Dynamic and variable controlled information system and methods for monitoring and adjusting behavior

The disclosed embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for assisting individuals in controlling respiratory rates. For example, a respiratory regulation apparatus is provided in the form of a plush animal toy that operates components to simulate the breathing rate of anxious individuals. The apparatus may include actuators that are controlled by a slotted cam that is dynamically rotated at varying speeds in a determined rotational direction. The actuators move inward and outward in relative directions to move a torso of the plush animal toy to simulate breathing. In certain aspects, actuators may expand outward while at the same time another actuator contracts inward to cause the torso to simulate realistic breathing movements. A processor controls the speed of the cam such that the simulated breathing of the animal toy apparatus can be reduced at a controlled rate to assist an individual in reducing their breathing rate to a calmer state.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following disclosure relates to dynamic and variable feedback systems and, more particularly, to such systems that use electro-mechanical components to provide information to help adjust behavior.

BACKGROUND

Modern society is filled with numerous sources of stress and conflict for most, if not all, people. While many people may have learned or have been exposed to coping mechanisms to manage stress, respiratory rates, anxiety, and unregulated behavior that can result from these conditions, others may not have the maturity, skills, or capability to do so. For example, young children, senior citizens, people with emotional and/or physical challenges, and victims of violence, injury, natural disaster, poverty, or systematic discrimination may be more vulnerable to various forms of traumatic stress. Some may not only lack control of their surroundings and emotions; they may also lack sufficient verbal skills to express their concerns and state of mind. One thing they can learn to control is their breathing, including their awareness of breath, breathing patterns and associated thoughts—which in turn modulate emotion and impact behavior. It is vital to teach people—especially vulnerable young children-ways to use the control they can have over their own breathing, thoughts, and self-talk as a means toward calming themselves, so that they can learn to cope better with stressful situations in order to pursue a healthier emotional, mental, and physical life.

SUMMARY

Methods and systems consistent with the disclosed embodiments provide features that provide dynamic, configurable, and receptive mechanisms aimed to assist users to control and adjust their breathing patterns, thoughts, and self-talk in order to create a stable mental, emotional and physical state. In certain aspects, the disclosed embodiments may have the appearance of a toy, so that a child is likely to interact with the system and receive benefits provided by the processes performed by that system. In other aspects, the disclosed embodiments may have the appearance of a wearable accessory or hardware/software apparatus.

For example, the disclosed embodiments may include an respiratory regulation apparatus that includes a CPU housing including a processor programmed to execute instructions to provide one or more control signals to control one or more components of the apparatus. The apparatus may also include a first actuator that includes a first actuator extension having a first follower and a second actuator that includes a second actuator extension having a second follower. The apparatus may also include an actuator housing that includes a first actuator housing receiving slot that receives the first actuator extension and a second actuator housing receiving slot that receives the second actuator extension. Further, the apparatus may include a slotted cam that connects to a shaft of a motor that is configured to rotate the cam in a first rotational direction, the slotted cam including a continuous oval slot that receives the first follower and the second follower. In certain aspects, the processor may provide one or more of the control signals to control the rotational speed of the motor shaft such that the cam rotates in the first rotational direction at a first rotational speed that causes the first actuator extension to move inward and outward within the first actuator housing receiving slot in a repeating pattern at an actuator movement rate based on the rotational movement of the cam in the first rotational direction and also cause the second actuator extension to move inward and outward within the second actuator housing receiving slot in a repeating pattern at the actuator movement rate based on the rotational movement of the cam in the first rotational direction. Moreover, the processor may dynamically control the rotational speed of the motor shaft such that the cam rotates in the first rotational direction at dynamically decreasing rotational speeds that results in the first and second actuators moving inward and outward within the respective first and second actuator housing receiving slots at dynamically decreasing actuator movement rates.

In other aspects, the apparatus may also include a third actuator having a third actuator extension including a third follower and the actuator housing may include a third slot for receiving the third actuator extension. The cam oval slot may be configured to receive the third follower. In certain embodiments, the actuator housing may also include a first groove that allows the first follower to move in a first linear direction within the actuator housing based on the rotation of the cam in the first rotational direction. The actuator housing may also include a second groove that allows the second follower to move in a second linear direction within the actuator housing based on the rotation of the cam in the first rotational direction. Still further, the actuator housing may include a third groove that allows the third follower to move in a third linear direction within the actuator housing based on the rotation of the cam in the first rotational direction. The respiratory regulation apparatus disclosed above may be configured such that the first linear direction is a direction outward from the actuator housing, the second linear direction is a direction outward from the actuator housing, and the third linear direction is an inward direction toward the actuator housing.

In certain aspects, the respiratory regulation apparatus may be embedded within a plush animal toy that includes a torso that is expanded outward and contracted inward based on movement caused by the first, second, and third actuators in a manner that simulates breathing by the animal toy. The torso may be expanded outward on two opposing sides based on the movements of the first the second actuators by the rotation of the cam in the first rotational direction and, at the same time, the torso may be contracted inward on a different torso side based on the movement of the third actuator by the rotation of the cam in the first rotational direction. The expanded outward and contracted inward torso movement caused by at least the first and second actuators is done in a manner that simulates breathing by the animal toy.

In other embodiments, the respiratory regulation apparatus may also include movable apparatus leg extensions that connect to a body housing that includes the actuators and the cam. In some instance, where the apparatus is embedded within a plush animal toy that includes extremities, the apparatus leg extensions may form part of the animal toy extremities. In certain aspects, at least one of the animal toy extremities resembles a prosthetic leg.

In other aspects, the processor of the respiratory regulation apparatus may generate one or more of the control signals that dynamically control movement of the first, second, and third actuators in a dynamically adjustable pattern that simulates breathing. Where the apparatus is embedded within a plush animal toy, the processor may generate one or more of the control signals that dynamically control movement of the first, second, and third actuators in a dynamically adjustable pattern that simulates breathing of the toy animal.

