Method of virtual reality system and implementing such method

Virtual reality method intended to be implemented in a virtual reality system, the method including the production of a stimulus in the system during a period of stimulation, the stimulus including: a projection of an image sequence; a production of a first sound signal including a soundtrack linked to the progress of the image sequence; a production of a second sound signal having a first frequency and a third sound signal having a second frequency, the second sound signal being audible from one ear and the third sound signal being audible from the other ear of the user; a production of a fourth sound signal including a spoken presentation; during an initial portion of said predetermined period, the stimulus further including an induction signal; and during a final portion of said predetermined period, the intensity of the sound signals decreasing in intensity until a zero intensity, and the image sequence decreasing in intensity until a zero intensity.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a virtual reality method and a system implementing such a method.

PRIOR ART

The use is known of a device for supporting a user or a patient so as to lead them into a deep altered state of consciousness until a deep state of hypnosis.

Document U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,912 describes a medical hypnosis device for controlling a hypnosis experience in a patient. The device includes output means for providing a first type of content that may be a virtual reality type of representation.

Document US2006247489 describes a device and a method of relaxation and meditation by hypnosis in a virtual environment. The device includes an audiovisual headset connectable to a portable DVD player for playing movies from DVD media so as to lead the user into a state of relaxation until a deep state of hypnosis. The device may include a 2D or 3D monitor.

Document US2015174362 describes an apparatus including a virtual reality module and a method for inducing a state of hypnosis. The apparatus includes a head-mounted display for delivering a virtual reality audiovisual signal to the patient and collecting their biological signals.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a virtual reality method intended to be implemented in a virtual reality system, the method including the production of a stimulus in the system during a period of stimulation, the stimulus including:

a projection of an image sequence;

a production of a first sound signal including a soundtrack linked to the progress of the image sequence;

a production of a second sound signal having a first frequency and a third sound signal having a second frequency, the second sound signal being audible from one ear and the third sound signal being audible from the other ear of the user;

a production of a fourth sound signal including a spoken presentation;

during an initial portion of said predetermined period, the stimulus further including an induction signal; and

during a final portion of said predetermined period, the intensity of the sound signals decreasing in intensity until a zero intensity, and the image sequence decreasing in intensity until a zero intensity.

The present invention also relates to a virtual reality system adapted to the virtual reality method and to a computer medium including portions of code of an application program intended to be executed by the virtual reality system so as to implement the method.

These solutions notably offer the advantage compared with the prior art of providing more effective relaxation and meditation techniques compared with the prior art.

EXAMPLE(S) OF EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1represents a virtual reality method intended to be implemented in a virtual reality system, according to one embodiment. The method includes the production of a stimulus during a period of stimulation. The stimulus may include a projection of an image sequence I1. The stimulus may also include the production of the first sound signal S1including a soundtrack linked to the progress of the image sequence I1. The stimulus may also include the production of the second sound signal S2having the first frequency f1and of the third sound signal S3having the second frequency f2. The second sound signal is audible from one ear of a the user and the third sound signal being audible from the other ear of the user. The stimulus may also include the production of a fourth sound signal S4including a spoken presentation.

During an initial portion ti of the period of stimulation, the stimulus further includes an induction signal S5. During a final portion tf of the period of stimulation, the intensity of the sound signals S1-S4decrease in intensity until a zero intensity, and the image sequence I1decreasing in intensity until a zero intensity.

According to one implementation, the first frequency f1of the second sound signal S2differs from the second frequency f2of the third sound signal S3. For example, the difference between the first and the second frequency f1, f2may be constant over one portion or the whole of the period of stimulation. In particular, the difference between the first and the second frequency f1, f2is between 5 Hz and 12 Hz.

According to one implementation, the first and the second frequency f1, f2vary during the portion or the whole of the stimulation period, so that the difference between the first and the second frequency f1, f2remains constant. Typically, the first and the second frequencies f1, f2are between 20 Hz and 600 Hz.

