reactions after being diagnosed with the medical condition, the system comprising:

a virtual reality headset configured to be worn by the user having a display unit configured to display a three-dimensional virtual reality environment;

a processor operably connected to the virtual reality headset, wherein the processor is configured to execute commands for performing a multimedia interaction with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment and to display the multimedia interaction on the display unit such that the user is able to interact with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment;

an avatar representing the user and enabling the user to virtually interact with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment;

wherein the three-dimensional virtual reality environment is configured to provide a simulation for completing a medical mission, wherein the medical mission comprises a virtual-representation of the medical condition associated with the user and requires the user to interact with the virtual-representation of the medical condition by controlling the avatar;

wherein the medical mission comprises the avatar having a transportation vehicle for traveling to a location within the three-dimensional virtual reality environment.

2. The virtual reality system of claim 1, further comprising a controller in communication with the virtual reality headset and configured to provide controls for performing the multimedia interaction within the three-dimensional virtual environment.

3. The virtual reality software system of claim 1, wherein the virtual reality headset further includes a microphone to provide a voice recognition system permitting the user to perform the multimedia interaction with the three-dimensional virtual environment.

4. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the avatar is personalized according to characteristics and the medical condition of the user.

5. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the medical condition comprises a physical illness.

6. The virtual reality system of claim 5, wherein the medical condition comprises anxiety disorders associated with the physical illness.

7. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the multimedia interactions are configured to impart at least one sensory output selected from three-dimensional graphic visuals and audio.

8. The virtual reality system of claim 7, wherein the virtual reality headset is in communication with an auditory output device for providing the audio to the user.

9. The virtual reality system of claim 1, further comprising a memory operably connected to the virtual reality headset and configured to store a software providing the three-dimensional virtual reality environment to the virtual reality headset.

10. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the memory includes removable hardware.

11. The virtual reality system of claim 10, wherein the removable hardware is a flash memory card.

12. The virtual reality system of claim 10, wherein the virtual reality headset includes a port for receiving the hardware.

13. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional virtual reality environment is representative of an anatomy.

14. The virtual reality software system of claim 13, wherein the anatomy is a virtual blood stream and the virtual-representation of the medical condition comprises blood cells within the virtual blood stream.

15. The virtual reality system of claim 1, wherein the avatar is required to eliminate the virtual representations of the medical condition.

16. The virtual reality system of claim 1, further comprising a weapons system accessible by the avatar, wherein the weapons system is adapted to allow the user to destroy the medical condition via a weapon from the weapons system.

17. The virtual reality system of claim 1, further comprising a strength point system that provides a performance summary to the user when the medical mission is completed.

18. A virtual reality system for treating a medical condition in a user to improve mental wellbeing and psychological reactions after being diagnosed with the medical condition, the system comprising:

wherein the three-dimensional virtual reality environment is representative of an anatomy.

19. The virtual reality software system of claim 18, wherein the anatomy is a virtual blood stream and the virtual-representation of the medical condition comprises blood cells within the virtual blood stream.

20. A method for using a virtual reality system, comprising:

providing a virtual reality system comprising:

a virtual reality headset having a display unit configured to display a three-dimensional virtual reality environment and a processor

configured to execute commands for performing a multimedia interaction with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment and to display the multimedia interaction on the display unit such that the user is able to interact with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment;

interacting with the three-dimensional virtual reality environment with the avatar, wherein the three-dimensional virtual reality environment is configured to provide a simulation for completing a medical mission, wherein the medical mission comprises a virtual-representation of the medical condition the user and requires the user to eliminate the virtual-representation of the medical condition by controlling the avatar associated with the user, wherein the medical mission comprises the avatar having a transportation vehicle for traveling to a location within the three-dimensional virtual reality environment and eliminating the virtual representation of the medical condition;

controlling the avatar via a controller in communication with the virtual reality headset;

completing the medical-mission with the avatar to provide therapeutic relief to a user for a medical-condition.