In other embodiments, the processor of the respiratory regulation apparatus may receive input signals reflecting a breathing pattern of an individual proximate to the apparatus and generates a control signal to control the motor to cause the cam to rotate at a first speed in the first rotational direction such that the first actuator extension moves inward and outward within the first actuator housing receiving slot at a first repeating pattern rate based on the rotational movement of the cam in the first rotational direction. Moreover, the processor may also generate a control signal to control the motor to cause the cam to rotate at a first speed in the first rotational direction such that the second actuator extension moves inward and outward within the second actuator housing receiving slot at the first repeating pattern rate based on the rotational movement of the cam in the first rotational direction. In other embodiments, the processor may generate subsequent control signals to control the motor to cause the cam to rotate at a dynamically decreasing speed in the first rotational direction such that the first actuator extension moves inward and outward within the first actuator housing receiving slot at a corresponding dynamic decreasing pattern rate based on the rotational movement of the cam in the first rotational direction. Further, the processor may generate subsequent control signals to control the motor to cause the cam to rotate at a dynamically decreasing speed in the first rotational direction such that the second actuator extension moves inward and outward within the second actuator housing receiving slot at the corresponding dynamic decreasing pattern rate based on the rotational movement of the cam in the first rotational direction.

In other aspects, the respiratory regulation apparatus may include an audio component for providing audio instructions through a speaker that reflect instructions regarding how to reduce a breathing rate to a calm level and a lighting component that provides repeated lighting at a first lighting rate that is dynamically reduced based on a dynamic decrease in the rotational speed of the cam.

The disclosed embodiments also include a method for providing respiratory regulation assistance through an respiratory regulation toy apparatus including a processor that provides control signals to control the rotational speed of a cam that connects to actuators that each repeatedly move in a respective outward and inward direction and rate relative to the apparatus based on a first rotational direction of the cam. In certain aspects, the method may include receiving, by the processor, a signal reflecting a breathing rate of an individual proximate to the respiratory regulation toy apparatus and controlling, by the processor, movement of the actuators to simulate the breathing rate by the respiratory regulation toy apparatus. The method may further include dynamically reducing the rate of the inward and outward directional movement of the actuators to simulate a dynamic and controlled reduction in the breathing rate of the respiratory regulation toy apparatus. The respiratory regulation toy apparatus may operate to help the individual reduce the individual's breathing rate by providing dynamically controlled physical movements of a torso of the respiratory regulation toy apparatus, the physical movements caused by the dynamic movements of the actuators controlled by the cam rotating in the first rotational direction in such a manner that simulates a breathing pattern of the respiratory regulation toy apparatus.

In other embodiments, the actuators involved in the method may include at least a first actuator and a second actuator and the cam includes a continuous oval slot that receives followers associated with the first and second actuators such that movement of the first and second actuators are controlled by rotational movement of the oval slot in the cam. The method may further include moving the first actuator in a linear direction relative to the torso of the respiratory regulation toy apparatus based on movement of the cam in the first rotational direction, and at the same time, moving the second actuator moves in an linear direction opposite to the first actuator linear direction relative to the torso based on the movement of the cam in the first rotational direction. Moreover, the method may also include providing audio guidance through an audio component of the respiratory regulation toy apparatus to guide the individual to reduce the individual's breathing rate, wherein the audio guidance is synchronized with the dynamic reduction of the simulated breathing rate of the respiratory regulation toy apparatus caused by the dynamically controlled inward and outward directional movement of the actuators.

Additionally, the method may include receiving, by the processor, a signal reflecting a selection of a language for the audio component to provide the audio guidance and providing the audio guidance in the selected language. Moreover, the method may further include receiving, by the processor, a signal reflecting an updated breathing rate of the individual and controlling, by the processor, movement of the actuators to simulate the updated breathing rate by the respiratory regulation toy apparatus.

The above exemplary aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not limiting. Other aspects of the disclosed embodiments may provide other features, such as location monitoring, physical and emotional state monitoring, and associated feedback control, and may include coaching in cognitive-behavioral and social-emotional skill building. These and other exemplary aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described in detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar components, functionalities, processes, elements, and the like.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and process that may be used to guide the cognitive, emotional, social, and/or physical development and self-regulation of a person, e.g., a child or adolescent.FIG.1is a block diagram of an exemplary system consistent with certain aspects of the disclosed embodiments. As shown inFIG.1, a system100may include various components that perform one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments. For example, system100may include a power system105, one or more processor(s)110, a movement mechanism120, one or more memories (memory130), input mechanisms140, and output system150. The configuration and arrangement of the components in system100may vary. For example, system100may further include one or more other components (not shown) that receive and/or provide information for use by other components of system100(e.g., processor110, memory130, movement mechanism120, etc.). In certain aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a component may refer to hardware, firmware, and/or software, or a combination thereof. Moreover, certain aspects of the components of system100may be combined into a single component to perform functions and processes consistent with the disclosed embodiments. For example, processor110may include a memory device that stores information that may be used by processor110alone, or in combination with information from memory130, to perform one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

Power system105may include one or more components that provide power to one or more components of system100. For example, power system105may include one or more DC power source(s), such as battery source(s) that provide power to electrical components of system100. Power system105may also include other components, such as power boost circuitry, and related control circuitry for controlling the power to system100. Additional aspects of power system105are described below.

