Patent Description:
<CIT> and <CIT> disclose apparatus and methods for application of therapeutic electrical current to the cranium.

According an implementation of the present disclosure described herein a method for assisting a user with meditation includes applying, to the user, a distributor at or near a brain portion of the user and operating a signal generator to provide a signal to the brain portion of the user by the distributor. The method further includes engaging in one or more meditation practices by the user while the signal is being applied to the brain portion of the user. The signal may be an electrical signal. The signal may be a direct current signal from about <NUM> volts to about <NUM> volts. The signal may have a current level from about <NUM> milliamps to about <NUM> milliamps, preferably from about <NUM> milliamp to about <NUM> milliamps. The distributor may include an anode and a cathode, the anode providing the signal to the user and the cathode receiving the signal from the user to transfer the signal back to the signal generator to complete a circuit. The anode may be placed at or near a right temple of the user, and the cathode may be placed approximately above a left eye of the user. The brain portion corresponds to an area of the user associated with one or more of: a frontal cortex of a brain of the user, a supplementary motor area of the brain, an auricular nerve, a cranial nerve, the left insula, the right insula, an olfactory nerve, an optic nerve, a trigeminal nerve, a facial nerve, a glossopharyngeal nerve, a vagus nerve, a hypoglossal nerve, or an auriculotemporal nerve. The distributor may include an area of contact at which the distributor is applied to the user, the distributor including a signal distributor at the area of contact. The signal distributor may be formed from hydrogel. The method may further include operating the signal generator to change the signal from a first signal to a second signal. The method may further include conducting an impedance test, by the signal generator, to determine whether a resistance of the user exceeds a threshold; and either applying the signal to the user if the resistance is below the threshold, or not applying the signal to the user if the resistance is above the threshold.

The threshold may be from about <NUM>,<NUM> ohms to about <NUM>,<NUM> ohms. The method may further include cleansing an area of contact with the user when the resistance is above the threshold and conducting a second impedance test to determine whether the resistance is below the threshold.

According to another possible implementation described herein, a distributor configured to provide an electrical signal to a brain portion of a user to facilitate meditation includes an anode configured to apply the electrical signal to the user, the anode providing a first area of contact at which the electrical signal may be transferred to the user. The distributor further includes a cathode configured to receive the electrical signal from the user, the cathode providing a second area of contact at which the electrical signal may be received from the user. The distributor further includes a first electrical connector electrically connected to the anode, and a second electrical connector electrically connected to the cathode. The first area of contact may include a first signal disperser, and the second area of contact may include a second signal disperser. Both the first signal disperser and second signal disperser may correspond to a metallic array. The metallic array may be formed from silver trace or a conductive paint. The distributor may further include a first signal distributor formed from hydrogel on the first area of contact and a second signal distributor formed from hydrogel on the second area of contact. The distributor may further include a connecting section that connects the anode and the cathode, the connecting section configured to orient the anode at or near the right temple of the user when the cathode is oriented approximately over the left eye of the user.

According to another possible implementation described herein, a signal generator for providing a signal to a brain portion of a user to facilitate meditation includes a supply configured to provide the signal and a regulator connected to the supply. The regulator is configured to adjust the signal. The signal generator further includes one or more input devices configured to allow a user to control the signal. The signal generator further includes a signal connection connectable to a distributor to provide the signal to the brain portion of the user. A housing secures the supply, the regulator, the one or more input devices and the signal connection. The signal may correspond to an electrical signal, and the supply corresponds to a battery. The one or more input devices may include a first button corresponding to a first signal, a second button corresponding to a second signal, and a third button corresponding to a third signal. The first signal may correspond to a direct current electrical signal having a current of about I milliamp. The second signal may correspond to a direct current electrical signal having a current of about <NUM> milliamps. The third signal may correspond to a direct current electrical signal having a current of about <NUM> milliamps. The signal connection may include a first signal connection configured to provide the electrical signal to the distributor and a second signal connection configured to receive the electrical signal from the distributor. The signal generator may further include a processing unit that executes instructions to test an impedance of the user by providing an impedance signal to the distributor via the signal connection and determining whether the impedance associated with the user is above a threshold. The threshold may be from about <NUM>,<NUM> ohms to about <NUM>,<NUM> ohms, more particularly, about <NUM>,<NUM> ohms. The impedance signal may be different from the signal provided to the brain portion of the user to facilitate meditation and imperceptible to the user. Alternatively, the impedance signal may be the signal provided to the brain portion of the user to facilitate meditation. The signal generator may further include a display that provides a visual output to the user, the display connected to the housing.

In yet another implementation described herein, a system for facilitating meditation by providing a signal to a brain portion of the user includes a signal generator configured to provide the signal and a distributor connected to the signal generator, the distributor receiving the signal from the signal generator and applying the signal to the user. The signal generator may be connected to the distributor via a connector, the connector having a first end associated with the signal generator and a second end associated with the distributor. The signal may be an electrical signal in the form of direct current. The distributor may include an anode that provides the signal to the user and a cathode that receives the signal from the user. The anode may define a first contact area, and the cathode defines a second contact area. The first contact area may include a first signal disperser, and second contact area may include a second signal disperser. The first signal disperser and second signal disperser may be in the form of a metallic array. The first contact area may further include a first signal distributor, and the second contact area may further include a second signal distributor. The signal may corresponds to a current from about <NUM> milliamps to about <NUM> milliamps and a voltage from about <NUM> volts to about <NUM> volts.

<FIG> are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The following detailed description refers to the accompanying <FIG>. The same reference numbers in different figures may identify the same or similar elements.

The devices, systems, methods, technologies and/or techniques (hereinafter, "systems and methods") described herein may assist users who wish to learn and/or practice meditation. Meditation refers to a broad range of established and novel practices that result in entering a "meditative state," which is generally associated with an enhanced mental state that is different from the typical states of human consciousness such as resting, sleeping, sitting, being active, etc. The enhanced mental state may be described as, for example, an enhanced state of focus, well-being, calm, detachment, bliss, insight, emptiness, a non-separate sense of self, altered consciousness, etc. Unlike traditional medical treatments, which provide benefits by directly treating symptoms, conditions, etc., the practice of meditation indirectly provides a variety of health benefits, including but not limited to mood improvement, cognitive benefits, athletic performance, addiction assistance, sleep, overall health, and enlightenment. The systems and methods may permit the user to more easily meditate by providing a signal to a portion of the brain, auricular nerves and/or cranial nerves via one or more distributors. The systems and methods may also, or alternatively, enhance meditation by adjusting the signal delivered to the user via the one or more distributors based upon the user's adjustment of a signal generator, instructions within the signal generator or another device and/or activity of the user's brain and/or cranial nerves. The systems and methods may provide meditation assistance to a single user and/or to two or more users in a group meditation system.

The systems and methods may provide a meditation enhancement system (hereinafter "meditation system") that may include a signal generator that may generate a signal (e.g. electrical signal (e.g. alternating current and/or direct current, etc.), ultrasonic sound wave signal, magnetic wave signal, a temperature change, etc. that is delivered to one or more distributors (e.g. electrodes, pads that distribute the input signal, transducer probes, static and/or dynamic magnets, a thermal/sensory apparatus, etc.) located at or near the brain (e.g. the left and/or right frontal lobe, the left and/or right temporal lobe, the supplementary motor area or SMA regions of the brain (including Pre-SMA, SMA, etc.), the cingulate cortex (including the posterior cingulate cortex, PCC), the left and/or right insula, auricular nerves, and/or cranial nerves (e.g. olfactory nerve, optic nerve, trigeminal nerve, facial nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerve (including auricular vagus nerve), hypoglossal nerve, auriculotemporal nerve, auricular nerves, etc.) (hereinafter the "brain portion"). The distributors may be placed on any surface of the body that may provide an input signal to the brain portion, including, but not limited to, the forehead, above the left and/or right eyebrow, the left and/or right temple, the supraorbital region, around the crown of the head (to engage the SMA or PCC regions of the brain), in or around the ears and/or other areas on or near the brain, auricular nerves, and/or cranial nerves, including areas having little and/or no hair. In one embodiment, the meditation system may include a distributor that includes an anode placed over the right eye near the right temple and a cathode placed on the left forehead above the eyebrow. The input signal may flow from the anode to the cathode to stimulate the brain portion. The distributors may additionally, or alternatively, monitor and/or record brain activity (e.g. using electroencephalography ("EEG"), other sensors, etc.).

The signal may be in the form of electrical power (e.g. direct current, alternating current, etc.), sound waves (including ultrasonic waves, etc), magnetic waves, thermal energy, tactile input, a combination of the foregoing, etc. The signal generator may automatically adjust the signal (e.g. based on instructions contained on a memory associated with signal generator, based on feedback from sensors associated with the signal generator, etc.), be manually adjusted (e.g. by the user, a meditation instructor, etc.), or be adjusted by a user device and/or by another device. Additionally, or alternatively, the signal generator may be controlled/automatically adjusted by a user device, based upon a meditation application (software instructions executed to control/automatically adjust the signal generator) and/or in response to information associated with the user (e.g. received from sensors monitoring brain activity, pulse rate, etc.). Adjusting the signal (e.g. increase or decrease the strength, the frequency, etc.) may enhance meditation and/or deliver a specific meditation experience. Adjusting the signal may also, or alternatively, include removing the signal and allowing the user to continue to meditate without the signal, which may promote unassisted meditation.