In one embodiment, the fourth sound signal S4includes a spoken presentation forming a discourse of a hypnotic character. The fourth sound signal S4may be pre-recorded or recited by an operator through a device in communication with the virtual reality system1. The spoken presentation may be used to influence and lead the user10toward a state of relaxation and mediation.

FIG. 2schematically illustrates a virtual reality system1adapted to the implementation of the method, according to one embodiment. The system1includes a virtual reality module4comprising a display device2configured for projecting an image sequence I1in the visual field of a user10. The virtual reality module4also includes an audio playback device5configured for producing the first sound signal S1, the second sound signal S2having the first frequency f1and audible from one ear of the user, the third sound signal S3having the second frequency f2and audible from the other ear of the user, and the fourth sound signal S4including a spoken presentation. The system1also includes a control unit7configured for controlling the virtual reality module4. The projection of the image sequence I1with the soundtrack S1by means of the display device2and the audio playback device5of the virtual reality system1may be used to simulate the presence of the user10in the real or imaginary environment projected by the image sequence I1(e.g. a movie). The virtual reality system1may allow a playback of movies with sound or image sequences with sound and customized, notably at the request of the user10.

The virtual reality system1may be adapted so that the second sound signal S2and the third sound signal S3are respectively only audible by one or the other ear of the user10.

The projection of the image sequence I1implemented by the virtual reality system1allows the user to interact spatially with the projected environment, e.g. by changing the angle of view of the environment by changing their posture, e.g. by turning their head or torso.

FIG. 3depicts the virtual reality system1according to a particular embodiment in which the system1takes the form of eyeglasses1worn by the user. The display device2includes two display screens3a,3bcorresponding to the lenses of the eyeglasses so that each display screen3a,3bis in the visual field of one of the two eyes of the user10, when the system1is worn by the latter.

According to one implementation, the audio playback device5includes two transducers5a,5b, e.g. in the form of earpieces. Each transducer5a,5ballows the production of the second sound signal S2and the third sound signal S3in each of the ears of the user10.

In one embodiment, during a median portion tm subsequent to the initial portion ti and preceding the final portion tf, the production of the image sequence I1allows an interaction of the user with the image sequence I1. For example, characteristics of the image sequence I1, notably the light intensity, are changed by the interaction of the user10.

The median portion tm may therefore allow the user to interact with the image sequence I1and/or with the fourth sound signal S4.

For example, the image sequence I1may include one or a plurality of virtual objects that appear and/or disappear as a result of the interaction of the user10. The interaction of the user10may include includes a movement of the user in relation to the object. Alternatively, the movement of the user10may include directing the gaze of their eyes and/or an orientation of their head (e.g. in the direction of an object or objects) for a predetermined period of time.

The display device2may be arranged so that the image sequence I1produced allows an interaction of the user10. For this purpose, the display device2may be configured for changing the characteristics of the image sequence I1, e.g. the light intensity of the images, as a result of an interaction of the user10.

Advantageously, the display device2is configured so as to cause one or a plurality of virtual objects included in the image sequence I1to appear and/or disappear, as a result of an interaction of the user10. The appearance and/or the disappearance of the virtual object or objects may occur in a predefined period of time after the interaction, so as to induce a beneficial state of mind in the user.

The user10may be led, by means of the spoken presentation S4, to indicate one or more virtual objects with which they interact. The spoken presentation S4may also be used to identify the virtual object or objects with which the user10will interact. The interaction may also be performed orally by the user10only or in addition to the movement of the user10.

According to one implementation, during the initial portion ti of the period of stimulation, the induction signal S5includes a projection of a light signal L superimposed on the image sequence I1(seeFIG. 4). The light signal L may be displaced in a random or predetermined movement between a first and a second area of the image sequence I1. In a variant, the light signal L is displaced rhythmically in a to-and-fro movement between a first and a second area of the image sequence I1. The purpose of the induction signal S5is to facilitate the transition of the user to a state of relaxation and meditation, or even hypnosis.

During the initial period ti, the projection of the image sequence I1with the soundtrack S1may take on a scenic character, favoring relaxation in the user10. The image sequence I1may thus allow the user10to view a succession of backgrounds. In addition, one or more light patterns (such as a dot or other) may be superimposed on the image sequence. Each light pattern may have a distinct and uniform color. These images, possibly with the light pattern or patterns, may be used, for example, to implement a calm and relaxing scene and/or chromotherapy techniques.

