SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A CARDIAC ASSISTANCE ECOSYSTEM

Disclosed is a cooling device, including a housing having a wall; a reservoir within the housing; a cooling material such as a liquid or gel in the reservoir; a pump within the housing; and a conduit passing adjacent the wall and through which the material is circulated by the pump from the reservoir back to the reservoir.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known technology is lacking in providing a soothing environment for the human heart. The systems and methods of the invention address various shortcomings of known systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes devices and corresponding methods for assisting in the health of a user's heart and other body systems and components. In particular, the systems and methods of the invention provide a cardiac assistance ecosystem. Further, the systems and methods of the invention provide a cooling system which cools one or more portions of a user's body, based on a variety of input.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, aspects of the invention in accordance with various embodiments will be described. As used herein, any term in the singular may be interpreted to be in the plural, and alternatively, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular.

The invention includes devices and corresponding methods for assisting in the health of a user's heart and other body systems and components.

The human heart functions as a self protecting mechanism. However, the heart's ability to protect itself, on its own, is limited. The systems and methods of the invention ease strain on the heart, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The invention protects the heart using novel environmental controls. In particular, the invention provides devices to improve the lives of people with heart related conditions, such as stress. Further, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the system of the invention provides a non-invasive approach to providing regulatory assistance to the cardiovascular health of a person.

The Central Signal System (CSS) of the Invention

The systems and methods of the invention provide what is herein characterized as a personalized circadian harmonic entrainment. In particular, a system of the invention uses heart “beat” based acoustic vibration to assist in the non-invasive regulation of the heart. Illustratively, the acoustic vibration may be generated using electromagnetic coils or transducers, such as at a frequency of 1 to 200 Hz, for example. The acoustic vibration may be generated using devices of the invention as is described further below. The acoustic vibration may be performed with or without time automation, sensor automation, and/or biofeedback automation, for example.

Hereinafter, further aspects of the method of the invention will be described. Centered on the biological axis between the eyes and ears, where the mouth breathes, the spine coils and reproductive organs unite, the CSS of the invention generates precision vibrations. These precision vibrations harmonize a centering rhythm to regulate and/or calibrate what is understood to be a total human compass of energy. This compass of energy may be characterized as “flux.” It is appreciated that this “flux” is not limited to the very center, front position, or back position of a human user. Rather, such compass of energy may extend to various other portions of the human body.

Illustratively, the invention may use one or more of three embodiments for the environmental regulation or entrainment of signals provided to the human body, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. These three embodiments may include a precision set biomarker from sensors associated with the user; a transducer utilized by the system of the invention; and/or direct regulation of the signals. The system of the invention may include independent or single transducer embodiments for noninvasive healing of a specific bodily region. Also, the invention may include interdependent multi-transduction regulation of one central system of the invention. Such one central system may be provided with or without time or control sensor control and/or biofeedback automation. In a manner as described further below, the signals generated by the device of the invention may be focused along the center of the human body, above and below the heart at equidistance.

The systems of the invention may include various components. One component is the “optic path entrainer” signal generator. The optic path entrainer signal generator generates signals that are directed at the optic nerves, hypothalamus pineal glands, and/or the cerebellum, for example. The invention may also include a heart harness. The heart harness may generate signals directed at the front and back of a user's heart. Such heart harness may be utilized with or without acoustic reflector material. Lastly, the invention may include a “navel entrainer signal generator.” The navel entrainer signal generator may be directed at a user's bladder or a user's spine, for example. The generated signal or transduction may be provided equidistant as the “optic entrainer” from the user's heart. The navel entrainer signal generator of the invention may (or may not) be provided with an auto-direction transducer for the programmable aim of a single transducer, adjusting automatically dependent on bodily position with or without sensors.

Hereinafter, further features of the optic path entrainer signal generator, the heart harness, and the navel entrainer signal generator will be described, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

The navel entrainer signal generator may be provided with a “transducer C”. Stretchable material straps may be utilized to position the transducer C upon the lumbar area of the user, for example. The transducer C may be provided with input sensors. Illustratively, such input sensors may include a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. Further, the transducer C may operate utilizing a timer, so as to regulate generated signals in a timed manner. Additionally, the transducer C may operate utilizing a photocell sensor. Such photocell sensor may sense the amount of ambient light in which the user is disposed. Based on the sensing of the ambient light, the signals may be generated in some appropriate manner. For example, if the ambient light is very low, such as would be observed at nighttime, the generation of the signals from the transducer C may be toned down, as compared to the situation in which normal day time ambient light is sensed. The navel entrainer signal generator may input data from a router, or other network system, so as to control the transducer C. The signal firewall in firmware is to process and send signal based on user's sensors alone, a buffer unable to be hacked and to protect the user from potential smart phone error, also to potentially gather aggregate data.