The signal generator may provide the same and/or different signals to two or more users. The signal generator may also, or alternatively, limit the input signal to prevent the input signal from harming (e.g. electrocuting, burning, etc.) the user. In one non-limiting embodiment, the signal generator may include a source that corresponds to a direct current power source in the form of a battery that delivers power to a source and/or a user at a voltage (e.g. from less than about one volt to about fifty volts, more particularly, <NUM> volts, <NUM> volts, <NUM> volts, <NUM> volts, <NUM> volts, <NUM> volts, <NUM> volts, <NUM> volts, <NUM> volts, etc.) and current (e.g.. <NUM> mA, 1mA, <NUM> mA, SmA, 10mA, 20mA, etc.) to the distributors. The voltage and/or current may be constant and/or may vary based upon user input, instructor input, and/or instructions contained in the signal generator, a user device and/or another device. The voltage and/or current may be adjusted by a regulator (e.g. increase/decrease voltage, current, frequency, etc.) and/or applied directly to the user without adjustment. In one embodiment, the voltage may be adjustable to overcome a resistance associated with a user (e.g. based on parameters such as skin resistance, thickness, moisture content, oil content, skull thickness, etc.) while the current remains a relatively constant. In another embodiment, the regulator may adjust the signal as needed by the user to engage in meditation (e.g. from a first signal, to a second signal, to a third signal, etc.). The signal generator may run a test to determine the level of resistance to the signal associated with the user and may apply the signal only if the test indicates that the resistance is acceptable. The signal generator may also, or alternatively, continuously monitor the resistance to the signal and may stop providing the signal if the resistance is above a threshold.

The distributors may include an adhesive and/or another substance to connect the distributors to the user and may further include a conducting agent (e.g. a hydrogel, a polymer hydrogel, a saline-based gel or liquid, etc.) that may transfer (e.g. equally distribute across an area, provide a current density (e.g.. 01mA/cm<NUM>,. 05mA/cm<NUM>, 1mA/mc<NUM>. 5mA/cm<NUM>, 10mA/cm<NUM>, etc.) to the user, etc.) the input signal to the user. The conducting agent may also, or alternatively, include one or more stimulants or biologically active substances (e.g. caffeine, etc.) that may be released to the user and that may further enhance meditation.

The meditation system may be used by a single user. Additionally, or alternatively, the meditation system may be administered to two or more users by one of the users and or by another person, such as a practitioner (e.g. a meditation instructor or teacher, etc.) and/or by a set of instructions (e.g. software instructions held in signal generator, a user device, another device connected to the signal generator and/or user device via a network, etc.), and/or guided by one or more of the two or more users. The meditation system may include meditation content, which may include audio content, video content, and/or virtual reality content. The meditation content may be provided directly by the signal generator, by a user device, etc. and/or indirectly by another device (e.g. headphones, a radio, a display, another device and/or through a virtual reality platform not included within the signal generator or user device, etc.).

The methods disclosed herein may include using the systems, methods, technologies and/or techniques disclosed herein to assist a user with meditation by providing a signal to a brain portion of the user. The systems and methods may further include adjusting the signal based upon information associated with the user obtained from a sensor located on the user, resistance associated with the user, and/or based upon instructions contained in a meditation application. The systems and methods may further include providing meditation content to the user to enhance meditation and/or further assist in the inducement of meditation.

<FIG> illustrates an example environment <NUM> in which the systems and methods described herein may be implemented. As shown in <FIG>, environment <NUM> may include a user <NUM> (e.g. a meditator, or person would like to meditate, using the systems and methods herein), a signal generator <NUM>, a connector <NUM>, one or more distributors <NUM> (referred to collectively as "distributors <NUM>" or individually as first distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, second distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, etc.), and/or a retainer <NUM>. The components illustrated in <FIG> are provided for explanatory purposes only, and the systems and methods described herein are not limited to environment <NUM> or the components provided therein. There may be additional devices, components or systems; fewer devices, components or systems; different devices, components or systems; or differently arranged devices, components or systems than illustrated in <FIG>. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the devices, components or systems of <FIG> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the devices, components or systems of <FIG>.

Signal generator <NUM> may provide a signal to a distributor (e.g. first distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, second distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, etc.) and/or receive a signal back from a distributor via connector <NUM> as described herein. Signal generator <NUM> may provide, via connector <NUM>, a signal that corresponds to electrical power (e.g. direct current, alternating current, etc.), sound waves (including ultrasonic waves, etc.), magnetic waves, thermal energy, tactile input, etc. to the one or more distributors. Signal generator <NUM> may provide a constant signal to a distributor via connector <NUM>. For example, and not limitation, one example embodiment of signal generator <NUM> may provide a constant signal (i.e. an electrical signal varying only by about <NUM>% in voltage and/or current for a period of time associated with a meditation and not adjustable by the user, etc.) in the form of a direct current electrical signal ("DC signal"). The DC signal may include a voltage that may be, for instance, about <NUM> volts to about <NUM> volts, preferably about <NUM> volts to about <NUM> volts, more preferably about <NUM> volts. The voltage used may be determined by a resistance associated with the user, a current level that will not harm the user, the amount of meditation assistance needed by the user, etc. The DC signal may include a current that may be, for instance, from <NUM> milliamps ("mA") to <NUM> mA, preferably <NUM>. 1mA to SmA, more preferably <NUM>. 5mA to 2mA. The current and/or voltage may be relatively constant and/or may vary based upon the treatment delivered, information associated with the user, etc. Signal generator <NUM> may have different settings that correspond to different signals. Additionally, or alternatively, signal generator <NUM> may have a setting that corresponds to providing a signal that varies between an upper threshold and a lower threshold at a constant frequency (e.g.,. <NUM> hertz,. <NUM> hertz, <NUM> hertz, <NUM> hertz, <NUM> hertz, <NUM> hertz, etc.). For example, and not limitation, one example embodiment of signal generator <NUM> may produce a DC signal that varies (e.g. a linear change, a sinusoid, any other rate of change, etc.) between a low threshold of <NUM> volts to a high threshold of <NUM> volts and/or from a low threshold of. <NUM> mA to a high threshold of 2mA at a frequency.

Alternatively, signal generator <NUM> may be adjustable to modify the signal (i.e. increase the strength of the signal, the frequency of the signal, etc.) delivered to the user. For instance, a user and/or an instructor may manually adjust (e.g. using controller as described herein, etc.) signal generator <NUM> to modify the signal. Additionally or alternatively, signal generator <NUM> may automatically adjust the signal based upon executing instructions contained on a memory associated with signal generator and/or based upon instructions received from another device (e.g. a user device, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, signal generator <NUM> may execute and/or receive instructions to modify the signal in response to inputs (e.g. from sensors associated with the user, etc.) as will be discussed in greater detail later herein. Adjusting the signal may enhance meditation and/or provide two meditators with the same and/or similar meditation experiences. The signal generator may provide the input signal to one or more users. The signal generator may also, or alternatively, include safety mechanisms (e.g., fuses, limit switches, etc.) to limit the strength of the signal to prevent the signal from harming (e.g. electrocuting, burning, etc.) the user. The signal generator may also, or alternatively, execute instructions to perform a test sequence that may monitor a characteristic of the user and/or signal to determine whether the signal may be applied to a user. The test sequence may include, for example, an impedance test to determine the resistance to the signal when the distributors are applied to the user, when the resistance of the user is below a threshold associated with successful signal delivery, etc. Additionally, or alternatively, the signal generator may continuously monitor a characteristic of the user and/or signal to determine whether a threshold has been crossed and may stop providing the signal if such threshold has been exceeded.

Connector <NUM> may connect two or more of the signal generator <NUM> and distributors <NUM> described herein, and other devices and/or components described later herein to transfer the signal from the signal generator to the distributors <NUM>, to receive the signal back from the distributors, to allow the signal generator to receive information from a sensor, etc. For example, and not as limitation, connector <NUM> may receive the signal from the signal generator <NUM> and deliver the signal to the one or more distributors <NUM> so that the signal may be applied to the user <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, connector <NUM> may receive the signal from one or more distributors <NUM> after the signal has been applied to the user <NUM> and deliver it back to signal generator <NUM>, such as to complete a circuit.

As shown in <FIG>, one embodiment of connector <NUM> may have a first end associated with one or more distributors <NUM> and a second end associated with the signal generator <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, connector <NUM> may have a first end associated with a first distributor and a second end associated with a second distributor. Additionally, or alternatively, connector <NUM> may have a first end associated with a signal generator, a second end associated with a first distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and a third end associated with a third distributor <NUM>-<NUM>. Connector <NUM> may be formed from a material or materials that may transfer a signal (e.g. conductive materials such as copper, etc., found in electrical wire, etc.), permit communication (e.g. electronic communication of data, etc.), and may include insulation (e.g. sheathing, etc.) that may prevent discharge of the signal along connector <NUM> anywhere other than through connector's <NUM> connections with distributors <NUM> and/or signal generator <NUM>. Connector <NUM> may connect to signal generator <NUM> and/or distributors via known connection styles (e.g. electrical connectors (e.g. snap lug connectors, barrel plug connectors, quick connectors, etc.), USB, splicing, etc.). While distributors <NUM> are shown connected to signal generator <NUM> via connector <NUM>, signal generator <NUM> may be directly connected to/formed as a part of one or more distributors <NUM>, which may eliminate the need for connector <NUM>.