At the end of the initial period ti, the production of the induction signal S5ceases.

FIG. 4illustrates the display device2configured for simultaneously displaying a first virtual object8a(or a light signal L) via the first display screen3aand a second virtual object8b(or another light signal L) via a second display3b. Such an arrangement may be used to generate a stereoscopic vision effect, i.e. to reproduce a perception of a relief of the virtual object8a,8bfrom two plane images illustrated by the two screens3a,3b. These virtual objects may be superimposed on the image sequence I1.

The first virtual object8amay be displaced rhythmically in a to-and-fro movement between a first and a second area of the first screen3a. In a similar way, the second virtual object8bmay be displaced rhythmically in a to-and-fro movement between a first and a second area of the second screen3b.

In the example inFIG. 4, the first virtual object8aand the second virtual object8bare displaced along a line of displacement9virtually linking the first screen3aand the second screen3bso as to displace the objects8a,8bbetween a right peripheral portion and a left peripheral portion of the field of vision of each eye. Such a configuration may be used, for example, to implement EMDR type implementation protocols developed by Shapiro.

Advantageously the display device2may be configured for dynamically varying the angle of the line of displacement9(with respect to the geometric arrangement of the screens3a,3b) in response to the lateral inclination of the system1, when it is worn by the user10. The line of displacement9may thus be maintained substantially parallel to the horizontal (i.e. perpendicular to the direction of gravity).

According to another implementation, the induction signal includes a production of a fifth sound signal S5. The fifth sound signal S5may be displaced in a random or predetermined movement. In a variant, the fifth sound signal S5is displaced in a to-and-fro movement between a first and a second area in the space surrounding the user.

According to one implementation, the audio playback device5may be configured in such a way that the induction signal S5includes a two-channel sound being rhythmically displaced in a to-and-fro movement between a first and a second area of the space surrounding the user10. In a preferred manner, the virtual sound source S5may be displaced along a line virtually connecting the first and the second transducer5a,5b(seeFIG. 3). This last configuration may be used to implement EMDR type implementation protocols developed by Shapiro.

In particular, the virtual reality system1is adapted to implementing a virtual reality method that requires the user10to perform a sequence of eye movements, this in combination with sound signals and/or predetermined image sequences which may produce scenes or other visual environments.

In one embodiment, the period of stimulation includes a dark portion tn subsequent to the initial portion ti and preceding the median portion tm, in which the image sequence consists of a total darkness O. During the dark period tn, the image sequence O simulates an environment of total darkness, e.g. by a series of dark images or by a reduction in the intensity of the images until a zero intensity or one perceived as zero. The dark period tn may be used to strengthen and verify the state of relaxation and meditation in the user10.

In yet another embodiment, the virtual reality system1includes at least one sensor module6configured for measuring a vital parameter HR (biofeedback) of the user10. For example, the sensor module6may include a sensor for providing a cardiovascular signal, that may be used, for example, to determine the cardiac coherence of the user10. Such a sensor may include an optical device such as a photoplethysmographic sensor or an ECG or ICG (impedance cardiography) sensor.FIG. 3illustrates a photoplethysmographic sensor module taking the form of an ear-clip61.

The control unit7may be configured for controlling the sensor6and possibly collecting and analyzing the cardiovascular signal provided by the sensor6, e.g. so as to determine a cardiac coherence as well as a cardiac coherence threshold.

According to one implementation, the method includes a step of determining the cardiac coherence of the user10with the aid of the cardiovascular signal provided by the sensor module6, during the median portion tm. The method may further include a step of returning to the initial portion ti of the period of stimulation in which the induction signal S5is generated in order to put the user back into the desired state (e.g. in the event of a state of relaxation that is insufficient or lacking), when the determined cardiac coherence is below the cardiac coherence threshold. The initial period ti may be extended or repeated so as to induce a sufficient state of relaxation and meditation of the user.

