Abstract:
A meditation and prayer device including a body portion, electronics, integrated user interface, and data port. The device includes a user interface that allows the user to set the practice session duration, color of light, and choice of sound. The electronics enables the device to emit visual and auditory cues for when the practice session begins and ends. Data are stored in the device and available for transfer to other electronics products and online services through a data port. The device is portable and easy to manufacture.

Description:
REFERENCES CITED: U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 
       [0001]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 PAT. NO. 
                 Date 
                 Inventor 
                 Class 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 4,755,908 
                 July 1988 
                 Gardner 
                 361/326 
               
               
                 4,776,323 
                 October 1988 
                 Spector 
                 601/23 
               
               
                 5,271,627 
                 December 1993 
                 Russell 
                 273/445 
               
               
                 5,722,418 
                 March 1998 
                 Bro 
                 600/545 
               
               
                 5,742,748 
                 April 1998 
                 Sever 
                 345/419 
               
               
                 5,792,025 
                 August 1998 
                 Kikinis 
                 482/1 
               
               
                 6,605,038 
                 August 2003 
                 Teller 
                 600/300 
               
               
                 6,846,270 
                 January 2005 
                 Etnyre 
                 482/6 
               
               
                 7,255,666 
                 August 2007 
                 Cardenas 
                 482/143 
               
               
                 7,297,093 
                 November 2007 
                 Lopez 
                 482/124 
               
               
                 7,485,071 
                 February 2009 
                 Edwards 
                 482/23 
               
               
                 7,488,282 
                 February 2009 
                 Leavitt 
                 482/142 
               
               
                 8,025,606 
                 September 2011 
                 Hamilton 
                 482/4 
               
               
                 8,038,584 
                 October 2011 
                 Pruessner 
                 482/91 
               
               
                 8,096,923 
                 January 2012 
                 White 
                 482/23 
               
               
                 8,167,777 
                 May 2012 
                 Nichols 
                 482/23 
               
               
                 8,235,870 
                 August 2012 
                 Hamilton 
                 482/4 
               