Distributors <NUM> may connect to connector <NUM> and/or signal generator <NUM> to receive a signal. Distributor may transfer the signal to the user and/or receive a signal that has been transferred to a user via another distributor <NUM> (e.g. to complete a circuit by sending the signal back to signal generator <NUM>, etc.). Distributor <NUM> may correspond to one or more connections to a user which may be used to transfer a signal to the user. Distributor <NUM> may include a single connection, two connnections (i.e. a first distributor and a second distributor), three connections, etc. In an example embodiment having two connections, first distributor may apply the signal to the user, and second distributor may receive the signal that has been applied to the user. For example, first distributor <NUM>-<NUM> may receive a signal from signal generator <NUM> and apply the signal to a brain portion of user <NUM>. The brain portion may be a portion of the brain, auricular region and/or cranial nerves of user <NUM> (e.g. the left and/or right frontal lobe, the left and/or right temporal lobe, the SMA and PCC regions of the brain, the left and/or right insula, olfactory nerve, optic nerve, trigeminal nerve, facial nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerve (including auricular vagus nerve), hypoglossal nerve, auriculotemporal nerve, auricular nerves, etc.). A second distributor <NUM>-<NUM> may receive the signal after it has been applied to the brain portion. In the example embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the signal may be applied to user <NUM> from the first distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, i.e. acting as an anode if applying electrical current, and may be applied to the user and received by the second distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, which may act as a cathode. In this arrangement, the locations of first distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and second distributor <NUM>-<NUM> may determine the brain portion to which the signal is applied (i.e. in, around and/or between first distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and second distributor <NUM>-<NUM>). As shown in <FIG>, the first distributor <NUM>-<NUM> may be placed over the right temple, and the second distributor <NUM>-<NUM> may be placed on the left side of the forehead above the eyebrow. However, the location of distributors <NUM> is not so limited. Distributors <NUM> may be placed in any location that may be used to apply the signal to the desired brain portion of the user <NUM>, including, for instance, the forehead, above the left and/or right eyebrow, the left and/or right temple, the supraorbital region, around the crown of the head, in and/or around the ears, and/or other areas on or near the brain, auricular nerves and/or cranial nerves, especially those areas with little and/or no hair (as too much hair may limit and/or preclude signal from being transferred to brain portion in some instances). While <FIG> depicts two distributors <NUM>, a user may apply less (e.g. <NUM> distributor) or more (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more distributors, etc.) in order to apply one or more signals to one or more brain portions.

Distributors <NUM> may be formed from a material or materials that may be conductive in order to transfer signal to user <NUM> and/or receive signal that has been applied to the user. For example, distributors <NUM> may include a conductive material (e.g., saline solution, single-layer conductive polymer hydrogel, multiple-layer conductive polymer hydrogel, etc.) that is used to transfer the signal to/from the user. The conductive materials used to form distributors <NUM> may be uniformly conductive which may spread the signal to the user at a uniform signal density (e.g. a current density of <NUM> mA/cm<NUM> to 5mA/cm<NUM>, etc.) that may correspond to a safe level at which the signal may be applied (e.g. without burning, electrocuting, etc.) to the user. Distributors <NUM> may also include insulation, which may prevent the signal from being discharged anywhere other than where intended. Distributors <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, include adhesives on a surface of the distributors <NUM>. The adhesive may maintain distributors <NUM> on a specific location on the user. Distributors <NUM> may be any size or shape. The surface of distributor <NUM> that is applied to the user may be sized to direct the signal to a specific brain portion (e.g. sized to fit on a specific location on the head) and/or to apply the signal at a signal density. For example, and not limitation, distributors <NUM> may range from <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, preferably <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM> more preferably <NUM><NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. Distributors <NUM> may include conventional connectors to connect distributors <NUM> to signal generator <NUM> and/or connector <NUM>. Distributors <NUM> may also include one or more biologically active substances (e.g. stimulants, such as caffeine, etc.) that may be released to user (e.g. when the distributor <NUM> is applied to user, when a signal is applied to distributor, etc.) to further enhance meditation.

Retainer <NUM> may be a head garment, strap, visor, a clip, a headband, or other similar device that may maintain one or more distributors <NUM> on a user and/or determine the distance between a first distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and second distributor <NUM>-<NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, retainer <NUM> may connect to one or more distributors <NUM> to transfer the signal to/from the distributor <NUM> to/from the signal generator <NUM> and/or the connector <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, retainer <NUM> may maintain first distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and second distributor <NUM>-<NUM> on user <NUM> and may transfer the signal that has been applied to user <NUM> and received by second distributor <NUM>-<NUM> to connector <NUM>, such as via electrical or other connections on retainer, to be transferred back to signal generator <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of the signal generator <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, signal generator <NUM> may include a supply <NUM>, a regulator <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, a gauge <NUM> and a signal output <NUM>. The components of signal generator <NUM> may be connected in a way that allows them to communicate and/or distribute power, energy, a signal, etc. between the components. The devices, components and systems illustrated in <FIG> are provided for explanatory purposes only, and signal generator <NUM> is not intended to be limited to the devices, components, or systems provided therein. There may be additional devices, components or systems; fewer devices, components or systems; different devices, components or systems; or differently arranged devices, components or systems than illustrated in <FIG>. For example, while signal generator <NUM> is depicted as including a controller <NUM>, a regulator <NUM> and a guage <NUM>, signal generator <NUM> may not include one or more of these elements. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the devices, components or systems of <FIG> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the devices, components or systems of <FIG>.

Supply <NUM> may correspond to a source for the energy used to generate the signal. For example, and not as limitation, supply <NUM> may correspond to a source for electrical power (e.g. direct current, alternating current, etc.), sound waves, magnetic waves, thermal energy, tactile input, etc. to the one or more distributors. In an example embodiment, supply <NUM> may correspond to a source for electrical power and may be formed from one or more conventional batteries (e.g. a <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> etc. volt battery) and/or may be a connection to a source of power (e.g. a conventional electrical outlet, such as a <NUM> volt US outlet). In another example embodiment, source may correspond to power delivered from a user device (e.g. from the battery of a user device, from a connection, such as a USB connection, of the user device through which power may be transmitted, etc.). In another example embodiment, source may correspond to kinetic energy device (e.g. a manual crank, bike, etc. that converts kinetic energy into, for instance, electric energy, etc.).

Regulator <NUM> may receive energy from supply <NUM> and may transform (e.g. increase/decrease voltage, current, frequency, amplitude, etc.) the energy into a signal. Regulator <NUM> may include conventional regulating equipment, such as an inverter (to convert direct current into alternating current), a converter (alternating current to direct current), a voltage reducer/transformer (to reduce/increase voltage), a current regulator (to increase/decrease the current), an amplifier (to modify sound waves), etc. Additionally, or alternatively, the energy from supply <NUM> may be the signal. For example, and not limitation, regulator <NUM> may include a transformer to change the voltage delivered from supply <NUM> in order to provide a signal at an increased voltage (e.g. higher than the source voltage) that will allow the signal to overcome resistance associated with a user (e.g. based on conditions of the user, such as skin thickness, moisture content, hair, skull thickness, etc.), a decreased voltage (e.g. for more comfort, etc.) and/or allow a signal to be delivered at a current (e.g. a lower current than would be delivered at a lower voltage, a constant current, etc.).

Controller <NUM> may be operated by a user, another meditator, a meditation instructor, etc. or receive an input from the signal generator (i.e. a the signal generator may execute instructions to operate controller <NUM>, as further described herein), and/or another device, such as a user device/another device (via a network as further described herein), to adjust the signal via the regulator <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, signal generator and/or other devices may communicate directly with regulator <NUM> to adjust the signal. Controller <NUM> may be in any form (e.g. a dial, buttons, touch screen, other input devices, etc.) that may be used to provide information to regulator <NUM> to adjust signal (e.g. increase/decrease voltage, current, frequency, amplitude, etc.).

Gauge <NUM> may measure the signal and provide information associated with the signal (e.g. amplitude, frequency, voltage, current level, temperature, sound level, etc.) to a conventional gauge display (e.g. a liquid crystal display screen, an analog gauge, a display panel, etc.). The gauge display may be part of gauge <NUM> and may be located on signal generator <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, gauge <NUM> may send the information associated with the signal to another device.

Signal output <NUM> may correspond to a connection point (e.g. a plug, a socket, a nomex connector, a male and/or female fitting, a splice, etc.) that may connect signal generator <NUM> to connector <NUM> and/or distributors <NUM> to allow signal to be transferred from the signal generator <NUM> to a user and/or received back to the signal generator <NUM> from the user.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative example environment <NUM> in which the systems and methods described herein may be implemented. As shown in <FIG>, environment <NUM> may include a first user <NUM>-<NUM> associated with a signal generator <NUM> via a first connector <NUM>-<NUM> and a second user <NUM>-<NUM> associated with the signal generator <NUM> via a second connector <NUM>-<NUM>. First user <NUM>-<NUM> and second user <NUM>-<NUM> both meditate using the systems and methods described herein. First user <NUM>-<NUM> may be operably connected to a first distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, a second distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and a sensor <NUM>. For example, and not limitation, the first distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, second distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and sensor <NUM> may be connected to first user <NUM>-<NUM> with adhesive. Second user <NUM>-<NUM> may be operably connected to headphones <NUM>, a third distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and a fourth distributor <NUM>-<NUM>. The third distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and fourth distributor <NUM>-<NUM> may be secured to second user <NUM>-<NUM> via retainer <NUM>. The devices, components and systems illustrated in <FIG> are provided for explanatory purposes only, and environment <NUM> is not intended to be limited to the devices, components, or systems provided therein. There may be additional devices, components or systems; fewer devices, components or systems; different devices, components or systems; or differently arranged devices, components or systems than illustrated in <FIG>. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the devices, components or systems of <FIG> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the devices, components or systems of <FIG>.

