Patent Publication Number: US-10327984-B2

Title: Controlling ear stimulation in response to image analysis

Description:
If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the filing date of this application, it is incorporated by reference herein. Any applications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119, 120, 121, or 365(c), and any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of such applications, are also incorporated by reference, including any priority claims made in those applications and any material incorporated by reference, to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith. 
     CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s) (the “Priority Applications”), if any, listed below (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Priority Application(s)). 
     PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
     The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/670,504, entitled EAR STIMULATION WITH NEURAL FEEDBACK SENSING, naming RODERICK A. HYDE, MURIEL Y. ISHIKAWA, JORDIN T. KARE, ERIC C. LEUTHARDT, MARK A. MALAMUD, STEPHEN L. MALASKA, NATHAN P. MYHRVOLD, ELIZABETH A. SWEENEY, CLARENCE T. TEGREENE, CHARLES WHITMER, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR., AND VICTORIA Y. H. WOOD, as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2015, which is currently co-pending or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date. 
     The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/670,537, entitled VIBRATORY EAR STIMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD, naming RODERICK A. HYDE, MURIEL Y. ISHIKAWA, JORDIN T. KARE, ERIC C. LEUTHARDT, MARK A. MALAMUD, STEPHEN L. MALASKA, NATHAN P. MYHRVOLD, ELIZABETH A. SWEENEY, CLARENCE T. TEGREENE, CHARLES WHITMER, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR., AND VICTORIA Y. H. WOOD, as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2015, which is currently co-pending or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date. 
     The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/670,560, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING EAR STIMULATION, naming RODERICK A. HYDE, MURIEL Y. ISHIKAWA, JORDIN T. KARE, ERIC C. LEUTHARDT, MARK A. MALAMUD, STEPHEN L. MALASKA, NATHAN P. MYHRVOLD, ELIZABETH A. SWEENEY, CLARENCE T. TEGREENE, CHARLES WHITMER, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR., AND VICTORIA Y. H. WOOD, as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2015, which is currently co-pending or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date. 
     The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/670,582, entitled USER INTERFACE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EAR STIMULATION, naming RODERICK A. HYDE, MURIEL Y. ISHIKAWA, JORDIN T. KARE, ERIC C. LEUTHARDT, MARK A. MALAMUD, STEPHEN L. MALASKA, NATHAN P. MYHRVOLD, ELIZABETH A. SWEENEY, CLARENCE T. TEGREENE, CHARLES WHITMER, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR., AND VICTORIA Y. H. WOOD, as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2015, which is currently co-pending or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date. 
     The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/670,620, entitled NEURAL STIMULATION METHOD AND SYSTEM WITH AUDIO OUTPUT, naming RODERICK A. HYDE, MURIEL Y. ISHIKAWA, JORDIN T. KARE, ERIC C. LEUTHARDT, MARK A. MALAMUD, STEPHEN L. MALASKA, NATHAN P. MYHRVOLD, ELIZABETH A. SWEENEY, CLARENCE T. TEGREENE, CHARLES WHITMER, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR., AND VICTORIA Y. H. WOOD, as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2015, which is currently co-pending or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date. 
     The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/670,656, entitled RECOMMENDATION METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATMENTS INCLUDING EAR STIMULATION, naming RODERICK A. HYDE, MURIEL Y. ISHIKAWA, JORDIN T. KARE, ERIC C. LEUTHARDT, MARK A. MALAMUD, STEPHEN L. MALASKA, NATHAN P. MYHRVOLD, ELIZABETH A. SWEENEY, CLARENCE T. TEGREENE, CHARLES WHITMER, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR., AND VICTORIA Y. H. WOOD, as inventors, filed 27 Mar. 2015, which is currently co-pending or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date. 
     The present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/291,358, entitled NERVE STIMULATION SYSTEM AND RELATED CONTROLLER, naming RODERICK A. HYDE, MURIEL Y. ISHIKAWA, JORDIN T. KARE, ERIC C. LEUTHARDT, MARK A. MALAMUD, STEPHEN L. MALASKA, NATHAN P. MYHRVOLD, BRITTANY SCHEID, ELIZABETH A. SWEENEY, CLARENCE T. TEGREENE, CHARLES WHITMER, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR., AND VICTORIA Y. H. WOOD, as inventors, filed 12 Oct. 2016, which is currently co-pending or is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date. 
     If the listings of applications provided above are inconsistent with the listings provided via an ADS, it is the intent of the Applicant to claim priority to each application that appears in the Domestic Benefit/National Stage Information section of the ADS and to each application that appears in the Priority Applications section of this application. 
     All subject matter of the Priority Applications and of any and all applications related to the Priority Applications by priority claims (directly or indirectly), including any priority claims made and subject matter incorporated by reference therein as of the filing date of the instant application, is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith. 
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     In an aspect, a neural stimulation system includes, but is not limited to, a neural signal sensor adapted to sense a neural signal from a subject, the neural signal indicative of a physiological status of the subject, a neural stimulator adapted to produce a stimulus responsive to the sensed neural signal, the stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of a pinna of the subject, and a securing member configured to secure the neural stimulator to the pinna. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to, sensing with a neural signal sensor a neural signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, the neural signal sensor located in or on a portion of a body of the subject, determining with signal analysis circuitry at least one parameter of the sensed neural signal, and delivering a neural stimulus with a neural stimulation device worn on a pinna of the subject responsive to the sensed neural signal, wherein the neural stimulus is configured to modulate the activity of at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna of the subject. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     A wearable neural stimulation device includes, but is not limited to, a vibratory mechanical stimulator adapted to produce a vibratory stimulus of sufficient frequency and amplitude to modulate the activity of at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on at least a portion of a pinna of a subject, and a securing member configured to secure the vibratory mechanical stimulator to the pinna. In addition to the foregoing, other device aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to, delivering a vibratory mechanical stimulus to at least a portion of a pinna of a subject with a neural stimulation device worn on the pinna of the subject, wherein the vibratory mechanical stimulus is of sufficient frequency and amplitude to modulate the activity of at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on the at least a portion of the pinna. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a neural stimulation system includes, but is not limited to, a wearable neural stimulation device and a personal computing device, the wearable neural stimulation device including a neural stimulator adapted to produce a stimulus for activating at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of a pinna of a subject, a securing member configured to secure the neural stimulator to the pinna, control circuitry incorporated into the wearable neural stimulation device for controlling operation of the neural stimulator, and first communication circuitry incorporated into the wearable neural stimulation device and operatively connected to the control circuitry, the first communication circuitry configured for at least one of sending a signal to and receiving a signal from a personal computing device; and the personal computing device including a user interface for at least one of presenting information to and receiving information from a user, control circuitry operatively connected to the user interface, second communication circuitry configured for at least one of sending a signal to and receiving a signal from the first communication circuitry, and instructions that when executed on the personal computing device cause the personal computing device to perform at least one of sending a signal to and receiving a signal from the wearable neural stimulation device via the second communication circuitry. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to, a personal computing device comprising circuitry for receiving a neural activity signal, the neural activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, circuitry for determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the neural activity signal, and circuitry for outputting the neural stimulus control signal to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to, receiving a neural activity signal at a personal computing device, the neural activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the neural activity signal, and outputting the neural stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a computer program product includes, but is not limited to, a non-transitory signal-bearing medium bearing one or more instructions for receiving a neural activity signal, the neural activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, one or more instructions for determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the neural activity signal, and one or more instructions for outputting the neural stimulus control signal to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects of a computer program product are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to receiving a physiological activity signal at a personal computing device, the physiological activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the physiological activity signal, outputting the neural stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna, and presenting information to the subject via a user interface. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to a personal computing device including circuitry for receiving a physiological activity signal at a personal computing device, the physiological activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, circuitry for determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the physiological activity signal, the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna, circuitry for outputting the neural stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, and circuitry for presenting information to the subject via a user interface. In addition to the foregoing, other personal computing device aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a computer program product includes, but is not limited to, a non-transitory signal-bearing medium bearing one or more instructions for receiving a physiological activity signal, the physiological activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, one or more instructions for determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the physiological activity signal, one or more instructions for outputting the neural stimulus control signal to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on an ear of a subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna, and one or more instructions for presenting information to the subject via a user interface. In addition to the foregoing, other computer program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to a personal computing device including circuitry for receiving a physiological activity signal at a personal computing device, the physiological activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, circuitry for determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the physiological activity signal, circuitry for outputting the neural stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna, and circuitry for outputting an audio output signal via an audio output of the personal computing device. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to, receiving a physiological activity signal at a personal computing device, the physiological activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the physiological activity signal, outputting the neural stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna, and outputting an audio output signal via an audio output of the personal computing device. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a computer program product includes, but is not limited to, a non-transitory signal-bearing medium bearing one or more instructions for receiving a physiological activity signal at a personal computing device, the physiological activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, one or more instructions for determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the physiological activity signal, one or more instructions for outputting the neural stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna, and one or more instructions for outputting an audio output signal via an audio output of the personal computing device. In addition to the foregoing, other computer program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to, determining a vibratory stimulus control signal with stimulation control circuitry in a personal computing device, and outputting the vibratory stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a wearable mechanical stimulation device including a vibratory mechanical stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of a subject, wherein the vibratory stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a vibratory stimulus by the vibratory mechanical stimulator, the vibratory stimulus configured to activate at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on at least a portion of the pinna. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to, a personal computing device including circuitry for determining a vibratory stimulus control signal, and circuitry for outputting the vibratory stimulus control signal to a wearable mechanical stimulation device including a vibratory mechanical stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of a subject, wherein the vibratory stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a vibratory stimulus by the vibratory mechanical stimulator, the vibratory stimulus configured to activate at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on at least a portion of the pinna. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a computer program product includes, but is not limited to, a non-transitory signal-bearing medium bearing one or more instructions for determining a vibratory stimulus control signal configured to control delivery of a vibratory stimulus by a vibratory mechanical stimulator, the vibratory stimulus configured to activate at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on at least a portion of a pinna of a subject, and one or more instructions for outputting the vibratory stimulus control signal to a wearable mechanical stimulation device including the least one vibratory mechanical stimulator. In addition to the foregoing, other computer program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a method includes, but is not limited to, receiving identifying information at a computing system, the identifying information identifying at least one of a subject and a neural stimulation device associated with the subject, the neural stimulation device configured to be carried on an ear of a subject and including an external neural stimulator, and transmitting a recommendation relating to a treatment regimen from the computing system to a personal computing device used by the subject, the treatment regimen including delivery of a neural stimulus to the subject with the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a system includes, but is not limited to, circuitry for receiving identifying information identifying at least one of a subject and a neural stimulation device associated with the subject, the neural stimulation device configured to be carried on an ear of a subject and including an external neural stimulator, and circuitry for providing a recommendation relating to a treatment regimen to the subject, the treatment regimen including delivery of a neural stimulus to the subject with the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a computer program product includes, but is not limited to, a non-transitory signal-bearing medium bearing one or more instructions for receiving identifying information identifying at least one of a subject and a neural stimulation device associated with the subject, the neural stimulation device configured to be carried on an ear of a subject and including an external neural stimulator, and one or more instructions for providing a recommendation relating to a treatment regimen to the subject, the treatment regimen including delivery of a neural stimulus to the subject with the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject. In addition to the foregoing, other computer program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a method of controlling an ear stimulation device with a personal computing device includes, but is not limited to, capturing, with image capture circuitry on the personal computing device, via a user-facing camera associated with the personal computing device, an image of a user of the personal computing device; processing the image, using image processing circuitry on the personal computing device, to determine at least one parameter; and controlling, with neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry on the personal computing device, based at least in part on the at least one parameter, delivery of a stimulus to at least one nerve innervating an ear of the user with the ear stimulation device. In a further aspect, the method includes processing the image, using the image processing circuitry, to determine the presence of at least one earpiece of the ear stimulation device located at an ear of the user; the ear of the user at which the at least one earpiece is located, the ear selected from a right ear of the user and a left ear of the user; and at least one attribute of the at least one earpiece indicative of usability of the at least one earpiece with one of the left or the right ear of the user; determining, using application software on the personal computing device, the ear at which the earpiece is usable, based on the at least one attribute of the at least one earpiece; determining, using application software on the personal computing device, whether the ear at which the at least one earpiece is located is the ear at which the earpiece is usable; and if the ear at which the at least one earpiece is located is not the ear at which the earpiece is usable, sending a control signal from the personal computing device to the ear stimulation device, under control of the neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry, to prevent delivery of a stimulus to the ear at which the earpiece is located via the earpiece. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, an ear stimulation device control system includes, but is not limited to, a personal computing device; a user-facing camera associated with the personal computing device; image capture circuitry adapted to capture an image of a user of the personal computing device from the user-facing camera; image processing circuitry configured to process the image to determine at least one parameter; and neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry configured to control delivery of a stimulus to at least one nerve innervating an ear of the user with an ear stimulation device, based at least in part on the at least one parameter. In a further aspect, image processing circuitry includes an earpiece location module configured to process the image to determine the presence of at least one earpiece of the ear stimulation device located at an ear of the user; the ear of the user at which the at least one earpiece is located, the ear selected from a right ear of the user and a left ear of the user; and at least one attribute of the at least one earpiece indicative of usability of the at least one earpiece with one of the left or the right ear of the user; and the neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry is configured to determine the ear at which the earpiece is usable, based on the at least one attribute of the at least one earpiece; determine whether the ear at which the at least one earpiece is located is the ear at which the earpiece is usable; and if the ear at which the at least one earpiece is located is not the ear at which the earpiece is usable, send a control signal from the personal computing device to the ear stimulation device to prevent delivery of the stimulus to the a least one nerve innervating the ear of the user. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a method of controlling an ear stimulation device with a personal computing device includes, but is not limited, to detecting at electrical signal input circuitry, via at least one first electrode of an earpiece of an ear stimulation device, an electrical signal indicative of electrical contact of the at least one first electrode with the ear of a user of a personal computing device, wherein the at least one earpiece is operably connected to the personal computing device, and wherein the ear stimulation device is adapted to stimulate at least one nerve innervating the ear of the user of the personal computing device; determining, using contact determination circuitry on the personal computing device, whether the at least one first electrode is in good electrical contact with the ear of the user; if the at least one first electrode is not in good electrical contact with the ear of the user, sending a control signal from the personal computing device to the ear stimulation device, under control of neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry on the personal computing device, to prevent delivery via the earpiece of a stimulus to the ear at which the earpiece is located; and delivering, under control of notification circuitry on the personal computing device, a notification to the user relating to the status of the at least one first electrode. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, an ear stimulation device control system includes, but is not limited to, a personal computing device configured to control delivery via an ear stimulation device of a stimulus to at least one nerve innervating an ear of a user of the personal computing device, the ear stimulation device including at least one first electrode, and the personal computing device including electrical signal circuitry adapted to receive an electrical signal indicative of electrical contact of the at least one first electrode with the ear of a user of the personal computing device; contact determination circuitry configured to determine whether the at least one first electrode is in good electrical contact with the ear of the user; neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry configured to send a control signal from the personal computing device to the ear stimulation device to prevent delivery of the stimulus if the at least one first electrode is not in good electrical contact with the ear of the user; and notification circuitry configured to deliver a notification to the user relating to the status of the at least one first electrode. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a personal computing device application for monitoring use of a nerve stimulation system by a user includes, but is not limited to, an audio delivery module adapted to control delivery of an audio signal from an audio signal source to an audio earpiece via an audio output of the personal computing device, the audio earpiece having associated therewith an ear stimulation device configured to stimulate a nerve innervating the ear of the user; a mood assessment module adapted to receive mood-related input from the user via a first input structure associated with the personal computing device; and assess a mood of the user based at least in part upon the mood-related input; a secondary factor input module adapted to receive at least one input relating to at least one secondary factor relating to the user via a second input structure associated with the personal computing device; user control module adapted to receive at least one user control input via a third input structure of the personal computing device, the user control input for controlling user-controllable stimulation parameters of the ear stimulation device; a stimulator control module adapted to determine at least one stimulus control parameter based on at least one of the mood of the user, the at least one secondary factor, and the at least one user control input; and a controller interface module for communicating the at least one stimulus control parameter to a stimulator controller adapted to control the ear stimulation device responsive to the at least one stimulus control parameter. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     In an aspect, a method of controlling an ear stimulation device with a personal computing device includes, but is not limited to, receiving an audio signal at the personal computing device from an audio signal source; delivering the audio signal to an audio earpiece worn by a user via an audio output of the personal computing device, the audio earpiece having associated therewith an ear stimulation device configured to stimulate a nerve innervating the ear of the user; receiving with a mood assessment module, via a first input structure associated with the personal computing device, a mood-related input from the user; assessing, with the mood assessment module, a mood of the user based at least in part upon the mood-related input; receiving with a secondary factor input module, via a second input structure associated with the personal computing device, at least one input relating to at least one secondary factor relating to the user; receiving with a user control module, via a third input structure associated with the personal computing device, at least one user control input for controlling at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter of the ear stimulation device; determining, with a stimulator control module, at least one stimulus control parameter based on at least one of the mood of the user, the at least one secondary factor, and the at least one user control input; and communicating, with a controller interface module, at least one stimulus control parameter to a stimulator controller, the stimulator controller adapted to control the ear stimulation device responsive to the at least one stimulus control parameter. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the disclosure set forth herein. 
     The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of the external anatomy of the ear of a human. 
         FIG. 2A  is an illustration of a system including a neural stimulation device worn on the ear of a subject. 
         FIG. 2B  is a block diagram of the system of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  depicts a stimulation device including a securing member configured to fit in the concha, and a clip securing member. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a stimulation device including a hanger-style securing member. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts the stimulation device of  FIG. 4A  positioned on an ear. 
         FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a stimulation device. 
         FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of a stimulation device. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a neural stimulation system. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of a computing system. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of a neural stimulation device. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram of a neural stimulation system. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a system including a personal computing device. 
         FIG. 14  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram of a computer program product relating to the method of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram of a system including a personal computing device. 
         FIG. 17  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 18  is a block diagram of a computer program product relating to the method of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a block diagram of a system including a personal computing device. 
         FIG. 20  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 21  is a block diagram of a computer program product relating to the method of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a block diagram of a system including a personal computing device. 
         FIG. 23  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 24  is a block diagram of a computer program product relating to the method of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is a block diagram of a system relating to operation of a neural stimulation device. 
         FIG. 26  depicts data aspects relating to  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 28  is block diagram of a computer program product relating to the method of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 29  is an illustration of an embodiment of a system for delivering neural stimulation in combination with a secondary stimulus. 
         FIG. 30  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 31  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 32  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 33  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 34  is a block diagram of a neural stimulation system. 
         FIG. 35A  depicts a user interface for a neural stimulation system. 
         FIG. 35B  depicts a user interface for a neural stimulation system. 
         FIG. 36  is a block diagram of an embodiment of a neural stimulation system. 
         FIG. 37  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 38  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 39  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 40  is a block diagram of a system including a personal computing device. 
         FIG. 41  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 42  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 43  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 44  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 45  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 46  is a flow diagram of a method. 
         FIG. 47  is a flow diagram of a method. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. 
     Various studies indicate that stimulation of the ear can have beneficial effects on the health of a subject. For example, Rong et al., “Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of depression: a study protocol for a double blinded randomized clinical trial,” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2012, 12:255, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes the possibility of using transcutaneous stimulation of the vagus nerve via portions of the ear to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and other disorders, including epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and morbid obesity. Ellrich, “Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulations,” European Neurological Review, 2011; 6(4):254-256, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation via the ear for treating epilepsy and depression. 
     Nerves innervating the skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject include, e.g., the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX), the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X), the auriculotemporal branch of trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), the lesser occipital nerve (spinal nerve C3), and the greater auricular nerve (spinal nerves C2, C3). These nerves contain various nerve fibers including sensory nerve fibers, including, for example, nerve fibers from skin mechanoreceptors. Various types of skin mechanoreceptors are well characterized and are innervated by fibers having diameters in the range of approximately 5 to 12 μm (also known as Aβ fibers). Skin mechanoreceptors include, for example, slowly adapting mechanoreceptors, which are more sensitive to continuous stimulation, and rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors, which are more sensitive to transient stimuli. Rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors include Pacinian corpuscles and Meissner&#39;s corpuscles, for example. 
     Mechanoreceptors are activated well by cyclical or vibratory (e.g., sinusoidal) mechanical stimuli having frequencies in the range of 1 Hz to 1000 Hz. In some aspects, such mechanical stimuli may include indentation of the skin by a few micrometers to a few millimeters. Pacinian corpuscles are thought to be most responsive to vibratory mechanical stimuli with frequencies in the range of 200 Hz-300 Hz, while Meissner&#39;s Corpuscles are thought to be most responsive to vibratory mechanical stimuli with frequencies in the range of 30-40 Hz. 