On the other hand, the heart harness of the invention may be provided with a “transducer B”. More specifically, the “heart harness” may include a suspender, harnessed top that straps over the heart and that is centered upon the chest. Transducer B may be disposed on the back of the heart (of the user) so as to be flanked by the back muscles of the user. Illustratively, transducer B may be controlled utilizing a timer mechanism, a Bluetooth communication protocol, photocell sensor, HRV (heart rate variability) sensor, as well as a microphone disposed on the chest of the user. Such microphone may be utilized for data input and/or medication based on such data input. It is appreciated that such transducer B could indeed be two transducers. That is, the suspender, harness top may support such two transducers such that one transducer is disposed in front of the heart of the user, and one transducer is disposed in back of the heart of the user.

Thirdly, the optic path entrainer signal generator may be in the form of a headband or hood to support a transducer A. Such headband or hood may be provided with a shiftable top so as to accommodate different hair situations and/or audio headphones, for example. Accordingly, the transducer A may be disposed on the forehead of the user. The transducer A may be controlled utilizing a photocell sensor, for example. Additionally, the transducer A may be provided and used in conjunction with a microphone utilized for data input and/or communication. Additionally, the optic path entrainer signal generator and/or transducer A may utilize Bluetooth or other suitable communication protocols. Further, each of the transducers may be detachable so as to facilitate battery replacement. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the operation of transducer A may utilize a timer, photocell, and/or Heart Rate Variability or “HRV” monitor, that is a Heart Rate monitor for analysis of user's heart with signal applied based on Heart Rate Variability. For example, user's “HRV” data could quantify the ideal time of day that is most beneficial to the user. Additionally, the transducer A and optic path entrainer signal generator may utilize what is herein characterized as “sleep autopilot”. Sleep autopilot may be activated manually, by the user, while utilizing other input observed by the optic path entrainer signal generator. Such other input observed by the optic path entrainer signal generator may include “yawn” detection (for example), that is detected with various assistance software that is synced to set points or biomarkers such as user's monthly HRV or sleep data for recorded signal system of firmware.

Hereinafter, further aspects of the invention will be described relating to peripheral components of the CSS. Such peripheral components of the CSS may include, but are not limited to, a responsive cooling system (RCS).

A sensor-based programmable body cooling system may be worn by a user to circulate a gentle rush of increasing coldness to the body. This soothes the body and assists the heart's relationship to heat or inflammation. The mechanism may also be utilized to “ice” an injured or over-exercised knee, ankle, shoulder, hip, wrist, elbow and/or face, for example. The mechanism may be turned on and off manually, for programmable periods of time, automatically with sensors mentioned above or pressure sensors that measure expansion/inflammation, for example.

The RCS of the invention may be powered by a rechargeable battery housed on the side of the rib cage, lumbar, or belt area, for example. The battery may be stored adjacent to, and work directly in support of, a cold source. Such cold source might be liquid or gel frozen in the form of a cube or cylindrical pack. Various further components may be utilized to incite an increasingly colder rush to areas of the body. These further components may include but are not limited to a breathable metallic layer, utilization of a sweat trap or fat deposit layer, thermometer reflector vents and/or battery cell gel lining. The RCS of the invention may circulate cooling fluid utilizing pumps. Also, the RCS of the invention may utilize electrochemical mechanisms so as to support the cooling of various fat deposits, cooling under the arms, cooling in the lumbar region, cooling in the carotid artery path, as well as cooling in the area of the heart, chest, back, neck, brainstem, and/or other portions of the cranium. The cooling supplied by the RCS may be applied in various manners including utilizing observed temperatures and applying one or more continuous flows of material so as to control temperature. The RCS of the invention may control temperature in a manual or programmable manner so as to monitor and precisely control temperature is desired.

An embodiment of the RCS may utilize sensors associated with the CSS. The RCS and/or the CSS may be powered by AC, battery or dual batteries charged in a refrigerated charger that function as AC power, sending alternating currents of coldness, decreasing potential hindrance of battery liability and/or warmth. The CSS may utilize a battery cell gel lining that serves as a reagent to release a charge that cools in an increasing manner under programmable control or manual control. The coolant material that is utilized may be controlled so as to not release charge (i.e. not cool) or be rendered active so as to release charge (i.e. to cool) Such control may be applied utilizing sensor systems, such as the sensor systems associated with the CSS. Accordingly, the systems and methods of the invention may send subtle pumps of coolant charge to fat deposits, carotid arteries, the heart and/or the brain, for example.