Processor110may be one or more processing devices (e.g., microcomputer, microcontroller, and/or CPU(s)) that are configured to execute software instructions stored on one or more memory devices (e.g., memory130, internal to processor110, etc.) to perform one or more processes consistent with aspects of the disclosed embodiments. In one example, processor110may perform processes that provide information to movement mechanism120to control the operation of mechanism120to actuate mechanical components of system100to cause system100to simulate breathing in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. In another example, processor110may perform processes that provide information to output system150to produce output (e.g., audible sounds, visible displays, light signals, etc.) in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. In other aspects, processor110may receive information from input mechanisms140, which upon processing and analysis, provide information to dynamically adjust the operation of movement mechanism120and/or output system150. In still other examples, processor110may perform processes that provide information for communication to a remote system for monitoring, feedback control, and other features consistent with the disclosed embodiments. The above examples, and those discussed below, do not limit the disclosed embodiments, as additional features consistent with the operation, functionalities, and processes may be implemented and performed by the disclosed embodiments.

Movement mechanism120may be a system that provides mechanical movement relating to system100in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosed embodiments. For example, movement mechanism120may include one or more actuator(s) for moving one or more mechanical parts of movement mechanism120and system100. Movement mechanism120may include one or more motors that drive mechanical components of system100to perform one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments. For example, the motor(s) may be coupled to a gear assembly and/or cam(s) for driving one or more actuator(s), as described further below with respect to exemplary configurations of certain embodiments. Additional features of movement mechanism120are described below and are not limited to the above examples.

Memory130may include one or more storage devices that store instructions that may be used by processor(s)100to perform functions related to the disclosed embodiments. For example, memory130may store and provide software instructions that may perform one or more processes when executed by processor110. In certain aspects, memory130may include a single program that, when executed by processor110, performs certain functions of system100, or memory130may include multiple programs that individually or collectively perform functions consistent with the disclosed embodiments. Memory130may also store data that may reflect any type of information in one or more formats that system100may use to perform features consistent with the disclosed embodiments. For example, such data may include data files containing information in different languages that may be output by output system150. Such data may also include data files that are used by processor110to display information via output system150.

Other aspects of memory130are described below consistent with the disclosed embodiments. AlthoughFIG.1shows memory130as a single component, aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not limited to such a configuration. System100may include one or more memories130that may store data and/or software consistent with certain aspects of the disclosed embodiments. For example, memory130may include an audio storage unit and an audio player that maintains and processes audio files for output by output system150based on signals provided by processor110.

Input mechanisms140may include one or more devices and related software configured to allow information to be received by system100. For example, input mechanisms140may include one or more user input selection switches (e.g., buttons, selectors, etc.) that enable a user to select one or more different modes of operation consistent with the features provided by system100. For instance, input mechanisms140may include a breathing rate mode selector that enables a user to select one or more breathing modes that are performed by certain applications of system100. Further, input mechanisms140may include one or more song mode selectors that enable a user to select one or more song modes for system100to play via audible components of output system150. Further, input mechanisms140may include one or more coaching selectors that enable a user to select delivery of one or more coaching scripts for system100to play via audible components of output system150. Input mechanisms140may also include a power control selector that may turn on and off system100. Input mechanisms140may also include a language, voice and dialect selector that enables a user to select a preferred language and voice delivery mode, including mechanical voice delivery of the songs and narration/coaching modes. In some embodiments, system100may be configured to perform processes to detect one or more languages. For example, system100may include software and associated components that when executed may automatically receive, analyze, and determine the language of a user's speech, and provide signals to components of system100to enable the system to automatically adjust output to be compatible with the detected language. Thus, for instance, when a user speaks in a language that may be included in a language library of system100, the system may detect the language of such speech input and automatically convert to using (e.g., outputting) language files compatible with the detected language. Such processes may enable operation and use of system100without requiring a user to manually select the language that will be used for audio output. In some embodiments sound levels and language choices are selectable from a smartphone or other device, and additional songs and coaching to promote self-regulation can be loaded from the phone into the toy apparatus. Input mechanisms140may also include a selector that may enable a user to manually enable a heartbeat display mechanism provided in connection with output system150, matched to the user's respiratory rate or separate from it.

In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the implementations, features, operations, and functionality of system100may be configured for use by children, adolescents, and/or socially vulnerable individuals (e.g., people with developmental impairments, people who have a spectrum of social, emotional and/or behavioral challenges, and people who have experienced traumatic stress, including poverty and systematic discrimination), who may be reluctant to communicate verbally with another human during stressful situations, or whose cultural traditions stigmatize or prohibit such verbal expressions. Therefore, in some embodiments, system100may be implemented in the form of a device (e.g., toy apparatus) with which a child or other user may interact. For example, in some embodiments system100may be implemented in a plush toy that is equipped with components and functionality designed to help the user calm himself/herself through feedback provided by system100via the toy (e.g., through guided breathing, audio and visual stimulus and/or feedback to control breathing, heart rate, self-talk related to behavioral control, etc.).

For example, in certain aspects, system100may perform processes that control mechanical components of the toy apparatus to simulate one or more breathing cycles via motorized embodiments of components that simulate the expansion and contraction of a chest cavity of a toy animal (e.g., a plush dog or other animal), along with visual, audible, and/or tactile cues for the user to observe and experience during use of system100. In this manner, the toy apparatus, via system100, may provide physical and electronic information that may assist the user to attain increased calmness through guided breathing and/or heart rate control, as the user is encouraged to touch the apparatus and adapt his/her own breathing to synchronize with the breathing patterns demonstrated by system100. Such guided breathing is valuable particularly for young children, who may not know how to calm themselves after becoming upset. For convenience, system100may be referred to as a calming apparatus. Due to the form factor of a toy, the user may be inclined to interact with the calming apparatus and thereby learn from its demonstrated actions and/or behaviors even if the user is a young child or a person whose exposure to traumatic stress has made it difficult for him/her to learning through written or verbal communication.

One embodiment in the form of a toy animal includes a prosthesis (e.g., as shown inFIGS.3A-3E) or similar physical manifestation of the emotional vulnerability a user may feel. Such an embodiment is particularly well suited for calming young children.