     Electrical stimuli having sinusoidal or other waveforms are also effective for activating sensory fibers. Stimuli may be applied cyclically, for example. See e.g., Ellrich, “Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulations,” European Neurological Review, 2011; 6(4):254-256, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     For reference,  FIG. 1  depicts an ear  100  of a human subject, showing anatomical structures which may be referred to herein. The external portion of ear  100  is referred to as the pinna  102 .  FIG. 1  depicts a front/side view of ear  100 , showing anterior surface of pinna  104 , and a back view of ear  100 , showing posterior surface of pinna  106  as well as head  108  of the subject. The surface of the head  108  adjacent the pinna  102  is indicated by shading and reference number  110 . Anatomical features of the ear include external auditory meatus  112  (the external ear canal), helix  114 , lobe  116 , and tragus  118 . Concha  120 , the indented region in the vicinity of external auditory meatus  112 , is comprised of cymba  122  and cavum  124 , and bounded by antitragus  126  and antihelix  128 . Antihelix  128  includes inferior (anterior) crus of antihelix  130  and superior (posterior) crus of antihelix  132 , which bound triangular fossa  134 . 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  depict a generalized system  200  including a wearable neural stimulation device  202  for delivering a stimulus to an ear  204  of a subject  206 . System  200  includes a personal computing device  208  in communication with wearable neural stimulation device  202  via communication link  210 . Personal computing device  208  can be an audio player, a mobile phone, a computer, or any of various other devices having computing capability (e.g., microprocessor based devices) and including application software and/or suitable hardware for controlling operation of wearable neural stimulation device  202 . In an aspect, personal computing device  208  is a wearable computing device. In an aspect, wearable neural stimulation device  202  is used to deliver a stimulus sufficient to activate one or more nerves or nerve branches innervating the skin on or in the vicinity of ear  204  of subject  206 . In an aspect, personal computing device  208  is used to control delivery of the stimulus to ear  204  of subject  206 . As illustrated in the block diagram of  FIG. 2B , and described in greater detail herein below, wearable neural stimulation device  202  includes neural stimulator  212  and securing member  214  for securing neural stimulator  212  to ear  204 . In an aspect, personal computing device  208  is configured to send, or receive, information relating to operation of the wearable neural stimulation device  202  to, or from, one or more remote system  216  via a communications network  218 . Control of stimulation may be based on data from one or more sensor  220 , including, but not limited to, physiological sensors, neural activity sensors, motion sensors, location sensors, or environmental sensors, for example. In some aspects, sensor  220  is worn by the subject at a location distinct from wearable neural stimulation system  202  (e.g., on an armband as depicted in  FIG. 2A ). In other aspects, one or more sensors are located on a wearable neural stimulation device that can be implanted in the subject, located on the personal computing device, or located elsewhere in the environment of the subject, as depicted and described in the following text and accompanying figures. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , and in other embodiments described herein, neural stimulator  212  can be any of various types of neural stimulators, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, magnetic, ultrasonic, optical, or chemical stimulators, as will be discussed in greater detail herein below. In an aspect, neural stimulation devices as described herein can include multiple (two or more) neural stimulators (see e.g., optional additional neural stimulator  222  in  FIG. 2B ). If multiple neural stimulators are used, they may all be of the same type, or may be of several different types. 
     In an aspect, neural stimulator  212  is a mechanical stimulator. In an aspect, a mechanical stimulator includes, for example, a vibratory mechanical stimulator that delivers a cyclical or vibrating mechanical stimulus to the skin of the ear of the subject. Vibratory mechanical stimulators can include, for example, various types of vibrating mechanical devices, e.g., electromechanical, piezoelectric, movable coil, electrostatic, magnetostrictive, isodynamic, and/or MEMS devices, for example as used for manufacturing small-scale speakers and microphones. 
     In an aspect, neural stimulator  212  includes a transcutaneous electrical stimulator for delivering a transcutaneous electrical stimulus. For example, neural stimulator  212  may include an electrode or electrical contact designed for contacting the skin surface, for example as described in Rong et al., “Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of depression: a study protocol for a double blinded randomized clinical trial,” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2012, 12:255, which is incorporated herein by reference. In an aspect, neural stimulator  212  includes a magnetic stimulator for delivering a transcutaneous magnetic stimulus. For example, such a magnetic stimulator may include one or more coil through which electrical current is passed to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field induces electrical currents within the tissue in/around the ear of the subject to activate neural structures. In an aspect, neural stimulator  212  includes an ultrasonic stimulator, for example as described in Legon et al., “Pulsed Ultrasound Differentially Stimulates Somatosensory Circuits in Humans as Indicated by EEG and fMRI,” PLOS ONE 7(12): e5177. Doi:10.01371/journal.pone.0051177, December 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference. In some aspects, other types of neural stimulators, such as optical or chemical stimulators are used. See, for example, stimulators described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,170,658 to Dacey, Jr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     In some aspects, circuitry for driving delivery of the neural stimulus is included fully or partially in wearable neural stimulation device  202 . In some aspects, some or all of the circuitry for driving delivery of the neural stimulus are housed separately from wearable neural stimulation device  202 , and a control signal for driving delivery of the neural stimulus by neural stimulator  212  is provided by personal computing device  208 , or from remote system  216  via communication network  218 . 
     Various examples and embodiments of neural stimulation devices are described herein. In various aspects of neural stimulation systems described herein, neural stimulation devices are wearable, i.e. the device can be carried by or worn on the ear of a subject, secured by a securing member, in order to position one or more neural stimulator with respect to a portion of the ear of the subject, or in some cases, in the vicinity of the ear of the subject. Various types of securing members may be used, without limitation. A securing member may also serve to position one or more sensors on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject and may also include or support other system components, such as electrical circuitry components. Examples of neural stimulation devices including different types of securing members are shown in  FIGS. 3-6 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts securing member  300 , which is a concha-fitted member configured to fit into concha  302  of ear  304 . In this example, securing member  300  has a size and shape sufficient to be retained in concha  302  by friction and/or tensioning of securing member  300  with respect to concha  302 . Other system components may be attached to securing member  300 , e.g., ear canal insert  306 , which extends into external auditory meatus (ear canal)  308  and stimulators  310   a ,  310   b , and  310   c . In addition, system components may be built into or contained within securing member  300 , e.g., control and/or communication circuitry (not shown) used to drive stimulators  310   a ,  310   b , and  310   c  and/or provide for communication with e.g., a personal computing device (not shown). A battery can be provided in securing member  300  to power the device for wireless operation.  FIG. 3  also depicts a second type of securing member, clip  312 , for attaching stimulator  314  and/or sensor  316  to the pinna  318  of the subject. Circuitry  320  provides for wireless communication between stimulator  314 /sensor  316  and circuitry on securing member  300  or a personal computing device or remote system. Spring  322  provides spring force to secure clip  312  onto pinna  318 . Clip  312  may be formed of a resilient material or formed from two sections of rigid material, joined at a hinge. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict securing member  400  having a hanger-style configuration designed to hang on pinna  402 . The hanger-style configuration is similar to the configuration used in certain types of headsets for listening to music. Securing member  400  includes anterior portion  404 , which in use (shown in  FIG. 4B ) is positioned anterior to the ear of the subject (i.e. in front of pinna  402 ); over-ear portion  406 , which arcs over and behind pinna  402 ; and posterior portion  408 , which fits behind pinna  402 . In an aspect, securing member  400  includes downward extension  410 . In an aspect, wired communication link  412  (e.g., a cable) provides for connection of electrical components on securing member  400  to a remote computing device. For example, electrodes  414   a  and  414   b  on posterior portion  408  of securing member  400  are used to deliver electrical stimulation under control of a control signal delivered via wired communication link  412 . Securing member  400  also includes ear canal insert  416 , which fits into the external auditory meatus  112 . A sensor  418  on ear canal insert  416  can be used to sense a physiological signal, which in some aspects is used to determine the stimulation delivered with electrodes  414   a  and  414   b . Physiological sensor  418  may include, for example, an electrode for sensing a heart rate, or other physiological sensor as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. Additional sensors  420  and  422  are located on the aspect of posterior portion  408 , facing and adapted to contact the surface of the head adjacent the pinna  402 . In an aspect, sensors  420  and  422  are electrodes configured to detect an electroencephalographic (EEG) signal. 
       FIG. 5  depicts securing member  500  having a loop configuration of a type used for wireless headsets. Securing member  500  includes earpieces  502   a  and  502   b , which fit into the left and right ears of a subject, respectively (e.g., fitting into one or both of the concha and external auditory meatus). Securing member  500  also includes arcs  504   a  and  504   b , which fit over and behind the two ears of the subject, and connecting loop  506  which fits behind the head of the subject and connects earpieces  502   a  and  502   b . In an aspect, securing member  500  is sufficiently rigid to maintain earpieces  502   a  and  502   b  in position in the ears of the subject while the subject moves about (e.g., walking or running). In an aspect, ear canal inserts  508   a  and  508   b  fit into the ear canals of the subject. A neural stimulator  510  may be positioned on earpiece  502   a , as shown, or alternatively (or in addition) on ear canal extension  508   a . A secondary neural stimulator  512  may be located on pinna extension  514 . Extension  514  serves to position secondary neural stimulator  512  on the pinna of the subject at a desired location. In an aspect, extension  514  can be adjusted by elastic or plastic deformation to change the positioning of neural stimulator  512  on the pinna. In some aspects, extension  514  can include an adjustable linkage that provides for positioning of neural stimulator  512  with respect to the pinna. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a system in which neural stimulators  510  and  512  are positioned on securing member  500  so as to deliver stimulation to the left ear of the subject. Depending upon the desired application, neural stimulators can be positioned on one or both ears of the subject. In some aspects, stimulation is delivered to only one ear, while in other aspects, stimulation is delivered to both ears. 
     In some aspects, stimulator  512  located on pinna extension  514  can be used as the only, or primary neural stimulator, and stimulator  510  on earpiece  502   a  can be omitted. Earpieces  502   a  and  502   b  can function to hold securing member  500  in place with respect to the head of the subject, and, optionally, to deliver sound (such as a voice signal from a phone or music from an audio player) to the ears of the subject, independent of carrying stimulator  510 . Circuitry  516  in securing member  506  includes communication circuitry for wirelessly communicating with other system components, for example a personal computing device (e.g., an audio player, a mobile phone, or a laptop computer). In addition, circuitry  516  may provide for wireless communication with a sensor located at a distance from securing member  500 . For example, the wireless headset device depicted in  FIG. 5  can be used in combination with sensors in one or more locations, not limited to sensors on securing member  500 . Sensors include any type of physiological sensor located in, on or adjacent to the body of the subject (e.g., implanted sensors, sensors secured to the body, sensors in wearable items such as clothing, wristbands); remote sensors, environmental sensors, motion sensors, location sensors, and/or other types of sensors, without limitation. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a further example of a wearable neural stimulation device  600  including a housing  602  attached to a securing member  604 . Housing  602  is shown only in a dashed outline so that the position of stimulator  606  and sensor  608  with respect to ear  610  can be seen. Housing  602  is a thin, flat box-like structure, with stimulator  606  and sensor  608  mounted on the exterior of housing  602  on the side facing pinna  612 . Housing  602  is fastened to or formed integrally with securing member  604 . Securing member  604  fits into concha  614  to secure device  600  to ear  610 . Ear canal insert  616  fits into external auditory meatus  618 . Sensor  620  on ear canal insert  616  senses a physiological signal from external auditory meatus  618 . Sensor  608  is an environmental sensor that senses light from the environment of the subject, e.g., to determine whether it is day or night. 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a neural stimulation system  700 . Neural stimulation  700  system includes neural signal sensor  702 , which is adapted to sense a neural signal  704  from a subject. Neural signal  704  may be an electroencephalographic (EEG) signal or electrooculographic (EOG) signal, and in an aspect is indicative of a physiological status of the subject. Neural stimulation system  700  also includes neural stimulator  706 , which is adapted to produce a stimulus  708  responsive to sensed neural signal  704 , stimulus  708  configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of a pinna of the subject. Neural stimulation system  700  also includes securing member  710  configured to secure neural stimulator  706  to the pinna of the subject. 
     In various aspects, neural signal sensor  702  can be an electroencephalographic signal sensor  712  or electrooculographic signal sensor  714 . Electroencephalographic signal sensor  712  can be configured to fit within an ear canal of a subject, e.g., on an ear canal insert as depicted in  FIG. 4A  (for example as described in U.S. Patent Publication 2003/0195588 to Fischell et al., or U.S. Patent Publication 2006/0094974 to Cain, both of which are incorporated herein by reference). EOG sensor  714  can be located on an extension (e.g., similar to extension  514  shown in  FIG. 5 ) to position EOG sensor  714  on the subject&#39;s temple or side of the subject&#39;s head. An electromyographic signal sensor could be similarly placed. Physiological status of the subject, as indicated by neural signal  704 , may include indications or symptoms of various types of physiological status, including various brain-related disorders or statuses, or other physiological statuses. Brain-related disorders include, for example, mental health disorders (e.g., psychological or psychiatric disorder), depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, headache (e.g., primary headache, cluster headache, or migraine headache), or epilepsy). Neural signal sensor  704  may include other types of neural signal sensors, including external or implantable sensors, located in or on the ear or other part of the body. One or more neural signal sensors may be used. 
     In various aspects, securing member  710  is configured to secure neural stimulator  706  to different portions of the pinna of the subject. For example, in an aspect, securing member  710  includes a concha-fitted portion  716 , configured to fit into the concha of the subject (e.g., as depicted in  FIG. 3 ). In an aspect, securing member  710  includes an ear canal insert  718  configured to fit in the ear canal of the subject (e.g., as depicted in  FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5 ). In another aspect, securing member  710  is a hanger-style securing member  720 , as depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Hanger-style securing member  720  can be used to secure the neural stimulator to the back of the pinna, or to the surface of the head adjacent the pinna. In another aspect, securing member  710  is a loop-style securing member  722 , (e.g., of the type depicted in  FIG. 5 ). In another aspect, securing member  710  includes a clip  724  (e.g., of the type depicted in  FIG. 3 ). A clip may be used to secure neural stimulator  706  to various parts of the front or back of the pinna, including the front or back of the ear lobe. In another aspect, securing member  720  includes an extension  726  (e.g., such as extension  514  depicted in  FIG. 5 ). Such an extension can be used to position the neural stimulator in virtually any desired position on the pinna, or on the head adjacent to and above, below, in front of, or behind the ear. In an aspect, securing member  710  includes a housing  728 . It should be noted that housing  710  may in some cases function as an extension. For example, housing  602  depicted in  FIG. 6  also functions as an extension extending from securing member  604  to provide for placement and securing of stimulator  606  and sensor  608  on a portion of the pinna  612  not immediately adjacent securing member  604 . Securing member  710  can be configured to secure the neural stimulator to the concha, tragus, front or back of the pinna, the helix, or various other parts of the pinna, e.g., the triangular fossa, antihelix, superior or inferior crus of the antihelix, antitragus, or tragus of the subject. In some aspects securing member  710  is permanently configured to position neural stimulator  706  in a particular position with respect to the ear of the subject, wherein in some aspects securing member  710  is adjustable such that the positioning of neural stimulator  706  can be selected by the subject. For example, a sensor or stimulator may be secured to a particular portion of the pinna by being pressed sufficiently firmly against the pinna by the securing member or extension to form a reliable mechanical or electrical contact with the pinna. In an aspect, securing member  710  includes a shape memory material. Various materials may be suitable for the construction of securing member  710 , including but not limited to hard or soft, elastically or plastically deformable polymers, metals, ceramics, glasses, and composites formed therefrom. Flexible or stretchable electronic circuitry, formed from flexible materials or structures (e.g. conductors having, e.g., a serpentine design) or resilient conductive materials such as conductive polymers can be used in sensors and stimulators that conform to the pinna. While discussion herein has focused on positioning of the neural stimulator by securing member  710 , it will be appreciated that securing member  710  can also be configured to position sensors with respect to the ear in a similar fashion. Several such examples are provided in  FIGS. 3-6 . 
     In an aspect, the neural stimulator  706  is positioned with respect to securing member  710  such that when securing member  710  is worn on the pinna, neural stimulator  706  is positioned (secured) over a specific region of the pinna, e.g., a region of the pinna innervated by a cranial nerve, e.g., the vagus nerve, the facial nerve, the trigeminal nerve, or the glossopharyngeal nerve. Such positioning may be selected based upon knowledge of the innervation of the pinna, for example, as provided in references texts such as Cranial Nerves in Health and Disease, by Linda Wilson-Pauwels, Elizabeth J. Akesson, Patricia A. Stewart, and Sian D. Spacey; BC Decker Inc.; 2 edition (Jan. 1, 2002); ISBN-10: 1550091646/ISBN-13: 978-1550091649, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     As noted above, neural stimulator  706  may be, for example, a mechanical stimulator  730  (e.g., a vibratory mechanical stimulator  732 ), a transcutaneous electrical stimulator  734 , a transcutaneous magnetic stimulator  736 , an ultrasonic stimulator  738 , a chemical stimulator  740 , a thermal stimulator  742 , or other type of stimulator. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , in an aspect, neural stimulation system  700  includes at least one secondary sensor  750 . In an aspect, neural signal sensor  702  is a primary neural signal sensor, and secondary sensor  750  is a secondary neural signal sensor  752 , which may be, for example, an electroencephalographic (EEG) sensor  754 , or electrooculographic (EOG) sensor  756 . The secondary neural signal sensor  752  may be of the same or different type as primary neural signal sensor  702 , and may be located at the same or different location on the body as primary neural signal sensor  702 . In an aspect, secondary sensor  750  is a physiological sensor  758 , for example, an electromyographic (EMG) sensor  755 , a heart rate sensor  760  (which may be used to heart rhythm variability, as well as heart rate, and may include, but is not limited to, and EKG or pulse-oximeter based heart rate sensor), blood pressure sensor  762 , perspiration sensor  764 , skin conductivity sensor  766 , respiration sensor  768 , pupil dilation sensor  770 , digestive tract activity sensor  772 , or piloerection sensor  774 . In another aspect, secondary sensor  750  is an environmental sensor, for example a light sensor  782 , which may be configured to sense light level  784  and or day length  786 . Environmental sensor  750  may include a temperature sensor  788 , or an acoustic sensor  790 , e.g., configured to sense ambient noise level  792 . Other types of sensors for providing information regarding the state of the subject and his or her environment may be used, without limitation, including motion sensor  794  or location sensor  796 , for example. A variety of physiological and environmental sensors are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,204,786 to LeBoueuf et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Digestive tract activity may be sensed with external acoustical sensors, for example as described in “New disposable biosensor may help physicians determine which patients can safely be fed following surgery,” MedicalXpress, Aug. 7, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     In an aspect, neural stimulation system  700  includes a secondary signal input  800 . In various aspects, the signal received at secondary signal input  800  includes a signal from a delivery device  802  (indicative of delivery of a drug or nutraceutical to the subject), an input to a game  804  (e.g., a signal corresponding to the subjects input to a video game played by the subject), an output from a game  806  (e.g., a signal output by a game system indicative of a state of or an event in a game played by the subject), a user input to a virtual reality system  808 , an output from a virtual reality system  810  (e.g., a signal output by the VR system indicative of an state of or an event in the VR system), a user input device  812  (e.g., a user input device of a computing device or a user input to the neural stimulation system), or a computing device input  814  (e.g., a data input). Inputs received via a user input device or computing device input may be indicative of intake of a food item, beverage, nutraceutical, or pharmaceutical by the subject, for example. Inputs received via a user input device may be provided by the subject, or by another user, e.g. a medical caregiver. Inputs may be provided spontaneously by the user, or in response to a prompt or query. In an aspect, inputs may be provided by the user in response to queries or prompts that form a part of a quiz, questionnaire, or survey, including, e.g. questions presented in yes/no or multiple choice response format. User responses provided in response to such prompts or queries may indicate the subject&#39;s mental or emotional state. Inputs received via a data input may include, for example, health-related information of the subject, including genome information or microbiome information of the subject, information from medical-records of the subject, or other information pertaining to the health of the subject. 
     In an aspect, neural stimulation system  700  includes a clock or timer  816 . In various aspects, neural stimulator  706  is adapted to produce stimulus  708  based at least in part on a time of day indicated by clock/timer  816 , and/or based at least in part on a date indicated by clock/timer  816 . 
     Data drawn from one or more neural signals, physiological signals, environmental signals, or other secondary signals (e.g. obtained with secondary sensor  750  in  FIG. 7 ) or secondary inputs (e.g. secondary signal input  800  in  FIG. 7 ), as well as clock or timer information, can be correlated with a mental or emotional state of the subject, reported to a medical care provider or other party, and/or stored in the subject&#39;s medical or health records. In particular, values of any such parameters that are indicative of worsening mental or physical/physiological status of the subject can be reported to a medical care provider so that an appropriate intervention can be made, and/or used as a basis for modulating the delivery of neural stimulation. 
     In various aspects, neural stimulation system  700  includes at least one secondary stimulator  818  for delivery a secondary stimulus  820  to the subject. In an aspect, secondary stimulator  818  is a secondary neural stimulator  822 , which may be any of the various types of neural stimulators described in connection with neural stimulator  706 , and which may be of the same or different type as neural stimulator  706 . Alternatively, secondary stimulator  818  may include a mechanical stimulator  824 , an audio player  826 , an auditory stimulus source  828 , a virtual reality system  830 , an augmented reality system  832 , a visual stimulus source  834 , a tactile stimulator  836 , a haptic stimulator  838 , an odorant source  840 , a virtual therapist, or a delivery device  844 , for delivering a drug or nutraceutical, for example. 
     In various aspects, neural stimulation system  700  includes control circuitry  846  carried by securing member  710  (either directly on securing member  710 , or on an extension or housing connected to securing member  710 , e.g., as depicted in  FIGS. 3-6 ), the control circuitry  846  configured to control neural stimulator  706 . 
     In an aspect, neural stimulation system  700  includes communication circuitry  848  carried by securing member  710  and configured for at least one of sending one or more signal  850  to a personal computing device  852  and receiving one or more signal  854  from personal computing device  852 . 
     In an aspect, neural stimulation system  700  includes a sound source  856 , for delivering an auditory signal to the subject. Sound source  856  may be, for example, a speaker  858 . Sound source  856  may be configured (e.g., with appropriate electronic circuitry, not shown) to delivery an instruction  860  or alert  862  to the subject. 
     In an aspect, neural stimulation system  700  includes position sensor  864  for sensing the position of neural stimulator  706  with respect to the pinna of the subject. Position sensor  864  may detect the position of neural stimulator  706  with respect to the pinna by detecting electrical activity from a nerve, by detecting an image of the ear and determining the position based on landmarks in the image, or by detecting a temperature, pressure, or capacitive signal indicative of adequate contact of the stimulator with the ear, for example. 