The first distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, second distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, third distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, and fourth distributor <NUM>-<NUM> may function that same as or similar to the first distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and second distributor <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. Additionally, or alternatively, retainer <NUM> may function the same as, or similar to, retainer <NUM> of <FIG>. Additionally, or alternatively, the second connector <NUM>-<NUM> may function the same as, or similar to, the connector <NUM> of <FIG>. First connector <NUM>-<NUM> may function that same as, or similar to, connector <NUM> of <FIG> except that first connector <NUM>-<NUM> is connected to sensor <NUM> in addition to first distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, second distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, and signal generator <NUM>. In this configuration, first connector <NUM>-<NUM> may provide information from sensor <NUM> to signal generator <NUM> as further described herein.

Signal generator <NUM> may function similar to signal generator <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> except that, for instance, signal generator <NUM> may provide a signal to first user <NUM>-<NUM> and to second user <NUM>-<NUM>. The signal provided by signal generator <NUM> to first user <NUM>-<NUM> may be the same as and/or different from the signal provided by signal generator <NUM> to second user <NUM>-<NUM>. While signal generator <NUM> is depicted as providing a signal to two users, signal generator <NUM> may provide a signal to a single user and/or more than two (e.g. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more, etc.) users.

Signal generator <NUM> may receive information associated with first user <NUM>-<NUM> from sensor <NUM> via first connector <NUM>-<NUM> and may process the information associated with first user <NUM>-<NUM> to adjust signal (i.e. signal delivered to first user <NUM>-<NUM> and/or second user <NUM>-<NUM>) based upon the information associated with first user <NUM>-<NUM>. Signal generator <NUM> may adjust the signal based upon instructions contained on a memory associated with signal generator <NUM> as further described herein. Signal generator <NUM> may store, install and/or execute an application (e.g., a mobile application, logic, software application installed on a user device, server, etc.) that enables the signal generator <NUM> to provide a signal, to modify a signal, to receive and process information associated with a user, and/or to provide audio and/or video content as further described herein.

Sensor <NUM> may monitor the first user <NUM>-<NUM> to obtain information associated with the first user <NUM>-<NUM> and provide (e.g. via connector <NUM>-<NUM>, directly to signal generator <NUM> via a direct connection and/or a wireless connection, etc.) information associated the first user <NUM>-<NUM> to the signal generator and/or a user device or other device as further described with respect to <FIG>. Information associated with the first user <NUM>-<NUM> may include, for instance, conditions associated with a brain portion (e.g. brain waves, etc.) as well as other biological information associated with the first user <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, etc.). Sensor may be any type of traditional sensor for measuring biometric activity, including electroencephalography sensors, electrocardiogram sensors, heart rate sensors, transducers, etc. Sensor <NUM> may be separate from and/or formed as a part of distributors <NUM>. While sensor <NUM> is depicted on user <NUM>-<NUM>'s forehead, sensor <NUM> may be on any location of a user (e.g. arm cuffs, fingertip sensors, chest-mounted sensors, etc.).

Sensor <NUM> may provide information associated the first user <NUM>-<NUM> to signal generator <NUM>. Signal generator <NUM> may process the information associated with the first user <NUM>-<NUM> and may transmit (e.g. via gauges, a display on signal generator <NUM> or anther device, via headphones, etc.) the information associated with the first user <NUM>-<NUM> to the first user <NUM>-<NUM>, the second user <NUM>-<NUM> and/or some other person or device. Additionally, or alternatively, signal generator <NUM> may execute instructions to modify the signal delivered to first user <NUM>-<NUM> and/or second user <NUM>-<NUM> based upon the information associated with the first user <NUM>-<NUM>. While sensor <NUM> is depicted as a single sensor on first user <NUM>-<NUM>, there may be multiple sensors on each user. Signal generator <NUM> may execute instructions to modify a signal delivered to a user based upon information associated with the user obtained from one or more sensors associated with the user. Additionally, or alternatively, signal generator <NUM> may store information associated with a user on memory included within signal generator <NUM> (or another device) and may execute instructions to modify the signal based upon a comparison of the stored information associated with a user with the signal delivered to the user at the time.

Headphones <NUM> may be standard headphones (e.g. headphones, ear buds, etc.) and/or any other known device that may deliver audio content to second user <NUM>-<NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, audio content may be delivered to one or more users via a speaker, which may be part of the signal generator <NUM>, a user device, and/or another device. While headphones <NUM> are shown on second user <NUM>-<NUM>, first user <NUM>-<NUM> and/or any other person may obtain audio content via headphones <NUM>. The audio content may include a variety of meditation content including, for example, training instructions to assist the user when meditating (e.g. recorded meditation sessions conducted by a meditation instructor or practitioner), calming music, soothing sounds, binaural beats, etc. The audio content may be provided to headphones <NUM> by signal generator <NUM>, by a user device associated with signal generator <NUM> and/or by another device via a network as will be described later. The audio content may be modified based upon information associated with the user obtained from sensor <NUM>. The same audio content may be delivered to multiple users at the same time to provide a group meditation experience. Additionally, or alternatively, different audio content may be delivered to different users based upon, for instance, each user's preference, the user's brain waves/biological state as measured by a sensor, etc. In addition to audio content, the systems and methods herein provide that video content may be delivered through a display associated with the signal generator <NUM>, a user device and/or another device. The video content may facilitate meditation (e.g. instructions on meditation provided by, for instance, an instructor or practitioner, background for optimum meditation setting, such as calming relaxation videos, nature scenes, etc.).

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of example components of signal generator <NUM> of <FIG>. Additionally, signal generator <NUM> may contain one or more of the components of signal generator <NUM> depicted in <FIG>, such as a supply, regulator, etc. Signal generator <NUM> may include bus <NUM>, processing unit <NUM>, memory <NUM>, ROM <NUM>, storage device <NUM>, input device <NUM>, output device <NUM>, communication interface <NUM> and/or signal control <NUM>. Bus <NUM> may include a path that permits communication among the components of signal generator <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. In other implementations, signal generator <NUM> may include fewer components, additional components, different components, or differently arranged components than illustrated in <FIG>. For example, signal generator <NUM> may include a user device (as described later herein). In still other implementations, one or more components of signal generator <NUM> may perform one or more tasks described as being performed by one or more other components of signal generator <NUM>.

Processing unit <NUM> may include a processor, multiple processors, microprocessors, or other types of processing logic that may interpret, execute, and/or otherwise process information and/or data contained in, for example, the storage device <NUM> and/or memory <NUM>. The information may include computer-executable instructions and/or data that may implement one or more embodiments of the systems and methods. Processing unit <NUM> may comprise a variety of hardware. The hardware may include, for example, some combination of one or more processors, microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific instruction set processors (ASIPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), graphics processing units (GPUs), or other types of processing logic that may interpret, execute, manipulate, and/or otherwise process the information. Processing unit <NUM> may comprise a single core or multiple cores. Moreover, processing unit <NUM> may comprise a system-on-chip (SoC) or system-in-package (SiP). Additionally, or alternatively, processing unit <NUM> (and/or another component of signal generator <NUM>) may be configured to generate and/or update keys (e.g., encryption keys, rotating keys, etc.).

Memory <NUM> may include a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device that may store information (e.g. information associated with a user, meditation schedules, instructions, programs, etc.) and instructions for execution by processing unit <NUM>. ROM <NUM> may include a ROM device or another type of static storage device that may store static information and/or instructions for use by processing unit <NUM>. Storage device <NUM> may include a magnetic and/or optical recording medium and its corresponding drive. In some implementations, memory <NUM> or storage device <NUM> may also be implemented as solid state memory, such as flash-based memory.

Input device <NUM> may include a mechanism that permits a user, instructor and/or one of the components of environment <NUM> (e.g. signal information from distributors, information associated with a user from sensors <NUM>, etc.) to input information to signal generator <NUM>, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a button, a single or multi-point touch interface, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a microphone, voice recognition and/or biometric mechanisms, etc. Output device <NUM> may include a mechanism that outputs information to the operator, including a display, a speaker, jack for headphones <NUM>, etc. In the case of a display, the display may be a touch screen display that acts as both an input and an output device. Input device <NUM> and/or output device <NUM> may be haptic type devices, such as joysticks or other devices based on touch.

Communication interface <NUM> may include any transceiver-like mechanism that enables signal generator <NUM> to communicate with other devices (e.g. sensors, distributors, user devices, other signal generators, etc.) and/or systems. For example, communication interface <NUM> may include mechanisms for communicating with another device or system via a network (e.g. a local area network, the internet based on, for example, an Internet version <NUM> (IPv6) protocol, an Hypertext Transfer Protocal (HTTP), a secure HTTP protocol (HTTPS), a tunneling protocol, etc. and/or via wired or wireless link (e.g., a Bluetooth protocol, a near-field protocol, beaming, etc.)), e.g., a network interface card.

