WO1999064960A1

WO1999064960A1 - Electronic device to detect and direct biological microvariations in a living organism

Info

Publication number: WO1999064960A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/012426
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oberto Airaudi
Original assignee: Music Of The Plants
Priority date: 1998-06-09
Filing date: 1999-06-03
Publication date: 1999-12-16
Also published as: AU4416699A

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for using micro-variations of a biological living organism (1) to influence an environment of the biological living organism (1). The method includes the steps of disposing a micro-variation detector (F, T) on the living organism (1) and translating the output of the micro-variation detector into an output signal adapted to influence an environment of the biological living organism.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE TO DETECT AND DIRECT BIOLOGICAL MICROVARIATIONS IN A LIVING ORGANISM

Field of the Invention The field of the invention relates to living organisms and more particularly to the detection in microvariation produced by the living organisms.

Background of the Invention In commerce there are systems for detection of biologic and bioclimatic variations, such as electrocardiographs, electroencephalographs , etc. There are also other systems to detect biological and bioclimatic variations used for the automatic control of greenhouses and servocontrols which, for that purpose, use sensors which assesses environmental conditions, such as the humidity of the environment or of the earth. This invention is different from all of the above because it uses the living organism itself as the signal source of the sensor and the user of the signal it produces.

Summary A method and apparatus are provided for using micro-variations of a biological living organism to influence an environment of the biological living organism. The method includes the steps of disposing a micro-variation detector on the living organism and translating the output of the micro-variation detector into a output signal adapted to influence an environment of the biological living organism. Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a system for controlling the environment of a living organism in accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic of a circuit that may be used the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an interface circuit for the system of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 depicts an amplifier for the circuit of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 depicts a frequency to voltage converter used by the circuit of FIG. 3.

APPENDIX I provides object code that may be used by the microcontroller of FIG. 3.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment Disclosed herein is apparatus that may be used to detect and translate into useable terms a micro variation detectable in any biologic living organism. Such variation can be in resistance, conductivity, tension, pressure, chromatic value, magnetism, etc.

The disclosed invention has been found effective in detecting and translating into useable terms microvariations detectable in any living organism. Living organisms, and more specifically plants, are believed capable of varying their internal bio-electric state as a consequence of external situations and it is therefore believed that they are capable of some sort of " feelings" .

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the apparatus 10, generally used for detecting, and translating into useable terms, microvariations detectable in any living organism. FIG. 1 shows a living biologic organism 1, which in this case is represented by a plant . The electrodes "F" and "T" of block #1 have been applied to two parts of the plant, which are not touching each other. The electrodes F, T attached to the plant are made of conductive materials. The electrodes F, T form two poles which detect the variation in electrical resistivity of the subject 1. In block #2 a general (i.e., a non-specific) diagram of the control and management circuit of the signals detected by electrodes F, T, as they are received through the portal 3, is indicated. In more detail, by reference to "X" in block #2 we are indicating the circuits which detect the variations in resistivity, amplified as needed, and by reference to "Y" we indicate the circuit "Y" which maintains the outgoing level of electrical tension (voltage) within the confines of the predefined field of measurement, via a counter reaction indicated by #4 applied to circuit "X". By #5, we indicate the value or amounts of outgoing tension which is later sometimes indicated by the terminology in quotation marks, "via out", which follows the variation in resistivity of the subject 1 as detected by sensors F, T. #6 indicates the system of interfacing with the outside world created and realized with systems that are available on the market, such as for example, "G" , tension controlled audio frequency generator, or the letter "I" which represents a midi interface, or "P" which indicates traditional or computerized portals of interface or other. If we analyze in detail the block diagram in FIG. 1 and if we also take into consideration block #2, we can see that it contains an entrance represented by the portal (input) #3, and an exit (output) represented by #5. The input #3 contains two terminals: one called "F", which through the electrode made of a conductive material of the right proportion is applied on the leaves; and another, represented by the letter "T" ; which through a similar electrode is applied to the roots via insertion into the soil, where the subject 1 finds root. Whatever the situation, the contact is always created in two distinct points, (that are not connected directly one to another) of the living organism 1 which is under analysis. Another example of this may be two fingers of a human hand.