     In an aspect, neural stimulation system  700  includes connector  866  for connecting the neural stimulator to a personal computing device. Connector  866  includes, for example, a jack or port for creating a wired (cable) connection with the personal computing device. In an aspect, neural stimulation system  700  includes user interface  867  for receiving input from the subject or presenting information to the subject. In an aspect, user interface  867  includes a small display, one or more indicator lights and simple user inputs, such as one or more buttons or dials for adjusting device setting and viewing and modifying system settings. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a generalized form of circuitry-based systems as depicted in  FIG. 7  and elsewhere herein. Although specific embodiments are described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that methods and systems as described herein can be implemented in various ways. Reference is made herein to various circuitry systems and subsystems (e.g., neural stimulation system  700  includes control/processing circuitry  846  in  FIG. 7 , which may be considered to be control/processing circuitry. As shown generically in  FIG. 8 , a system  870  includes a circuitry-based system  872 . Circuitry-based system  872 , which in some aspects is a computing device or computing subsystem, includes control/processing circuitry  874 , which includes any or all of digital and/or analog components  876 , one or more processor  878  (e.g., a microprocessor), and memory  880 , which may store one or more program module  882  and/or data  884 . In some aspects, control/processing circuitry provides for preliminary handling of data from one or more sensor  886 , transfer of data to remote device  896 , receipt of control signal from remote device  896 , and actuation of actuator  888 , which may be for example a neural stimulator (such as neural stimulator  706  as shown in  FIG. 7 ). Systems as described herein may receive signals from various sensors (e.g., sensor  886  depicted in  FIG. 8 ). System  870  may include other components as known to those skilled in the art, e.g., one or more power supply  890 , I/O structure  892 , clock, timer, data bus, etc. I/O structure  892  permits communication with various types of user interface devices (represented by user interface  894 , which may include one or more input devices such as a keyboard, button, switch, computer mouse, or touchscreen or one or more output devices such as screen, sound source, alphanumeric display, Braille display, etc.) and communication with various types of remote device  896 , e.g., remote system  216  in  FIGS. 2A-2B , which may have control/processing capability conferred by control/processing circuitry  898 . 
     In a general sense, the various embodiments described herein can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by various types of electrical circuitry having a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software, firmware, and/or virtually any combination thereof. Electrical circuitry (including control/processing circuitry  846  in  FIG. 7 , for example) includes electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a computer configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device, which may include various types of memory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., communication circuitry  848  in  FIG. 7 ) (e.g., a modem, communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical or other analogs (e.g., graphene based circuitry). In an embodiment, the system is integrated in such a manner that the system operates as a unique system configured specifically for function of the neural stimulation system described herein. In an embodiment, one or more associated computing devices of the system operate as specific use computers for purposes of the claimed system, and not general use computers. In an embodiment, one or more of the associated computing devices of the system are hardwired with a specific ROM to instruct the one or more computing devices. 
     In a general sense, the various aspects described herein which can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types of “electrical circuitry.” 
     At least a portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into a data processing system. A data processing system generally includes one or more of a system unit housing, a video display, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational entities such as operating systems, drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one or more interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna, etc.), and/or control systems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A data processing system may be implemented utilizing suitable commercially available components, such as those typically found in data computing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems. 
     In various embodiments, methods as described herein may be performed according to instructions implementable in hardware, software, and/or firmware. Such instructions may be stored in non-transitory machine-readable data storage media, for example. The state of the art has progressed to the point where there is little distinction left between hardware, software, and/or firmware implementations of aspects of systems; the use of hardware, software, and/or firmware is generally (but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can become significant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs. There are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware in one or more machines, compositions of matter, and articles of manufacture. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies described herein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Optical aspects of implementations will typically employ optically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware. 
     In some implementations described herein, logic and similar implementations may include software or other control structures. Electrical circuitry, for example, may have one or more paths of electrical current constructed and arranged to implement various functions as described herein. In some implementations, one or more media may be configured to bear a device-detectable implementation when such media hold or transmit device detectable instructions operable to perform as described herein. In some variants, for example, implementations may include an update or modification of existing software or firmware, or of gate arrays or programmable hardware, such as by performing a reception of or a transmission of one or more instructions in relation to one or more operations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants, an implementation may include special-purpose hardware, software, firmware components, and/or general-purpose components executing or otherwise invoking special-purpose components. 
     Implementations may include executing a special-purpose instruction sequence or invoking circuitry for enabling, triggering, coordinating, requesting, or otherwise causing one or more occurrences of virtually any functional operations described herein. In some variants, operational or other logical descriptions herein may be expressed as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked as an executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example, implementations may be provided, in whole or in part, by source code, such as C++, or other code sequences. In other implementations, source or other code implementation, using commercially available and/or techniques in the art, may be compiled//implemented/translated/converted into a high-level descriptor language (e.g., initially implementing described technologies in C or C++ programming language and thereafter converting the programming language implementation into a logic-synthesizable language implementation, a hardware description language implementation, a hardware design simulation implementation, and/or other such similar mode(s) of expression). For example, some or all of a logical expression (e.g., computer programming language implementation) may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware description (e.g., via Hardware Description Language (HDL) and/or Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Descriptor Language (VHDL)) or other circuitry model which may then be used to create a physical implementation having hardware (e.g., an Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 
     This detailed description sets forth various embodiments of devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In an embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing medium include, but are not limited to non-transitory machine-readable data storage media such as a recordable type medium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc. A signal bearing medium may also include transmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g., transmitter, receiver, transmission logic, reception logic, etc.) and so forth). 
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a method  900  relating to use of a neural stimulation system as depicted in  FIG. 7 . Here and elsewhere, method steps outlined with dashed lines represent steps that are included in some, but not all method aspects, and combinations of steps other than those specifically depicted in the figures are possible as would be known by those having ordinary skill in the relevant art. Method  900  includes sensing with a neural signal sensor a neural signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, the neural signal sensor located in or on a portion of a body of the subject, as indicated at  902 ; determining with signal analysis circuitry at least one parameter of the sensed neural signal, as indicated at  904 ; and delivering a neural stimulus with a neural stimulation device worn on a pinna of the subject responsive to the sensed neural signal, wherein the neural stimulus is configured to modulate the activity of at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna of the subject, as indicated at  906 . In an aspect, the neural stimulus is of sufficient frequency and amplitude to modulate the activity of the at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating the at least a portion of the pinna of the subject. For example, in various aspects the neural stimulus has a frequency in the approximate range of 1 Hz-1000 Hz, 10 Hz-500 Hz, 30 Hz-40 Hz, 10 Hz-50 Hz, 10 Hz-80 Hz, 50 Hz-100 Hz, or 200-300 Hz. In an aspect, the stimulus has a sinusoidal waveform. In other aspects, the stimulus may have a triangular, rectangular, square, trapezoidal, or other waveform, delivered cyclically, with cycle frequencies in the ranges listed above. It will be appreciated that depending on the stimulus waveform or pulse shape, or envelope shape, a given stimulus may include higher or lower frequencies. The neural stimulus may be delivered according to programmed pattern, which may be stored in memory on the neural stimulation device or on a personal computing device or other remote device in communication with the neural stimulation device. In various aspects, the neural stimulus is delivered continuously, intermittently, and/or in a time-varying fashion. The neural stimulus may be a pulsed stimulus. 
     In an aspect, the neural stimulus is delivered with a neural stimulation device and/or neural stimulus configured to activate a cranial nerve, such as the vagus nerve, facial nerve, trigeminal nerve, or glossopharyngeal nerve. The neural stimulation device can be configured to stimulate a particular nerve by one or both of positioning the neural stimulator on at least a portion of a receptive field of the nerve of interest, and selecting the amplitude and other stimulus parameters (e.g. frequency, waveform, duration) of the stimulus delivered to activate the nerve fibers in the nerve of interest. 
     In an aspect, the method includes delivering the neural stimulus responsive to the at least one parameter of the sensed neural signal. The at least one parameter may include, for example, a frequency content of an electroencephalographic signal, an amplitude of an electroencephalographic signal, a rate of eye movement determined from an electrooculogram, or a gaze direction determined from an electrooculogram. In some aspects, such parameters are indicative of a brain-related disorder, or symptoms thereof. In an aspect, method  900  includes delivering the neural stimulus in response to detection of symptoms of a brain-related disorder (which may be, for example, any mental health disorder (e.g., psychological or psychiatric disorder), depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, headache (e.g., primary headache, cluster headache, or migraine headache), or epilepsy). In an aspect, the method includes delivering the neural stimulus until symptoms of the brain-related disorder are no longer detected. 
     In an aspect, method  900  includes sensing at least one secondary signal with a secondary sensor. In an aspect, delivery of the neural stimulus may be started, stopped, or modulated in response to the secondary signal. The secondary signal may be a secondary neural signal (of the same or different type and sensed from the same or from a different location than the primary neural signal), or it may another type of physiological signal, an environmental signal, a location signal, or a signal from a motion sensor, for example. Such secondary signals may provide additional information relevant for determining whether the neural stimulus should be applied, assessing the subject&#39;s response to the neural stimulus, identifying appropriate time of delivery of the neural stimulus, etc. The secondary signal may include other types of secondary signal, e.g., as received by secondary signal input  800  in  FIG. 7 . In an aspect, method  900  includes delivering at least one secondary stimulus to the subject in addition to the neural stimulus delivered with the neural stimulation device. The secondary stimulus may be any of various types of secondary stimulus, e.g., as delivered with secondary stimulator  818  as described in  FIG. 7 . In various aspects, method  900  includes controlling the neural stimulation device with control circuitry located at least in part on the neural stimulation device, or with control circuitry located at least in part on a personal computing device in communication with the neural stimulation device worn on the pinna of the subject. In an aspect, method  900  includes sending a signal from the neural stimulation device worn on the pinna of the subject to a personal computing device or receiving a signal from a personal computing device at the neural stimulation device worn on the pinna of the subject. In an aspect, method  900  includes delivering an auditory instruction or an auditory alert to the subject with a sound source operatively connected to the neural stimulation device. In an aspect, method  900  includes sensing a position of the neural stimulation device relative to the pinna of subject with a position sensor operatively connected to the neural stimulation device. If the neural stimulation device is not positioned properly positioned, the auditory instruction or alert may remind the subject to correct the positioning of the neural stimulation device. Alternatively, or in addition, visual alerts can be provided to the subject, in the form of one or more blinking light, graphic, or a text message, delivered via an LED or other light emitting element, an alphanumeric display, a screen, or other display element on the neural stimulation device or on the personal computing device. 
       FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment of a wearable neural stimulation device  1000  that includes a vibratory mechanical stimulator  1002 . Vibratory mechanical stimulator  1002  is adapted to produce a vibratory stimulus of sufficient frequency and amplitude to modulate the activity of at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on at least a portion of a pinna of a subject, and a securing member  710  configured to secure vibratory mechanical stimulator  1000  to the pinna. Securing member  710  is as described herein above. Vibratory mechanical stimulator  1002  is a vibratory stimulator, such as vibratory stimulator  732  described generally in connection with  FIG. 7 . In various aspects, vibratory mechanical stimulator  1002  includes an electromechanical device  1004 , piezoelectric device  1006 , movable coil  1008 , electrostatic device  1010 , magnetostrictive device  1012 , isodynamic device  1014 , a MEMS device  1016 , and/or a stretchable electronic device  1018 . 
     In an aspect, neural stimulation device  1000  includes at least one sensor  1020 , which may be any of the various types of sensors described in connection with secondary sensor  750  in  FIG. 7 , e.g., a physiological sensor  758 , a neural signal sensor  752 , an environmental sensor  780 , a motion sensor  794  or a location sensor  796 . In various aspects, neural stimulation device  1000  includes a secondary signal input  800 , secondary stimulator  818 , control circuitry  846  carried by securing member  710 , communication circuitry  848 , sound source  856 , position sensor  864 , and connector  866 , all of which have been discussed in connection with  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 11  is a flow diagram of a method  1100  relating to use of a neural stimulation system as depicted in  FIG. 10 . In an aspect, method  1100  includes delivering a vibratory mechanical stimulus to at least a portion of a pinna of a subject with a neural stimulation device worn on the pinna of the subject, wherein the vibratory mechanical stimulus is of sufficient frequency and amplitude to modulate the activity of at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on the at least a portion of the pinna, as indicated at  1102 . In an aspect, method  1100  includes delivering the vibratory mechanical stimulus over a spatial extent of the pinna sufficient to modulate the activity of the at least one mechanoreceptor, as indicated at  1104 . 
     In an aspect, the vibratory mechanical stimulus has a waveform sufficient to modulate the activity of the at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on the at least a portion of the pinna. For example, the vibratory mechanical stimulus may have a sinusoidal or other waveform. In some aspects, the vibratory mechanical stimulus is delivered according to programmed pattern, which may include delivering the vibratory mechanical stimulus either continuously or intermittently. 
     In an aspect, as indicated at  1106 , method  1100  includes sensing a signal with a sensor and controlling the delivery of the vibratory mechanical stimulus based at least in part on the sensed signal. The sensed signal may be any of the various types of signal sensed with sensor  1018  in  FIG. 10 . In various aspects, controlling delivery of the vibratory mechanical stimulus based at least in part on the sensed signal includes modulating delivery of the neural stimulus in response to the sensed signal, or delivering the vibratory mechanical stimulus in response to the sensed signal. In an aspect, controlling the delivery of the vibratory mechanical stimulus based at least in part on the sensed signal includes initiating delivery of the vibratory mechanical stimulus in response to the sensed signal. 
     In an aspect, method  1100  includes receiving a signal from an input and controlling the delivery of the vibratory mechanical stimulus based at least in part on the received signal, as indicated at  1108 . The received signal may be e.g., any of the various types of input signals received at secondary signal input  800  in  FIG. 10 . 
     In an aspect, method  1100  includes sensing at least one second sensed signal with a second sensor and controlling the delivery of the vibratory mechanical stimulus based at least in part on the second sensed signal, as indicated at  1110 . 
     In an aspect, method  1100  also includes delivering a secondary stimulus to the subject, as indicated at  1112 , which may include delivering a secondary stimulus with a secondary stimulator  818 , as described in connection with  FIG. 7 . 
     As discussed in connection with method  900 , the vibratory mechanical stimulus can be delivered in response to detection of symptoms of a brain-related disorder, which may include, for example, a mental health disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, headache, or epilepsy. In an aspect, method  1100  includes delivering the vibratory mechanical stimulus until symptoms of the brain-related disorder are no longer detected. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a neural stimulation system  1200  which includes a wearable neural stimulation device  1202  and personal computing device  1204 . Personal computing device  1204  may be packaged separately from wearable neural stimulation device  1202 , e.g., similar to the system depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . Wearable neural stimulation device  1202  includes neural stimulator  706 , which is adapted to produce a stimulus for activating at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of a pinna of a subject, securing member  710  configured to secure the neural stimulator to the pinna, control circuitry  1206  for controlling operation of neural stimulator  706 , and first communication circuitry  1208 . Neural stimulator  706  and securing member  710  are as described herein above in connection with  FIG. 7 . Both control circuitry  1206  and first communication circuitry  1208  are incorporated into the wearable neural stimulation device  1202 . First communication circuitry  1208  is operatively connected to control circuitry  1206  and is configured for at least one of sending a signal  1210  to and receiving a signal  1212  from personal computing device  1204 . Other system components that may be included in or used in connection with wearable neural stimulation device  1202  include secondary signal input  800 , secondary stimulator  818 , sound source  856 , position sensor  864  and connector  866 , as described herein above in connection with  FIG. 7 , and sensor  1018  as described herein above in connection with  FIG. 10 . In an aspect, neural stimulation system  1200  includes user interface  1221 , including user input device  1222  which is used to receive an input from the subject or other user, and user output device  1223 . User input device  1222  may be any of various types of user input devices known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to a button, keyboard, keypad, touchscreen, voice input, etc. In system  1200  and in other neural stimulation systems described herein, system components such as secondary signal input  800 , secondary stimulator  818 , sound source  856 , position sensor  864 , connector  866 , sensor  1018 , and user input device  1221  may in some cases be built into the wearable neural stimulation device (e.g., wearable neural stimulation device  1202 ) and in some cases be packaged separately but used in combination with the wearable neural stimulation device. For example, sensors may be located on the subject&#39;s body at a location other than the ear, or in the vicinity of the subject but not on the subject&#39;s body. In some cases, sensors may be implanted within the subject&#39;s body. Similarly, one or both of a secondary stimulator and a sound source can be located on the wearable neural stimulation device, on the subject&#39;s body distinct from the neural stimulation device, or in the vicinity of the subject but not on the subject&#39;s body. 
     Personal computing device  1202  includes a user interface  1214  for at least one of presenting information to and receiving information from a user, control circuitry  1216  operatively connected to user interface  1214 , and second communication circuitry  1218  configured for at least one of sending a signal to and receiving a signal from the first communication circuitry  1208  carried by the housing of the wearable neural stimulation device. In addition, personal computing device  1202  includes instructions  1220  that when executed on personal computing device  1204  cause personal computing device  1204  to perform at least one of sending signal  1212  to and receiving signal  1210  from wearable neural stimulation device  1202  via second communication circuitry  1218 . 
     Communication circuitry  1208  and communication circuitry  1218  provide for communication between wearable neural stimulation device  1202  and personal computing device  1204 . In addition, in some aspects one or both of communication circuitry  1208  and communication circuitry  1218  provide for communication of wearable neural stimulation device  1202  or personal computing device  1204 , respectively, with a remote system  1224 . In some aspects, communication circuitry  1208  and communication circuitry  1218  provide for wired communication between wearable neural stimulation device and personal computing device  1204 . Wired communication to wearable neural stimulation device may occur via connector  866 . Alternatively, or in addition, a wireless communication link may be established between wearable neural stimulation device  1202  and personal computing device  1204 , and/or between either wearable neural stimulation device  1202  or personal computing device  1204  and remote system  1224 . In various aspects, a wireless communication link includes at least one of a radio frequency, wireless network, cellular network, satellite, WiFi, BlueTooth, Wide Area Network, Local Area Network, or Body Area Network communication link. Various types of communication links are suitable for providing communication between two remote locations. Communication between locations remote from each other may take place over telecommunications networks, for example public or private Wide Area Network (WAN). In general, communication between remote locations is not considered to be suitably handled by technologies geared towards physically localized networks, e.g., Local Area Network (LAN) technologies operation at Layer 1/2 (such as the forms of Ethernet or WiFi). However, it will be appreciated that portions (but not the entirety) of communication networks used in remote communications may include technologies suitable for use in physically localized network, such as Ethernet or WiFi. 
     In an aspect, personal computing device  1204  is personal digital assistant  1226 , a personal entertainment device  1228 , a mobile phone  1230 , a laptop computer  1232 , a tablet personal computer  1234 , a wearable computing device  1236  (e.g., a fitness band, an item of clothing, attire, or eyewear incorporating computing capability), a networked computer  1238 , a computing system comprised of a cluster of processors  1240 , a computing system comprised of a cluster of servers  1242 , a workstation computer  1244 , and/or a desktop computer  1246 . In various aspects, personal computing device  1204  includes one or more of a portable computing device, a wearable computing device, a mobile computing device, and a thin client computing device, for example. 
       FIG. 13  depicts aspects of a system  1300  including personal computing device  1302 , for use in connection with neural stimulation system  1303 , which is a neural stimulation system such as described herein above. Personal computing device  1302  is as described generally in connection with  FIG. 12 . In an aspect, personal computing device  1302  includes circuitry  1304  for receiving a neural activity signal  1306 , circuitry  1308  for determining a neural stimulus control signal  1310  based at least in part on neural activity signal  1306 , and circuitry  1312  for outputting neural stimulus control signal  1310  to neural stimulation device  1314 . In an aspect, neural activity signal  1306  is sensed by neural signal sensor  1315 , and is indicative of a physiological status of a subject. Neural activity signal  1306  may be an unprocessed neural signal, or neural activity signal  1306  may have been subjected to various types and amounts of signal processing, and/or analysis (including, but not limited to filtering, amplification, analog to digital conversion, signal averaging, conversion from time to frequency domain, feature extraction, and so forth). Neural activity signal  1306  may include neural activity sensed from one or more neural signal sensors  1315  (which may be electroencephalographic sensors or electrooculographic sensors, for example). Neural activity signal  1306  may include information derived from or associated with the sensed neural signal, and may include or be accompanied by additional information that identifies the type of signal, type of processing to which the signal has been subject, data formatting, device settings used during acquisition of the neural signal, etc. Neural signal sensor  1315  is a component of neural stimulation system  1303 , and may be a component of neural stimulation device  1314 , or used in association therewith, as described herein above. Neural stimulation device  1314  includes external neural stimulator  1316 , which is configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject. Neural stimulus control signal  1310  is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by external neural stimulator  1316 , the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna. 
     Neural activity signal input  1304  (the circuitry for receiving neural activity signal  1306 ) includes, for example, a headphone jack  1318 , data input  1320 , wireless receiver  1322 , or network connection  1324 . In various aspects neural activity signal input  1304  includes circuitry for receiving a signal from a body area network, a local area network, or a wide area network. 
     Neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  1308  includes one or more of amplitude determination circuitry  1326  for determining a neural stimulus amplitude, frequency determination circuitry  1328  for determining a neural stimulus frequency, waveform determination circuitry  1330  for determining a neural stimulus waveform, pattern determination circuitry  1332  for determining a neural stimulus pattern, or duration determination circuitry  1333  for determining a neural stimulus duration. In an aspect, personal computing device  1302  includes data storage circuitry  1334  for storing data on the data storage device, including memory  1336  and circuitry for accessing data stored therein. Memory  1336  may contain stored preprogrammed stimulus patterns and waveforms as well as neural stimulus parameter values from which neural stimuli can be computed. In an aspect, system  1300  includes data storage circuitry  1334  for storing data on personal computing device  1302  representing neural stimulus control signal  1338 . In an aspect, system  1300  includes data storage circuitry  1334  for storing data on personal computing device  1302  representing previous neural activity  1340 . In an aspect, neural activity prediction circuitry  1342  predicts a future neural activity signal based on a previous neural activity signal. 
     In an aspect, system  1300  includes secondary stimulus determination circuitry  1344  for determining a secondary stimulus based on neural activity signal  1306 . In an aspect, secondary stimulus determination circuitry  1344  determines the secondary stimulus control signal  1346  based on previous neural activity signal  1340 . 