The systems and methods of the invention may also include “orthopedic cell regenerators.” Such orthopedic cell regenerators may utilize a set of biomarkers that control the application of acoustic signals to the human body upon the observation of predetermined bio conditions. In addition, or alternatively, such orthopedic cell regenerators may utilize a preprogrammed acoustic signal delivery system. The signals may be strategically delivered to inflamed orthopedic cells or attendant baroreceptors for injury relief with and/or without the above-described CSS, RCS, and/or orthopedic RCS components. Portions of the body, that the signals are applied to, may include the ankle, hand, some, finger, toe, knee, elbow and/or shoulder, for example, up to a complete exoskeleton i.e. one signal to each baroreceptor on body.

Hereinafter, the various further embodiments and features of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1is a diagram showing a central signal system1000, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the central signal system100includes, in particular, various transducers200, sensor components400, and a control device100. The central signal system100also includes a plurality of cooling devices (510′,510″), collectively referred to by reference510. As is shown, the central signal system100is connected to a network10. Further, the control device100may be in communication (via the network10) with a user device700, such as a cellular phone, for example.

As described below, the control device100controls the transducer components200and/or the cooling devices510based on various input including data input from the sensor components400and/or from the user device700.

As shown, the transducer components200include:

an (OPE-T)210, i.e. an optic path entrainer (OPE) transducer, associated with optic path entrainer signal generator (OPESG)310;

a first (H-T)220′ and a second (H-T)220″, i.e. a heart (H) transducers, (collectively referred to by reference220) associated with heart signal generator (HSG)320; as well as

a first (NG-T)230′ and a second (NG-T)230″, i.e. navel entrainer (NE) transducers, (collectively referred to by reference230) associated with navel entrainer signal generator (NESG)330.

Each of the transducers200may be held in place adjacent to user's body in a suitable manner. Illustratively, as shown inFIG. 1, the transducer210is supported by headgear920. The headgear920might be in the form of an elastic band disposed within the structure of a cap or hat, for example. The ends of such an elastic band may be provided with hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro, so as to provide adjustment.

Also, the transducers220and the transducers230, as well as the cooling devices510, may be supported by suitable body gear, such as body gear910shown inFIG. 1. The body gear may be in the form of elastic bands that are supported by and/or held in position by a supporting structure such as a vest930, shirt, or some other support structure.

The various transducer components200, as shown inFIG. 1, as well as the cooling devices510(including cooling device510′ and cooling device510″), are shown as connected to the control device100via physical wires. However, it is appreciated that the invention is of course not limited to a physical connection utilizing wires. Other communication channels may well be utilized, such as Bluetooth or radio communication, for example.

The central signal system1000includes sensor components400, as described above. More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the sensor components may include a heartrate sensor410, a photocell sensor420, a pressure sensor430, a microphone440, a thermal sensor450, and/or an inhalation sensor460.

It is appreciated that not all of the sensor components400may be compatible with and/or utilized with each of the transducer components200and/or the cooling devices510. Further details of the particular processing of the sensor components400in conjunction with the transducer components200and cooling devices510are described below.

As shown inFIG. 1, the control device100is physically manifested in a housing100′. The control device100may be provided with a mechanical arrangement to attach the control device100upon the body of a user, such as the clip101(a) as shown. However, it is appreciated that the systems and methods of the invention are not limited to the particular arrangement shown inFIG. 1. Indeed, the housing100′ may be integrated into one and the same housing as one of the transducers shown, for example. Also, the housing100′ may be integrated into one and the same housing as one of the cooling devices510shown. In such a situation, where the control device100is integrated into a cooling device and/or a transducer, the controlling device100may then communicate with other transducers and/or cooling devices—so as to control such other transducers and/or cooling devices. This communication might be through a wire communication, a wireless communication such as Bluetooth, and/or some other communication channel, as desired.

FIG. 2is a diagram showing further features of the central signal system1000, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the central signal system1000includes a plurality of sensors, a plurality of transducers, and a cooling device. Further, the central signal system1000includes the control device100. Further details of the control device100are described below with reference toFIG. 3. In particular, the control device100may include firmware110as well as a plurality of signal generators. As noted above, the control device100, as well as the transducers and/or cooling devices, may be mounted on the body of the user.

In similar manner as is represented inFIG. 1,FIG. 2reflects that the control device100may communicate with a user device700via a suitable network10For example, the network10might be a cell communication channel700′.FIG. 2also reflects that the user device may interface with the control device, as well as signal generators (described below), to control the transducers and/or cooling devices. For example, a smart phone “app” may be used to adjust “threshold” values. It is appreciated that such feature is merely an example, and a smart phone may be utilized to control the transducers and/or cooling devices in various other ways and using various methodologies.