Let us now analyze the circuit represented by FIG. 2, which describes, in one of the many possible configurations, block #2 of FIG. 1. We can see that the circuit is powered by a battery whose power can range from 3 to 12 volts. The electrical power which flows through and feeds the circuit of block #2 also brings a very weak current through resistor Rl to the tips of electrodes "F" and "T" that are linked (coupled) to the plant. Cl is a condenser which works as a filter for any possible electrical disturbance present in the environment. The 9 volts of tension which reach the subject, through electrodes "F" and "T" are influenced by the actual condition of the plant itself. To continue: the condition as referred to in the previous sentence could be of many kinds. For example, the condition referred to would be electrical, conductive, resistive, biochemical, biological, or anything else that may influence the value previous mentioned.

The variation in tension at the tips of the electrodes "F" and "T" are applied to the non-inverting entrance of the operational unit (amplifier) designated by "OP2", which is used as an amplifier of these same tension variations. As the relationship of amplification is defined by the partition of the resistors R5 and R6 together with the resistors R2 , R3 and R4 , the value of the amplification is determined manually by the operator with a three-position switch called "SW". It is therefore possible to use a minimum, average, or a maximum amplification, based upon switch position.

The couple formed by the resistor R6 together with the condenser C3 constitutes a second filter, or filtering cell, for any possible electrical disturbance. The operational unit "OP1" is connected to amplification #1 (i.e., provide unity gain) because its exit is linked to its inverting entrance. Therefore, such exit will have the same tension value present in its non-inverting entrance (i.e., the tension present at the tip (upper connection) of condenser C2) .

The connection configuration of condenser C2 and of operation unit "0P1" allows the correction and the balancing in an automatic manner of the tension value present in terminal "VI", of the operational unit "OPl", whenever the variation in tension detected by electrodes "F" and "T" amplified by operational unit OP2 brings the exit of such operational unit OP2 to a state of positive saturation entitled "V_max" , (i.e., equal to a tension of the electrical power supply) or negative " V_mj__n" (i.e., equal to a tension of the mass

(ground) ) . In this way, the circuit is brought back into a correct manner of functioning. Because of this kind of configuration, the level of tension, of VI, present at the exit of such amplification, operational unit OPl is equal to the level of tension present at the tips of the condenser C2. Such tension VI is applied through the three position switch SW to the inverting entrance of the operational unit 0P2 , thus producing a specific, negative reaction that is able to correct the level of tension V2 present at the exit of operational unit 0P2. The aforementioned V_{max an}d V_mj__n variable tension limits present on the aforementioned terminal V2 are intercepted by the two operational units 0P3 and OP4 which are linked as comparators with hysteresis. The levels of tension where these two limits, V_max and ^vmin- ^are chosen during the phase of setting by adjusting the trimmers "Tl" and "T2" respectively, for the superior (upper) and inferior (lower) limits. Such limits of tension are applied to uhe inverting entrances (inputs) of the operation (amplifier) units denominated by OP3 and OP4 , while the non-inverting entrances of the aforementioned operational units are connected to terminal "V2 respectively, via the couple of resistors "T3-R8" and "T3-R9". The trimmer T3 , during the phase of setting, regulates the hysteresis of the superior (upper) limits and that of the inferior (lower) limits. It also applies the exit tension "V2" to the non-inverting entrances of the amplifiers OP3 and OP4.

Whenever the tension applied to the non-inverting entrance of the comparator, operational unit 0P3 , through or via trimmer T3 surpasses the tension applied to its inverting entrance, the output of 0P3 will rise. At its exit will be present the level of tension of the¹ power supply and therefore it will bring the same level of tension to the control portal of the digital switch denominated by "DSWl". Such a switch, by closing, will charge the condenser C2 via the resistor R7.