     In an aspect, system  1300  includes reporting circuitry  1348  for providing a report  1350  to at least one recipient. Reporting circuitry  1348  may cause report  1350  to be provided via a user interface  1214  (as described in connection with  FIG. 12 ) or via a computing network (accessed via communication circuitry  1218 ). In an aspect, report  1350  is provided to the subject using the neural stimulation device  1314 . In another aspect, report  1350  is provided to other parties, for example, a medical care provider, an insurance company, a service provider (e.g., a business or other entity that provides services related to the neural stimulation device or related to monitoring use of the neural stimulation device). In an aspect, report  1350  is provided to at least one social media contact (or ‘friend’), or to a peer of the subject, e.g., via a social network. In an aspect, the recipient is a computing system, e.g. a computing system used for storing and/or processing healthcare information. In various aspects, anonymization circuitry  1352  is used to provide the report in anonymized form (e.g., with information identifying the subject removed therefrom). Reporting circuitry  1326  may include circuitry for including various information in report  1350 , e.g., information relating to one or more of neural activity signal  1306  or information derived therefrom, neural stimulus control signal  1310 , settings for neural stimulation device  1314  or personal computing device  1302 , stored neural activity data  1340 , secondary input signal  1354 , and secondary stimulus control signal  1346 . In an aspect, system  1300  includes secondary stimulus control signal output circuitry  1356  for delivering secondary stimulus control signal  1346  to secondary stimulator  1358 . Secondary stimulator  1358  can be any type of stimulator, for example such as secondary stimulator  818  described in connection with  FIG. 7 . 
     In an aspect, system  1300  includes secondary signal input  1360  for receiving a secondary input signal  1354  at personal computing device  1302 . In an aspect, neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry is configured to determine neural stimulus control signal  1310  based at least in part on secondary input signal  1354 . Secondary input signal may be representative of a physiological parameter of the subject or an environmental parameter of the subject, and may include a signal sensed from a sensor on or associate with neural stimulation device  1314 , or a sensor in the environment of the subject, and/or parameters or values derived from such sensed signals. In an aspect, the secondary input signal is indicative of a user input provided by the subject. In an aspect, secondary input signal  1354  may be received via user input  1362  in user interface  1214 . 
     In an aspect, system  1300  includes circuitry for presenting a recommendation to the subject. The recommendation may be presented to the subject via user output  1364  of user interface  1214 , e.g., via audio output  1366  and/or graphical display  1368  or transmitted to neural stimulation device  1303  and presented via a user interface on neural stimulation device  1303 . In an aspect, system  1300  includes recommendation receiving circuitry  1370  for receiving recommendation  1372  at personal computing device  1302 . 
     For example, in an aspect recommendation receiving circuitry  1370  receives recommendation  1372  via a computing network. In various aspects, recommendation  1372  is received from a medical care provider, from an insurance company, a service provider, an advisor, a computation-based system (including, e.g. an artificial intelligence), or a social media source, for example. In various aspects, recommendation receiving circuitry  1370  is configured to receive recommendations from particular sources, e.g. by receiving along with the recommendation a code indicating the source of the recommendation (e.g., a specific medical care provider, a medical care provider as opposed to a social media source), and to recognize a source of the recommendation and respond differently depending upon the source of the recommendation. Recommendation receiving circuitry  1370  may be configured such that recommendations from more credible sources may presented to the subject more promptly or more prominently, whereas recommendations from undesirable sources may be blocked, for example. Recommendation  1372  may relate to a configuration of neural stimulus control signal  1319  or secondary stimulus control signal  1346 . In other aspects, recommendation  1372  relates to one or more of a consumer product, a service, a user experience, a user activity, or an organization that may be of interest to the subject, e.g., because the recommendations would enhance or be compatible with the effects of the neural stimulation received by the subject, or in some other manner relate to the neural stimulation or the condition which it is intended to treat. For example, the recommendation might be for software for storing, presenting, sharing, or reporting stimulation data or health data or for an organization that provides counseling to individuals with a particular condition. In an aspect, user input  1362  is configured to receive acceptance/rejection signal  1374  from the subject regarding acceptance or rejection of recommendation  1372 . 
     In an aspect, system  1300  includes patch or update receiving circuitry  1376  for receiving patch/update  1378  at personal computing device  1302 . Patch/update  1378  includes a software patch or update for software residing on personal computing device  1302  or neural stimulation device  1314  and may be received, for example, from the manufacturer of neural stimulation device  1314 , from a service provider, or the like. In an aspect, personal computing device  1302  includes update circuitry  1380  for applying the patch or update to software installed on personal computing device  1302  or to software installed on neural stimulation device  1314 , by sending update signal  1382  to neural stimulation system  1303 . In an aspect, update circuitry  1380  also provides for updating a configuration of at least one of the neural stimulation device and the personal computing device, the configuration relating to operation of the neural stimulation device. In an aspect, update circuitry  1380  can be configured to update the configuration of at least one of the neural stimulation device and the personal computing device based on historical data (e.g., as stored in memory  1336 ). In another aspect, update circuitry  1380  is configured to update the configuration based on at least one instruction  1384 . In an aspect, instruction  1384  is received via user input  1362  of personal computing device  1302 . In another aspect, instruction  1384  is received from a computing network, (e.g., from a remote device or system, via a data input such as I/O  892  depicted in  FIG. 8 ). In various aspects, instruction  1384  is received from a medical care provider, an insurance company, or a service provider, for example. 
     In another aspect, update circuitry  1380  is configured to update the configuration of at least one of the neural stimulation device and the personal computing device based on at least one recommendation  1372 . As discussed herein above, recommendation  1372  is received by recommendation receiving circuitry  1370 , and can be received from an advisor, from a computation-based system (e.g., an artificial intelligence, machine learning system, or search engine based on a data-driven technique), or from a social media source (for example, in various aspects, the recommendation is based on the at least one preference of at least one social media contact, peer, or role model of the subject). In addition, acceptance/rejection input  1374  is received from the subject by user interface  1214  regarding acceptance or rejection of the recommendation, and update circuitry  1380  updates the configuration responsive to acceptance of the recommendation by the subject (if the recommendation is rejected, no update is made in response to the recommendation). As an alternative, acceptance or rejection of the recommendation can be provided by a caregiver of the subject regarding received via either user interface  1214  or via a data input from a remote device or system. Update circuitry  1380  updates the configuration responsive to acceptance of the recommendation by the caregiver of the subject. In another aspect, update circuitry  1380  is configured to update the configuration of at least one of the neural stimulation device and the personal computing device based on an environmental parameter (based in a secondary input signal  1354  received at secondary signal input  1360 . In another aspect, update circuitry  1380  is configured to update the configuration of at least one of the neural stimulation device and the personal computing device automatically. For example, in an aspect, the configuration is updated automatically according to a schedule, for example when the time and/or date indicated by clock/timer  1386  matches an update time/date in schedule  1388  stored in memory  1336 . 
     In an aspect, neural activity signal input  1304  includes circuitry for receiving neural activity signal  1306  via a secure connection. In an aspect, neural control signal output  1312  includes circuitry for outputting neural stimulus control signal  1346  via a secure connection. The secure connection may include be provided through the use of an encrypted signal, for example. 
     In an aspect, system  1300  includes output circuitry  1390  for presenting information to the subject via user interface  1214 , including e.g., audio output  1366 , graphical display  1368 , alphanumeric display  1392 , touchscreen  1394 , or other user interface devices, as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In an aspect, system  1300  includes customization circuitry  1396 . Customization circuitry  1396  customizes for the subject one or both of the information, or the formatting of the information, that is presented to via user interface  1214 , based on user preferences, for example. 
     In an aspect, system  1300  includes authentication circuitry  1398  for receiving a credential  1400  showing that the subject is an authorized user. In an aspect, output circuitry  1390  presents information to the subject via user interface  1214  only following receipt of credential  1400  showing that the subject is an authorized user. In various aspects, authentication circuitry  1398  receives a password, a personal identification number, a biometric feature, or a card authentication, for example. 
     In an aspect, output circuitry  1390  includes output format circuitry  1402  for presenting the information to the subject via user interface  1214  in a graphical format that mimics the graphical format of an audio player, in a graphical format that mimics the graphical format of a mobile phone, or in any other graphical format that mimics the graphical format of a familiar user interface. This permits the subject to use the neural stimulation device discretely, and present to observers the impression that the personal computing device is functioning as a mobile phone or audio player rather than being used in connection with a neural stimulation device. In an aspect, output circuitry  1390  changes or discontinues the presenting of information to the subject via the user interface in response to an input signal  1404 . For example, output circuitry  1390  switches between a first graphical format and a second graphical format on user interface  1214  in response to input signal  1404 . For example, the first graphical format may present information relating to the neural stimulus, while the second graphical format may mimic the format of a mobile phone or audio player. In an aspect, input signal  1404  is a user input signal, received for example via user interface  1214 . In another aspect, input signal  1404  is a sensed environmental signal indicative of presence of another person (e.g., an audio input signal containing the detected voice of the other person, received via secondary input signal  1354 ). In an aspect, input signal  1404  is indicative of a time (e.g., a signal received from clock/timer  1386  on personal computing device  1302 ). 
     In an aspect, neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  1308  modulates neural stimulus control signal  1310  in response to an override signal. For example, in an aspect override signal is input signal  1404  received via user input  1362 . In an aspect, override signal is secondary input signal  1354 , received via secondary signal input  1360 . In an aspect, the override signal originates from a sensor that senses a physiological parameter, such as heart rate. In the event that the physiological parameter indicates an unsafe condition (e.g., the heart rate is too high or too low), the neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  1308  modulates neural stimulus control signal  1310  to discontinue production of the neural stimulus. For example, in various aspects, the override signal originates from a sensor responsive to sensing a presence of a person other than the subject in the vicinity of the subject or responsive to sensing that the external neural stimulator is not properly positioned on the pinna of the subject. In an aspect, neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  1308  modulates neural stimulus control signal  1310  to discontinue production of the neural stimulus. In an aspect, neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  1308  modulates neural stimulus control signal  1310  to change an intensity of the neural stimulus. In addition to modulating or discontinuing the neural stimulus in response to an override condition (e.g., physiological parameter indicative of an unsafe condition, improper positioning of the external neural stimulator, etc.), a notification may be sent to the subject and/or to a medical care provider or other party regarding the override condition, to prompt the recipient of the notification to take corrective action, or for inclusion of the information in the subject&#39;s medical records. 
     In an aspect, secondary signal input  1360  is adapted to receive a position signal indicative of a position of the external neural stimulator with respect to the pinna of the subject. In connection therewith, system  1300  may also include notification circuitry  1406  for delivering a notification to the subject indicating that the external neural stimulator should be repositioned. In an aspect, notification circuitry  1406  includes circuitry for delivering the notification via a graphical display  1368  of personal computing device  1302 . In an aspect, notification circuitry  1406  includes circuitry for delivering an auditory alert, either via audio output  1366  of personal computing device, or by generating an appropriate audio output signal  1408  for driving production of the auditory alert by a sound source  1410  on neural stimulation device  1314 . In an aspect, notification circuitry  1406  includes circuitry for delivering a voice message (e.g., a preset message retrieved from memory  1336 ). In a further aspect, notification circuitry  1406  includes circuitry for storing information indicating that stimulator  1316  is improperly positioned in a data storage location (e.g., memory  1336 ) in personal computing device  1302 . In another aspect, notification circuitry  1406  provides for storing information indicating that stimulator  1316  is improperly positioned in a data storage location in neural stimulation device  1314  (e.g., by transmitting such information to neural stimulation device  1314 . 
     In an aspect, system  1300  includes circuitry for outputting an audio output signal, either via an audio output  1366  of personal computing device  1302  or via sound source  1410  of neural stimulation device  1314 , where the audio output signal drives delivery of sound to the ear of the subject via a sound source. In an aspect, output circuitry  1390  is used to output the audio output signal via audio output  1366  of the personal computing device. In an aspect, communication circuitry  1218  is used for transmitting audio output signal  1408  to a sound source  1410  on neural stimulation device  1314 . Alternatively, communication circuitry  1218  can be used to deliver an audio output signal to sound source distinct from the neural stimulation device (e.g., a sound source included in a device used by the subject, but not included in the neural stimulation device). In an aspect, output circuitry  1390  retrieves an audio signal from a data storage location (e.g., memory  1336 ) on personal computing device  1302 , and generate audio output signal based on the retrieved audio signal. In another aspect, system  1300  includes audio receiver  1412  for receiving audio input signal  1414  from a telecommunication network. For example, in various aspects, audio input signal  1414  is a broadcast radio signal, a webcast audio signal, or a mobile phone signal. 
     In an aspect, system  1300  includes prioritization circuitry  1416  for prioritizing delivery of the neural stimulus control signal relative to the audio output signal (either audio output signal  1408  for delivery to sound source  1410 , and/or an audio output signal delivered via audio output  1366  on personal computing device  1302 ). In an aspect, prioritization circuitry  1416  automatically discontinues outputting of the neural stimulus control signal  1310  and starts outputting of the audio output signal in response to receipt of audio input signal  1414 . In another aspect, prioritization circuitry  1416  automatically declines audio input signal  1414  if the neural stimulus is currently being delivered. In another aspect, prioritization circuitry  1416  provides for circuitry for outputting the audio output signal simultaneously with neural stimulus control signal  1310 . In another aspect prioritization circuitry  1416  provides for switching between outputting the audio output signal and outputting neural stimulus control signal  1346 . Switching may occur in response to a user input received via user input  1362 , or in response to sensor input received, for example, via secondary signal input  1360 . In an aspect, prioritization circuitry  1416  performs switching between outputting the audio output signal and outputting neural stimulus control signal  1310  according to a schedule (stored, e.g., in memory  1336 ) in response to input from clock/timer  1386 . In an aspect, prioritization circuitry  1416  switches between outputting the audio output signal and outputting the neural stimulus control signal responsive to receipt of the audio input signal  1414  from a telecommunication network. Prioritization circuitry  1416  may be configured to give higher priority to outputting of the neural stimulus control signal than to outputting of the audio output signal, or to give higher priority to outputting of the audio output signal than to outputting of the neural stimulus control signal. The priority of the signals may be determined by the preference of the subject. For example, the subject may consider it a higher priority to receive a phone call via his or her mobile phone than to continue received of a neural stimulation, and therefore may configure system  1300  so that neural stimulation is discontinued when a phone call is received. Alternatively, the subject may prefer that a neural stimulation session not be interrupted, and may configure system  1300  such that no phone calls will be received while neural stimulation is taking place. In other aspects, the subject may provide an input at user interface  1214  (e.g., by pressing a button) to switch between receiving neural stimulation and listening to music, as preferred. In another aspect, system  1300  is configured to deliver neural stimulation in combination with music. 
       FIG. 14  is a flow diagram of a method  1450  relating to use of a system including a personal computing device, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Method  1450  includes receiving a neural activity signal at a personal computing device, the neural activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, as indicated at  1452 . In addition, method  1450  includes determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the neural activity signal, as indicated at  1454 , and outputting the neural stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna, as indicated at  1456 . In an aspect, determining the neural stimulus control signal includes determining a stimulation pattern. In various aspect, method  1450  includes additional steps, relating to the system functions described in greater detail in connection with  FIG. 13 . For example, in an aspect, method  1450  includes providing a report to at least one recipient, as indicated at  1458 . In an aspect, method  1450  includes determining a secondary stimulus control signal adapted to control delivery of a secondary stimulus to the subject, and delivering the secondary stimulus control signal to a secondary stimulator, as indicated at  1460 . For example, in an aspect, the secondary stimulator includes a game device, and the secondary stimulus control signal controls operation of the game device. In another aspect, the secondary stimulator includes computing system configured to deliver a virtual therapist experience, and the secondary stimulus control signal controls operation of the virtual therapist. In another aspect, the secondary stimulus includes an interactive activity delivered via a computing device, and the secondary stimulus control signal controls operation of the computing device. 
     In an aspect, method  1450  includes receiving a secondary input signal at the personal computing device and determining the neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the secondary input signal, as indicated at  1462 . For example, in an aspect the secondary input signal is indicative of a user input provided spontaneously by subject. Other secondary input signals are described herein above. 
     In an aspect, method  1450  includes presenting a recommendation to the subject, as indicated at  1464 . Method  1450  may also include receiving the recommendation at the personal computing device, as described above in connection with  FIG. 13 . 
     In an aspect, method  1450  includes receiving a patch or update at the personal computing device, the patch or update relating to operation of the neural stimulation device, as indicated at  1466 . In an aspect, the patch or update is for software installed on the personal computing device. In another aspect, the patch or update is for software installed on the neural stimulation device, in which case method  1450  may also include sending the patch or update to the neural stimulation device. 
     In an aspect, method  1450  includes updating a configuration of at least one of the neural stimulation device and the personal computing device, the configuration relating to operation of the neural stimulation device, as indicated at  1468 . As discussed above, the configuration is updated based on at least one instruction. In another aspect, the configuration is updated based on at least one recommendation, responsive to receipt of an input regarding acceptance of the recommendation by the subject or a caregiver of the subject. 
     In an aspect, method  1450  includes presenting information to the subject via a user interface, as indicated at  1470 . The method may also include changing or discontinuing the presenting of information to the subject via the user interface in response to an input signal. In an aspect, method  1450  includes modulating the neural stimulus control signal in response to an override signal, as indicated at  1472 . 
     In an aspect, method  1450  includes receiving a position signal indicative of the position of the external neural stimulator with respect to the pinna of the subject, as indicated at  1474 . Method  1450  may also include delivering a notification to the subject indicating that external neural stimulator should be repositioned. Other method aspects are discussed in connection with  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram of a computer program product  1500  for implementing a method as described in connection with  FIG. 14 . Computer program product  1500  includes a signal-bearing medium  1502  bearing one or more instructions for receiving a neural activity signal, the neural activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject; one or more instructions for determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the neural activity signal; and one or more instructions for outputting the neural stimulus control signal to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna, as indicated at  1504 . Signal-bearing medium  1502  may be, for example, a computer-readable medium  1506 , a recordable medium  1508 , a non-transitory signal-bearing medium  1510 , or a communications medium  1512 , examples of which are described herein above. 
       FIG. 16  is a block diagram of a system  1600  including a personal computing device  1602  and external neural stimulator  1604 , which comprises a part of neural stimulation device  1606  and neural stimulation system  1608 . Personal computing device  1602  is as described generally in connection with  FIG. 12 . In an aspect, a system  1600  includes personal computing device  1602  including physiological activity input circuitry  1610  for receiving a physiological activity signal  1612  at personal computing device  1062 . Physiological activity signal  1612  is sensed by physiological sensor  1614  in neural stimulation system  1608 , and is indicative of a physiological status of a subject. Physiological sensor  1614  can be any of various types of physiological sensors, e.g., as described in connection with physiological sensor  758  in  FIG. 7 . In various aspects, physiological activity signal  1612  is representative of a heart rate (and in some cases heart rate rhythm variability), a blood pressure, perspiration, skin conductivity, respiration, pupil dilation, digestive tract activity, or piloerection. In some aspects, physiological activity signal  1612  is a neural activity signal, such as an electroencephalographic or electrooculographic signal. Physiological activity signal  1612  may be an electromyographic signal (indicative of muscle activity of the subject) or an electrocardiographic signal (indicative of cardiac activity of the subject). Physiological activity signal  1612  may be an unprocessed physiological signal, or physiological activity signal  1612  may have been subjected to various types and amounts of signal processing, and/or analysis (including, but not limited to filtering, amplification, analog to digital conversion, signal averaging, conversion from time to frequency domain, feature extraction, and so forth). Physiological activity signal  1612  may include activity sensed from one or more physiological sensors  1614 . Physiological activity signal  1612  may include information derived from or associated with the sensed physiological signal, and may include or be accompanied by additional information that identifies the type of signal, type of processing to which the signal has been subject, data formatting, device settings used during acquisition of the physiological signal, etc. Personal computing device  1602  also includes neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  1616  for determining neural stimulus control signal  1618  based at least in part on physiological activity signal  1612 . Neural stimulus control signal  1618  is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by external neural stimulator  1604 . In an aspect, the neural stimulus is configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna. Personal computing device  1602  also includes neural stimulus control signal output circuitry  1620  for outputting neural stimulus control signal  1618  from personal computing device  1602  to neural stimulation device  1606 . Neural stimulation device  1606  includes external neural stimulator  1604  configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject. Personal computing device  1602  also includes output circuitry  1390  for presenting information to the subject via user interface  1364  (as described herein above in connection with  FIG. 13 ). Various elements of system  1600  are the same as like-numbered elements of the systems shown in  FIG. 12 or 13 , and accordingly will not be discussed in detail again in connection with  FIG. 16 . However, some components of system  1600  include different and/or additional features. For example, data storage circuitry  1334  is also adapted for storing physiological activity data  1622  representing physiological activity signal  1612  in memory  1336 . In an aspect, physiological activity prediction circuitry  1624  predicts a future physiological activity signal based on a previous physiological activity signal. In addition, neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  1616  determines the neural stimulus based on a previous physiological activity signal. Secondary stimulus determination circuitry  1344  is adapted to determine the secondary stimulus based on physiological activity signal  1612  or a previous physiological activity signal (e.g., stored in memory  1336 ). As noted above in connection with  FIG. 13 , in an aspect, secondary input signal  1354  is a physiological signal. It will be appreciated that secondary input signal  1354  in this context will be a secondary physiological signal, and physiological activity signal  1612  will be a primary physiological signal. In an aspect, physiological activity input circuitry  1610  includes circuitry for receiving physiological activity signal  1612  via a secure connection. In an aspect, neural stimulus control signal output  1620  includes circuitry for outputting neural stimulus control signal  1618  via a secure connection. 