Other form factors, including but not limited to wearable accessories, hardware/software apparatus, electronic games, and/or mechanical robots, may be suited for older children and adolescents.

FIG.2shows a block diagram of an exemplary system200in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosed embodiments. System200may include system100(consistent with system100described forFIG.1and below), client210, and user device220. In certain aspects, system100, client210, and user device220may be interconnected via one or more communication links that send and receive information over one or more communication media. For instance, the communication link(s) may be any type of network configured to provide communications between components of system200. In certain aspects, the network communication link between one or more system100, client210, and/or user device220may be any type of network (including infrastructure) that provides communications, exchanges information, and/or facilitates the exchange of information, such as the Internet, a Local Area Network, or other suitable connection(s) that enables the sending and receiving of information between the components of system100, and/or combinations of networks (e.g., public network and private networks). For instance, the network communication link may include wireless communication paths and infrastructures that enable information to be wirelessly exchanged between remote components of system200. Such wireless communications may include known wireless communication technologies, including NFC, Bluetooth, or other longer-range wireless communication technologies, such as those involving Wi-Fi technologies. The infrastructure associated with such wireless communication link(s) are not shown, but are understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate to facilitate wireless communications between one or more of the components of system200. In such instances, system100may be configured with wireless communication input/output components, including circuitry and software that enable system100to send and receive information wirelessly via the network communication link(s) in system200.

In certain aspects, client210may be a client device that is remote from system100and is operated by a user. In certain embodiments, client210may be a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, mobile laptop computer, personal data assistant, robot, or other type of mobile computing device that is configured with features consistent with certain aspects of the disclosed embodiments. For instance, client210may include one or more computing devices that execute software instructions stored in memory to perform one or more processes consistent with the disclosed embodiments, such as receiving feedback information from system100and sending control information to system100via the wireless network communication link(s) of system200. Similarly, client210may include one or more memory device(s) storing data and software instructions and one or more processor(s) programmed and arranged to use the data and execute the software instructions to perform processes consistent with the disclosed embodiments. In certain aspects, client210may be a mobile device that stores a mobile application that provides information to a user via a display of client210and receives input from a user of client210that is processed, transmitted to system100, for controlling one or more features of system100consistent with the disclosed embodiments. Such features may include, but are not limited to, interactive games, music, art activities, and various things derived from them. The mobile application executed by client210may also receive alerts from system100that are processed by client210to provide audible and visual information associated with certain characteristics of a user associated with system100.

User device220may be a computing device that is associated with a user of system100. In certain examples, user device220may be a device that attaches to a user (e.g., a wrist bracelet, wrist watch, necklace, etc.) that interacts with one or more sensors to monitor one or more characteristics of the user of user device220. In certain aspects, user device220operates in connection with the operation of system100to provide feedback to client210associated with one or more characteristics of the user of user device220. For example, in certain aspects, user device220may be a computing device that attaches to the wrist of a user who interacts with the toy apparatus embodiment of system100described above. In certain aspects, user device220may connect to one or more sensors that monitor heart rate variability and/or breathing rate of the user, or other characteristics (e.g., body temperature, etc.). User device220may be configured to collect the user characteristic data and wirelessly transmit the information to system100. In response, system100may perform one or more user-characteristic analysis processes that assess the information to determine whether a user characteristic event is triggered, and if so, generate an alert message that is wirelessly transmitted to client210, which may be associated with the user's parent, guardian, or other person with supervisory responsibilities, or to a support person identified by another person or entity. Client220may be configured to display alert information in a display that identifies one or more of the user's characteristics (e.g., heart rate, breathing rate, etc.). In response, client220may receive input from the user to adjust the operating mode of system100such that processor110of system100associated with the apparatus may perform one or more functions consistent with the disclosed embodiments, including but not limited to context-specific coaching in social-emotional skill training to develop resilience in the face of stress.

Thus, in some embodiments, an individual other than the person interacting with system100(e.g., the user's parent, guardian, or other person with supervisory responsibilities, or a support person as discussed above) can use client device220(e.g., running a smartphone app) to control operation of system100remotely based on detected feedback. Such an individual can receive audio and/or video data (e.g., via a camera or microphone of system100) in order to hear and see the user, and can control the system100, e.g., via commands that are transmitted wirelessly from the individual's smartphone to system100.

In other embodiments, processor110may be configured to perform one or more processes that dynamically adjust the operating mode and functionalities of system100in response to characteristic data received from user device220, without waiting for control information to be received from client210. For instance, processor110may be configured to execute software stored in memory130that automatically and dynamically adjusts the breathing rate, heart rate, and audible or visual output information, as the user characteristic data changes from user device220. In this way, system100in, for example, the apparatus, may adjust the type of self-help strategies that may be provided to a user interacting with the toy apparatus based on real-time feedback of user characteristic data collected and provided from user device220.

In some embodiments, the user device220that the user wears as discussed above (e.g., a wrist bracelet, wrist watch, necklace, etc.) provides automatic feedback to system100to control modes of operation. For example, an audio analysis program running in system100processes audio data received from a microphone of system100or user device220, and detects and interprets sounds associated with predetermined conditions such as distress conditions (e.g., the sound of a person crying) or happiness conditions (e.g., the sound of a person laughing). The audio analysis program provides such sounds to system100, so that when the user device220is in the vicinity of the toy apparatus, the toy apparatus can detect the distress condition or happiness condition and react automatically in accordance with the configuration of system100. For example, system100(which can be configured in the form of a toy apparatus or similar vehicle) can automatically perform a spoken query (e.g., “You sound upset. Shall we try to calm down together?”). System100may be triggered to begin predetermined coaching operations based on detected movement or the like. For example, system100may be configured to detect movement when a user touches and/or picks up system100(e.g., which again can be in the form of a toy apparatus). Sensors in system100may provide signals to initiate one or more processes consistent with the disclosed embodiments, such as performing a coaching process that assists the user through breathing and stress-reducing practices consistent with disclosed embodiments. In some embodiments, system100may monitor user characteristics during the process and detect changes to such characteristics (e.g., breathing rate slows, crying is reduced, etc.). In turn, system100may perform processes that enable the system to adjust the rate and breathing cycles of the system (e.g., which can be configured as a toy apparatus) in appropriate fashion, in synchronization with audio cues received via a microphone of system100.