As the value of tension present at the tips of such condenser C2 is applied to the non-inverting entrance of the operational unit OPl, the output also rises. This process of charging continues until the level of tension on the condenser C2 determines an increase in tension VI at the exit of the operational unit OPl and consequently through the switch SW and one of the resistances R2 , R3 , R4. The aforesaid increase in tension from OPl will be applied to the inverting entrance of the operational unit OP2. This will trigger a negative reaction (i.e., a counter reaction) at the exit of such operational unit OP2 with a related decrease of tension at the exit V2 , such that it surpasses the level of hysteresis of the comparator OP3 , which will allow the opening of the digital switch DSWl, in this way blocking the process of charging of the condenser C2.

In the same way, whenever the tension applied to the non-inverting entrance of the comparator OP4 through the trimmer T3 decreases below the level of tension applied to its inverting entrance, the tension present at it exit arrives at a level of mass (ground level "0") and therefore it brings the same level of tension to the control portal of the digital switch DSW3 , causing DSW3 to open. This switch, when it opens, supplies through the resistor RIO the tension of the power supply to the control portal of the digital switch called DSW2 which upon closing, releases (i.e., discharges) the condenser C2 through the resistor R7. This process of release continues until the level of tension in the condenser C2 determines a decreases of tension VI at the exit of the operational unit OPl and consequently through the switch SW and one of the resistances R2 , R3 , R4.

Such decrease of tension of C2 will be applied to the inverting entrance of the operational unit OP2. This will trigger a negative reaction at the exit of such operational unit OP2 with a related increase of tension at exit V2 , such as to surpass the level of hysteresis of the comparator OP4 which will allow the digital switch DSW2 to close through the digital switch DSW3 , thus blocking the process of release of the condenser C2.

The variation in tension present at the tips of the exit terminal V2 , taken from terminal 5 may have various possibilities of linking. For instance, a tension controlled audio frequency generator, or a midi interface audio generator, or a computerized interface portal, or a non-computerized one, or the management of systems of light mixing or electrical devices such as valves, pumps or electric engines or other servocontrols . Such devices can have multifarious uses, such as, for example, light and sound shows, play and entertainment, reproduction of artistic sound compositions through audio-visual supports, direct control of greenhouses, light sources, home and industrial uses, or it can allow the study of all phenomena linked to he sensitivity of the living biological organisms connected to the device.

FIG. 3 provides an example of an interface 50 that may be used to couple an output 5 of the microvariation detector 2 to other devices. As shown, the interface 50 may include an input amplifier (FIG. 4) 52 and a frequency to voltage converter (FIG. 5) 54.

The frequency to voltage converter 54 may be used to generate a direct current (DC) signal 56 that may be put to any of a number of uses. For example, the output 56 may be scaled to a 0-10 volt signal and used to control a variable speed fan (not shown) of a greenhouse. The DC signal 56 may also be used as a controlling signal of a power controller supplying UV grow lights in the greenhouse.

As mentioned above, the DC output 56 may also be used for light and sound shows. For example, the output 56 may be used as a controlling input signal through the use of microcontroller 58 (FIG. 3) or by direct connection to a music synthesizer (e.g., a Yamaha FM sound generator, OPL-x family of devices, etc . ) .