       FIG. 17  is a flow diagram of a method  1700  relating to use of a system as depicted in  FIG. 16 . In an aspect, method  1700  includes receiving a physiological activity signal at a personal computing device, the physiological activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, as indicated at  1702 ; determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the physiological activity signal, as indicated at  1704 ; outputting the neural stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna, as indicated at  1706 ; and presenting information to the subject via a user interface, as indicated at  1708 . Other method aspects are discussed in connection with  FIGS. 14 and 16 . 
       FIG. 18  is a block diagram of a computer program product  1800  for implementing a method as described in connection with  FIG. 17 . Computer program product  1800  includes a signal-bearing medium  1802  bearing one or more instructions for receiving a physiological activity signal, the physiological activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject; one or more instructions for determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the physiological activity signal; one or more instructions for outputting the neural stimulus control signal to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on an ear of a subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna; and one or more instructions for presenting information to the subject via a user interface, as indicated at  1804 . Signal-bearing medium  1802  may be, for example, a computer-readable medium  1806 , a recordable medium  1808 , a non-transitory signal-bearing medium  1810 , or a communications medium  1812 , examples of which are described herein above. 
       FIG. 19  is a block diagram of a system  1900 .  FIG. 19  is similar to the system depicted in  FIGS. 13 and 16 , and like-numbered system components described in connection with these figures will not be described again in connection with  FIG. 19 . In an aspect, system  1900  includes a personal computing device  1902  including physiological activity input circuitry  1610  for receiving a physiological activity signal at personal computing device  1902 , the physiological activity signal  1612  indicative of a physiological status of a subject. System  1900  also includes neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  1616  for determining a neural stimulus control signal  1618  based at least in part on physiological activity signal  1612 . In addition, system  1900  includes neural stimulus control signal output circuitry  1620  for outputting neural stimulus control signal  1618  from personal computing device  1902  to neural stimulation device  1904 . Neural stimulation device  1904  includes external neural stimulator  1604  configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein neural stimulus control signal  1618  is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna. System  1900  also includes audio output circuitry  1908  for outputting an audio output signal  1910  via an audio output  1366  of personal computing device  1902 . In an aspect, system  1900  includes circuitry for delivering the audio output signal to sound source  1910  on neural stimulation device. In another aspect, system  1900  includes circuitry for delivering audio output signal  1910  to sound source  1912  that is distinct from neural stimulation device  1904 . For example, sound source  1912  may be a sound source in the environment of the subject but not on the neural stimulation device, including but not limited to a sound source on, built into, or associated with personal computing device  1902 . In an aspect, system  1900  includes data storage circuitry  1334  for retrieving stored audio signal  1914  from a data storage location (memory  1336 ) on personal computing device  1902 . In an aspect, system  1900  includes audio receiver  1412  for receiving the audio input signal from telecommunication network  1918 . For example, in various aspects, the audio input signal is a broadcast radio signal  1920 , a webcast audio signal  1922 , or a mobile phone signal  1024 . 
     In an aspect, system  1900  includes prioritization circuitry  1416  which prioritizes between delivery of neural stimulus and delivery of the audio output signal, based upon system settings and/or preferences of the subject. For example, prioritization circuitry  1416  provides for automatically discontinuing outputting of the neural stimulus control signal and starting outputting of the audio output signal in response to receipt of the audio input signal, automatically declining the audio input signal if the neural stimulus is currently being delivered, or outputting the audio output signal simultaneously with the neural stimulus control signal. In other aspects, prioritization circuitry  1416  provides switching between outputting the audio output signal and outputting the neural stimulus control signal, for example in response to a user input or a sensor input, according to a schedule, or in response to receipt of an audio input signal (e.g., a phone call) from a telecommunication network. Depending on preference of the subject or other considerations, prioritization circuitry  1416  can be configured to give higher priority to outputting of the neural stimulus control signal than to outputting of the audio output signal, or to give higher priority to outputting of the audio output signal than to outputting of the neural stimulus control signal. 
       FIG. 20  is a flow diagram of a method  2000  relating to use of a system as depicted in  FIG. 19 . In an aspect, method  2000  includes receiving a physiological activity signal at a personal computing device, the physiological activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, as indicated at  2002 ; determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the physiological activity signal, as indicated at  2004 ; outputting the neural stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna, as indicated at  2006 ; and outputting an audio output signal via an audio output of the personal computing device, as indicated at  2008 . Other method aspects are discussed in connection with  FIGS. 14 and 19 . 
       FIG. 21  is a block diagram of a computer program product  2100  for implementing a method as described in connection with  FIG. 20 . Computer program product  2100  includes a signal-bearing medium  2102  bearing one or more instructions for receiving a physiological activity signal at a personal computing device, the physiological activity signal indicative of a physiological status of a subject, one or more instructions for determining a neural stimulus control signal based at least in part on the physiological activity signal, one or more instructions for outputting the neural stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a neural stimulation device including an external neural stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of the subject, wherein the neural stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a neural stimulus by the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating at least a portion of the pinna, and one or more instructions for outputting an audio output signal via an audio output of the personal computing device, as indicated at  2104 . Signal-bearing medium  2102  may be, for example, a computer-readable medium  2106 , a recordable medium  2108 , a non-transitory signal-bearing medium  2110 , or a communications medium  2112 , examples of which are described herein above. 
       FIG. 22  is a block diagram of a system  2200 , which includes a personal computing device  2202  for use in combination with a wearable mechanical stimulation device  2204 .  FIG. 22  is similar to the systems depicted in  FIGS. 13, 16 and 19  and like-numbered system components described in connection with these figures will not be described again in connection with  FIG. 22 . Personal computing device  2202  includes vibratory stimulus control signal determination circuitry  2206  for determining a vibratory stimulus control signal  2208 , and vibratory stimulus control signal output circuitry  2210  for outputting vibratory stimulus control signal  2208  to wearable mechanical stimulation device  2204 . Wearable mechanical stimulation device  2204  includes a vibratory mechanical stimulator  1002  configured to be carried on a pinna of a subject, wherein the vibratory stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a vibratory stimulus by the vibratory mechanical stimulator  1002 , the vibratory stimulus configured to activate at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on at least a portion of the pinna. In an aspect, wearable mechanical stimulation device  2204  is a wearable neural stimulation device  1000  of the type discussed in connection with  FIG. 10 , and can be considered a variant of wearable neural stimulation device  1202  depicted and discussed in connection with  FIG. 12 . In addition, in various aspects system  2200  includes additional components such as are included in neural stimulation system  1200  described in connection with  FIGS. 7, 10 and/or 12 , including, but not limited to, sensor  1018  for detecting input signal  1354 , user interface  1221 , position sensor  864 , secondary stimulator  818 , and sound source  856 . Personal computing device  2202  can be any of the various types of personal computing devices described in connection with  FIG. 12 , for example, a personal digital assistant, a personal entertainment device, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a table personal computer, a wearable computing device, a networked computer, a computing system comprised of a cluster of processors, a computing system comprised of a cluster of servers, a workstation computer, or a desktop computer. Data storage circuitry  1334  including memory  1336  on personal computing device  2202  can be used to store data, instructions, parameters, as described elsewhere herein, including but not limited to stimulation patterns  2212   a ,  2212   b , and  2212   c  representing vibratory mechanical stimuli to be delivered under the control of vibratory stimulus control signal  2208 . In an aspect, vibratory stimulus control signal  2208  is configured to cause delivery of one of a plurality of pre-programmed stimulation patterns, e.g., selected from stimulation patterns  2212   a ,  2212   b , and  2212   c  stored in memory  1336 . In an aspect, vibratory stimulus control signal  2208  is determined by vibratory stimulus control signal determination circuitry  2206 . In various aspects, vibratory stimulus control signal determination circuitry  2206  includes amplitude determination circuitry  2214 , frequency determination circuitry  2216 , waveform determination circuitry  2218 , pattern determination circuitry  2220 , or duration determination circuitry  2222  for determining various aspects of the vibratory stimulus control signal  2208 , which determines the mechanical stimulus delivered by vibratory mechanical stimulator  1002 . If position signal  2224  from position sensor  864  indicates that vibratory mechanical stimulator  1002  is not properly positioned on the ear of the subject, a notification is provided to the subject, e.g., via notification circuitry  1406 , instructing the subject to reposition vibratory mechanical stimulator  1002 . 
       FIG. 23  is a flow diagram of a method  2300  involving the use of a system as depicted in  FIG. 22 . In an aspect, method  2300  includes determining a vibratory stimulus control signal with stimulation control circuitry in a personal computing device, as indicated at  2302 ; and outputting the vibratory stimulus control signal from the personal computing device to a wearable mechanical stimulation device including a vibratory mechanical stimulator configured to be carried on a pinna of a subject, wherein the vibratory stimulus control signal is configured to control delivery of a vibratory stimulus by the vibratory mechanical stimulator, the vibratory stimulus configured to activate at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on at least a portion of the pinna, as indicated at  2304 . 
       FIG. 24  is a block diagram of a computer program product  2400  for implementing a method as described in connection with  FIG. 23 . Computer program product  2400  includes a signal-bearing medium  2402  bearing one or more instructions for determining a vibratory stimulus control signal configured to control delivery of a vibratory stimulus by a vibratory mechanical stimulator, the vibratory stimulus configured to activate at least one mechanoreceptor with a receptive field on at least a portion of a pinna of a subject, and one or more instructions for outputting the vibratory stimulus control signal to a wearable mechanical stimulation device including the least one vibratory mechanical stimulator, as indicated at  2404 . Signal-bearing medium  2402  may be, for example, a computer-readable medium  2406 , a recordable medium  2408 , a non-transitory signal-bearing medium  2410 , or a communications medium  2412 , examples of which are described herein above. 
     In some aspects, wearable neural stimulation devices and systems as described herein above are used in combination with remote systems. For example,  FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a neural stimulation system used in combination with remote system  26 , via communication network  218 .  FIG. 12  depicts communication between wearable neural stimulation device  1202  and/or personal computing device  1204 , which form neural stimulation system  1200 , and remote system  1224 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 13 , information may be transmitted to personal computing device  1302  from a remote system, including, for example, recommendation  1372 , patch/update  1374 , or instruction  1384 .  FIG. 25  provides greater detail regarding such a remote system  2500 . Remote system  2500  includes computing system  2502 . Computing system  2502  includes identification circuitry  2504  for receiving identifying information  2506  identifying at least one of a subject  2508  and a neural stimulation device  2510  associated with subject  2508 . Neural stimulation device  2510  is a neural stimulation device configured to be carried on an ear of a subject and including an external neural stimulator  2512 . System  2502  includes recommendation circuitry  2520  for providing a recommendation  2522  relating to a treatment regimen to subject  2508 , where the treatment regimen includes delivery of a neural stimulus to the subject with external neural stimulator  2512 , the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject. In an aspect, recommendation circuitry  2520  uses a database to generate recommendations for combinations of treatments in the treatment regimen, for example in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,801,686 granted Sep. 21, 2010 to Hyde et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,974,787 granted Jul. 5, 2011 to Hyde et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,876,688 granted Nov. 4, 2014 to Hyde et al.; U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0269329 to Hyde et al., dated Oct. 29, 2009; U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0271009 to Hyde et al. dated Oct. 29, 2009; and U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0271375 to Hyde et al. dated Oct. 29, 2009, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     In various aspects, neural stimulation device  2510  is a neural stimulation device of any of the various types described herein, e.g., in connection with any of  FIG. 7, 10 , or  12 . In an aspect recommendation  2522  is sent to, and identifying information  2506  is received from, a local system  2524 . Local system  2524  includes neural stimulation device  2510  and other components at the location of subject  2508 , including but not limited to a secondary stimulator  2526 , at least one sensor  2528  (e.g., an environmental sensor  2530 , a physiological sensor  2532 , or other sensor as discussed herein above). In an aspect, local system  2524  includes personal computing device  2534 . Personal computing device  2534  may include, for example, at least one of a personal digital assistant, a personal entertainment device, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet personal computer, a wearable computing device, a networked computer, a workstation computer, and a desktop computer, as discussed herein above. In an aspect, recommendation  2522  is presented to subject  2508  via a user interface of personal computing device  2534 , for example, and acceptance or rejection of the recommendation entered via a user interface of personal computing device  2534  and transmitted as acceptance/rejection signal  2536  to remote computing system  2502 . 
     Secondary stimulator  2526 , sensor  2528 , and personal computing device  2534  are as described herein above, e.g., in connection with at least  FIGS. 7 and 12 . Signals containing information, instructions, data, etc. may be sent between neural stimulation device  2510  and computing system  2502  directly, or information may be sent between computing system  2502  and personal computing device  2534 , and then between personal computing device  2534  and neural stimulation device  2510 . Transmission of signals (information, instructions, data, etc.) between computing system  2502  and local system  2524  may be via wired or wireless communication links, e.g., via computer or communication networks. In an aspect, computing system  2502  is part of a computing network from which it receives information  2536  from various parties and/or entities, including but not limited to social media  2540 , social media contacts  2542 , peers  2544 , or role models  2546  of subject  2508 , insurance companies, service providers (e.g., medical care providers or companies providing various health or wellness related services), and computation-based system associated with such service providers, for example. 
     Computing system  2502  includes one or more computing device, as described generally in connection with  FIG. 8 . In an aspect, computing system  2502  includes update generation circuitry  2560  for generating patch/update  2562  which is sent to local system  2524 , for updating software on either personal computing device  2534  or neural stimulation device  2510 . In an aspect, computing system  2504  includes secondary stimulus determination circuitry  2564  for determining a secondary stimulus to be delivered in combination with the neural stimulus, e.g., by secondary stimulator  2526 . The secondary stimulus may be any of various types of stimuli, as described herein above. In an aspect, computing system  2502  includes data storage circuitry  2566 , which in various aspects stores information regarding, e.g., one or more stimulation patterns  2570 , subject response information  2572  received, e.g., from local system  2524 , treatment regimen information  2574 , or one or more report  2576 . In an aspect, report  2576  is generated by reporting circuitry  2578  and stored in data storage circuitry  2566  in addition to, or as an alternative to, providing report  2576  to a recipient. 
       FIG. 26  provides greater detail regarding several aspects of  FIG. 25  of information handled by system  2500 , specifically information included in identifying information  2506 , recommendation  2522 , and treatment regimen information  2574 . 
     In various aspects, identifying information  2506  includes device information  2602  pertaining to the neural stimulation device  2510 , or subject information  2610  pertaining to the subject. Device information  2602  includes, for example, device type information  2604 , device serial number  2606 , or device inventory number  2608 ). Subject information  2610  includes, for example, a name of the subject  2612 , a user name  2614  associated with the subject, an email address  2616  associated with the subject, a subject identification  2618  (e.g., identification number, code or the like), or biometric information  2620  associated with the subject. In various aspects, subject identification  2618  can be input by the subject via a user input, read with a bar-code or RFID reader, received with an RF receiver, etc. 
     Recommendation  2522  may include one or more recommendations for various aspects of device and system configuration for delivery of neural stimulation, and for one or more additional stimuli or experiences to be presented to or experienced by the subject in association with the neural stimulus. In various aspects, recommendation  2522  is for a configuration of the neural stimulus  2622  (e.g., stimulus amplitude  2624 , frequency  2626 , duration  2628 , waveform  2630 , or delivery pattern  2632 ). In various aspects, recommendation  2522  is for a secondary stimulus  2632  to be delivered in association with the neural stimulus. In various aspects, secondary stimulus  2632  includes music, an auditory stimulus, a video stimulus, a tactile stimulus, a haptic stimulus, an olfactory stimulus, a pharmaceutical, a nutraceutical, a secondary neural stimulus, an experience (including, but not limited to a virtual reality experience, a game experience, a virtual therapist experience, an augmented reality experience, and/or an interactive experience). In various aspects, recommendation  2522  is for a product  2634 , a service  2636 , an activity  2638 , an experience  2640 , or an organization  2642 . The recommendation may be for multiple experiences. In an aspect, the recommendation specifies a pattern of delivery of the experience(s). It will be appreciated that not all secondary stimuli recommended for use in conjunction with a neural stimulus are delivered by the neural stimulation system. Recommendations (e.g., for a product, service, experience, or organization) can be presented to the subject via the personal computing device in the form of a link to a relevant website, so that the subject may conveniently access the recommended product, service, experience, or organization, which the subject does, as desired. 
     Treatment regimen information  2574  includes, for example, neural stimulus information  2650  regarding the neural stimulus, secondary stimulus information  2652  regarding a secondary stimulus delivered in association with the neural stimulus, information  2654  regarding a secondary data signal, which may specifically include neural sensor signal information  2656 , physiological sensor signal information  2658 , environmental sensor signal information  2660 , motion sensor information  2662  or location sensor information  2664 . 
       FIG. 27  is a flow diagram of a method  2700  carried out in connection with a system as depicted in  FIG. 25  for providing recommendations to a subject. In an aspect, a method  2700  includes receiving identifying information at a computing system (e.g., computing system  2502  in  FIG. 25 ), the identifying information identifying at least one of a subject and a neural stimulation device associated with the subject, the neural stimulation device configured to be carried on an ear of a subject and including an external neural stimulator, as indicated at  2702 ; and transmitting a recommendation relating to a treatment regimen from the computing system to a personal computing device used by the subject (e.g., personal computing device, the treatment regimen including delivery of a neural stimulus to the subject with the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject, as indicated at  2704 . 
     In an aspect, receiving the identifying information at the computing system includes receiving information transmitted from the personal computing device. In an aspect, receiving the identifying information at the computing system includes receiving information transmitted via a computing network. In an aspect, receiving the identifying information at the computing system includes receiving information transmitted via a wireless network. In an aspect, providing the recommendation relating to the treatment regimen to the subject includes transmitting the recommendation to a personal computing device, e.g., via a computing network or a wireless network. 
     In an aspect, the recommendation is received at the computing system from a medical care provider. In another aspect, the recommendation is generated at the computing system, e.g., by recommendation circuitry  2520  as shown in  FIG. 25 . The recommendation can be generated based on various types of information: for example, information regarding a response of the subject to a past treatment regimen (subject response information  2572  in  FIG. 25 ); information obtained via social media (e.g., information  2536  in  FIG. 25 ) which may include, for example, information regarding one or more preferences of one or more social media contacts, peers, or role models of the subject); information from an insurance company; or information from a service provider. In an aspect, generating the recommendation includes generating the recommendation with a computation-based system  2552  (e.g., an artificial intelligence, machine learning system, or search engine based on a data-driven technique). In an aspect, generating the recommendation includes generating the recommendation based on a predicted response of the subject to a treatment regimen. 
     In an aspect, method  2700  includes receiving information regarding whether the subject has accepted or rejected the recommendation. In an aspect, method  2700  includes receiving a credential showing that the subject is an authorized user of the personal computing device. For example, the credential may include a password, a PIN, a biometric feature, or a card authentication, and/or a credential showing that the personal computing device is an authorized device. 
     In an aspect, method  2700  includes storing at least one parameter of the neural stimulus in a data storage location associated with the computing system (e.g., with data storage circuitry  2566  of computing system  2502 ). 
     In aspect, the recommendation relates to at least one parameter of the neural stimulus, for example, an amplitude, frequency, waveform, or duration of delivery of the neural stimulus, or stimulation pattern for delivery of the neural stimulus. The stimulation pattern may be, for example, a preprogrammed pattern, a continuous pattern, an intermittent pattern, a time-varying pattern, and/or a pulsed pattern. In an aspect, the recommendation specifies a selection of one of multiple stimulation patterns. 
     In an aspect, receiving the identifying information at the computing system includes receiving information transmitted from the personal computing device. 
     In an aspect, method  2700  includes transmitting a report relating to the treatment regimen to at least one recipient. In an aspect, the at least one recipient includes, for example, the subject, a caregiver of the subject, at least one social media contact of the subject, at least one peer of the subject, at least one medical care provider, or at least one insurance provider. In an aspect, the recipient is a computing system, e.g. a computing system used for storing and/or processing healthcare information. In some cases the report is anonymized, e.g., to preserve the privacy of the subject. The report may include demographic information pertaining to the subject, but not personal identifying information pertaining to the subject, for example. In an aspect, transmitting the report includes transmitting the report to the personal computing device. The report may include, for example, a neural stimulus control signal, a determined compliance of the subject with the treatment regimen, a determined efficacy of the treatment regimen, one or more system settings for controlling delivery of the neural stimulus, data retrieved from a data storage location associated with the computing system, and/or information regarding a secondary stimulus delivered in association with the neural stimulus. Compliance of the subject and/or efficacy of the treatment regimen may be determined by questioning the subject directly, by questioning another party, such as a caregiver, or by making a determination from measured physiological parameters of the subject. 
     In an aspect, method  2700  includes receiving a report relating to the treatment regimen from the personal computing device. In an aspect, method  2700  includes storing information relating to the treatment regimen in a data storage location associated with the computing system, e.g., treatment regimen information  2574  as described in connection with  FIGS. 15 and 26 . 
     In an aspect, method  2700  includes receiving information at the computing system regarding a previously delivered treatment regimen. In addition, the method may include receiving information at the computing system regarding a response of subject to the previously delivered treatment regimen. 
     In an aspect, method  2700  includes sending a patch or update to a personal computing device from the computing system. The patch or update may be for software installed on the personal computing device, or for software installed on the external neural stimulator. 
     In an aspect, method  2700  includes generating an update for the configuration of the neural stimulus. This may be done based on a response of the subject to a previous treatment regimen, based on an environmental factor, or based on motion or location of the subject. In an aspect, the update is generated automatically e.g., when it is determined that an update is needed (based on a subject response or sensed environmental factor). In another aspect, the update is generated based upon acceptance of a recommendation for the update by the subject. 
       FIG. 28  is a block diagram of a computer program product  2800  for implementing a method as described in connection with  FIG. 27 . Computer program product  2800  includes a signal-bearing medium  2802  bearing one or more instructions for receiving identifying information identifying at least one of a subject and a neural stimulation device associated with the subject, the neural stimulation device configured to be carried on an ear of a subject and including an external neural stimulator, and one or more instructions for providing a recommendation relating to a treatment regimen to the subject, the treatment regimen including delivery of a neural stimulus to the subject with the external neural stimulator, the neural stimulus configured to activate at least one sensory nerve fiber innervating skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject, as indicated at  2804 . Signal-bearing medium  2802  may be, for example, a computer-readable medium  2806 , a recordable medium  2808 , a non-transitory signal-bearing medium  2810 , or a communications medium  2812 , examples of which are described herein above. 