               
                 8,298,126 
                 October 2012 
                 Berc 
                 482/142 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to apparatus for facilitating meditation and prayer practice. More specifically, the invention relates to a portable device that provides visual and or auditory queues for time based meditation and prayer practice sessions wherein data associated with the sessions is stored and available for download to other electronics products and services. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Prior art have mentioned meditation benefits for many years. For example, Hamilton, U.S. Pat. No. 8,235,870 and related U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,606 contemplate a physical exercise apparatus comprising a mat/cushion device and accessories designed for fitness interactivity using an array of variations of graphics specifically placed on the mat where the physical exercise device, wherein said graphics are arranged to support proper positioning and guidance for multiple forms of physical exercise including meditation techniques. Hamilton 8,235,870 FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 5 of show a mat with icons that are used to guide an exercise routine. Leavitt, U.S. Pat. No. 7,488,282, contemplates an exercise device and method of use thereof, including an exercise platform and an incline base that can be used together or separately. That invention relates to a device for exercising, more particularly relating to a yoga prop used for multidimensional exercises such as yoga, strength-training, aerobics and meditation. Leavitt U.S. Pat. No. 7,488,282 FIGS. 1 a,  1 b,  and 1 c  of said device illustrate a sizable apparatus for physical exercise including an exercise platform and an incline base that can be used together or separately. Edwards, U.S. Pat. No. 7,485,071, contemplates composite yoga mats and straps comprising a fabric sheet and loop holes and/or filament loops functioning as hand grips or appendage supports useful in the practice of yoga positions that functionally support practitioners in the learning and practice of yoga positions and meditation. Pruessner, U.S. Pat. No. 8,038,584, contemplates a method and apparatus for assisting a person to safely practice Yoga using a real tree and FIG. 10 of said invention illustrates this sizable apparatus. FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 of said apparatus illustrate postures facilitated by said invention and FIG. 20B depicts a folded leg position with hands in prayer. Similarly U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,485,071, 7,297,093, 7,255,666, 6,846,270, help to align posture. These prior art mention meditation as a side benefit of using said inventions. 
         [0004]    Teller, U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,038, provides a system for detecting, monitoring and reporting physiological information that includes a sensor device adapted to be worn on the upper arm that includes at least one of an accelerometer, a GSR sensor and a heat flux sensor and generates data indicative of at least one of activity, galvanic skin response and heat flow. Kikinis U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,025, contemplates a system to reduce repetitive motion injury risks, comprising a wrist-resting device having one or both of a heater and a vibrator in the device where such device can include software routines that launch a media player that presents on a computer video exercises, meditation, music, or a combination of any or all of these activities. Sever U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,748, also contemplates an invention that provides feedback through a computer program operable within a virtual reality device which is designed for perfecting mental visualization within the mind of a subject. Bro, U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,418, contemplates an invention for mediating social and behavioral influence processes through an interactive telecommunications guidance system. Russell, U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,627, contemplates a multidimensional equilateral angular game playing apparatus and method that includes electronically controlled, life-sized obelisk “opponents” in the vertex of each angle. And, Spector, U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,323, contemplates a biofeedback system to train an exerciser while who carries out athletic activity in which the arm or feet members move rhythmically and a system that translates this movement into an audible musical rhythm which makes it possible for the exerciser to be move in harmony with a musical rhythm conducive to optimal conditions of exercise. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,755,908, Gardner, Jul. 5, 1988 contemplates a capacitor comprising a sealed hollow glass container, inductor means, a portion of which is mounted within said sealed glass container, two or more layers of material deposited on the exposed surfaces contained within the sealed glass container and a gaseous mixture filling said sealed glass container having a pressure, at 25.degree. C., of approximately 100 torr or more, the gases in said mixture being selected from a group of gases consisting of helium, neon, argon, krypton and xenon, which when used in implementation can cause oscillating electric and magnetic fields that produce a system that has several resonant frequencies, and which has been found to be beneficial in creating an environment for meditation. 
         [0006]    Prior art mentions meditation as a side benefit, but none are developed specifically to facilitate meditation or prayer. More specifically none are developed to provide time based meditation and prayer sessions with visual and auditory cues. In addition, many of these devices are large and not highly portable. Some prior art also use fragile glass containers that require high voltage and current, and complex systems that include integrated mechanical pumps, high pressure, and high vacuum systems, or entail large systems that require video, computer, and projections systems. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present new, unique, and useful invention to facilitate meditation and prayer. It is further the object of this invention to be conveniently sized to fit easily in a practitioner&#39;s purse or pouch. It is further the object of this invention to provide visual and or auditory queues to aid meditation and prayer over a selectable period of time and to store data associated with practice sessions that can be downloaded to other electronics products and services. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    To achieve the foregoing objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the device of this invention is for guiding meditation and prayer including a body portion having a substantially planar lower surface and an ornamental exterior case. The interior of the invention includes electronic circuitry that provides auditory and or visual cues to facilitate meditation and prayer. The invention further contains user interface elements that allow the user to set the duration of a practice session. Auditory cues are provided by recorded sound samples stored in the devices memory or loaded into the device by the user from time to time. Visual cues are provided by lighting elements such as but not limited to a liquid crystal display, bulb, or light emitting diode (LED). Preferably, the device allows the user to set the color of the visual queue and sound of the auditory queue. It is also preferred that the user can select the duration of the practice session. Data about practice sessions are stored in the device and available for transfer to other electronics products such as but not limited to personal computers, tablets, and mobile phones. These data can be further copied to online services through applications that reside on these electronics products. Data can also be transferred directly to online services by the invention device. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       [0009]    The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a view of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a view of the user interface; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a schematic of the circuitry; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a schematic of the software logic; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an alternate embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is an alternate embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is an alternate embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is an alternate embodiment; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a view of the data port. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0020]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the invention is a meditation device. In accordance with the invention, the device contains a body, user interface, and electronic circuitry. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the body contains a top member  1  and bottom member  3  that enclose the circuit member  2 . The top and bottom member can be connected via a snap fits, screws, or other fastening method that is common to those skilled in the art. 