Signal generator <NUM> may perform certain operations in response to processing unit <NUM> executing software instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as main memory <NUM>. For instance, signal generator <NUM> may implement a meditation application by executing software instructions (e.g. a meditation application including signal instructions based upon information associated with the user, video content, audio content, etc.) from main memory <NUM>. A computer-readable medium may be defined as a non-transitory memory device, where the memory device may include a number of physically distributed memory devices. The software instructions may be read into main memory <NUM> from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device <NUM>, or from another device via communication interface <NUM>. The software instructions contained in main memory <NUM> may cause processing unit <NUM> to perform processes described herein as being performed by signal generator (e.g. adjusting the signal, etc.). Alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions to implement processes described herein.

Signal control <NUM> may perform the functions of controller <NUM> (modify a signal, such as by converter, inverter, etc.) and/or regulator <NUM> (convert energy from source to a signal) of <FIG>. Signal control <NUM> may modify signal manually, similar to controller <NUM> of <FIG>. Additionally, or alternatively, signal control <NUM> may be controlled automatically by signal generator <NUM> based upon instructions contained on signal generator <NUM> and/or received by signal generator <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative example environment <NUM> in which the systems and methods described herein may be implemented. As shown in <FIG>, environment <NUM> may include a user <NUM> operably connected to a first distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, a second distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, a sensor <NUM> via retainer <NUM>, and a signal generator <NUM>, which may be operably connected to the first distributor <NUM>-<NUM> second distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and sensor <NUM> via connector <NUM>. The user <NUM> may additionally, or alternatively, be operably connected to a user device <NUM> which may communicate with the signal generator <NUM> via a network <NUM> as further described herein. The devices, components, networks, and systems illustrated in <FIG> are provided for explanatory purposes only, and environment <NUM> is not intended to be limited to the devices, components, or systems provided therein. There may be additional devices, components or systems; fewer devices, components or systems; different devices, components or systems; or differently arranged devices, components or systems than illustrated in <FIG>. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the devices, components or systems of <FIG> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the devices, components or systems of <FIG>.

The connector <NUM>, first distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, second distributor <NUM>-<NUM>, signal generator <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, and retainer <NUM> may function the same and/or similar to the similarly named components described above with respect to <FIG> & <FIG>. In addition, one or more of signal generator <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, first distributor <NUM>-<NUM> and/or second distributor <NUM>-<NUM> may communicate with user device <NUM> via network <NUM>.

User device <NUM> may include any computation and communication device capable of providing audio, visual and/or virtual reality content and/or communicating via a network <NUM>. For example, user device <NUM> may include a tablet computer, a personal communications system (PCS) terminal (e.g., such as a smart phone that may include data processing and data communications capabilities), a personal gaming system, a virtual reality system, a combination of the foregoing and/or another type of computation or communication device. Additionally, or alternatively, user device <NUM> may include logic, such as one or more processing or storage devices, that can perform processing activities on behalf of a user, signal generator <NUM> and/or another one or more of the components and/or devices described herein.

User device <NUM> may be configured to perform communication operations by sending data to and/or receiving data via network <NUM> from one or more of signal generator <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, distributors <NUM>, and/or another device (e.g. another user device, another signal generator, sensor, etc.). Data may refer to any type of machine-readable information having substantially any format that may be adapted for use in one or more networks and/or with one or more components. Data may include digital information or analog information. Data may further be packetized and/or non-packetized. User device <NUM> may include logic for performing computations on user device <NUM> and may include the components illustrated in <FIG> in an example implementation. Such components may execute one or more instructions to perform functions as described herein. In one non-limiting implementation, the user device <NUM> may not be in persistent communication and/or connection with network <NUM> but may, when accessed and/or communicated with, communicate with signal generator <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, another user device <NUM>, and/or another device.

User device <NUM> may store and/or execute a meditation application to enable the user device <NUM> to communicate with the signal generator <NUM>, one or more distributors <NUM> and/or sensors <NUM> to obtain and/or monitor information associated with the user <NUM> and/or information associated with the signal. Additionally, or alternatively, the meditation application may communicate with signal generator <NUM> to provide meditation instructions, which may include instructing the signal generator <NUM> on the strength, frequency, and/or another parameter of the signal to be delivered to user <NUM>. The meditation instructions may be based upon instructions stored on a memory associated with user device and may, for example, adjust the signal based upon information received from sensor <NUM>, a distributor <NUM>, etc. In one non-limiting example embodiment, user device <NUM> may include a signal generator. For example, and not limitation, user device <NUM> may process information associated with the user <NUM> received from sensor <NUM> and may communicate with signal generator <NUM> to adjust the signal delivered to the user <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, user device <NUM> may communicate with a user device associated with another user and/or another person (e.g. meditation instructor, etc.) to send information associated with the user <NUM>, to adjust the signal delivered to the user <NUM>, etc. Additionally, user device <NUM> may provide audio, video and/or virtual reality content to the user <NUM> and/or may modify the audio, video and/or virtual reality content delivered to the user <NUM> based upon instructions contained in the meditation application, information received from sensor <NUM>, signal generator <NUM>, another user device, etc. Virtual reality content may, for example, simulate a group meditation session in which the user may view other virtual meditators, virtual instructors, etc. A virtual meditation session may replicate a one-on-one and/or group meditation session.

Network <NUM> may include one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, network <NUM> may include a wide area network (WAN) a metropolitan network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g. the Public Switched Telephone (PSTN)), an ad hoc network, an intranet, the Internet, a fiber optic based network, and/or a combination of these or other types of networks. Additionally, or alternatively, network <NUM> may include a cellular network, a public land mobile network (PLMN), a second generation (<NUM>) network, a third generation (<NUM>) network, a fourth generation (<NUM>) network (e.g., a long term evolution (LTE) network), a fifth generation (<NUM>) network, and/or another network. The devices, components and/or systems, described herein, may communicate via network <NUM> to provide assistance with meditation pursuant the systems and methods described herein. While <FIG> depicts user device <NUM> communicating with signal generator <NUM> via a wireless network, all of the devices herein may communicate via wired and/or wireless networks. For example, and not limitation, connector <NUM> and/or an additional connector (not shown) may connect user device <NUM> to first connector <NUM>-<NUM>, second connector <NUM>-<NUM>, sensor <NUM> and/or signal generator.

<FIG> illustrate a non-limiting example embodiment of a distributor <NUM> that may be used in connection with the systems and/or methods described herein. Distributor <NUM> may include a first layer <NUM>, a second layer <NUM>, an anode <NUM>, a cathode <NUM>, a connecting section <NUM>, signal carriers <NUM>, and a signal connection section <NUM>. The components illustrated in <FIG> are provided for explanatory purposes only, and the disclosure herein is not intended to be limited to the components reflected in the drawings. There may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than illustrated in <FIG>. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the components of the distributor <NUM> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the components of distributor <NUM>. For example, and not limitation, anode <NUM> and cathode <NUM> are described herein as providing the signal to the user and receiving the signal that has been applied to the user, respectively. Alternatively (and depending on how the distributor is connected to a user device) anode <NUM> may serve as cathode <NUM> and vice versa. Further, the signal may cause anode <NUM> to serve as cathode <NUM> and vice versa (e.g. alternating current signals, reversing the flow of the signal via the signal generator, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, while electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated as residing at a single signal connection section <NUM>, electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> may be split, with one residing near the anode <NUM> and the other residing near the cathode <NUM>, or at any other location(s) on distributor <NUM>.

Distributor <NUM> may provide an electrical signal (e.g. AC signal or DC signal) to a user via anode <NUM> and cathode <NUM> using the systems and/or methods described herein. Distributor <NUM> may include a first layer <NUM> that may correspond to a layer of material that may form a base for distributor <NUM>. First layer <NUM> may be formed from a material or materials of sufficient strength and toughness to support the static and/or dynamic loads (e.g., forces, torques, tensions, compressions, stresses, strains, etc.) imparted to distributor <NUM> by the user (e.g. applying distributor <NUM> to user, removing distributor <NUM> from user, twisting distributor <NUM>, etc.). Further, first layer may be formed from a material that is an electrical insulator (e.g. polymers, plastics (polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, PVC, etc.), Teflon, other known insulators, etc.) to limit and/or prevent the signal from passing through first layer <NUM>. While first layer <NUM> is shown as being formed from a single piece of material, first layer <NUM> may be composed of one or more pieces of material. The types and shapes of first layer <NUM> are not intended to be limited to those shown in <FIG>.

First layer may serve as a base for the conducting elements (e.g. signal dispersers <NUM>, signal distributors <NUM>, signal carriers <NUM>, electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM>, etc.) of distributor <NUM>. For example, as shown in the embodiment reflected in <FIG>, first layer <NUM> forms a part of anode <NUM>, cathode <NUM>, connecting section <NUM> and signal connection section <NUM>.