The control unit7may include a transmission module (not represented) arranged for allowing data collected by the control unit7to be transmitted to an external module11. The external module11may be configured for processing and/or displaying and/or storing the collected data. The external module11may also be arranged for receiving commands and/or images or image sequences intended to be generated by the display device2and/or to receive commands and/or sounds intended to be generated the audio playback device5.

Advantageously, the control unit7may be configured for receiving voice messages from a third party so as to play them back through the audio playback device5.

In particular, the control unit7may be configured for generating a database of image sequences and accessing the database so as to allow the user to download the new visual content in order to be played back with the system1.

FIG. 6illustrates a variant embodiment of the virtual reality system1. Here, the portable system1takes the form of a helmet-mounted display (sometimes also called a head-mounted display, immersive headset, virtual reality helmet, helmet-display or HMD helmet). This variant of the system1takes on the technical characteristics of the system1inFIG. 3. However, the display device2includes a single display screen3covering the fields of vision of both eyes of the user. A first portion31of the display screen3is positioned in the visual field of the first eye of the user, and a second portion32of the screen is positioned in the visual field of the second eye of the user, when the latter is wearing the system1.

The virtual reality module4may be configured for displaying the first virtual object8aand/or the second virtual object8bvia the same display screen3. Advantageously, the virtual reality module4is configured for displaying the first virtual object8abeing displaced in the first portion31of the screen3and simultaneously the second object8bbeing displaced in the second portion32of the screen3so as to generate a stereoscopic vision effect.

In particular, the virtual reality module4may be configured for displaying the first virtual object8abeing displaced rhythmically in a to-and-fro movement between a first and a second area of the first portion31of screen3. The virtual reality module4may also be configured for displaying the second virtual object8bbeing displaced rhythmically in a to-and-fro movement between a first and a second area of the second portion32of screen3.

The display device2is arranged so that each portion of the screen3a,3b,31,32is positioned only in one of the two fields of vision of the eyes of the user.

FIG. 5illustrates an example in which the display device2is configured so that the first virtual object8aand the second virtual object8bare displaced along a line of displacement9virtually linking the two lateral edges of the display screen3. The virtual reality module may thus be used to implement EMDR type implementation protocols developed by Shapiro.

Advantageously the virtual reality module may be configured for dynamically varying the angle of the line of displacement9(with respect to the lateral edges of the display screen3) in response to the lateral inclination of the system1, when it is worn by the user10. The line of displacement9may thus be maintained substantially parallel to the horizontal (i.e. perpendicular to the direction of gravity).

The system1according to the variant inFIG. 6allows an integration of the first and second transducer5a,5bof the stereophonic audio playback device. The transducers5a,5bmay thus take the form of speakers. The system1allows an easy integration of the sensor module6.

According to an implementation illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 6, the control unit7is remote from the display device2. The whole or a part of the virtual reality module4may also be remote from the display device2. The control unit7(possibly also the whole or a part of the virtual reality module4) and the sensor module6communicate with one another with the aid of a wireless communication protocol. In a variant, the control unit7and possibly also the whole or a part of the virtual reality module4are included in a portable apparatus such as a smartphone, a tablet, etc.

The method may include an initial step of collecting information via the virtual reality system1. This information may be collected through a virtual questionnaire so as to allow a calibration of the various steps of the method (intensity of the sound signals S1-S5and images I1) as well as the setting of its periods (ti, tn, tm, tf). The virtual reality system1may include vocal means, such as a microphone, or optical means (camera) or any other appropriate means for collecting information.

The method may be adapted to sports preparation, increasing the physical performance of an athlete, personal development, relaxation, mediation, desensitization to smoking or unhealthy eating habits, as well as preparation for dental and orthopedic operations of short duration, replacing general convenience anesthesias and installing a virtual gastric ring.

In particular, the method may be adapted to hypnosis, e.g. a combination of hypnosis and an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and/or EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) type technique.

The present invention also relates to a computer medium including portions of code of an application program intended to be executed by the control unit7so as to implement the method described here.

REFERENCE NUMBERS USED IN THE FIGURES