FIG. 3is a diagram that, in particular, shows further features of the “firmware”110housed within the control device100, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The firmware110may be in the form of a set of instructions (disposed on a computer readable medium) that provides an operating system, i.e. an operating environment. As shown inFIG. 3, disposed upon (and/or in the environment) of the firmware110) is an optic path entrainer signal generator310, a heart signal generator320, and a navel entrainer signal generator330. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each of the signal generators operate in the operating environment provided by the firmware110. In such environment, the signal generators may be separate processing components and/or the signal generators may be constituted by separate sets of computer instructions disposed on the same computer readable medium as the firmware, for example, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated that various variations of such arrangement are within the scope of the invention, as described further below.

FIG. 4is a further diagram showing additional particulars of the arrangement ofFIG. 3, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

As shown inFIG. 3, each of the signal generators may utilize similar processing architecture. Accordingly, the signal generator310will hereinafter be described—with the understanding that the signal generator320and the signal generator330may utilize similar arrangements.

Various aspects of the processing performed by the signal generator310are described below. As shown inFIG. 3(and shown more specifically inFIG. 4) the signal generator310includes a plurality of sensor nodes (311,312,313,314,315,316). Each of such sensor nodes provides a communication channel by which the signal generator310may input data, respectively, from the sensor components400. Accordingly, the sensor node311provides a communication channel by which the signal generator310may communicate with the heart rate sensor410. Further, the sensor node312provides a communication channel by which the signal generator310may communicate with the photocell sensor420. The sensor node313provides a communication channel by which the signal generator310may communicate with the pressure sensor430. The sensor node314provides a communication channel by which the signal generator310may communicate with the microphone440. The sensor node315provides a communication channel by which the signal generator310may communicate with the thermal sensor450. Lastly, the sensor node316provides a communication channel by which the signal generator310may communicate with the inhalation sensor460. Accordingly, the plurality of sensor nodes (311,312,313,314,315,316) respectively provide data to the signal generator310. Based on this input data (as well as other communicated data), signal generator may perform a variety of processing as is otherwise described herein.

As shown inFIG. 3, the signal generator310also includes what is herein characterized as an “app” node317. The app node317provides data communication between the signal generator310and the user device700, such as a smart phone700. Accordingly, the signal generator310may output data to the user device700via the app node317. Also, the signal generator310may input data from the user device700via the app node317. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, this communication may be performed through a communication portion190which interfaces with network10, and in turn the user device700. The signal generator320may similarly be provided with an app node327The signal generator330may also similarly be provided with an app node337.

Additionally, the architecture may include an app node117. The app node117provides communication between the firmware, itself, and the user device700. Further, as shown inFIG. 3and inFIG. 4, the architecture may include a plurality of sensor nodes (111,112,113,114,115,116) that provides sensor data to the firmware110. In other words, such sensor nodes (111,112,113,114,115,116) provide a communication channel by which the firmware110may, respectively, communicate with each of the sensor components. Accordingly, various input data from the various sensor components may be utilized by the firmware110acting independently, the signal generators acting independently (within the operating environment of the firmware110) and/or the firmware110acting in conjunction with one or more of the signal generators.

As shown inFIG. 3, the architecture ofFIG. 3further includes what is herein characterized as a switch gadget318. The switch gadget318is the mechanism by which the signal generator310and/or the firmware110controls the transducer210. More specifically, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the switch gadget318is a mechanism by which a signal power source319may be connected or disconnected with the transducer210. In one embodiment, the switch gadget318may simply be in the form of a mechanical switch that is opened or closed (by the switch gadget318) to either connect the signal power source319to the transducer210, or alternatively, disconnect the signal power source319to the transducer210. However, the invention is not limited to such basic switch. Rather, it is appreciated that the switch gadget318may include any of the variety of arrangements so as to control power flowing from a signal power source319to the transducer210. Accordingly, the switch gadget318may control various aspects of the power running between the signal power source319to the transducer210. Such aspects may include the level of power, the periodicity of power pulses, the duration of power pulses, frequency attributes of the pulses, and/or other attributes of power running from the signal power source319to the transducer210.

As shown inFIG. 3, in similar manner, the arrangement includes a switch gadget328. The switch gadget328is controlled (by the signal generator320, by the firmware110, or by the signal generator320working in conjunction with the firmware110) to control the passage of power from a signal power source329to the transducer220.

As further shown inFIG. 3, in similar manner, the arrangement includes a switch gadget338. The switch gadget338is controlled (by the signal generator330, by the firmware110, or by the signal generator330working in conjunction with the firmware110) to control the passage of power from a signal power source339to the transducer230.