         [0021]    In accordance with the invention, the device includes a user interface. As here embodied, the user interface includes general buttons that allow the user to set the practice session duration and light color. As show in  FIG. 3 , the invention contains a user interface member  4  that allows the user to set the duration of the practice session and choose the color for the light that emits during the session. 
         [0022]    A light selection wheel member  5  is turned to select the color of light to be emitted. Each section of member  5  contains a color. Color selection is made by turning a knob to the desired color. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the ability to use an alternative selection method such as but not limited to a capacitive touch panel or membrane switch panel commonly used in consumer electronics. A duration selection wheel member  6  is turned to set the duration of the time based session. 
         [0023]    In accordance with the invention, electronics are provided that count time and provide light, sound, vibration, and record data. As embodied herein, the electronics includes a microcontroller, battery, switch, light emitting diodes, speaker, and motor. As show in  FIG. 4 , the invention contains electronic circuitry. A microcontroller member  7  contains the software that accepts input from the user interface element  4 , and records and stores data. A battery member  9  provides power and a switch member  8  turns the device on and off. A plurality or singular light emitting diode (LED) member  10  provides light, during the practice session. A single LED can be used to provide one color. A set of red, green, and blue LEDs can be used to create a myriad of colors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the ability to create said myriad of colors by varying the voltage delivered by the microcontroller member  7  to the LED members  10 . The voltage levels used with the set of red, green, and blue LED members  10  can be provided using techniques such as but not limited to pulse width modulation (PWM) and oscillation that are common to those skilled in the art and described broadly in prior art. Sound is produced by the speaker member  11 , and vibration is produced by a motor member  12 . Data is accessible for transfer to other electronics products such as but not limited to a personal computer, tablet, or phone through the data port member  26 . 
         [0024]    In accordance with the invention the microcontroller member  7  contains software that operates as a routine as shown in  FIG. 5 . The software allows for a plurality of modes including but not limited to count down mode and light on mode. In this preferred embodiment if the countdown mode is selected, a color and duration is set. When start is pressed the software in microcontroller member  7  initiates the start cues that include light, sound, and vibration. These start cues are user selectable. Software then counts down until the end of the duration is reached. When the end of the duration is reached the software initiates end cues that include light, sound, and vibration and the device automatically turns off to conserve battery. Practice session duration, time, and date are recorded and stored by the microcontroller member  7  at the end of each session. 
         [0025]    Further in accordance with the invention, the data port member  26  enables data to be transferred to and from other electronics products as shown in  FIG. 10 . These electronics products will accept or send data through member  26  to application member  27  (denoted App) that is installed on said electronics products. Application member  27  can exchange data with online service member  28  which is accessible via a network or the internet. Data can also be exchanged directly with online service member  28  through data port member  26 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 10 , data can be exchanged between the device member  26  and member  27  using data path  29   a,  between member  26  and member  28  using data path  29   c,  and between member  27  and  28  through the data path  29   b.    FIG. 10  depicts application member  27  installed on a general mobile phone but member  27  can also be installed on other consumer electronics devices such as but not limited to tablets, computers, and other computing devices. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are various wired and wireless implementations for data transfer modes between members  26 ,  27  and  28  without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Data transfer mode examples include but are not limited to wired USB connection, wired audio connection, wireless Bluetooth connection, wireless Ethernet connection, or the Internet. 
         [0026]    While the preferred embodiment described is particularly used with a described set of buttons, light and sound elements, the invention may expand or simplify the interface in other embodiments. For example, embodiment  FIG. 6  provides a much simplified interface member  13  that only contains a duration selection wheel member  14 . The embodiment in  FIG. 7  provides an expanded interface member  15  that contains a light selection wheel member  16 , duration selection wheel member  17 , and sound selection wheel member  18 . 
         [0027]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example the embodiment in  FIG. 8  provides an alternate interface member  19  that utilizes a light selection sliding switch member  20  in addition to the before mentioned duration selection wheel member  21 , repeated in this figure for clarity. The embodiment in  FIG. 9  provides an alternate interface member  22  that utilizes a liquid crystal display (LCD) that contains icons for setting the duration, sound, and color. For example, the LCD can use light section icon  23 , sound section icon  24 , and duration section icon  25 . A touch sensing panel can be further integrated with an LCD allowing a user to select options from the LCD screen via finger press. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the electronics without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example a simplified circuit consisting of active and or passive components can be used to accomplish the device behavior noted in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0028]    It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the device body as initially depicted in  FIG. 2  without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example  FIG. 2  top member  1  and bottom member  3  can embody different shapes that resemble symbols common in various religious denominations. Top member  1  and bottom member  3  can also reveal shapes and symbols through various techniques such as but not limited to embossing, relief, and illumination. 
         [0029]    Thus, the invention provides a practical, novel, and useful device which may be economically manufactured, and which meets a need in the industry for meditation and prayer session simplicity, utility, portability, data storage, and data transfer.