Distributor <NUM> may also include second layer <NUM>. Second layer <NUM> may, like first layer <NUM>, be an electrical insulator. Additionally, or alternatively, second layer <NUM> may provide a textured surface to some or all of distributor <NUM>. Second layer <NUM> may be formed from a material or materials of sufficient strength and toughness to support the static and/or dynamic loads (e.g., forces, torques, tensions, compressions, stresses, strains, etc.) imparted to distributor <NUM> by the user (e.g. applying distributor <NUM> to user, removing distributor <NUM> from user, twisting distributor <NUM>, etc.). Further, second layer <NUM> may be formed from a material that is an electrical insulator (e.g. polymers, plastics (polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, PVC, etc.), Teflon, combinations of insulators, other known insulators, etc.) to limit and/or prevent the signal from passing through second layer <NUM>. Second layer <NUM> may also, or alternatively, include a textured surface. While second layer <NUM> is shown as being formed from a single piece of material, second layer <NUM> may be composed of one or more pieces of material. The types and shapes of second layer <NUM> are not intended to be limited to those shown in <FIG>.

Anode <NUM> may provide the user with a signal using the systems and/or methods described herein. As shown in <FIG>, anode <NUM> may include first layer <NUM>, second layer <NUM>, signal disperser <NUM> and signal distributor <NUM>. The components associated with anode <NUM> in the Figures are provided for explanatory purposes only, and the disclosure herein is not intended to be limited to, or to require, the components reflected in the drawings. There may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than illustrated in <FIG>. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the components of anode <NUM> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the components of anode <NUM> (e.g. a layer may be removed, signal disperser and/or distributor may be combined, have one removed, etc.).

Anode <NUM> may receive a signal (e.g. a signal that has been provided to distributor from, for instance, a signal generator) that is to be applied to a user and apply the signal to the user at an area of contact. The signal may be applied to the user by signal disperser <NUM> and/or signal distributor <NUM>. Signal disperser <NUM> may correspond to an area of conductive material that approximately defines the area of contact between the anode and the user and through which signal is distributed when signal is delivered to user. Ideally, the signal is evenly dispersed across the area of signal disperser <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, signal disperser <NUM> may correspond to metallic array (e.g. a grid of metal wires or other solid metallic components, a grid formed from silver print, electrically conductive paint, or similar conductive material which may be applied to first layer, etc.) that receives the signal from signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM> and disperses the signal across the area of signal distributor <NUM>. The area of signal distributor <NUM> is ideally approximately equivalent to the area of contact with user when distributor <NUM> is applied to user. Dispersing the signal across the area of signal disperser <NUM> may make applying the signal to the user safer and/or more comfortable for the user (i.e. may prevent injury or burns by spreading the signal across the area, prevent or reduce signal spikes, etc.). The area of signal disperser <NUM> may be determined by the signal delivered to the user (i.e. the amounts of voltage and/or current, etc.) to ensure that the signal is comfortable/not hannful yet still sufficient to stimulate meditation. The area of signal disperser <NUM> may determine the size of anode <NUM> and/or cathode <NUM>, which may have about the same area of contact with the user. Signal disperser <NUM> may be placed between first layer <NUM> and signal distributor <NUM> (if signal distributor <NUM> is used/is separate from signal disperser <NUM>). In some instances, signal disperser <NUM> is applied directly to the user, such as when signal distributor <NUM> is not included in distributor <NUM>. In those embodiments, a user may apply a conducting material (e.g. ultrasound gel, saline solution, oils, jellies, creams, etc.) between distributor <NUM> and the user to make applying the signal safer and/or more comfortable.

Signal distributor <NUM> may correspond to a conducting agent that receives the signal from signal disperser <NUM> and distributes the signal across an area of contact with the user. Alternatively, signal distributor <NUM> may receive the signal from signal carrier <NUM> and may distribute the signal across the area of contact with the user, which may eliminate the need for signal disperser <NUM>. Signal distributor <NUM> may be located between signal distributor <NUM> and the user when the distributor is applied to the user (i.e. covering the signal distributor). Signal distributor <NUM> may be formed from a material or materials that are electrically conductive and that may be used to comfortably (i.e. distributing the signal across the area of signal distributor <NUM>) apply a signal to the user. For example, and not limitation, signal distributor may be formed from hydrogel (e.g. such those hydrogel products sold by R&D medical products), polymer gels, a saline gel, etc. Additionally, signal distributor <NUM> may be a material that serves as an adhesive to temporarily bond anode <NUM> and/or cathode <NUM> to a user, which may connect distributor <NUM> to the user to allow the user to meditate using the systems and/or methods described herein. In this embodiment, a user may apply the anode <NUM> to a brain portion by simply placing signal distributor <NUM> at the desired location and allowing the adhesive of signal distributor <NUM> to hold the anode <NUM> in the desired location. Signal distributor <NUM> may receive the signal from signal disperser <NUM> and may spread the signal across the area of contact with the user, which may further make the delivering the signal safer and/or more comfortable to the user.

Cathode <NUM> may receive the signal that was provided to the user via anode <NUM> and may route the signal back to electrical connector <NUM> (e.g. via signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM>). As shown in <FIG> (and the similarities with 6B), cathode <NUM> may be formed from the same and/or similar components as anode <NUM> (and may serve as anode <NUM> when, for instance, the signal is received by distributor <NUM> at electrical connector <NUM>). For example, cathode <NUM> may include first layer <NUM>, second layer <NUM>, signal disperser <NUM> and signal distributor <NUM>. The components associated with cathode <NUM> in the Figures are provided for explanatory purposes only, and the disclosure herein is not intended to be limited to, or to require, the components reflected in the drawings. There may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than illustrated in <FIG>. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the components of cathode <NUM> may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the components of cathode <NUM> (e.g. a layer may be removed, signal disperser and/or distributor may be combined, have one removed, etc.).

Cathode <NUM> may receive the signal that was applied to the user via anode <NUM> and may deliver the signal back to electrical connector <NUM> via signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM>. Cathode <NUM> may define an area of contact with the user that may be equal to the area associated with the signal disperser <NUM> and/or signal distributor <NUM> of the cathode. In some embodiments, cathode <NUM> may serve as anode <NUM> when the connector associated with electrical connector <NUM> carries the signal to distributor <NUM>.

Connecting section <NUM> may correspond to section of distributor <NUM> that connects anode <NUM> and cathode <NUM> and/or cathode <NUM> (or anode <NUM>) to signal connection section <NUM>. Connecting section <NUM> may be any size and shape. As shown in <FIG>, connecting section <NUM> may help orient anode <NUM> and cathode <NUM> by setting the distance between the two. Additionally, or alternatively, connecting section <NUM> may orient anode <NUM> and cathode <NUM> for placement on a target area of a user. For example, in the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, when anode <NUM> is placed roughly at or around the right temple (e.g. not on hair line, roughly between right eye and right ear), connecting section <NUM> may orient cathode <NUM> such that it may be placed over the left eye or at some area on the forehead roughly over the left eye. This orientation is depicted in <FIG>. Connecting section <NUM> may be formed in any size and/or shape to connect and/or orient the components of distributor <NUM>, including, but not limited to, the orientation of <FIG> and any other orientations needed to allow the anode and/or cathode to provide a signal to the brain portions described herein.

Connecting section <NUM> may also, or alternatively, include a signal carrier <NUM> which may transfer the signal between components of distributor <NUM>. For example, in the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, connecting section <NUM> may include signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM>, which may carry the signal between cathode <NUM> and electrical connector <NUM>. Connecting section <NUM> may be formed from first layer <NUM> and/or second layer <NUM>, which may also form part of anode <NUM>, cathode <NUM> and connecting section <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, connector <NUM> may include third layer <NUM>. Third layer <NUM> may insulate signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM> by partially surrounding signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM>. Insulating signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM> may prevent signal from being disrupted (e.g. due to an arc, short, etc.). Third layer <NUM> may be formed the same or similar materials as first layer <NUM> and/or second layer <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, third layer <NUM> may correspond to a paint, sealant and/or coating that has insulating properties.

As shown in <FIG>, signal connection section <NUM> may be one or more areas of distributor <NUM> that includes one or more electrical connectors, such as electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM>. While the embodiment depicted in <FIG> reflect a single signal connection section <NUM> that includes both electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM>, there may be separate signal connection sections for each electrical connector. As shown in <FIG>, signal connection section <NUM> may be formed from first layer <NUM> and/or second layer <NUM>. In the embodiment depicted herein, second layer <NUM> may, as shown in <FIG>, wrap around first layer <NUM> to reside on both sides of first layer <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, this configuration may allow second layer to insulate electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> and signal carriers <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. This method of insulating components may also, or alternatively, be used on other areas of distributor <NUM>, such as connecting section <NUM>. Electrical connectors <NUM> and <NUM> may be electrically connected to anode <NUM> and cathode <NUM>, respectively. For example, electrical connectors <NUM> may have a first end which may connect to an electrical connector (such as an electrical connector of connector <NUM> or a connection with signal generator) to receive an electrical signal from signal generator and a second end which may connect to signal carrier <NUM> (e.g. signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM>) to provide the signal to anode <NUM>. Electrical connector <NUM> may have a third end which may connect to cathode <NUM> (e.g. via signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM>) to receive the signal from cathode <NUM> and a fourth end which may connect to an electrical connector (such as an electrical connector of connector <NUM>, a connection with signal generator, etc.) to provide the signal to signal generator. As depicted in <FIG>, electrical connector <NUM> has a first end <NUM>-A that connects with a standard electrical connector, such as quick connector, a snap, a plug, etc., and a second end <NUM>-<NUM> that is located opposite first layer <NUM> from first end <NUM>-A. Second end <NUM>-B may contact signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM> to transfer the signal from the electrical connector <NUM> to anode <NUM> via signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM>. Similarly, electrical connector <NUM> may have a first end associated with an electrical connector and a second end, opposite the first layer from first end, associated with signal carrier <NUM>-<NUM>.