FIG. 5is a diagram showing further details of a switch gadget, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In particular.FIG. 5, as an illustrative example, shows further details of the switch gadget318. As described above, the switch gadget318controls the transfer of power between the signal power source319and the transducer210The switch gadget318is controlled by the signal generator310operating in the environment of the firmware110and/or controlled by the firmware110, or even alternatively, controlled by both the signal generator310and the firmware110, working in conjunction with each other. The switch gadget310includes circuitry318-1that controls a suitable connection component, i.e., so as to connect or disconnect the signal power source319to the transducer210. This connection is performed based on input control signals from the signal generator310and/or firmware110. Relatedly, the switch gadget318includes the connection component318-2. In its simplest form, the connection component318-2might simply be in the form of a mechanical switch that opens/closes utilizing a suitable actuator, for example. As reflected inFIG. 5, the switch gadget may include on/off control, power level control, periodicity control, duration control, and/or repeat control, for example.

In addition to the signal generators disposed upon the firmware110, as described above, a cooling device controller540may also be disposed upon and/or operate in the environment provided by the firmware110.FIG. 6is a diagram showing such cooling device controller540disposed upon the firmware110, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

In such environment, the cooling device controller may be a separate processing component and/or may be constituted by separate set(s) of computer instructions disposed on the same computer readable medium as the firmware, for example. It is appreciated that various variations of such arrangement are within the scope of the invention, as described further below.

As shown inFIG. 6, the cooling device controller includes a plurality of sensor nodes (511,512,513,514,515,516). Each of such a sensor nodes provides a communication channel by which the cooling device controller may input data, respectively, from the sensor components400. Accordingly, the sensor node511provides a communication channel by which the cooling device controller540may communicate with the heart rate sensor410. Further, the sensor node512provides a communication channel by which the cooling device controller may communicate with the photocell sensor420. The sensor node513provides a communication channel by which the cooling device controller may communicate with the pressure sensor430. The sensor node514provides a communication channel by which the cooling device controller may communicate with the microphone440. The sensor node515provides a communication channel by which the cooling device controller may communicate with the thermal sensor450. Lastly, the sensor node516provides a communication channel by which the cooling device controller540may communicate with the inhalation sensor460. Accordingly, the plurality of sensor nodes (511,512,513,514,515,516) respectively provide data to the cooling device controller. Based on this data (as well as other communicated data), the cooling device controller may perform a variety of processing as is otherwise described herein.

As shown inFIG. 6, the cooling device controller540also includes what is herein characterized as an “app” node517. The app node517provides data communication between the cooling device controller540and the user device700, such as a smart phone700. Accordingly, the cooling device controller540may output data to the user device700via the app node517. Also, the cooling device controller540may input data from the user device700via the app node517. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, this communication may be performed through the communication portion190which interfaces with network10, and in turn the user device700.

As shown inFIG. 6, the architecture ofFIG. 6further includes the switch gadget518. The switch gadget518is the mechanism by which the cooling device controller540and/or the firmware110controls the cooling device510. More specifically, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the switch gadget518is a mechanism by which a power source519may be connected or disconnected with the cooling device510. In one embodiment, the switch gadget518may simply be in the form of a mechanical switch that is opened or closed (by the switch gadget518) to either connect the power source519to the cooling device510, or alternatively, disconnect the signal power source3192the transducer210. However, the invention is not limited to such basic switch. Rather, it is appreciated that the switch gadget518may include any of the variety of arrangements so as to control power flowing from the power source519to the cooling device510. Accordingly, the switch gadget518may control various aspects of the power running between the power source519to the cooling device510. Such aspects may include the level of power, the periodicity of power pulses, the duration of power pulses, frequency attributes of the pulses, and/or other attributes of power running from the power source519to the cooling device510.

As described above, the systems and methods of the invention may include a cooling device, such as the cooling device510shown inFIG. 6.FIG. 7is a diagram showing an example of a cooling device510, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the cooling device510includes a cooling device housing511. For example, the cooling device housing511might be constructed of plastic so as to enclose and support the interior components of the cooling device510. Within the housing, is a cool liquid reservoir512. The cool liquid reservoir512, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, contains a cool liquid that is circulated within the cooling device510through conduit514′. The circulation of such cool liquid is provided by a pump514. A controller/power source513is provided to control the pump. More specifically, the controller/power source513may be controlled (as described above) to apply varying amounts of coolness to the skin. In the example ofFIG. 7, the particular level of coolness may be controlled by varying the circulation of the cool liquid. That is, in operation, newly cooled liquid is pumped, by pump514, so as to be adjacent to the skin. Upon that liquid being warmed, as a result of being adjacent the skin, such warmed liquid is then replaced, via pumping, with additional newly cooled liquid. Hand-in-hand, the warmed liquid is then returned to the cool liquid reservoir—so as to be re-cooled. The cooling device510may include, as shown, an electrochemical link518, or other arrangement, to control the cooling of the liquid to close to the freezing point, or other desired temperature. For example, the cool liquid reservoir512may be provided with a cooling assembly to cool the liquid, such as a refrigeration arrangement. The cooling device may be provided with a comfort layer516and a safety layer517, such as to prevent frost-bite or other adverse condition from occurring to the user.