FIG.5shows a block diagram of an exemplary system500that may correspond to system100. As shown, system500may include components that correspond to components of system100described above and below. For example, a microcontroller502may correspond to processor110of system100, switches and raw mode buttons may correspond to input mechanism140of system100, audio module and audio-visual output may correspond to output system150of system100, battery pack and power subsystem may correspond to power system105, etc. System500is exemplary, and the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the configuration and components as shown inFIG.5.

FIG.3Ashows an example of an apparatus300in accordance with certain embodiments. The exemplary apparatus300may reflect the internal skeleton components of a toy apparatus that may perform features and operate consistent with the features disclosed herein relating to system100. In one embodiment, apparatus300may include a body region that is dimensioned so as to resemble a toy animal, e.g., a dog or cat. For example,FIG.3Ashows apparatus300as a toy apparatus (within a plush dog toy).FIGS.3B-3Eshow different views of apparatus300.FIG.3Bshows a front view,FIG.3Cshows a top view, andFIG.3Dshows a side view of apparatus300. The body region of apparatus300may include a CPU housing306(e.g., for enclosing components, such as processor110), a housing308(e.g., for enclosing components, such as mechanism(s) for controlling movement mechanism(s)320, etc.), and a power source housing (battery box310) for enclosing a power source, such as a battery. Front legs304A and304B are extremities (e.g., legs) that may be moved in various ways relative to the body region based on control signals provided by processor110and movement mechanism(s)320, to achieve various positions of the toy apparatus animal. For example,FIG.3Eshows apparatus300with front legs304aand304bin a different orientation relative to the body region of apparatus300than inFIGS.3A-3D.

In certain embodiments, toy apparatus300may be configured to foster increased tolerance and emotional awareness on the part of the user based on the appearance and/or functionality of the apparatus. For example, as shown inFIGS.3A,3B, and3D, front leg304A may be configured as one or more versions of a detachable prosthetic leg, each version having utility for one or more specific functions, (e.g., running, skiing, swimming) so that toy apparatus300, as the stand-in for a teacher/coach, demonstrates the potential of people who have undergone adversity to thrive and lead despite those circumstances, and increases awareness, empathy, and respect of the user towards people with prosthetic limbs and other disabilities. Wireless interaction with the related tablet or phone app enables users to extend physical interaction between the animal toy character and the user through games, songs etc.

In certain embodiments, toy apparatus300may be configured such that the form factor, including prosthesis, is mirrored on a smartphone or computing device (e.g., via wireless communications), where it is animated so that the user can have a wider physical experience of interactivity with the apparatus.

In some embodiments, toy apparatus300includes one or more actuators320that may correspond to the movement mechanism120described with reference to system100ofFIG.1. Actuators320may be driven by a motor that is controlled by a microcontroller, such as for example, processor110, to allow apparatus300to perform features like those described above for system100. For instance, apparatus300may be configured, via system100, to provide motions of the actuator (also described below) to move in a manner that resembles a breathing cycle, e.g., with an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase. In certain aspects, toy apparatus300can be enshrouded by an outer skin that may resemble any of various animals (e.g., a dog as shown inFIG.3A) and that may include a plush fabric, for example. Different outer skins can be used in conjunction with apparatus300(or other embodiments of apparatus300and system100). For example,FIGS.6A and6Bshow exemplary embodiments of some internal components that may be implemented with apparatus300. As described below, in certain aspects, apparatus300may be configured, via system100, to provide motions of the actuator (described further below) that cause the outer skin to move in a manner that resembles a breathing cycle, e.g., with an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase.

Apparatus300may also include a lighting unit330connected to the body region of the apparatus. In certain embodiments, lighting unit330may be associated with output system150described above in connection with system100. For example, apparatus300(in connection with system100) may be configured such that lighting unit330displays light output according to various colors and patterns, e.g., via output devices (e.g., one or more light emitting diode (LED) display device circuitry) located within lighting unit330and controlled by a microcontroller, such as processor110. In one example, lighting unit330may be configured in the shape of a heart such that during operation, a lighted image of a heart is illuminated in synchronization with the processes performed by processor110that may be viewed through the outer skin of apparatus300. Other shapes and sizes of lighting unit330may be implemented with apparatus300. These and other features are described further below.

FIGS.4A-4Bcollectively show an exemplary flow diagram of a process400that may be performed by system100(and apparatus300) in accordance with certain disclosed embodiments. Process400may begin upon power-up or reset of system100(e.g., via a power button or a reset button). In certain aspects, system100may perform initialization402aand setup402bprocess.

Initialization process402amay include initializing and configuring the following:Libraries—included libraries allow higher level control of the servo mechanism (servo) motor, micro-controller, software serial ports, audio waveform storage and playback module, paw buttons, and individually addressable LED RGB light ring (pulsing heart light).Enums (Enumerations)—named values for constants that define various lighting patterns for the LED light ring, and the direction of the patterns.Light Patterns—Initialize various patterns, directions, and fading effects for the LED light ring.Constants—Constants that define vibration sensitivity threshold and interval, micro-controller pin for LED light ring, pins for buttons that the user can press, button de-bounce time intervals, sleep timer interval, software serial receiver and transmitter pins, servo motor pin, servo motor angle degree limits, language codes for localization (English, Spanish, etc.), number of lights in LED light ring.Variables—Variables define the actual hardware buttons, store the toggle state of the toggle switches, the current state of localization (language selected), the software serial interface, audio volume, audio storage folder for localization, servo position, servo interval, servo increment, LED light interval, breath direction, current time, sleep timer, previous sleep time, vibration timer, last time button pressed, last time servo moved, last time LED light changed, LED light index, vibration sensor analog reading

Setup process402bmay be performed after each hardware reset. It includes pin modes to set previously defined pins as output pins, set LED pin to OFF. It may also include setting the specific color, pattern, and direction of an LED ring used in apparatus300, including an LED display that may be presented via LED330(LED Ring). Setup process402bmay also including configuring the audio player volume and equalization (e.g., bass and treble control settings) (Audio Module) and configuring initial control parameters for the servo motor (Servo Motor) and the sleep interval for apparatus300(Sleep Interval) that controls when to automatically turn off system100in apparatus300.