       FIG. 29  depicts an embodiment of a system  2900  for delivering neural stimulation in combination with providing a therapeutic secondary stimulus. System  2900  includes securing member  400 , of the type depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , with an ear canal insert  416  including a heart rate sensor (not shown in  FIG. 29 ), and stimulating electrodes  414   a  and  414   b , positioned to stimulate pinna  2902  of subject  2904 . System  2900  also includes mobile phone  2906 , configured with application software  2908 . Mobile phone  2906  and application software  2908  together form at least physiological activity input circuitry  2910 , secondary signal input  2912 , neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  2914 , secondary stimulus determination circuitry  2916 , and reporting circuitry  2918 . Mobile phone  2906  along with application software  2908  form a personal computing device, which includes a variety of circuitry (not all of which is depicted in  FIG. 29 ), e.g. as depicted and described in connection with  FIG. 16 . 
     Neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  2914  is used to generate neural stimulus control signal  2920 , which drives delivery of a neural stimulus via electrodes  414   a  and  414   b . Secondary stimulus determination circuitry  2916  is used to generate secondary stimulus control signal  2922 , which controls delivery of the therapeutic secondary stimulus while subject  2904  is receiving stimulation delivered to pinna  2902 . In the example of  FIG. 29 , the therapeutic secondary stimulus is provided via digital media, in the form of a therapy application that provides cognitive training and therapy. The therapy application also performs mental health monitoring. In an aspect, the therapy application includes an interactive survey  2924  displayed on touchscreen  2926  of mobile phone  2906 . The survey asks subject  2904  questions designed, for example, to assess the subject&#39;s mental or emotional state (“Rate how you feel today”), identify factors contributing to or relating to the subject&#39;s mental or emotional state (“Did you sleep well last night?”), and guide the subject toward positive and/or constructive thought patterns (“What did you enjoy today?”). Subject  2904  provides responses (user input  2930 ) to the queries via touchscreen  2926 , which are received by secondary signal input  2912 . In addition, or as an alternative, the therapy application may provide a therapeutic secondary stimulus that includes music or guided meditation, delivered via touchscreen  2926  and/or a speaker in ear canal insert  416 . 
     Heart rate  2932 , sensed with a heart rate sensor (for example an ECG sensor or pulse oximeter sensor) in ear canal insert  416 , is provided to physiological activity input circuitry  2910 . The subject&#39;s heart rate is monitored during delivery of neural stimulation in combination with the therapeutic secondary stimulus, to track the effect of the stimulation and therapy over time. Amount of heart rate variability and duration of heart variability and/or changes in heart rate variability over time may be monitored. Heart rate variability is an indicator of the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic tone. Increased heart rate variability is associated with reduced inflammation and anxiety. In addition, the physiologic data can be coupled with how the subject interacts with the program. In an aspect, one or both of neural stimulus control signal  2920  and secondary stimulus control signal  2922  are modified (by neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  2914  and secondary stimulus determination circuitry  2916 , respectively), in response to heart rate  2932  and user input  2930 . Physiological data regarding the subject&#39;s heart rate as well as data regarding interaction of subject  2904  with application software  2908  can be included in report  2934  which can be sent to the subject&#39;s medical care provider or psychologist via network  2936 . Detection of a heart rate indicative of an unsafe condition due to the neural stimulation results in discontinuation or modulation of stimulation, and transmittal of a notification to the subject&#39;s medical care provider. 
       FIG. 30  is a flow diagram of a method of controlling an ear stimulation device with a personal computing device. The ear stimulation device is a wearable neural stimulation device as described elsewhere herein (e.g. wearable ear stimulation device  202  controlled with personal computing device  208 , as depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ), for delivering a stimulus to an ear of a user of the personal computing device to stimulate at least one nerve innervating the ear. In an aspect, the ear stimulation device includes an earpiece that incorporates a positioning element and a neural stimulator, various examples of which are described and depicted herein. In an aspect, the ear stimulation device is part of a system that is used for delivering sound (e.g., music), and the earpiece includes a speaker or other sound source. In an aspect, the system includes a pair of earpieces. In an aspect, only one of the earpieces includes a neural stimulator, but both earpieces include a speaker or other sound source. In another aspect, both earpieces include both neural stimulator and sound source. In another aspect, one earpiece includes a sound source and the other includes a neural stimulator. In an aspect, method  3000  in  FIG. 30  includes capturing, with image capture circuitry on the personal computing device, via a user-facing camera associated with a personal computing device, an image of a user of the personal computing device, as indicated at  3002 ; processing the image, using image processing circuitry on the personal computing device, to determine at least one parameter as indicated at  3004 ; and controlling, with neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry on the personal computing device, based at least in part on the at least one parameter, delivery of a stimulus to at least one nerve innervating an ear of the user with the ear stimulation device, as indicated at  3006 . 
       FIGS. 31-33  depict further aspects of the method of  FIG. 30 , wherein steps  3002 ,  3004 , and  3006  are as depicted and described in connection with  FIG. 30 . As depicted in  FIG. 31 , in further aspects of method  3100 , the at least one parameter is indicative of at least one emotion of the user  3102 , is indicative of a physiological condition of the user  3104 , is indicative of a medical condition of the user  3106 , is indicative of an identity of the user  3108 , is a heart rate of the user  3110 , is related to eye position of the user  3112 , is related to eye movement of the user  3114  of the user, or is indicative of a position of the earpiece with respect to the ear of the user  3116 . Various schemes for identifying or classifying emotions have been devised, and the meaning of the term, as used herein, is not tied to any specific scheme. Examples of emotions include, but are not limited to, e.g. depression, anxiety, agitation, happiness, sadness, excitement, fear, and anger. In various aspects, a physiological condition of the subject is indicative of a medical condition of the subject. Medical conditions of the subject, include, for example, muscle spasm, seizure, epilepsy (e.g., seizure, spasm, staring), drowsiness, lethargy, fatigue, pain, fever, hypertension (e.g., sweating, flushing), hypotension, or mental state. 
     Determining a parameter indicative of a position of the earpiece with respect to the ear of the user can include, for example, determining a distance of one or more portion of the earpiece with respect to various anatomical features of the ear, e.g., the ear canal, the tragus, the helix, the lobe, etc., to determine whether the earpiece is positioned on the appropriate portion of the pinna or inserted far enough into the ear canal, for example. In an aspect, method  3100  further includes delivering, under control of notification circuitry on the personal computing device, a notification to the user informing the user of the need to adjust a position of an earpiece of the ear stimulation device with respect to the ear of the user, as indicated at  3118 . In various aspects, delivering a notification includes delivering a text notification  3120 , delivering a visible notification  3122 , or delivering an audio notification  3124 . The notification can be specific (e.g., a text or audio notification instructing the user to “push the earpiece further into the ear canal” or “move the earpiece higher up on the pinna”) or non-specific (e.g., a flashing light or beeping sound that indicates the need to reposition the earpiece without providing detail on how specifically it should be repositioned). In an aspect, delivering a notification includes delivering a directional notification  3126 . As used herein, the term “directional notification” refers a notification that provides information to the user regarding the direction of movement needed to move the earpiece to the proper position. For example, in an aspect, the notification includes a text or audio notification as described above, which instructs the user to “push the earpiece further into the ear canal” or “move the earpiece higher up on the pinna.” In another aspect, the notification includes a tone that changes in pitch as the earpiece moves toward or away from the proper location, or a click or other pulsed sound that is repeated at a frequency that changes as the earpiece moves toward or away from the proper location. In an aspect, the tone can change (i.e. changing to another tone, or stopping entirely) when the earpiece is in the proper location. 
     The vagus innervation of the ears is not strictly symmetrical; for example, the right ear, unlike the left ear, is innervated by a branch of the vagus nerve that, when stimulated, influences heart rate. Accordingly, in some circumstances it may be preferred to stimulate the left, but not the right ear, to avoid affecting the heart rate of the user. Therefore, if the system includes two earpieces (e.g., for the purpose of delivering music or other audio to both the left and right ear), in an aspect, only one of the earpieces includes a neural stimulator. For example, the earpiece with the neural stimulator is then considered to be usable on the left ear, but not the right ear. In some aspects, the two earpieces are shaped differently such that one fits the left, but not the right ear and the other fits the right, but not the left ear. In other aspects, the two earpieces are shaped such that they fit on either ear. In such a situation, the two earpieces may be distinguished from each other based on shape or color, or by inclusion of indicia on the earpiece or associated cable, and the ear stimulation device control system. A method  3200  as outlined in  FIG. 32 , which is a further variant of the method of  FIG. 30 , can be used in connection with the ear stimulation device to ensure that the earpiece with the neural stimulator is used only with the ear with which it is considered to be usable. Method  3200 , includes at  3202  the following steps: processing the image, using the image processing circuitry, to determine (at  3202   a ) the presence of at least one earpiece of the ear stimulation device located at an ear of the user, as indicated at  3202   b ; the ear of the user at which the at least one earpiece is located, wherein the ear is selected from a right ear of the user and a left ear of the user, as indicated at  3202   c , and at least one attribute of the at least one earpiece indicative of usability of the at least one earpiece with one of the left or the right ear of the user, as indicated at  3202   d ; determining, using application software on the personal computing device, the ear at which the earpiece is usable, based on the at least one attribute of the at least one earpiece  3202   e ; determining, using application software on the personal computing device, whether the ear at which the at least one earpiece is located is the ear at which the earpiece is usable  3202   f ; and, if the ear at which the at least one earpiece is located is not the ear at which the earpiece is usable, sending a control signal from the personal computing device to the ear stimulation device, under control of the neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry, to prevent delivery of a stimulus to the ear at which the earpiece is located via the earpiece, as indicated at  3202   g . In a further aspect, method  3200  includes receiving, with handshake circuitry on the personal computing device, a handshake signal from ear stimulation device control circuitry associated with the ear stimulation device, as indicated at  3204 . This may include capturing the image of the user of the personal computing device responsive to receiving the handshake signal from the ear stimulation device control circuitry, as indicated at  3206 . In an aspect, method  3200  includes sending a handshake signal to the ear stimulation device control circuitry responsive to determining the presence of the at least one earpiece located at the ear of the user in the image, as indicated at  3208 . 
       FIG. 33  depicts method  3300 , providing further detail regarding the method of  FIG. 32 , with step  3202  in  FIG. 33  the same as in  FIG. 32 . In an aspect, method  3300  includes delivering, under control of notification circuitry on the personal computing device, a notification to the user informing the user of the need to switch the earpiece to the other ear if the ear at which the at least one earpiece is located is not the ear at which the earpiece is usable, as indicated at  3302 . Delivering the notification to the user may include, for example, one or more of delivering a text notification, at  3304 , delivering a visible notification, at  3306 , or delivering an audio notification, at  3308 . In various aspects, determining the at least one attribute  3433  of the at least one earpiece includes determining a shape of the at least one earpiece, at  3310 , or determining a color of the at least one earpiece, at  3312 , for example. In an aspect, determining the at least one attribute  3433  of the at least one earpiece includes determining the presence of an indicia on the at least one earpiece or an attachment to the at least one earpiece, as indicated at  3314 . In an aspect, the attachment to the at least one earpiece includes a cable connected to the at least one earpiece, as indicated at  3316 . 
     An alternative approach to addressing the usability of neural stimulation with the right ear versus the left ear is to include stimulation electrodes in both earpieces, but send a neural stimulus control signal to cause delivery of a neural stimulus only via one of the earpieces (e.g., the left ear). In an aspect, a neural stimulus control signal is sent to only one of the earpieces. In an aspect, this is done if separate neural stimulus control signal outputs are provided for the two earpieces. In another aspect, a neural stimulus control signal is sent to both earpieces, but causes delivery of stimulus via only one of the earpieces. This can be done, e.g., by including ear stimulation electrical circuitry in the two earpieces that produces a neural stimulus in response to different neural stimulus control signals. For example, the neural stimulus control signal can have one or more characteristics (e.g., frequency, polarity, activation code) that cause activation of ear stimulation device control circuitry in one but not the other of the two earpieces. It is assumed that it is known a priori that a particular earpiece (as identified by the attribute determined in the user image) will receive and be activated by the neural stimulus control signal. 
       FIG. 34  is a block diagram of an ear stimulation device control system  3400 . System  3400  includes a personal computing device  3402 ; a user-facing camera  3404  associated with the personal computing device, image capture circuitry  3406 , image processing circuitry  3408 , and neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  3410 . In various aspects, personal computing device  3402  is a phone, watch, wearable device, tablet computer, laptop computer, or desktop computer, for example. 
     Image capture circuitry  3406  is adapted to capture an image  3412  of a user of personal computing device  3402  from user-facing camera  3404 . In an aspect, user-facing camera is built into the personal computing device. In another aspect, user-facing camera  3404  is connected to personal computing device via either a wired or wireless connection. Image processing circuitry  3408  is configured to process image  3412 , using parameter determination module  3414 , to determine at least one parameter  3416 . Neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  3410  is configured to control delivery of a stimulus to at least one nerve innervating an ear of the user with an ear stimulation device  3432 , based at least in part on the at least one parameter  3416 . In various aspects, parameter  3416  is indicative of one or more of at least one emotion of the user, a physiological condition of the user, an identity of the user, or a heart rate of the user. In an aspect, parameter  3416  is related to an eye position or eye movement of the user. In an aspect, parameter  3416  is indicative of a position of the earpiece with respect to the ear of the user 
     In an aspect, image processing circuitry  3408  includes earpiece location module  3418 , which is configured to process image  3412  to determine the presence  3435  of at least one earpiece  3419  of the ear stimulation device  3432  located at an ear of the user; the ear of the user at which the at least one earpiece is located, the ear selected from a right ear of the user and a left ear of the user; and at least one attribute  3433  of the at least one earpiece indicative of usability of the at least one earpiece  3419  with one of the left or the right ear of the user, as discussed herein above. Attribute  3433  may be, for example, an indicia  3421  used to indicate that the earpiece in question includes a neural stimulator, for example. In an aspect, neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  3410  is configured (with earpiece location logic module  3420 ) to determine the ear at which the earpiece is usable, based on the at least one attribute  3433  of the at least one earpiece; determine whether the ear at which the at least one earpiece is located is the ear at which the earpiece is usable; and if the ear at which the at least one earpiece is located is not the ear at which the earpiece is usable, send a control signal from the personal computing device to the ear stimulation device (neural stimulus control signal  3422  from neural stimulus control signal output  3424 ) to prevent delivery of the stimulus to the a least one nerve innervating the ear of the user. As discussed herein above, in some circumstances it may be preferred to stimulate the left, but not the right ear, for example. Hence, in a system that includes two earpieces, the two earpieces may be distinguished from each other based on shape or color, or by inclusion of indicia on the earpiece or associated cable. In various aspects, indicia include any sort of markings detectable in the image via image processing. Indicia may include solid colored or patterned markings on an earpiece, or may include a characteristic of the earpiece itself (e.g., the color of the material of which the earpiece is made). Indicia may be detectable in the visible spectrum, or at other wavelengths. In some aspects, indicia may include text, alphanumeric markings, or symbols. The right and left ears of the user may be identified in user image  3412 , using image processing methods, e.g. as described in M. M. Fakhir et al., “Face Recognition Based on Features Measurement Technique,” 2014 UKSim-AMSS 8th European Modelling Symposium, pp. 158-162; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0026781 to Boczek et al.; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0285813 to Holm; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some aspects, the position of one or both ears with respect to the face is determined; in some aspects, the shape and/or features of one or both ears is determined. 
     In an aspect, ear stimulation device control system  3400  includes handshake circuitry  3426  adapted to receive a handshake signal  3428  from ear stimulation device control circuitry  3430  associated with the ear stimulation device  3432 . In an aspect, image capture circuitry  3406  is adapted to capture the image  3412  of the user of the personal computing device  3402  responsive to receiving the handshake signal  3428  from the ear stimulation device control circuitry  3430 . For example, in an aspect exchange of information between the ear stimulation device control system  3400  and ear stimulation device  3432  is initiated after user image  3412  has been captured and evaluated by image processing circuitry  3408 , and it has been determined, by earpiece location logic module  3420 , that the earpiece containing the ear stimulation device has been placed on the appropriate ear of the user. Alternatively, if two earpieces including ear stimulation devices are utilized, the handshake signal from each earpiece can include an earpiece identification code for identifying the earpiece. The earpiece identification code and indicia associated with a particular earpiece can be linked in a lookup table stored in data storage circuitry  3464 , for example. 
     In an aspect, the neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  3410  is configured to send a handshake signal  3434  to ear stimulation device control circuitry  3430  responsive to determining the presence  3435  of the at least one earpiece located at the ear of the user in the image. 
     In an aspect, ear stimulation device control system includes output device  3440 , and notification circuitry  3442 , which is adapted to provide a notification via output device  3440  instructing the user of to switch the earpiece to the other ear if the ear at which the at least one earpiece is located is not the ear at which the earpiece is usable. For example, output device  3440  may be part of user interface  3444 . In an aspect, output device is adapted to deliver a text notification  3446  to the user (e.g., output device includes an LED or LCD display, 7-segment display, or other alphanumeric display). In another aspect, output device  3440  is adapted to deliver a visible notification  3448  to the user, which may include a text display, as described previously, a graphic or symbol presented on a display, or a light that can be illuminated, flashed, etc. to attract the attention of the user. In an aspect, output device  3440  is adapted to deliver an audio notification  3450  to the user (e.g., output device  3440  includes a speaker, bell, buzzer, or other audio source for delivering one or both of a verbal notification or an alarm tone). User interface  3444  may also include one or more user input  3452 , of various types, e.g. as discussed elsewhere herein. 
     As noted above, image processing circuitry  3408  includes earpiece location module  3418 , which is configured to process image  3412  to determine at least one attribute  3433  of the at least one earpiece, where in an aspect the at least one attribute  3433  is indicative of usability of the at least one earpiece with one of the left or the right ear of the user. In addition, neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  3410  is configured (with earpiece location logic module  3420 ) to determine the ear at which the earpiece is usable, based on the at least one attribute of the at least one earpiece. In an aspect, the at least one attribute of the at least one earpiece includes a shape of the at least one earpiece, a color of the at least one earpiece, a presence of an indicia  3421  on the at least one earpiece or a presence of indicia  3421  on an attachment to the at least one earpiece, where, as noted above, the attachment to the at least one earpiece may be, for example, a cable connected to the at least one earpiece. For example, in a system in which only one of two earpieces includes a stimulating electrode, the cable connected to the earpiece with the electrode may include a pattern of light and dark stripes, while the cable connected to the other earpiece may be a solid color. In embodiments in which two earpieces including ear stimulation devices are used, neural stimulus control signal determination logic can send a neural stimulus control signal  3422  sufficient to activate only an earpiece that is usable with the ear upon which it is located, based on the output of earpiece location logic module  3420 . 
     In an aspect, image processing circuitry  3408  includes emotion determination module  3454 , which determines an emotion of the user from user image  3412 , based upon one or more parameter  3416 , e.g. from facial expression, for example using methods as described in Su, “A simple approach to facial expression recognition,” Proceedings of the 2007 Int&#39;l Conf on Computer Engineering and Applications, Queensland, Australia, 2007, pp. 456-461; U.S. Pat. No. 9,036,018 to Wang et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,488,023 to Bacivarov et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0207720 to Miyahara et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     In an aspect, image processing circuitry  3408  includes physiological condition module  3456 , which determines a physiological condition of the user from user image  3412 , based upon one or more parameter  3416 . Physiological condition of the user can be inferred from eye movement, pupil dilation, heart rate, respiration rate, facial coloration, facial temperature, etc. A visible or IR image of the patient, obtained with a camera built into a personal computing device or operatively connected to the personal computing device can be used. Still or moving (video) image may be used. For example, video images of the subject may be analyzed to determine blood flow using Eulerian video magnification. Further data analysis may be used to determine blood pressure in the subject. See, e.g., Wu et al., ACM Trans. Graph. 31, 4, Article 65, July 2012; (available online at http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/2185520.2185561), which is incorporated herein by reference. An infrared camera may be used to measure corneal temperature (see e.g., Kessel et al., Investigative Opthalmology and Visual Science 51: 6593-6597, 2010 which is incorporated herein by reference). An infrared camera with a focal plane array detector, thermal sensitivity ≤0.09 degrees C. and an accuracy of 0.1 degrees C. is available from Fluke Corp., Everett, Wash. (see e.g., Fluke Ti25 Datasheet which is incorporated herein by reference). 