As shown inFIG. 7and also described above, the cooling device510(and specifically the controller/power source513of the cooling device) may be connected to the control device100via a wire515or via some other communication channel.

As described above, the cooling material utilized in the cooling device510is in the form of a liquid. However, the invention is not limited to such particular. Rather, it is appreciated, that the cooling material might be in the form of a gel, for example, as otherwise described herein. As with liquid, such gel might be circulated through the cooling device510in varying degrees—so as to provide the desired cooling.

FIG. 8is a high-level flowchart showing aspects of processing that is performed to control the transducers (210,220,230), in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

As shown, the processing starts in step800and passes to step810. In step810, the system performs processing to control the transducer230. Further details are described below with reference toFIGS. 9-11. Then, the process passes to step820. In step820, processing is performed to control the heart transducer220. Then, in step830, processing is performed to control the transducer210. It is appreciated that the processing ofFIG. 8shows control of the transducers being performed in a serial manner, such as may be the case with a particular processor executing computer readable instructions in a serial manner. However, it is appreciated that the processing shown inFIG. 8may alternatively be performed using parallel processing—or performed using both serial processing and parallel processing methodologies.

FIG. 9is a flowchart showing further details the “perform processing to control NE transducer210” step810ofFIG. 8, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the process starts in step810and passes to step811. In step811, the process determines if a signal output, to the transducer210, is dictated by the processing of firmware. Further details of this processing are described below with reference toFIG. 10. If yes in step811, then the processing passes to step812. In step812, the processing stores the dictated firmware signal into what is herein characterized as a firmware signal data buffer. In other words, for example, the dictated firmware signal may be put into short-term memory. After the processing of step812, the process passes to step813. On the other hand, if no in step811, then the processing passes directly to step813.

In step813, the processing determines if the signal output to the transducer210is dictated by the processing of the signal generator310. Further details of this processing are described below with reference toFIG. 11. If yes in step813, processing passes to step814. In step814, the process stores the dictated NE signal in a suitable signal data buffer. In other words, the dictated NE signal is stored in a short term memory, for example. After step814, the process passes to step815. In step815, the processing determines whether there is both a dictated firmware signal AND a dictated NE signal generator signal.

If yes in step815, this reflects that both the signal generator310and the firmware are generating commands to control the transducer210. Illustratively, the signal generator310may be controlling the strength of the signal, whereas the firmware is controlling the duration of a pulse of the signal. In this situation, there would be no conflict. However, to address the situation of the conflict, the process passes to step817. In step817, the processing determines whether the dictated signals are indeed in conflict. Further, step817(ofFIG. 9) reflects that if the dictated signals are in conflict, then the processing should resolve such conflict. For example, the resolution of such conflict might be based on stored prioritization roles. For example, it might be the case that a prioritization rule dictates that, given a conflict, firmware should always take precedence.

After step817ofFIG. 9, the process passes to step819A. In step819A, the processing controls the switch gadget320to apply the combined, reconciled signal to the NE transducer210.

With further reference to the processing of step815(ofFIG. 9), if no in step815, then the processing passes to step819B. In step819B, the processing controls the switch gadget320so as to apply the NE signal to the NE transducer210.

With further reference to step813, it may be that the signal generator310has not generated any signal to control the transducer210. In such a situation, the processing passes from step813to step816. In step816, the process determines whether there is a dictated firmware signal. This processing utilizes the stored dictated firmware signal, which was stored in step812above.

If it is determined that there is not a dictated firmware signal, then the processing passes to step818. In step818, the processing has indeed determined that there is NO signal for the NE transducer. Accordingly, the NE transducer will remain in a rest state, or be put into a rest state.

On the other hand, if there is indeed a dictated firmware signal, then the process passes from step816to step819C. The processing then controls the switch gadget320to apply the sole signal, i.e. the firmware signal, to the NE transducer210.

FIG. 10is a flowchart showing in further detail the “determine if signal output (to the NE transducer) is dictated by processing of firmware” step811ofFIG. 9, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The processing ofFIG. 10is provided to show an example of the manner in which the firmware might control the NE transducer.