In certain aspects, processor110may perform processes that obtain a current time, e.g., in milliseconds (although other time frames are contemplated by the disclosed embodiments) (block404). In certain aspects, processor110may perform functions that analyze the current time to turn off system100(and toy apparatus300) based on a sleep timer, for example.

In accordance with certain aspects, system100may perform processes that detect one or more events, which may be initiated automatically or based on an input provided by an input device (e.g., via input mechanisms140). For example, system100(and toy apparatus300) may include one or more buttons and/or switches that may be selected by a user. Such buttons and/or switches may be physical (e.g., mechanical and tactile in nature), or they may be virtual buttons and/or switches displayed on a display device (e.g., touch screen display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) display, or any other kind of display or monitor known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Processor110may be configured to perform processes that provide information that is displayed in such a display device that may be provided in system100(and toy apparatus). In other embodiments, the inputs may be provided in a remote device, such as client210or user device220. In response to input provided, for example, in client210, system100may perform processes that detect an event corresponding to such received input (via, for example, input mechanisms140). For exemplary purposes only, process400shows processes corresponding to three buttons (e.g., Button1to Button3) and three toggle switches (e.g., Toggle1to Toggle3) which may reflect input received via input mechanisms140of system100(e.g., shown via blocks410,420,430,440,450,460). For instance, buttons1to3may correspond to exemplary buttons shown inFIG.5, and toggle1to toggle3may correspond to toggle switches (e.g., language switch, breath speed switch, speaker volume switch) shown inFIG.5.

System100may perform processes that read Button1(block410) to detect a button press (block412), and if detected (block412, Yes), system100may perform processes (block414), e.g., play audio message, such as audible instructions to the user as to how to breathe, (e.g., “Put one hand on my belly and one hand on yours, and let's breathe together. Breathe in, and breath out.”), and simultaneously perform processes via the components of system100to demonstrate via toy apparatus300suggested breathing cycles for the user to follow, etc. System100may also reset the sleep timer for operations of system100. In some embodiments, the sleep timer is a component of the software that runs on the micro-controller (block502) and that includes an automatic countdown (in, seconds, for example) set from600to0(providing a duration of 600/60=10 minutes). When the timer reaches 0, the apparatus automatically goes into low power “sleep” mode, as if the user had pressed the power button to turn the apparatus off. Anytime the user interacts with the apparatus, such as when pressing one of the foot buttons or toggling one of the switches, the timer is reset back to a predetermined value, e.g.,600. This ensures that as long as the user is actively using the apparatus, the timer will never reach 0. But if the user is finished interacting with the apparatus (perhaps because the user falls asleep, or simply forgets to it off when finished), it will go into the low power sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity. This interval can be easily changed in software.

System100may also perform processes that read Button2at block420, and if a button press is detected (block422), audio output may be played (block424), e.g., a song that guides the user through a suggested manner of breathing (e.g., a breathing song). System100may also reset the sleep timer for operations of system100.

System100may also perform a process that reads Button3at block430, and if a button press is detected (block432), audio may be played (block434), e.g., a calming song that may be any song that is intended to have a soothing effect on the user. System100may also reset the sleep timer for operations of system100.

System100may also perform a process that reads toggle switch1at block440, and if a state change is detected (block442), a breath speed for the operation of components of system100may be altered (block444). For example, the breath speed may control the rate at which the breathing song is played, and it may control the rate at which the outer skin of the calming apparatus mechanically contracts and expands (based on motor and actuators in system100(e.g., apparatus300)) to simulate breathing, as discussed below. System100may also reset the sleep timer for operations of system100.

System100may also perform a process that reads toggle switch2at block450, and if a state change is detected (block452), system100may change the language used for outputting audio via output system150(block454). System100may also reset the sleep timer for operations of system100.

System100may also perform a process that reads toggle switch3at block460, and if a state change is detected (block462), system100may change the volume used for outputting audio (block464). System100may also reset the sleep timer for operations of system100.

In accordance with certain embodiments, exemplary buttons1-3and toggle switches1-3may be implemented in various ways. For example, the toggle switches can be implemented as binary switches, or they may each have more than two states that can be progressed in cyclical fashion.

At block470, system100may perform a process to update a lighting pattern, which may cause a lighting assembly to become illuminated in a corresponding manner. For example, in certain aspects, system100may perform processes that may change a light display via lighting mechanism330as described above forFIG.3Aof toy apparatus300.

At block472, system100may perform processes that may increment a servomechanism (servo) position corresponding to components of system100that facilitate movements of toy apparatus300in accordance with disclosed embodiments. For example, in one embodiment of system100(and toy apparatus300), processor110may perform processes that control the operation of a motor in one or more modes. For instance, processor110may perform processes that operate a motor in two modes that cause rotation of a cam in a first direction or a second direction. Such movements may correspond to movement of mechanical parts of system100that simulate the breathing of toy apparatus300in accordance with certain embodiments. For example, system100may determine whether the servo is at a limit position as detected by the processor110(block474), and if so (Yes), the motor direction may be changed (block476). The limit position may be analogized to the end of an inhalation phase of the breathing cycle (or the end of an exhalation phase), for example. System100may also perform processes that change the light pattern at block476, e.g., to cause lighting assembly330to be illuminated in different cycles of light, different colors, combinations of such features, etc. For instance, processor110may perform processes so that based on the detection of the cam at a first limit position (e.g., block474, Yes), signal(s) may be provided to output system150components that causes lighting assembly330to change colors of display, such that during operation, lighting assembly330may display light in a first color during the inhalation phase of a simulated breathing cycle and in a second color during an exhalation phase.