     Peripheral sympathetic responses can be detected through image analysis, as described in IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, VOL. 56, NO. 2, FEBRUARY 2009 477, Imaging Facial Signs of Neurophysiological Responses, Dvijesh Shastri, Associate Member, IEEE, Arcangelo Merla, Member, IEEE, Panagiotis Tsiamyrtzis, and Ioannis Pavlidis, Senior Member, IEEE, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, thermal imaging measurements from several different regions of the face provide indication of blood flow, sweat gland activation, and breathing, providing information similar to galvanic skin response. In various aspects, physiological condition module  3456  is used to determine one or more medical condition, including, for example, muscle spasm, seizure, epilepsy (e.g., seizure, spasm, staring), drowsiness, lethargy, fatigue, pain, fever, hypertension (e.g., sweating, flushing), hypotension, mental state 
     In an aspect, image processing circuitry  3408  includes identity determination module  3458 , which determines an identity of the user from user image  3412 , based upon one or more parameter  3416 . For example, systems and algorithms to obtain iris images, identify unique signatures and rapidly compare key features of iris images to a large database of iris images are described (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,596 issued to Wildes et al. on Nov. 5, 1996 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,349 issued to Flom et al. on Feb. 3, 1987 which are incorporated herein by reference). An iris scanning system which includes a near-infrared (approximately 700-900 nm) illumination source, a 1.3 megapixel camera and algorithms to analyze and compare iris images is available from Bayometric Inc., San Jose, Calif. (see e.g., the Specification Sheet: “Crossmatch Retinal Scan 2 Iris Scanner” which is incorporated herein by reference). In another aspect, facial recognition circuitry is used to determine the presence of the user through facial recognition, e.g., using approaches as described in Wheeler, Frederick W.; Weiss, R. L.; and Tu, Peter H., “Face Recognition at a Distance System for Surveillance Applications,” Fourth IEEE International Conference on Biometrics: Theory Applications and Systems (BTAS), 2010 Page(s): 1-8 (DOI: 10.1109/BTAS.2010.5634523), and Moi Hoon Yap; Ugail, H.; Zwiggelaar, R.; Rajoub, B.; Doherty, V.; Appleyard, S.; and Hurdy, G., “A Short Review of Methods for Face Detection and Multifractal Analysis,” International Conference on CyberWorlds, 2009. CW &#39;09, Page(s): 231-236 (DOI: 10.1109/CW.2009.47), both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Biometric identification can also include recognition based on a variety of physiological or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprints, voice, iris, retina, hand geometry, handwriting, keystroke pattern, etc., e.g., as described in Kataria, A. N.; Adhyaru, D. M.; Sharma, A. K.; and Zaveri, T. H., “A Survey of Automated Biometric Authentication Techniques” Nirma University International Conference on Engineering (NUiCONE), 2013, Page(s): 1-6 (DOI: 10.1109/NUiCONE.2013.6780190), which is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 8,229,178 issued Jul. 24, 2012 to Zhang et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a method for acquiring a palm vein image with visible and infrared light and extracting features from the image for authentication of individual identity. Biometric identification can be based on imaging of the retina or iris, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,596 issued to Wildes et al. on Nov. 5, 1996 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,349 issued to Flom et al. on Feb. 3, 1987, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Combinations of several types of identity signals can also be used (e.g., speech and video, as described in Aleksic, P. S. and Katsaggelos, A. K. “Audio-Visual Biometrics,” Proceedings of the IEEE Volume: 94, Issue: 11, Page(s): 2025-2044, 2006 (DOI: 10.1109/JPROC.2006.886017), which is incorporated herein by reference). 
     In an aspect, image processing circuitry  3408  includes eye tracking module  3460 , which determines an eye position or eye movement from user image  3412 , based upon one or more parameter  3416 . For example, a gaze tracking system for monitoring eye position is available from Seeing Machines Inc., Tucson, Ariz. (see e.g., the Specification Sheet: “faceLAB™ 5 Specifications” which is incorporated herein by reference). Eye position, eye rotation, eye gaze position against screen, pupil diameter and eye vergence distance may be monitored. Eye rotation measurements of up to +/−45 degrees around the y-axis and +/−22 degrees around the x-axis are possible. Typical static accuracy of gaze direction measurement is 0.5-1 degree rotational error. Eye position can be sensed using a method and system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,808,195 to Tseng et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, or by other methods described herein or known to those skilled in the relevant art. Eye position may include static or fixed eye position/gaze direction or dynamic eye position/eye movement. In an aspect, eye tracking module  3460  detects pupil diameter. Pupil diameter can be measured, for example, by methods as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,162,186 to Scinto et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Ear stimulation device control system  3400  may include various other components as described generally elsewhere herein, including, but not limited to, e.g., communication circuitry  3462 , data storage circuitry  3464 , and reporting circuitry  3466 . Similarly, ear stimulation device  3432  may include additional components, including but not limited to communication circuitry  3468  and stimulator driver circuitry  3470 . In addition, ear stimulation device  3432  may include or be used in combination with a securing member  3472 . In an aspect, the securing member includes or is a portion of an earpiece. 
       FIGS. 35A and 35B  show examples of user interfaces used in connection with an ear stimulation device control system implemented on a personal computing device, and in particular illustrate ways in which processing of a user image captured with a user-facing camera is used in control of the ear stimulation device. In the example of  FIG. 35A , the personal computing device is a smart phone  3500  configured with application software that notifies the user of improper placement of the earpieces. Detection and notification is performed, e.g. as described in connection with  FIGS. 30-34 . Delivery of text, visible, and audio notifications to the user (e.g., as in the method of  FIG. 33 ) are illustrated in  FIG. 35A . In the systems shown in  FIGS. 35A and 35B , the ear stimulation device itself is not depicted, but it would be connected to smart phone  3500 , e.g. via an audio jack. Touchscreen  3502  of smart phone  3500  functions as a user interface (e.g., user interface  3444  in  FIG. 34 ). User image  3504 , captured with user-facing camera  3506  is displayed on touchscreen  3502 . Image analysis of user image  3504  is performed by image processing circuitry (e.g., image processing circuitry  3408  in  FIG. 34 ), to determine whether the earpiece including the ear stimulation device is positioned properly. In an aspect, proper positioning of the ear stimulation device means that the earpiece is located on the correct ear, and in some cases also means that the earpiece is located in the proper position on the ear. In the example of  FIG. 35A , earpieces  3508  and  3510  in user image  3504  are different colors, allowing the two earpieces to be distinguished. Alert symbol  3512  (an exclamation point in a circle) notifies the user of an alert message, which is delivered via alert text  3514  displayed on touchscreen  3502 . In this case, alert text  3514  provides the alert message “1. ALERT: STIMULATION BLOCKED! Switch stimulation earpiece to other ear to allow stimulator activation.” An ‘X’  3516  (or other marker) displayed next to user image  3504  indicates to the user that earpieces  3508  and  3510  are positioned incorrectly. An audible notification  3522  (e.g., a ‘beep’) delivered by speaker  3520  is also provided to attract the user&#39;s attention to the incorrectly positioned earpieces. A second user image  3524 , serving as an exemplar depicting correctly placed earpieces, is also presented on touchscreen  3502 . The colors of earpieces in image  3524  may be enhanced or highlighted in the image to emphasize the importance of placing an earpiece of a particular color at a particular ear. A check mark  3526  (or other marker) is used to indicate that second user image  3524  depicts correct earpiece position. Check mark  3526  may be animated, e.g. to switch from flashing to solid or change color from red to green when the user has switched the earpieces to the proper positions. Once the earpieces are properly positioned, the ear stimulation device control system, implemented with smart phone  3500 , controls the ear stimulation device to deliver a stimulus to the ear of the subject, as described elsewhere herein. 
     As described in connection with  FIG. 34 , in an aspect ear stimulation device control system  3400  includes emotion determination module  3454 , physiological condition module  3456 , identity determination module  3458  and eye tracking module  3460 . These modules can be used to determine additional information about the user on which to base control of the ear stimulation device. In  FIG. 35B , touchscreen  3502  of smart phone  3500  functions as a user interface. User image  3504 , captured with user-facing camera  3506  is displayed on touchscreen  3502 . Image analysis of user image  3504  is performed by image processing circuitry  3408  as shown in  FIG. 34 , to determine the identity of the user, and potentially also the emotion and physiological status of the user, as discussed herein above. After the identity of the user has been determined, user-specific information can be used to determine neural stimulation. For example, stimulus level settings that have been optimized for the user can be retrieved from memory and used to configure the ear stimulation device. In addition, the stimulus delivered with the stimulation device may be adjusted depending upon the mood or physiological status of the user. 
     In addition, in an aspect, application software on smart phone  3500  prompts the user to enter additional information regarding mood or other parameters, similar to application software  2908  described in connection with  FIG. 29 . In the example of  FIG. 35B , the mood of the subject may not be readily determined from the relatively neutral expression of the user in image  3504 . However, the application software may prompt the user to enter to enter information regarding mood or other feelings. For example, text prompt  3556  “Good morning, Anna! Are you tired today?” might be followed by additional questions, depending on the user&#39;s response, in order to determine how the user is feeling. The use of application software to assess the mood of the user is discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein. 
     As discussed herein above, in an aspect, image detection and analysis is used to detect improper placement of one or more earpieces on the ear(s) of a user of a personal computing device. In some aspects, it is desirable to detect quality of electrical contact between the ear and an electrode used for delivering electrical stimuli to or sensing electrical signals from the ear.  FIG. 36  is a block diagram depicting neural stimulation system  3600 , which includes ear stimulation device  3602  and ear stimulation device control system  3604 .  FIG. 36  depicts further aspects of a neural stimulation system  3600  including an ear stimulation device control system  3604 , used for controlling an ear stimulation device  3602  that delivers electrical stimuli via one or more electrodes  3606  and  3608 . Ear stimulation device control system  3604  determines whether the one or more electrodes  3606  and  3608  are in good electrical contact with the ear of the user and notifies the user of the status of electrodes  3606  and  3608  so that adjustments can be made, as needed. In addition, delivery of a stimulus via the electrode can be prevented if it is determined that there is not a good electrical contact between the electrode and the ear. Ear stimulation device control system  3604  includes a personal computing device  3610  configured to control delivery, via ear stimulation device  3602 , of a stimulus to at least one nerve innervating an ear of a user of personal computing device  3610 . Ear stimulation device  3602  includes at least one first electrode  3606 . Personal computing device  3610  includes electrical signal input circuitry  3612  adapted to receive an electrical signal  3614  indicative of electrical contact of the at least one first electrode  3606  with the ear of a user of the personal computing device  3610 . Personal computing device  3610  includes contact determination circuitry  3616  configured to determine whether the at least one first electrode  3606  is in good electrical contact with the ear of the user, and neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry  3620  configured to send a neural stimulus control signal  3622  from personal computing device  3610  to ear stimulation device  3602  to prevent delivery of the stimulus if the at least one first electrode  3606  is not in good electrical contact with the ear of the user. In addition, personal computing device  3610  includes notification circuitry  3622  configured to deliver a notification to the user relating to the status of the at least one first electrode  3606 . Personal computing device  3610  may be, for example, a phone, watch, wearable device, tablet computer, laptop computer, or desktop computer. 
     In an aspect, ear stimulation device control system  3604  includes handshake circuitry  3624  adapted to receive a handshake signal  3626  from ear stimulation device control circuitry  3628  associated with ear stimulation device  3602 . In an aspect, ear stimulation device control system  3604  includes test signal circuitry  3630  configured to deliver an electrical test signal  3632  via at least one second electrode  3608  of the at least one ear stimulation device  3602 , and detecting the electrical signal  3614  via the at least one first electrode  3606  responsive to electrical test signal  3632 . In an aspect, contact determination circuitry  3616  is configured to determine an electrical impedance between the at least one first electrode  3606  and the at least one second electrode  3608 . In an aspect, contact determination circuitry  3616  is configured to determine an amplitude of electrical signal  3614 . In an aspect, contact determination circuitry  3616  is configured to determine a signal-to-noise ratio of electrical signal  3614 . In an aspect, contact determination circuitry  3616  is configured to determine a phase shift or frequency content of the electrical signal  3614 . In various aspects, contact determination circuitry  3616  includes amplitude determination module  3634  for determining the amplitude of electrical signal  3614 , signal-to-noise ratio determination module  3636  for determining the signal-to-noise ratio of electrical signal  3614 , or phase shift/frequency content determination module  3638  for determining the phase shift or frequency content of electrical signal  3614 . 
     In an aspect, ear stimulation device  3602  includes earpiece  3640  which includes the at least one first electrode  3606 . In an aspect, notification circuitry  3622  is configured to instruct the user to reposition earpiece  3640 , replace at least a portion of the at least one first electrode  3606 , clean at least a portion of the at least one first electrode  3606 , moisten at least a portion of the at least one first electrode  3606 , or apply gel to at least a portion of the at least one first electrode  3606 . As discussed herein above, in various aspects, ear stimulation device  3602  includes or is used in connection with a securing member  3642 , and may include additional circuitry components as described elsewhere herein, e.g. communication circuitry  3644  and stimulator driver circuitry  3646 . In an aspect, notification circuitry  3622  is configured to deliver one or more of a text notification, a visible notification, or an audio notification. Neural stimulation system  3600  in various aspects includes other components as described elsewhere herein. For example, in various aspects personal computing device  3610  includes user interface  1214  including user input device  1362  and user output  1364 , including audio output  1366 , graphical display  1368 , alphanumeric display  1392 , or touchscreen  1394 , as depicted in and described in connection with  FIG. 13 , for example. In various aspects, ear stimulation device control system includes neural stimulus control signal output  3424 , communication circuitry  3462 , data storage circuitry  3464 , as in connection with  FIG. 34 . In various aspects, neural stimulation system  3600  includes one or more sensor  3650 , which may include, for example, a neural signal sensor, other physiological sensor, an environmental sensor, a motion sensor, a location sensor, of various types as described in connection with neural signal sensor  702  or secondary sensor  750  in  FIG. 7 . In some aspects, neural stimulation system  3600  includes a secondary stimulator  818 , for example as described in connection with  FIG. 7 . In some aspects, neural stimulation system  3600  includes a sound source  856 , e.g. as described in connection with  FIG. 7 . Notification circuitry  3442  and reporting circuitry  3466  are as described in connection with  FIG. 34 . Personal computing device  3610  is configured with application software  3650 , including but not limited to the various modules described specifically herein. 
       FIG. 37  depicted a method of controlling an ear stimulation device with a personal computing device, responsive to detection of contact between an electrode and the ear of the user, as described in connection with  FIG. 36 . As noted above, the personal computing device may be, for example, a phone, watch, wearable device, tablet computer, laptop computer, or desktop computer. Method  3700  includes detecting at electrical signal input circuitry, via at least one first electrode of an earpiece of an ear stimulation device, an electrical signal indicative of electrical contact of the at least one first electrode with the ear of a user of a personal computing device, wherein the at least one earpiece is operably connected to the personal computing device, and wherein the ear stimulation device is adapted to stimulate at least one nerve innervating the ear of the user of the personal computing device, as indicated at  3702 ; determining, using contact determination circuitry on the personal computing device, whether the at least one first electrode is in good electrical contact with the ear of the user, as indicated at  3704 ; if the at least one first electrode is not in good electrical contact with the ear of the user, sending a control signal from the personal computing device to the ear stimulation device, under control of neural stimulus control signal determination circuitry on the personal computing device, to prevent delivery via the earpiece of a stimulus to the ear at which the earpiece is located, as indicated at  3706 ; and delivering, under control of notification circuitry on the personal computing device, a notification to the user relating to the status of the at least one first electrode, as indicated at  3708 . 
     Determining whether the at least one first electrode is in good electrical contact with the ear of the user can be performed by various methods, as discussed herein below. Good electrical contact can be defined by setting a threshold value for one or more measured parameter, such that contact is defined to be “good” if the measured parameter(s) are at or above the threshold value and “bad” if they are below the threshold parameter. In an aspect, determining whether the at least one first electrode is in good electrical contact includes providing a rating of the contact quality, e.g., “strong,” “moderate,” “usable but weak,” “unusable,” wherein any usable contact qualities are considered “good,” but contacts that are not usable are considered “bad.” 
     Further aspects and variants of method  3700  are depicted in  FIGS. 38-39 . In these figures, steps  3702 ,  3704 ,  3706 , and  3708  are the same as in  FIG. 37 . 
       FIG. 38  depicts a method  3800 , which includes further elaborations of the method of  FIG. 37 . Steps  3702 ,  3704 ,  3706  and  3708  are as described in connection with  FIG. 37 . In an aspect, method  3800  includes receiving, at handshake circuitry on the personal computing device, a handshake signal from ear stimulation device control circuitry associated with the ear stimulation device, as indicated at  3802 . In another aspect, method  3800  includes delivering, under control of test signal circuitry on the personal computing device, an electrical test signal via at least one second electrode of the at least one earpiece, and detecting the electrical signal via the at least one first electrode responsive to the electrical test signal, as indicated at  3804 . This may include, for example, determining an electrical impedance between the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode, as indicated at  3806 . In various aspects, determining whether the at least one first electrode is in good electrical contact with the ear of the user (at  3704 ) includes determining an amplitude of the electrical signal, as indicated at  3808 , determining a signal-to-noise ratio of the electrical signal, as indicated at  3810 , or determining a phase shift or frequency content of the electrical signal, as indicated at  3812 . 
       FIG. 39  depicts a method  3900 , including further variants of the method shown in  FIG. 37 , relating to delivering a notification to the user regarding the status of the at least one first electrode. In various aspects, delivering the notification to the user includes instructing the user to reposition the earpiece, as indicated at  3902 , instructing the user to replace at least a portion of the at least one first electrode, as indicated at  3904 , instructing the user to clean at least a portion of the at least one first electrode, as indicated at  3906 , instructing the user to moisten at least a portion of the at least one first electrode, as indicated at  3908 , or instructing the user to apply gel to at least a portion of the at least one first electrode, as indicated at  3910 . In other aspects, delivering the notification to the user includes delivering a text notification, as indicated at  3912 , delivering a visible notification, as indicated at  3914 , delivering an audio notification, as indicated at  3916 , or delivering a directional notification, at  3918 . Notifications can be delivered, for example, as described in connection with  FIG. 31 , or as illustrated in  FIG. 35A . In another aspect, method  3900  includes delivering, under control of test signal circuitry on the personal computing device, an audio test signal via a sound source associated with the at least one earpiece, and determining proper placement of the at least one earpiece based upon audio feedback, as indicated at  3920 . In an aspect, audio feedback is determined from an audio signal detected from the earpiece, which will vary depending upon the placement of the earpiece, e.g. whether or not it is firmly seated within the ear canal. In an aspect, audio feedback is determined from the user, e.g. the user self-reporting of audio quality. 
       FIG. 40  illustrates a nerve stimulation system  4000  including ear stimulation device  4002  and personal computing device  4004 , which is configured personal computing device application  4006  for monitoring use of nerve stimulation system  4000  by a user. As in other examples presented herein, personal computing device  4004  may be, for example a phone, watch, wearable device, tablet computer, laptop computer, or desktop computer. Aspects of nerve stimulation system  4000  not described in detail in connection with  FIG. 40  are generally as described in connection with other embodiment depicted and described herein. 
     Personal computing device application  4006  includes audio delivery module  4010 , mood assessment module  4012 , secondary factor input module  4014 , user control module  4016 , stimulator control module  4018 , and controller interface module  4020 . The various modules include application software operating in connection with personal computing device hardware and software (i.e. the personal computing device hardware is configured by the application software) to provide the module functionality. Personal computing device  4006  includes other hardware and software components as described elsewhere herein as well as conventional hardware and software components not specifically described herein. The term “module,” as used herein, refers to application software operating on and used to configure personal computing device hardware to provide specialized circuitry functions of the device. In general, a module utilizes and in an aspect can be considered to incorporate both data storage circuitry and processing circuitry of the personal computing device. 
     Audio delivery module  4010  is adapted to control delivery of an audio signal from an audio signal source  4022  to an audio earpiece  4024  via an audio output  4026  of the personal computing device  4004 , the audio earpiece  4024  having associated therewith ear stimulation device  4002  configured to stimulate a nerve innervating the ear of the user. Audio signal source  4022  may be, for example an audio player application  4024 , a web radio application  4026 , a radio receiver  4028 , a telephone receiver  4030 , or a hearing aid  4031 . 
     Mood assessment module  4012  is adapted to receive mood-related input from the user via a first input structure  4032  associated with the personal computing device, and assess a mood of the user based at least in part upon the mood-related input. In an aspect, mood assessment module  4012  includes an ecological momentary assessment module  4034 . Ecological momentary assessment module  4034  includes application software on the person computing device that collects information about the user&#39;s behaviors and experiences from the user, by querying the user at intervals during the day as they go about their usual activities in their “natural environment” (as contrasted to self-reports of mood based on the user&#39;s recollections during a clinic visit, for example), e.g. as described generally in Shiffman et al., “Ecological Momentary Assessment,” Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, Vol. 4:1-32, April 2008 (First Published Online Nov. 28, 2007), DOI: 10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.3.022806.091415, which is incorporated herein by reference. In some aspects, mood assessment module  4012  includes activity assessment module  4035 , which tracks and analyzes user activities involving use of the personal computing device (e.g. use of social media, web searches, speech patterns, typing patterns, including amount and/or type of use) to determine mood of the user. For example, in an aspect, activity assessment module  4035  analyzes typing patterns using, for example, techniques as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,344 to Merzenich et al., U.S. Published Patent Application 2005/0084832 to Janssen et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In an aspect, activity assessment module  4035  determines the timing of entry of instructions by the patient. In an aspect, it is not necessary to determine the specific instructions entered by the patient, but only to determine how often the patient is using the personal computing device, and/or how quickly the patient is entering instructions into the personal computing device. In other aspects, the specific instructions can be detected, e.g., to determine whether the patient is choosing to listen to music, play a game, send or read email, receive a phone call, or place a phone call. Sensing and processing of game controller signals, e.g., to determine reaction times, may be substantially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,310 to Brown, or U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,145 to Brown, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. It will be appreciated that while Brown describes a video game designed primarily for health care-related teaching purposes, the video game may be for entertainment purposes, and need not include an educational or medical component. In an aspect, activity assessment module  4035  is configured to process an audio signal (detected from a cell phone, for example) to determine a speech pattern of the patient. In an aspect, mood assessment module  4012  includes image processing module  4036  adapted to determine a mood of the user based on image analysis of an image of the user detected with a user-facing camera  4038  of the personal computing device  4004 , e.g., as discussed herein above. In various aspects, mood assessment module  4012  is adapted to receive mood-related input relating to depression, stress, or emotion, for example. First input structure  4032  of the personal computing device in various aspects includes a touch screen  4040 , a keyboard, or a microphone. 