In the embodiment depicted herein, signal carriers <NUM> and signal emitters <NUM> may be formed from an electrically conductive material that may be directly applied (e.g. painted, soldered, etc.) to first layer <NUM> for ease of manufacture. For example, signal carriers <NUM> and signal emitters <NUM> may be formed from an electrically conductive coating (e.g. silver trace, PCB trace, nickel-based paints, etc.) that may be applied to first layer <NUM> to create the conductive paths of distributor <NUM>. Alternatively, the conductive paths herein may be formed from other conductive materials, such as copper wire, solid conductive materials, etc..

<FIG> depict alternative non-limiting environments in which the systems and/or methods described herein may be implemented. As shown in <FIG>, environment <NUM> may include a user <NUM> who may be wearing a headband <NUM> that includes a first distributor <NUM> (e.g. an anode, etc.) and second distributor <NUM> (e.g. a cathode, etc.). The headband <NUM> may apply the first distributor <NUM> and/or second distributor <NUM> to the user and retain them in place on the user. Additionally, the headband <NUM> may partially or completely cover the distributors <NUM> and <NUM>. Headband <NUM> may be connected to a signal generator, such as signal generator <NUM>, via connector <NUM>. While signal generator <NUM> is depicted as being separate from headband <NUM>, headband <NUM> may include a signal generator on or inside of headband <NUM>, which may provide an all-in-one arrangement (i.e. all components are on headband) that allows the user to practice the systems and methods described herein.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative non-limiting environment in which the systems and/or methods may be provided to a user. As shown in <FIG>, environment <NUM> may include a user who may be connected to a first distributor <NUM> and a second distributor <NUM> which are connected to a signal generator, such as signal generator <NUM>, via connector <NUM>. First distributor <NUM> may be located at or near an auricular region of the user <NUM>, and second distributor <NUM> may be located at or near a supplementary motor area of the user <NUM>. First distributor <NUM> and/or second distributor <NUM> may connect to signal generator <NUM>, such as via connector <NUM>, to allow a signal to be delivered to a user to facilitate meditation using the systems and/or methods described herein.

<FIG> illustrates another non-limiting environment in which the systems and/or methods may be provided to a user. As shown in <FIG>, environment <NUM> may include a user <NUM> who has applied distributor <NUM> to a brain portion, the distributor being connected to a signal generator, such as signal generator <NUM>, via connector <NUM>. As discussed with regard to <FIG>, distributor <NUM> is applied to a brain portion of user, and the connecting section of distributor <NUM> may help orient the anode and cathode of the distributor <NUM> such that the anode is placed near the right temple and the cathode is placed approximately above the left eye. Distributor <NUM> may receive a signal from signal generator <NUM> via connector <NUM> to provide the signal to the user <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of a non-limiting example embodiment of a signal generator that may be used in connection with the systems and/or methods described herein. As shown in <FIG>, signal generator <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a display <NUM>, one or more input devices <NUM> (e.g. as shown, <NUM>-<NUM>,. <NUM>-N where N ≥ <NUM>, input devices are collectively referred to as "input devices <NUM>"), signal connections <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, and speaker <NUM>. Additionally, signal generator <NUM> may include the same and/or similar components to signal generator <NUM> and signal generator <NUM>, such as those components described in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> depicts example components of signal generator <NUM>, but in other implementations, signal generator <NUM> may include fewer components, additional components, different components or differently arranged components than illustrated in <FIG>. For example, while input devices <NUM> are depicted as buttons, input devices may include any type of input device, including keyboards, keypads, joysticks, switches, dials, touchscreens, etc. In still other implementations, one or more components of the signal generator <NUM> may perform one or more tasks described as being performed by another one or more of the components of signal generator <NUM>.

Housing <NUM> may include a chassis that mechanically secures and/or covers some or all of the components of signal generator <NUM>. Speaker <NUM> may include a component to receive input electric signals from signal generator <NUM> and transmit audio output signals, which communicate audible information to a user of the signal generator <NUM>.

Display <NUM> may include a component to receive electrical signal and present to the user a visual output in the form of text, images, video and/or a combination of text, images and videos, which visual output may communicate visual information to the user of the signal generator <NUM>. In one implementation, display <NUM> may display text, images, videos and/or a combination of text, images and/or videos in response to inputs, such as via input devices <NUM> and/or inputs from signal connections <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, display <NUM> may display text, images, videos and/or a combination of videos in response to signal generator <NUM> executing instructions (such a via a processor, like processing unit <NUM>, etc.), including instructions based, in whole in or in part, on inputs received from input devices <NUM>, signal connections <NUM>, etc. The visual output may include information associated with the signal (e.g. signal presence, signal strength, signal level, etc.), the user (e.g. impedance of the user, etc.), information associated with using the signal generator (i.e. the signal generator is on, a distributor is connected, a circuit is closed, etc.), and/or other meditation content. Display <NUM> may be a touch screen that presents one or more images that correspond to control buttons. The one or more images may accept, as input, mechanical pressure from the user (e.g. when the user presses or touches an image corresponding to a control button or combinations of control buttons) and display <NUM> may send electrical signals to a processor, such as processing unit <NUM>, that may cause signal generator <NUM> to transmit information, perform a function, etc..

Input devices <NUM> may include mechanisms that permit a user to input information to signal generator <NUM>, such as keyboards, keypads, buttons, switches, etc. The arrangement of input devices <NUM> depicted in <FIG> is only one example arrangement of input device <NUM> or input devices <NUM> that may be included in signal generator <NUM>. Input devices <NUM> may include one or more input mechanism that may permit a user to operate signal generator <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, input devices <NUM> may include an on button <NUM>-<NUM>, used to activate/turn on the signal generator <NUM>; a first mode button <NUM>-<NUM>, used to select a first signal to be output by signal generator <NUM>; a second mode button <NUM>-<NUM>, used to select a second signal to be output by signal generator <NUM>; a third mode button <NUM>-<NUM>, used to select a third signal to be output by signal generator <NUM>; and an off button <NUM>-<NUM>, used to deactivate/turn off the signal generator <NUM>. The first signal, second signal and third signal may be any of the signals described herein. In one embodiment, the signal generator <NUM> generates signals that correspond to a DC electrical signal (such as from about <NUM> volts to about <NUM> volts, preferably from about <NUM> volts to about <NUM> volts), and the first mode, second mode and third mode may correspond to different current levels, generally from about <NUM> milliamps to <NUM> milliamps. For instance, the first signal may correspond to a first current level of about <NUM> milliamp, the second signal may correspond to a second current level of about <NUM> milliamps, and the third signal may correspond to a third current level of about <NUM> milliamps. The current levels and voltage levels output by signal generator <NUM> may vary and may be determined by the needs of the user, the power source of signal generator, etc. Also, in other embodiments, signal generator <NUM> may output other signals, such as magnetic, AC power, etc..

Signal connections <NUM> may be receptacles, connections, quick disconnects, etc. via which signal generator <NUM> provides a signal. The embodiment of signal generator <NUM> depicted in <FIG> reflects two signal connections <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, but other embodiments of signal generator <NUM> may include additional signal connections <NUM> (such as in the event that signal generator is designed to provide a signal to multiple users) or a single signal connection. The signal connections <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to connections for an electrical signal. For example, signal connection <NUM>-<NUM> may provide the signal to an electrode (i.e. an anode) that provides the signal to a user, such as anode <NUM>. Signal connection <NUM>-<NUM> may correspond to a connection that receives the signal that has been applied to the user and received by an electrode (i.e. a cathode such as cathode <NUM>) so that a circuit may be closed, allowing the signal to flow.

In addition to providing the signal, modifying the signal, and providing information associated with the signal, signal generator <NUM> may execute instructions to test the ability of signal generator <NUM> to provide a signal. For instance, and not limitation, signal generator <NUM> may conduct an impedance test which may provide a signal (which may be the signal to be provided to induce meditation, a low current, low voltage signal that is imperceptible to the user, etc.) to the user (i.e. via distributor) to test whether the circuit is closed or whether the resistance associated with the user may be too high to provide the signal. If the resistance is above a threshold, the signal generator may not provide the signal to the user. In one embodiment, the signal generator provides a relatively small current (e.g. <NUM> microamps, <NUM> microamps, etc.) to the distributor, and the signal generator measures the resistance associated with the user (e.g. across the circuit including the distributor with known resistance and the user) to determine the resistance, such as using Ohm's law. The maximum resistance may vary depending upon the signal to be delivered (e.g. electrical signal, other forms of signals, etc.), the strength of the signal to be applied (e.g. <NUM> volts, <NUM> volts, <NUM> volts, etc.), the placement of the distributor (the distance between the anode and cathode) and many other factors. In one embodiment, the threshold resistance for a <NUM> volt signal is within a range of <NUM>,<NUM> ohms to <NUM>,<NUM> ohms, more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> ohms (10kΩ), such as when the distributor is positioned as shown in <FIG>. The threshold may vary widely for the reasons described herein.