At block480, system100may perform processes that decrement the sleep timer. System100may determine whether the timer is at a predetermined limit (block482), and if so system100may perform processes to perform a “soft power off” process (e.g., as described above, power to certain components of system100(apparatus300) may be powered down without a user having to manually engage a power switch or button) (block484). If system100determines that the timer is not at the predetermined limit (block482, No), process400may return to block404(shown as “Main Loop” inFIG.4B). In this exemplary process, system100(and apparatus300) may continuously check for button events or toggle switch events and may disable the power to one or more components of system100if no events have been detected for a predetermined period of time associated with the sleep interval information configured during “Setup” process402b.

FIG.5is a block diagram of an exemplary schematic diagram of system500that may correspond to system100(and apparatus300) in accordance with certain embodiments. Components of system500may correspond to components of system100(and apparatus300) as described herein. For example, system500may include a microcontroller502that may correspond to processor110described above with reference toFIG.1, and performs processes for controlling functions and components related to system500. Microcontroller502and the other components inFIG.5may be implemented in various ways. For example, while a pinout corresponding to an exemplary Arduino Nano microcontroller is depicted inFIG.5, other pinouts, processor devices, etc. can be implemented for system500. System500may also include a power subsystem504that includes components for controlling power for system500from one or more power sources, e.g., a switching power supply, a battery etc. System500may also include buttons (e.g., Raw Mode buttons) for a breathing instructions mode, breathing song mode, and calming song mode as shown inFIG.5. These buttons may correspond to the operations described above in connection with blocks414,424, and434ofFIG.4. System500may also include switches (“Prefs. Switches”) for changing language, changing breath speed, and changing speaker volume as shownFIG.5, which may in certain aspects, correspond to the operations described above in connection with blocks444,454, and464ofFIG.4A. Exemplary system500may also include an audio module506, a motor508, and an audio-visual (AV) output module510, which may include a speaker and a lighting unit, that perform operations consistent with the features of the disclosed embodiments of system100(and apparatus300). In some embodiments, apparatus300includes a headphone connection jack, to enable the user to hear audio discreetly via wired headphones, which may be desirable to avoid attracting undesirable attention to the user during a stressful situation. Wireless audio interfaces and corresponding components (hardware and software) may be implemented to provide wireless headphone functionalities (e.g., Bluetooth™ headphone capabilities, etc.). The disclosed embodiments may also be configured with wireless headphone software and components known to those skilled in the art to enable use of wireless headphone audio functionalities.

System500may include additional components and features not shown inFIG.5. For example, system500may include microphone circuitry and corresponding software that may permit the user to provide voice input, and capacitive sensors to enable system500to detect touch input from the user. System500may also include audio watermarking, e.g., by embedding a unique identifier into the audio signals represented in audio files, wherein the identifier travels with the audio files and imprints ownership to help detect unauthorized distribution and/or usage of content. In other aspects consistent with the features described above in connection with system100and system200, system500may also include circuitry and components for communicating wirelessly with a remote device, e.g., via communication protocols or techniques such as Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi, and/or infrared communication. In some embodiments, such devices may extend, enhance, and/or provide additional interactivity with the toy apparatus, e.g., through the attached prosthetic or other mechanisms.

FIGS.6A,6B, and7show diagrams of exemplary components for providing breathing cycle functionalities for system100(and system500and apparatus300). For example,FIG.6Ashows exemplary components that may be included in apparatus300, such as actuators620a,620b, and620cthat may be configured to operate in accordance with processes performed by components of system100(and system500and apparatus300). The disclosed embodiments are not limited to the exemplary actuators shown inFIG.6A, as additional or fewer actuators of different configurations may be implemented consistent with the features of the disclosed embodiments. As shown inFIG.6A, exemplary actuators620a-620cmay have a curved shape for contacting an outer skin (not shown inFIG.6A) that will surround the housing for the actuators and system100(and system500and apparatus300), although different shapes may be used consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG.6Bshows the opposite end of the components shown inFIG.6A, which includes an exemplary slotted cam610that interfaces with the actuators620a-620c.FIG.7shows a diagram of an exemplary slotted cam610that may be included in system100(and used with system500and apparatus300). In certain embodiments, system100(and system500, and apparatus300) may perform processes that control actuators620a-620c) and the slotted cam610to provide mechanical movements consistent with the disclosed embodiments (e.g., provides breathing cycle movements).

For example, referring toFIGS.8A and8B, processor110may provide signals that control actuators620a-620cvia a cam to move (e.g., linearly), and cause the outer skin840of system100(apparatus300) to deform in a manner that is simulates a breathing cycle controlled by the processes performed by processor110. In one example, the slotted cam shown inFIG.8Ahas spiral grooves like the cam shown inFIG.7, which allow actuators620a-620cto be moved in accordance with the controlled operations performed by processor110. Other cam configurations are contemplated and are not limited to the cam shown inFIGS.7,8A and8B.