     Secondary factor input module  4014  is adapted to receive at least one input relating to at least one secondary factor relating to the user via a second input structure  4050  associated with personal computing device  4004 . Secondary input structure  4050  of personal computing device  4004  includes at least one of a touch screen  4040 , a keyboard  4042 , a microphone  4044 , a device interface  4052 , a data input  4054 , USB port  4056 , a wireless interface  4058 , a serial port  4060 , and a parallel port  4062 . Touch screen  4040 , a keyboard  4042 , a microphone  4044 , are examples of components of a user interface  4064 , although it will be appreciated that input may be received by other types of user interface devices, as are known to those of skill in the art. Data input  4054 , USB port  4056 , wireless interface  4058 , serial port  4060 , and parallel port  4062  are examples of device interface  4052 ; other device interfaces may be used as well. First input structure  4032 , second input structure  4050 , and third input structure  4066  may in some aspects be the same type of input structure, and indeed may be the same input structure. In other aspects, one or more of first input structure  4032 , second input structure  4050 , and third input structure  4066  are the same type of input structure, but are distinct input structures. In some aspects, first input structure  4032 , second input structure  4050 , and third input structure  4066 , are different types of input structures, and, in addition, are distinct input structures. 
     In an aspect, secondary factor input module  4014  is adapted to receive at least one input from the user, i.e., via user interface  4064 . In another aspect, secondary factor input module is adapted to receive at least one input from a sensor  4068 , e.g., via data input  4054  or another device interface. In another aspect, secondary factor input module  4014  is adapted to receive at least one input via a computing network  4070 . 
     User control module  4016  is adapted to receive at least one user control input via a third input structure  4066  of the personal computing device, the user control input for controlling user-controllable stimulation parameters of the ear stimulation device. 
     Stimulator control module  4018  is adapted to determine at least one stimulus control parameter based on at least one of the mood of the user, the at least one secondary factor, and the at least one user control input. 
     Controller interface module  4020  is used for communicating the at least one stimulus control parameter to a stimulator controller adapted to control the ear stimulation device responsive to the at least one stimulus control parameter. 
     In an aspect, stimulator control module  4018  is configured to coordinate delivery of the audio signal with delivery of at least one stimulus with ear stimulation device  4002 . 
     In an aspect, secondary factor input module  4014  is adapted to receive at least one input relating to an environmental condition of the user, for example, including at least one of a light level, a temperature, a humidity, a pollen count, a noise level, a day length, a precipitation, an air quality measure. In another aspect, secondary factor input module  4014  is adapted to receive at least one input relating to sleep pattern of the user. In another aspect, secondary factor input module  4014  is adapted to receive at least one input relating to medical history of the user. In another aspect, secondary factor input module  4014  is adapted to receive at least one input relating to an activity of the user, including, but not limited to a physical activity, a health-related activity, a recreational activity, a social activity, an employment activity, a purchasing activity, a mental activity, a spiritual activity, a media-related activity, an activity of daily life, an amount of activity, a duration of activity, a frequency of activity, a timing of activity, a calendar, a schedule, or a cost. In another aspect, secondary factor input module  4014  is adapted to receive at least one input relating to a diet of the user or an appetite of the user. An input relating to a secondary factor may include user input relating to the secondary factor, received for example, via user interface  4064 . In an aspect, secondary factor input module  4014  is adapted to receive at least one open ended comment from the user, e.g. via text input  4074 . In another aspect, secondary factor input module  4014  is adapted to provide a drop down menu  4076  of selectable items and receive from the user a selection from the drop down menu. For example, in an aspect, the menu of selectable items includes topic areas for discussion with a medical care provider. In addition to text inputs or menus, various types of input elements may be utilized to receive input from the user, voice to text conversion, screen elements with clickable buttons or checkboxes that allow the user to select from multiple options, sliders that allow the user to increase or decrease a parameter value between minimum and maximum values, and various other types of input elements. 
     In an aspect, personal computing device application  4006  includes a recommendation delivery module  4078 , which is configured to present a recommendation to the user. For example, the recommendation can be presented to the user via user interface  4064 , or audio output  4026 , or sent to a remote device via device interface  4052 , computing network  4070 , or communication network  4080 . In an aspect, recommendation delivery module  4078  is adapted to receive the recommendation from a medical care provider, from an insurance company, a service provider, an advisor, a computation-based system, or a social media source. For example, in an aspect recommendation delivery module  4078  is adapted to receive a recommendation via computing network  4070 . For example, in an aspect the recommendation based on patients similar to the user. In an aspect, recommendation delivery module  4078  is adapted to generate the recommendation. 
     In an aspect, personal computing device application  4006  includes a correlation module  4082  configured to determine at least one correlation between the mood of the user and at least one of the at least one secondary factor and the at least one stimulus control parameter, and recommendation delivery module is configured to generate the recommendation based at least in part on the at least one correlation. For example, if it is determined that a particular secondary factor (e.g., rainy weather) is normally followed by a depressed mood in the user, if occurrence of the secondary factor is detected, a recommendation is generated for increasing stimulation. As another example, if a particular activity of the user is correlated with depression (for example, if the user reports being depressed after staying up late and not getting enough sleep, the recommendation might be to go to bed earlier). 
     In an aspect, recommendation delivery module  4078  is adapted to provide the recommendation to a medical care provider of the user. This can be done, for example, by sending the recommendation to a remote device used by the medical care provider, via computing network  4070 , communication network  4080 , device interface  4052 , or via user interface  4064 . Providing the recommendation to the medical care provider makes it possible for the medical care provider to discuss the recommendation with the user, or not, as deemed appropriate by the medical care provider, as well as to incorporate the recommendation into an overall treatment plan for the user. 
     In an aspect, recommendation delivery module  4078  is configured to generate the recommendation based on at least one of information regarding a response of the subject to a past treatment regimen, information obtained via social media, information regarding at least one preference of at least one social media contact of the subject, information regarding at least one preference of at least one peer of the subject, information regarding at least one preference of at least one role model of the subject, information from an insurance company, information from a service provider. 
     In an aspect, recommendation delivery module  4078  is configured to generate the recommendation with a computation-based system; for example, an artificial intelligence, a neural network, or a machine learning system. In an aspect, recommendation delivery module  4078  is configured to generate the recommendation based on a predicted response of the subject to a treatment regimen. 
     In another aspect, recommendation delivery module  4078  is configured to receive information regarding whether the subject has accepted or rejected the recommendation. In various aspects, recommendation delivery module  4078  is configured to present to the user a recommendation for a configuration of the neural stimulus, or a recommendation for a secondary stimulus to be delivered in association with the neural stimulus. 
     In an aspect, personal computing device application  4006  includes physiological data module  4084  adapted to receive at least one physiological data signal representing at least one physiological parameter of the user. In an aspect, physiological data module  4084  is adapted to receive the at least one physiological data signal from at least one sensor  4068 . In another aspect, physiological data module  4084  is adapted to receive the at least one physiological data signal from at least one computing network  4070 , or alternatively, via at least one communication network  4080 . In another aspect, physiological data module  4084  is adapted to receive the at least one physiological data signal from at least one remote sensing system  4086 . A remote sensing system may include one or more sensors in the environment of the user, including but not limited to cameras, motion sensors, pressure sensors, force sensors, infrared sensors, etc. In various aspects, physiological data module  4084  is adapted to receive the at least one physiological data signal from at least one of a blood pressure sensor, a heart rate sensor, a chemical sensor, a biosensor, a pH sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, a galvanic skin response sensor, an EEG sensor, an EMG sensor, an ECG sensor, a wearable item, an eye tracking system, an acoustic sensor, a motion sensor, a force transducer, or an activity sensor. 
     In an aspect, user control module  4016  is adapted to receive user input (e.g., via user interface  4064 ) for controlling at least one of stimulus pulse amplitude, stimulus pulse duration, stimulus frequency, stimulus pulse pattern, and stimulus pulse envelope. 
     In an aspect, personal computing device application  4006  includes external control module  4088 , which is configured to receive an external control input for controlling at least one externally controllable stimulation parameter of the ear stimulation device. For example, in various aspects, external control module  4088  is configured to receive the external control input via computing network  4070  or communication network  4080 . In an aspect, external control module  4088  is configured to receive the external control input from an external party or entity. In an aspect, the external party or entity is a medical care provider. In other aspects, the external control input may be received from other external parties or entities, e.g., a family member, an insurance company, the device manufacturer, etc. The at least one externally controllable stimulation parameter includes, for example, at least one of stimulus pulse amplitude, stimulus pulse duration, stimulus frequency, stimulus pulse pattern, and stimulus pulse envelope. Externally controllable stimulation parameters may include preferred values for efficacy of treatment, including preferred values to be used in connection with different patent conditions, or upper and lower limits for stimulus values, for purposes of patient safety or efficacy of treatment. 
     In another aspect, personal computing device application  4006  includes data transfer module  4090  for providing data relating to the user to an external party or entity. In an aspect, data transfer module  4090  is configured to provide the data to the external party or entity via computing network  4070 . In another aspect, data transfer module is configured to provide the data to the external party or entity via communication network  4080 . For example, the external party or entity may be a medical care provider, a family member, an insurance company, a service provider, a social media contact (or ‘friend’) of the subject, a peer of the subject, an advisor, a computation based system, a social media source, a device manufacturer, a merchant, an electronic medical record, a sensor network, or an additional program or application, for example. In an aspect, a sensor network includes or is part of a health diary platform, a smart home, or an internet of things. 
     In an aspect, stimulator control module  4018  is configured to determine the at least one stimulus control parameter  4034  by overriding the at least one user control input for controlling the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter based on a medical-care provider control input. Alternatively, in another aspect, stimulator control module  4018  is configured to override a medical-care provider control input based on the at least one user control input for controlling the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter. In yet another aspect, stimulator control module  4018  is configured to override the at least one user control input for controlling the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter based on a computing system-generated stimulus control parameter. In another aspect, stimulator control module  4018  is configured to override a computing system-generated stimulus control parameter based on the at least one user control input for controlling the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter. For example, stimulator control module  4018  is configured to determine the at least one stimulus control parameter to provide an initial setting of the ear stimulation device based on the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter. In another aspect, stimulator control module  4018  is configured to determine the at least one stimulus control parameter to update a setting of the ear stimulation device based on the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter. 
       FIG. 41  is a flow diagram of a method of controlling an ear stimulation device with a personal computing device. Method  4100  may be performed, for example, using a personal computing device configured with application software, as depicted and discussed in connection with  FIG. 40 . Method  4100  includes receiving an audio signal at the personal computing device from an audio signal source, as indicated at  4102 ; delivering the audio signal to an audio earpiece worn by a user via an audio output of the personal computing device, the audio earpiece having associated therewith an ear stimulation device configured to stimulate a nerve innervating the ear of the user, as indicated at  4104 ; receiving with a mood assessment module, via a first input structure associated with the personal computing device, a mood-related input from the user, as indicated at  4106 ; assessing, with the mood assessment module, a mood of the user based at least in part upon the mood-related input, as indicated at  4108 ; receiving with a secondary factor input module, via a second input structure associated with the personal computing device, at least one input relating to at least one secondary factor relating to the user, as indicated at  4110 ; receiving with a user control module, via a third input structure associated with the personal computing device, at least one user control input for controlling at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter of the ear stimulation device, as indicated at  4112 ; determining, with a stimulator control module, at least one stimulus control parameter based on at least one of the mood of the user, the at least one secondary factor, and the at least one user control input, as indicated at  4114 ; and communicating, with a controller interface module, at least one stimulus control parameter to a stimulator controller, the stimulator controller adapted to control the ear stimulation device responsive to the at least one stimulus control parameter, as indicated at  4116 . 
     Further aspects of the method shown in  FIG. 41  are shown in  FIGS. 42-47 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 42 , in various aspects of a method  4200 , receiving the audio signal at the personal computing device from the audio signal source includes receiving the audio signal from an audio player application, as indicated at  4202 ; receiving the audio signal from a web radio application, as indicated at  4204 ; receiving the audio signal from a radio receiver, as indicated at  4206 , receiving the audio signal from a telephone receiver, as indicated at  4208 , or receiving the audio signal from a hearing aid, as indicated at  4210 . 
     Receiving the mood-related input in various aspects includes receiving user input via an ecological momentary assessment module, as indicated at  4212 ; receiving an image of the user with a user-facing camera of the personal computing device, and determining a mood of the user based on image analysis of the image of the user with image processing software of the mood assessment module, as indicated at  4214 . Mood assessment based on image analysis is discussed in greater detail herein above. Receiving the mood-related input may include receiving mood-related input relating to one or more of depression, as indicated at  4216 ; stress, as indicated at  4218 ; emotion, as indicated at  4220 ; or a mental disorder, as indicated at  4222 . In an aspect, receiving the mood-related input via the first input structure includes receiving at least one input via a touch screen, a keyboard, or a microphone, as indicated at  4224 . In an aspect, method  4200  includes coordinating, with the stimulator control module, delivery of the audio signal with delivery of at least one stimulus with the ear stimulation device, as indicated at  4224 . 
       FIG. 43  provides further variants of the method of  FIG. 41 , relating to receiving at least one input relating to at least one secondary factor relating to the user, at  4110 . In an aspect of method  4300 , receiving the at least one input relating to the at least one secondary factor includes receiving at least one input via at least one of a touch screen, a keyboard, a microphone, a device interface, a data input, a USB port, a wireless interface, a serial port, and a parallel port, as indicated at  4302 . In further aspects, receiving at least one input relating to at least one secondary factor relating to the user with the secondary factor input module includes receiving at least one input from the user, as indicated at  4304 ; receiving at least one input from a sensor, as indicated at  4306 ; or receiving at least one input via a computing network, as indicated at  4308 . 
     In another aspect, receiving at least one input relating to at least one secondary factor relating to the user with the secondary factor input module includes receiving at least one input relating to an environmental condition of the user, as indicated at  4310 . An environmental condition may include, for example, at least one of a light level, a temperature, a humidity, a pollen count, a noise level, a day length, a precipitation, an air quality measure, as indicated at  4312 . 
     In other aspects, receiving at least one input relating to at least one secondary factor relating to the user with the secondary factor input module includes receiving at least one input relating to a sleep pattern of the user, as indicated at  4314 ; a medical history of the user, as indicated at  4315 ; a diet of the user, as indicated at  4316 ; an appetite of the user, as indicated at  4318 ; or an activity of the user, as indicated at  4320 . For example, receiving at least one input relating to an activity includes receiving at least one input relating to, e.g., a physical activity, a recreational activity, a social activity, an employment activity, a purchasing activity, a mental activity, a spiritual activity, a media-related activity, an activity of daily life, an amount of activity, a duration of activity, a frequency of activity, a timing of activity, a calendar, a schedule, or a cost, as indicated at  4322 . 
     In further aspect, receiving at least one input relating to at least one secondary factor relating to the user with the secondary factor input module includes receiving at least one open ended comment from the user, as indicated at  4324 . In other aspects, receiving at least one input relating to at least one secondary factor relating to the user with the secondary factor input module includes providing a drop down menu of selectable items and receiving from the user a selection from the drop down menu, as indicated at  4326 . For example, in an aspect, providing a drop down menu of selectable items includes providing a drop down menu of selectable topic areas for discussion with medical care provider, as indicated at  4328 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 44 , in an aspect a method  4400  includes presenting a recommendation to the user with a recommendation delivery module, as indicated at  4402 . The recommendation may be received from a medical care provider, from an insurance company, a service provider, an advisor, a computation-based system, or a social media source, as indicated at  4404 , or from a computing network, as indicated at  4406 . In another aspect, method  4400  includes providing the recommendation to a medical care provider of the user with the recommendation delivery module, as indicated at  4408 . In a further aspect, method  4400  includes receiving, with the recommendation delivery module, information regarding whether the subject has accepted or rejected the recommendation, as indicated at  4410 . 
     In various aspects, presenting the recommendation includes presenting a recommendation for a configuration of the neural stimulus, as indicated at  4412 , or presenting a recommendation for a secondary stimulus to be delivered in association with the neural stimulus, as indicated at  4414 . 
     In an aspect, method  4400  includes delivering a recommendation based on patients similar to the user, as indicated at  4416 . 
     In an aspect, method  4400  includes generating the recommendation with the recommendation delivery module, as indicated at  4418 . For example, the method may include determining, with a correlation module, at least one correlation between the mood of the user and at least one of the at least one secondary factor and the at least one stimulus control parameter, and generating the recommendation with the recommendation delivery module based at least in part on the at least one correlation, as indicated at  4420 . In an aspect, the method includes generating the recommendation based on at least one of information regarding a response of the subject to a past treatment regimen, information obtained via social media, information regarding at least one preference of at least one social media contact of the subject, information regarding at least one preference of at least one peer of the subject, information regarding at least one preference of at least one role model of the subject, information from an insurance company, information from a service provider, as indicated at  4422 . In some aspects, the method includes generating the recommendation with a computation-based system, as indicated at  4424 , or generating the recommendation based on a predicted response of the subject to a treatment regimen, as indicated at  4426 . 
       FIG. 45  depicts aspects of a related method  4500 . In an aspect, method  4500  includes receiving, with a physiological data module, at least one physiological data signal representing at least one physiological parameter of the user, as indicated at  4502 . Receiving the at least one physiological data signal includes, for example, receiving the at least one physiological data signal from at least one sensor, as indicated at  4504 . In an aspect, the at least one sensor is located on the audio earpiece associated with the ear stimulation device, as indicated at  4506 . In an aspect, the audio earpiece having the ear stimulation device associated therewith is a first audio earpiece worn on a first ear of the subject, and wherein the at least one sensor is located on a second audio earpiece located on a second ear of the subject, as indicated at  4508 . 
     In an aspect, receiving the at least one physiological data signal includes receiving the at least one physiological data signal from at least one computing network, as indicated at  4510 , or from at least one remote sensing system, as indicated at  4512 . In various aspects, receiving the at least one physiological data signal includes receiving the at least one physiological data signal from at least one of a blood pressure sensor, a heart rate sensor, a chemical sensor, a biosensor, a pH sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, a galvanic skin response sensor, an EEG sensor, an EMG sensor, an ECG sensor, a wearable item, an eye tracking system, an acoustic sensor, a motion sensor, a force transducer, or an activity sensor, as indicated at  4514 . 
     In a further aspect, method  4500  includes providing data relating to the user to an external party or entity, as indicated at  4516 . In various aspects, providing the data to the external party or entity includes providing the data via a computing network, as indicated at  4518 , or providing the data via a communication network, as indicated at  4520 . In an aspect, providing the data to the external party or entity includes providing the data to a medical care provider, as indicated at  5422 . In various aspects, providing the data to the external party or entity includes providing the data to a family member, an insurance company, a service provider, a social media contact of the subject, a peer of the subject, an advisor, a computation based system, a social media source, a device manufacturer, a merchant, an electronic medical record, a sensor network, a program or an application, as indicated at  4524 . 
       FIG. 46  depicts further aspects of a method  4600 . In one aspect of method  4600 , receiving the at least one user control input for controlling the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter includes receiving at least one user input for controlling at least one of stimulus pulse amplitude, stimulus pulse duration, stimulus frequency, stimulus pulse pattern, and stimulus pulse envelope, as indicated at  4602 . 
     In another aspect, method  4600  includes determining, with a correlation module, at least one correlation between the mood of the user and at least one of the at least one secondary factor and the at least one stimulus control parameter, as indicated at  4604 . 
     In another aspect, method  4600  includes receiving, with an external control module, an external control input for controlling at least one externally controllable stimulation parameter of the ear stimulation device, as indicated at  4606 . In various aspects, this includes receiving the external control input via a computing network or a communication network, as indicated at  4608 . In an aspect, receiving the external control input includes receiving the external control input from an external party or entity, as indicated at  4610 , for example, a medical care provider, as indicated at  4612 , or a family member, an insurance company, a service provider, a social media contact of the subject, a peer of the subject, an advisor, a computation based system, a social media source, a device manufacturer, a merchant, an electronic medical record, a sensor network, a program or an application, as indicated at  4614 . In various aspect, the at least one externally controllable stimulation parameter includes at least one of stimulus pulse amplitude, stimulus pulse duration, stimulus frequency, stimulus pulse pattern, and stimulus pulse envelope, as indicated at  4616 . 
       FIG. 47  depicts further aspects of a method  4700 , relating to determining the at least one stimulus control parameter. In an aspect, determining the at least one stimulus control parameter includes overriding the at least one user control input for controlling the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter based on a medical-care provider control input, as indicated at  4702 . In another aspect, determining the at least one stimulus control parameter includes overriding a medical-care provider control input based on the at least one user control input for controlling the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter, as indicated at  4704 . In yet another aspect, determining the at least one stimulus control parameter includes overriding the at least one user control input for controlling the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter based on a computing system-generated stimulus control parameter, as indicated at  4706 . In still another aspect, determining the at least one stimulus control parameter includes overriding a computing system-generated stimulus control parameter based on the at least one user control input for controlling the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter, as indicated at  4708 . 
     In an aspect, determining the at least one stimulus control parameter includes determining an initial setting of the ear stimulation device based on the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter, as indicated at  4710 . In another aspect, determining the at least one stimulus control parameter includes updating a setting of the ear stimulation device based on the at least one user-controllable stimulation parameter, as indicated at  4712 . 
     The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures may be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components, and/or wirelessly interactable, and/or wirelessly interacting components, and/or logically interacting, and/or logically interactable components. 
     In some instances, one or more components may be referred to herein as “configured to,” “configured by,” “configurable to,” “operable/operative to,” “adapted/adaptable,” “able to,” “conformable/conformed to,” etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such terms (e.g., “configured to”) generally encompass active-state components and/or inactive-state components and/or standby-state components, unless context requires otherwise. 
     A personal computing device, as described herein, may include circuitry and other hardware components, provided, for example in the form of a custom board installed in the case of the personal computing device during or after manufacture, or in a separate package that may be operably connected to the personal computing device via one or more wired and/or wireless connection. Unless context dictates otherwise, as used herein, the term personal computing device is intended to encompass systems including circuitry and other hardware components packaged with the personal computing device and circuitry and other hardware components packaged separately but used in combination with the personal computing device. 
     While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that typically a disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms unless context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be typically understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 
     With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will appreciate that recited operations therein may generally be performed in any order. Also, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in other orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of such alternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,” “related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise. 
     While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.