As shown inFIG. 10, the process starts in step811and passes to step811-2. In step811-2, the firmware retrieves transducer schedule information that has been input from a user's smartphone. Then, in step811-3, the system determines, based on a schedule, whether a signal is to be generated. For example, this might include comparing data in the schedule vis-à-vis actual observed time. If a signal is to be generated, the process passes from step811-3to step811-4. In such step, the firmware retrieves attributes of the dictated signal including strength, duration, and periodicity, for example. Then, the processing passes to step811-5. In step811-5, the processing passes to step812(ofFIG. 9) with the attributes of the particular dictated firmware signal that is to be generated.

On the other hand, if no in step811-3, the processing passes to step811-6. In step811-6, the process passes to step813ofFIG. 9. In other words, no dictated firmware signal is to be generated.

FIG. 11is a flowchart showing in further detail the “determine if signal output (to navel entrainer (NE) transducer) is dictated by processing of NE signal generator (NESG)” step813ofFIG. 7, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 11shows an example of the manner in which the NE signal generator might control the NE transducer230.

As shown, the process starts in step813, and passes to step813-2. In step813-2, the NE signal generator330inputs an observed ambient light level from the photocell sensor (light sensor)420. Then, in step813-2, the NE signal generator330retrieves light level thresholds, which have been input, for example, from a user via the user smartphone700. Then, the process passes to step813-3In step813-3, the processing determines, based on threshold values, whether or not a transducer signal is to be generated.

If yes in step813-3, the process passes to step813-4. In step813-4, the firmware retrieves the strength of the NESG signal to be generated. For example, this processing might be performed utilizing a mapping that associates a particular light level with a particular signal strength. Then, the process passes to step813-5. In step813-5, the processing passes to step814(ofFIG. 9), with attributes of the dictated NESG signal that is to be generated.

On the other hand, if no in step813-3, the processing passes to step813-6. In step813-6, the processing returns to step816ofFIG. 9—thus reflecting that no signal is to be generated.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, it is appreciated that processing to control the heart (H) transducer220(step820ofFIG. 8) and processing to control the optic path entrainer (OPE)transducer210(step830ofFIG. 8) may be performed, for example, in a manner similar to that illustrated inFIGS. 9-11.

Attached hereto, and a part of this provisional patent application filing, is “Attachment-A” (including pages 1-5) entitled “External Cardiac Assistance Ecosystem”.

Attachment-A also includes various description and further details in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

On page 5 of the Attachment-A is Diagram A-1 showing features of the invention, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention.

As shown, Diagram A-1 shows a central signal system and in particular, a central signal flow with sensors.

As shown, the central signal system includes a plurality of communicable elements, a plurality of entrainers, a user device, a sensor/signal routing matrix, firmware, and relatedly, software. The communicable elements (as characterized herein) include a transducer and likely more than one transducer, a heart rate sensor, a photocell sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone, a thermosensor, an inhalation sensor, a Bluetooth component, a mini USB/lightning, and a responsive cooling system. The mini USB, lightning, are ports for wired compatibility—such as compatibility with Apple, Samsung, and Google phones for example—such being provided in addition to Bluetooth, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

The plurality of entrainers include an optic path entrainer, a heart entrainer, and a navel entrainer.

The user device may be any of a wide variety of devices including a smart phone, a watch with an on-board computer, or a PC (personal computer) app i.e. application, for example. As shown, such a user device may be provided with any number of features, including voice assistance, telecommunication features, time jam features, ear audio features, one or more sensors to provide human symptom input, and suggestion output (such as an audio output that provides useful information to a user).

Such “time jam” feature relates to synching time between two devices in embodiments of the invention. The time jam feature addresses the problem that two devices' respective time codes, even if initially synched together, tend to drift by seconds without a synchronization device. The invention provides such a synchronization device that may be implemented in the form of an “app”, which is coded to monitor and synch together two devices—such as a smartphone and firmware of device—to maintain time exactness and prevent temporal drifts or desynchronization.

As shown, the firmware of the invention may also include a variety of features, including sensor input, a signal firewall, a signal biomarker set, signal source/output features, an aggregate blackbox (that collects and stores various information, i.e. data, regarding the central signal system), and may further be provided with the ability to be re-written via “factory updates” to the firmware.

The software may be disposed in the operating environment of the firmware as otherwise described herein.