Many other types of tests may be conducted by the signal generator <NUM>, such as tests on the power level, ability to provide a signal, etc. The signal generator <NUM> may provide the signal only if the impedance test confirms an acceptable resistance associated with the user. If the impedance is above a threshold, the user may be prompted to lower resistance, such as by using a new/different distributor, cleaning the area of contact between the distributor and the user, etc. The impedance test may be conducted at any time, such as when the device is turned on, when one of the signal modes is selected, etc. Alternatively, the signal generator may constantly measure impedance and provide the signal only when the impedance is at an acceptable level.

<FIG> is a flow chart of an example process <NUM> that may be used to facilitate meditation using the systems, methods, technologies and/or techniques described herein. Process <NUM> may be performed using one or more of the devices associated with the meditation environments described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, some or all of process <NUM> may be performed using a device or collection of devices separate from, or in combination with, the devices associated with the meditation environments described herein. As shown in <FIG>, process <NUM> may include cleansing a contact area (BLOCK <NUM>), which may occur when a user uses a cleanser (e.g., alcohol, an astringent, soap, a facial cleanser, a wipe that contains a cleanser, etc.) and/or a wipe, paper towel, etc. to clean the area(s) of skin on which a distributor may be placed. Cleaning the contact area may lower the impedance associated with the user. The contact area of the user may be any of the areas associated with a brain portion described herein.

Process <NUM> may further include applying a distributor to the user (BLOCK <NUM>) at the contact area. The distributor may include a single point of contact with the user, two points of contact (such as an anode and cathode), three points of contact with user, etc. The points of contact may be at or near the brain, auricular nerves, brain portion (e.g. the left and/or right frontal lobe, the left and/or right temporal lobe, the supplementary motor area or SMA regions of the brain (including Pre-SMA, SMA, posterior SMA, etc.) the left and/or right insula, the cingulate cortex (including posterior cingulate, PCC), and/or cranial nerves (including olfactory nerve, optic nerve, trigeminal nerve, facial nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerve (including auricular vagus nerve), hypoglossal nerve, auriculotemporal nerve, auricular nerves, etc.). The distributors may be placed on any surface of the body that may provide an input signal to the brain portion, including, but not limited to, the forehead, above the left and/or right eyebrow, the left and/or right temple, the supraorbital region, around the crown of the head (to engage the SMA and PCC regions of the brain), in or around the ears and/or other areas on or near the brain, auricular nerves, and/or cranial nerves, including areas having little and/or no hair.

Process <NUM> may further include connecting the distributor to the signal generator (BLOCK <NUM>). Connecting the distributor to the signal generator may include using a connector, such as connector <NUM>, that may transfer a signal from signal generator to distributor. Connector may include one or more wires or other conductive components that may permit the signal to be transferred along connector. Connector may also include electrical connectors (e.g. fittings, receptacles, etc.) that may be used to connect to distributor and/or signal generator. Alternatively, signal generator may be permanently connected to, or formed as a part of, distributor, which may eliminate the need to connect distributor to signal generator.

Process <NUM> may also include initiating the signal generator (BLOCK <NUM>), which may include operating an input device (e.g. a button, a switch, a keypad, etc.) to turn on the signal generator and/or otherwise prepare the signal generator for operation. Initiating the signal generator may cause signal generator to conduct an impedance test (BLOCK <NUM> - YES), which may cause the signal generator to run a test (BLOCK <NUM>) to determine whether the impedance (i.e. resistant to electrical current flow, resistance to another type of signal, etc.) associated with a user is acceptable. Acceptable impedance may be, for instance, <NUM>,<NUM> ohms, <NUM>,<NUM> ohms, <NUM>,<NUM> ohms, etc. when the signal is an electrical signal and depending upon the particular signal to be applied and the placement of the distributor. The impedance test may include providing a low energy electrical current to the user via the distributors. The impedance test may further include determining the resistance is acceptable when the low energy electrical current is received by the signal generator after being applied to the user, which may confirm a closed circuit. When the lower energy electrical current is received by the signal generator, the impedance may be determined using, for instance, a multimeter or similar technology used to calculate electrical resistance, continuity, etc. The low level electrical current may not be perceptible by the user. The impedance test may be run before operating the signal generator to apply the signal (BLOCK <NUM>). Additionally, or alternatively, the signal generator may constantly monitor impedance during use by, for instance, measuring impedance when applying the signal when the signal corresponds to an electrical power signal. In this embodiment, the signal may automatically shut off if the impedance level exceeds a threshold, which may occur when, for instance, the distributor accidentally comes off of the user, etc. The signal generator may notify the user (e.g. via a sound through a speaker, text and/or symbols on a display, etc.) that the impedance is acceptable or unacceptable, may provide the impedance of the user, etc. In some embodiments, the impedance of the user may decline once the signal has been applied for a period of time (e.g. one minute, two minutes, ten minutes, etc.).

If the impedance level is acceptable (BLOCK <NUM> - YES) or if the signal generator does not conduct an impedance test (BLOCK <NUM> - NO), the user may operate the signal generator to apply a signal (BLOCK <NUM>). If the impedance level is not acceptable (BLOCK <NUM> - NO), the user may attempt to reduce the impedance by, for instance, cleansing the area of contact between the user and the distributor (BLOCK <NUM>). The user may repeat the steps described above as needed and conduct a second impedance test to determine whether the the impedance level associated with the user is acceptable. If the impedance level is acceptable, the user may operate the signal generator to apply a signal.

Operating the signal generator to apply the signal (BLOCK <NUM>) may include any type of user input (e.g. via an input device) that may cause the signal generator to generate and output a signal to a distributor. For example, and not limitation, operating the signal generator to generate and apply the signal may include depressing a button, flipping a switch, etc. Operating the signal generator to apply the signal may be the same input by the user undertake to initiate the signal generator. For example, and not limitation, the user may initiate the signal generator, which may prompt the signal generator to conduct an impedance test and, upon passing the impedance test, the signal generator may begin applying the signal to the distributor(s).

Generating the signal may include, for instance producing the signal (e.g. via a battery, coil for magnets, etc.) and conditioning the signal, such as with a signal controller, to provide a signal at a particular strength, frequency, etc. Outputting the signal may include passing the signal directly to the distributor (e.g. via connection between signal generator and distributor) or passing the signal via a connector or series of connections through which the signal may be distributed to distributor and then to the user.

Once the signal is applied to the user, the user may attempt to meditate (BLOCK <NUM>). Attempting to meditate may include, for instance, engaging in any of the practices and/or techniques used to enter a meditative state, such as sitting or lying comfortably, focusing on meditation, breathing calmly, listening to music, listening and/or watching meditation enhancing instructions/virtual reality content, etc. While meditating and/or attempting to meditate, the user may determine that the meditation is not successful and/or could be optimized (such as by reducing the signal to require the user to meditate with less assistance) (BLOCK <NUM>-NO), which may cause the user to operate the signal generator to change the signal (BLOCK <NUM>). Operating the signal generator to change the signal may including changing from a first signal (i.e. which results from BLOCK <NUM>) to a second signal The second signal may be stronger (i.e. have a higher amplitude, frequency, current level, etc.), which second signal may help the user engage in meditation when the user is having difficulty engaging in meditation. Additionally, or alternatively, the second signal may be associated with a lower strength than the first signal, such as when the first signal was too strong (i.e. uncomfortable and/or distracting) or when the user wants to meditate with less assistance from the signal generator (i.e. to move toward a goal of unassisted meditation). If the user determines that the second signal is appropriate for meditation, the user may continue to mediate. If the user determines that the second signal does not cause a successful meditation and/or the meditation could be optimized, the user may again operate the signal generator to change the signal from a second signal to a third signal.

The user may apply the signal (or adjust the signal or remove it in some as shown by BLOCK <NUM>) and continue meditating until the meditation is successful (BLOCK <NUM> - YES), at which point the user may complete the meditation (BLOCK <NUM>). Completing the meditation may include removing the distributor, turning off the signal generator, etc..

The foregoing description provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments. It will be apparent that the assemblies, systems, methods, technologies and/or techniques, as described above, may be implemented in many different forms of implementations described herein and illustrated in the figures. The actual or specialized components and/or materials used to implement the assemblies, systems, methods, technologies and/or techniques is not limited to the embodiments; it should be understood that components and/or materials may be designed to implement the assemblies, systems, methods, technologies and/or techniques based on the description herein.

It should be emphasized that the terms "comprises" / "comprising" when used in this specification are taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or other groups thereof.

Claim 1:
A non-therapeutic method of operating a system for assisting a user (<NUM>) with meditation, the method comprising:
providing a system comprising a distributor (<NUM>) and a signal generator (<NUM>);
applying, to the user, the distributor at or near a brain portion of the user;
operating the signal generator to provide an impedance signal for testing an impedance of the user and configuring the distributor to provide an electrical signal corresponding to the impedance signal to the brain portion of the user to test the impedance of the user; and
operating the signal generator to provide a further signal for assisting meditation and configuring the distributor to selectively provide a further electrical signal corresponding to the further signal to the brain portion of the user,
wherein testing the impedance of the user (<NUM>) comprises determining whether a resistance of the user exceeds a threshold; and either
applying the further electrical signal to the user when the resistance is below the threshold, or not applying the further electrical signal to the user when the resistance is above the threshold.