Where connected to a microcontroller 58, the DC output 56 may be detected on an input 28 of the microcontroller 58. The plant (operating through the microvariation detector 2) functions as an element (as a variable resistor) of the input Wheatstone bridge shown in FIG. 2. As the electrical resistance of the plant changes, an output of the Wheatstone bridge changes to provide a change in the output of the microvariation detector 2 in the range of from 40 mV to 4.80 mV. This voltage is converted into a digital form at the input 28 of the microcontroller 58 using an 8- bit analog to digital (A/D) converter. The 8-bit output of the A/D converter may then be used to retrieve a correct note code to emulate a MIDI keyboard. The note code is provided at a MIDI output 60. The steps used to retrieve the correct code using the microcontroller 58 is achieved using the object code of APPENDIX I. Alternatively, the output of the microcontroller

58 may be provided as an input to a serial interface of a computer, which allows for the testing, analyzing and recording of the variations in external stimuli detected within the living organism. This provides for the tailoring of the specific sounds, the designation to selective mediums and eliminates external controls, filters and switches.

This may be accomplished by connecting the serial TX output of the microcontroller 58 to a MAX232 device through a 9-pin, d-edge connector and cable to the serial port of a computer. A standard DOS or windows communication program may be used to show data flow from the living organism 1. The only change to the microcontroller software is to provide a different baud rate (i.e., set the baud rate to 9,600, instead of the 31,200 baud used for the MIDI interface) . The memory location "$B620" may also be loaded with a value "$30", instead of "$20" .

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitation should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art .

Claims

Claims 1. A method of using micro-variations of a biological living organism to influence an environment of the biological living organism, such method comprising the steps of: disposing a micro-variation detector on the living organism; and translating the output of the micro-variation detector into a output signal adapted to influence an environment of the biological living organism.

2. The method of using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 1 wherein the step of translating further comprises producing a counter reaction to detected microvariations in the living organism.

3. The method of using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 2 further comprising providing hysteresis between the counter reaction and the detected microvariations in the living organism.

4. The method of using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 1 wherein the step of influencing an environment further comprises emulating a MIDI keyboard.

5. The method of using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 1 wherein the step of influencing an environment further comprises controlling an temperature of a greenhouse enclosing the living organism.

6. The method of using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 1 wherein the step of influencing an environment further comprises controlling a light level impinging upon the living organism.

7. The method of using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 1 wherein the step of influencing an environment further comprises controlling an audio-visual show impinging upon the living organism.

8. Apparatus for using micro-variations of a biological living organism to influence an environment of the biological living organism, such apparatus comprising: means for detecting micro-variations of the living organism; and means for translating the output of the micro- variation detector into a output signal adapted to influence an environment of the biological living organism.

9. The apparatus for using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 8 wherein the means for translating further comprising means for producing a counter reaction to detected microvariations in the living organism.

10. The apparatus for using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 9 wherein the means for influencing an environment further comprises means for providing hysteresis between the counter reaction and the detected microvariations in the living organism.

11. The apparatus for using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 8 wherein the means for influencing an environment further comprises means for emulating a MIDI keyboard.

12. The apparatus for using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 8 further comprising means for controlling a light level of a greenhouse containing the living organism.

13. The method of using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 8 wherein the means for influencing an environment further comprises means for controlling an audio-visual show impinging upon the living organism.

14. Apparatus for using micro-variations of a biological living organism to influence an environment of the biological living organism, such apparatus comprising: a micro-variation detector disposed on the living organism; and an electrical translator adapted to translate the output of the micro-variation detector into a output signal adapted to influence an environment of the biological living organism.

15. The apparatus for using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 14 wherein the electrical translator further comprises a feedback circuit adapted to produce a counter reaction to detected microvariations in the living organism.

16. The apparatus for using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 18 wherein the micro-variation detector further comprises a voltage reference adapted to provide a hysteresis between the counter reaction and the detected microvariations in the living organism.

17. The apparatus for using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 18 further comprising a processor adapted to emulate a MIDI keyboard.

18. The apparatus for using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 18 further comprising a temperature controller adapted to control a temperature of a greenhouse containing the living organism.

19. The apparatus for using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 18 further comprising a power controller adapted to control of light level of a greenhouse containing the living organism.

20. The method of using micro-variations of a biological living organism as in claim 14 further comprising a processor adapted to controlling an audio- visual show impinging upon the living organism.