The central signal system further includes the sensor/signal routing matrix, as noted above, and shown in Diagram A-I. The sensor/signal routing matrix may be provided to control various signals and/or other data moving to and from (i.e. in and out) of the various components of the central signal system Diagram A-1 includes indicia that shows, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a mapping of communication between the communicable elements and the various entrainers—in conjunction with the association of the communicable elements/various entrainers vis-à-vis the other components of the central signal system. As shown for example, the heart rate sensor is in communication with the heart entrainer. As shown, for example, the photocell sensor is in communication with both the optic path entrainer and the heart entrainer. As shown for example, the pressure sensor is in communication with the heart entrainer and the navel entrainer. As shown, for example, the microphone is in communication with the optic path entrainer and the heart entrainer. As shown, for example, the thermosensor is in communication with the heart entrainer and the navel entrainer. As shown, for example, the inhalation sensor is in communication with the heart entrainer and the navel entrainer. Further, channels of communication of the Bluetooth, mini USB/lightning and responsive cooling system, vis-à-vis the entrainers, are illustrated.

Each of the optic path entrainer, the heart entrainer, and the navel entrainer may be in communication with a respective transducer. On the other hand, each of the optic path entrainer, the heart entrainer, and the navel entrainer may be in communication with a same transducer, i.e. so as to collectively control such same transducer (in some suitable manner).

It is appreciated that features of a particular embodiment described herein may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, as may be desired.

Hereinafter, further aspects of implementation of the systems and methods of the invention will be described.

As described herein, embodiments of the system of the invention and various processes of embodiments are described. The system of the invention and/or portions of the system of the invention may be in the form of a specialized “processing machine,” i.e. a tangibly embodied specialized machine. As used herein, the term “processing machine,” is to be understood to include at least one “processor” that uses at least one memory. The various processing portions as described herein, may in the form of one or more “processors” in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The processing portions are associated with at least one memory that stores a set of instructions. The instructions may be either permanently or temporarily stored in the memory or memories of the processing machine. The processor executes the instructions that are stored in the memory or memories in order to process data. The set of instructions may include various instructions that perform a particular task or tasks, such as any of the processing as described herein. Such a set of instructions for performing a particular task may be characterized as a program, software program, code or simply software, for example.

As noted above, the processing machine, which may be constituted, for example, by the particular system and/or systems described above, executes the instructions that are stored in the memory or memories to process data. This processing of data may be in response to commands by a user or users of the processing machine, in response to previous processing, in response to a request by another processing machine and/or any other input, for example.

As noted above, the machine used to implement the invention may be in the form of a processing machine. The processing machine may also utilize (or be in the form of) any of a wide variety of other technologies including a special purpose computer, a computer system including a microcomputer, mini-computer or mainframe for example, a programmed microprocessor, a micro-controller, a peripheral integrated circuit element, a CSIC (Consumer Specific Integrated Circuit) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other integrated circuit, a logic circuit, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic device such as a FPGA, PLD, PLA or PAL, or any other device or arrangement of devices that is capable of implementing the steps of the processes of the invention.

The processing machine used to implement the invention may utilize a suitable operating system. Thus, embodiments of the invention may include a processing machine running the Windows 10 operating system, the Windows 8 operating system, Microsoft Windows™ Vista™ operating system, the Microsoft Windows™ XP™ operating system, the Microsoft Windows™ NT™ operating system, the Windows™ 2000 operating system, the Unix operating system, the Linux operating system, the Xenix operating system, the IBM AIX™ operating system, the Hewlett-Packard UX™ operating system, the Novell Netware™ operating system, the Sun Microsystems Solaris' operating system, the OS/2™ operating system, the BeOS™ operating system, the Macintosh operating system, the Apache operating system, an OpenStep™ operating system or another operating system or platform.

As described above, the invention may illustratively be embodied in the form of a processing machine, including a computer or computer system, for example, that includes at least one memory. It is to be appreciated that the set of instructions, i.e., the software for example, that enables the computer operating system to perform the operations described herein may be contained on any of a wide variety of media or medium, as desired. Further, the data that is processed by the set of instructions might also be contained on any of a wide variety of media or medium. That is, the particular medium, i.e., the memory in the processing machine, utilized to hold the set of instructions and/or the data used in the invention may take on any of a variety of physical forms, for example. Illustratively, as also described above, the medium may be in the form of paper, paper transparencies, a compact disk, a DVD, an integrated circuit, a hard disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk, a magnetic tape, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM, a EPROM, as well as any other medium or source of data that may be read by the processors of the invention.

The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the computer implemented methods and systems disclosed herein. While the computer implemented methods and systems have been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the computer implemented methods and systems have been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the computer implemented methods and the systems are not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein—rather, the computer implemented methods and the systems extend to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification with drawings, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the computer implemented methods and the systems disclosed herein in their aspects.