As shown inFIG.8A, at one point in the simulated breathing cycle (corresponding to a particular rotational position of the motor and thus a particular rotational position of the cam), actuators620aand620b, which move along a horizontal axis in the example orientation ofFIG.8A, are at a minimum distance from the cam (e.g., that are configured to simulate an inhalation stage of the simulated breathing cycle), and actuator620c, which moves along a vertical axis in the example orientation ofFIG.8A, is at a maximum distance from the cam (e.g., that is configured to simulate the inhalation stage of the simulated breathing cycle).FIG.8Bshows positions of actuators620a-620cduring the exhalation stage of the simulated breathing cycle. For instance, as shown inFIG.8B, actuators620aand620bare at their maximum distance from the cam, and actuator620cis at its minimum distance from the cam. The exemplary slotted cam configuration shown inFIGS.8A and8Benables the motor of system100(and system500and apparatus300) to be operated in one direction until a predetermined limit is reached, at which point system100may reverse operation of the motor to operate until another predetermined limit is reached, at which point the motor is again reversed. In this way, in certain embodiments, the process of operating the motor in cyclical reverse directions provides expansion and contraction of the outer skin840such that a realistic breathing cycle can be simulated for apparatus300, e.g., the outer skin840moves in a manner that resembles mammalian contraction/expansion of the torso associated with breathing.

The relationship between the motor, cam, and actuators of the disclosed embodiments (e.g., as shown inFIGS.8A and8B, and also as described below in connection withFIGS.9,10A,10Bdescribed below) achieves movement of the outer skin840that simulates the breathing cycle in a manner that maintains a fixed circumference of the outer skin (in a cross-sectional view such as the view ofFIG.8A) throughout the simulated breathing cycle. Thus, actuators620a/620bmove outwards (away from the cam) when actuator620cmoves inwards (toward the cam), and vice versa. As a result, the outer skin that may be implemented with the disclosed embodiments is expanded along a first dimension while simultaneously being contracted along another dimension, without being expanded at all directions at once. This feature of the disclosed embodiments provides an advantageous approach to simulated breathing that enables the use of outer skin material and related configurations that avoid unnecessary stretching while also providing a realistic breathing cycle simulation. Such features avoid issues that occur with systems that may include pumping air into a chamber surrounded by a skin, such that the skin expands in all directions simultaneously, subjecting the skin to stretching and possible bursting. The disclosed embodiments provide features such that outer skin840may be configured from less costly fabrics (e.g., material that is not needed to stretch in the way an expandable air chamber approach would require). Additionally, because excess fabric and/or gusset inserts are not needed to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the torso of the system and apparatus of the disclosed embodiments, the resulting simulated breathing provided by the configuration and operation of such embodiments may provide a more realistic, more user-friendly apparatus than other approaches.

FIG.9is an exploded perspective view of an alternative cam and actuator configuration for system100(and system500and for use in apparatus300) consistent with other embodiments. For instance,FIG.9shows a diagram of a configuration that uses an elliptical slotted cam instead of a spiral slotted cam as described above in connection withFIGS.6A,6B, and7. Apart from the different type of cam and related configurations, the operation of components illustrated inFIG.9(and inFIGS.10A-10B) is similar to those described above with respect to the spiral slotted cam implementations of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore,FIG.9is also illustrative of the features and configurations underlying the use of a motor and actuators for the system and apparatus discussed above in connection withFIGS.6A and6B, for example.

As shown inFIG.9, the motor rotates an elliptical cam (CAM), e.g., via a reduction gearing. Actuators A, B, and C in this example may correspond to actuators described above in connection with the slotted cam embodiments, although the number and location of the actuators can vary. Followers F engage an elliptical cam groove, so the rotational motion of the cam causes the actuators (connected to respective followers F as shown inFIG.9) to move linearly as the elliptical cam groove confines each follower F. An exemplary actuator housing for connecting to the actuators is also shown inFIG.9, although other configurations for the actuator housing may be used.

The elliptical cam embodiment shown inFIG.9may provide features for system100(and system500and apparatus300, with the configuration adjustments consistent with those ofFIG.9) such that reversal of the motor is not required at the end of each phase (inhalation or exhalation) of the respiration cycle. Rather, the motor can be operated continuously in one direction over multiple respiration cycles. This configuration reduces the complexity of the logic for controlling the motor (e.g., because a position need not be compared against a limit in order to determine that motor reversal is needed). Thus, the features provided by the embodiments ofFIG.9may reduce cost of components and operational wear of components of the system and apparatus, and thus increase the expected lifetime of such components (e.g., because running the motor, gearing, and cam in only one direction reduces physical wear of the motor and associated components compared to running them in two directions with motor reversals as described above).

FIGS.10A and10Bshow cross-sectional views of the embodiment associated with that shown inFIG.9, at different phases of the simulated breathing cycle. For example,FIG.10Ashows exemplary positions of the cam and its cam path in relation to actuators A′, B′ and C′ that correspond to actuators A, B, and C shown inFIG.9during an inhalation phase of the simulated breathing cycle performed by aspects of the disclosed embodiments.FIG.10Bshows exemplary positions of the cam and its cam path in relation to actuators A′, B′ and C′ (corresponding to actuators A, B, and C shown inFIG.9) during an exhalation phase of the simulated breathing cycle performed by aspects of the disclosed embodiments. As shown inFIGS.10A and10B, the elliptical groove built into the cam confines followers F to lie within an ellipse that changes orientation as the cam rotates, translating the cam's rotational motion into linear displacement of each follower F (and thus of a corresponding actuator) relative to the cam.

Although aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described as being associated with data stored in memory and other tangible computer-readable storage mediums, one skilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects can also be stored on and executed from many types of non-transitory, tangible computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or CD-ROM, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Accordingly, the disclosed implementations are not limited to the above described examples, in light of their full scope of equivalents.

Moreover, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the configurations and operations described in the attached figures. Other aspects and functionalities may be implemented that provide one or more of the operations and features consistent with the disclosed embodiments. For example, in connection with embodiments associated with system200described in connection withFIG.2, the disclosed embodiments may provide controlled operations that may adjust the operation of the components of system100, system500, and apparatus300as discussed above.