Patent Application: US-93260311-A

Abstract:
a method to treat sympathetic dysfunction using computer - augmented therapy , such as computer augmented imagery rehearsal therapy , comprising the steps of achieving a relaxed state calibrated by art ; accessing a machinima using a virtual reality system ; creating an avatar in said machinima ; developing a script for a virtual scenario ; creating said virtual scenario in said machinima ; reinforcing virtual scenario in said machinima through repetitive practice of said dream scenario and practicing said virtual scenario during a dysfunction episode to achieve control over sympathetic arousal .

Description:
computer - augmented therapy of this invention is an application of neuro - physiological self regulation training ( npsrt ). npsrt is the integration of autonomic regulation training ( art ) and virtual reality training ( vrt ). autonomic regulation training ( art ) is simply programming the mind and body to develop an optimally calm ( parasympathetic ) state for learning . this is well known in the art , physiological parameters such as heart rhythms are inherently connected to brain wave activity . when the variability of the heart is under control by increasing tidal volume of oxygen and decreasing the rate of respirations , the brain adjusts by increasing the predominance of alpha waves . the heart rate variability biofeedback training has been utilized in clinical practice for over thirty years to address a wide range of disorders . by having these changes feedback visually via the computer the user learns to control his / her heart coherence , and achieve the desired receptive and calm state . in an embodiment of the art , a user can use surface emg electrodes placed on the wrist to generate a heart signal , which is portrayed on the computer monitor in various graphic representations . virtual reality training ( vrt ) is simply using computer based visual and auditory stimuli to provide the input for new therapeutic learning . vrt can be done by developing software within an existing virtual environment ( such as second life ™), providing machine animation tools so the subject to create images and sounds that trigger the parasympathetic process . with repetition the user learns to control the arousal associated with the disorder . in an embodiment of the vrt , the subject logs into the identified virtual world and accesses the software through a specific portal available only to selected users . the user utilizes animation tools and icons to construct 3d animation customized to fit the imagination of the user . in both art and vrt , the therapeutic process is augmenting with technology . visual , auditory and tactile sensory stimulation during user immersion in virtual reality are used to assist the user in achieving corrective experiences . the instillation of explicit learning principles before and during virtual environment exposure permit user to directly influence psychological , emotional , and physiological processes for the development of mental health . the computer - augmented therapy of this invention differs from prior art in that it is not a form of exposure therapy . the method does not require repeatedly challenging the user with stressful experiences in hope of building tolerance to the stressor . the method works by “ augmenting ” the ability of the user to develop vivid imagery that are used to override the acute arousal associated with the stressor to achieve parasympathetic stasis . the user use tools provided by the augmented virtuality system to create imageries unique to his / her neurology . possible application of this therapy may include insomnia , acute pain , rage , panic attacks or any other reactive human process . the computer - augmented therapy of this invention primarily take place during immersion of fully interactive three - dimensional virtual reality environment , which is supported by a virtual reality system build with computer generated graphics , images imported from photographs , and video for sensory stimulation . a good example of such a virtual reality system is computer simulations such as second life ™ or similar simulations that present a virtual world which allows users or players to be represented by characters known as avatars . second life is an internet - based virtual world launched in 2003 by linden research , inc . a downloadable client program called the second life viewer enables users , called “ residents ”, to interact with others in the virtual world through motional avatars . the virtual world basically simulates the real world or environment . the users or residents via their avatar can explore the virtual world , meet other users or residents , socialize , participate in individual and group activities , and / or create and trade items ( virtual property ) and services from one another . in a general embodiment of the inventive method , interactive immersion of the patient is achieved with 3 - d goggles , head - mounted display or another form of visual display , such as computer monitors , tv screens or other devices that permit the user to have a virtual experience . the interactive environment permits the use of device such as stereo earphones to receive auditory cues , such as voice , music , natural sounds . body sensors and devices such as a hand - held grip , or computer mouse , are used to permit the user to interact with virtual objects and navigate within the virtual environment . additionally , the user may create avatars using a technology similar to those provided by evolver . com , which allows individuals to upload a single photo to create an avatar “ clone ” and to create custom avatars and avatar clothing . users have the capability to customize their avatars themselves throughout their use of the virtual reality system . all the functionality for creating user profiles exists in the virtual reality environment , but a small amount of software development work is needed to create a user interface to this functionality . it would be possible to pull in user profile information from an identity management system , including ldap , or from a social networking tool . the themes of the virtual reality environments are generally limited only by the ability of the administrator and developer to create a scenario , and then script , build and run it on the available hardware platform . the user is able to utilize a customizable backdrop provided by a selected theme as a context in which their personal imagery can be generated . these environments are built on objects created with primitive objects and activated by proprietary scripting languages . other virtual reality environments are created using 3d models stored in a variety of formats . almost all commercial and open source 3d modeling tools such as sketchup , blender , maya , or 3d studio max can export to the collada format used by most virtual reality systems . assets found in google 3d warehouse and google earth can also be imported to these virtual reality environments . most of these models , which are freely available , can be dragged and dropped into the virtual reality environment , and then positioned or resized using the editing tools within the virtual reality system . all the models can also be defined to include object - level security , restricting access to appropriate personnel or roles . in these virtual environments it is also possible to create any interactive scenario with a combination of live and automated characters . for example , the in - world webcam viewer could be used to include a “ window ” into either a real - life traumatic or peaceful scenario , allowing participants to monitor activity in the real world as well as in the virtual reality environment . in the inventive treatment method , this capability would effectively allow the user to generate customized imagery to recreate the personal experience with expressive details in the virtual environment to neurologically strengthen parasympathetic imagery to counter the dysfunctional pathways created by the trauma exposure . physiological parameters of the patient , such as heart rate , blood pressure , respiration and temperature , are measured using one or more monitoring device . an example of a compact monitoring device is described in appendix a of this application . users are taught in auto regulation training , which helps them priming their body for effective learning using biofeedback responses measured . the computer - augmented therapy provides opportunities for self - help when the user of a virtual environment is provided information on how to benefit from the experience or when the provider gives directions on how to benefit from the experience or when the virtual environment itself provides the user with directions on effective user of learning strategies before immersion in the virtual environment . fig2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the virtual reality components supporting the inventive therapy method . at the heart of the system is a processor 10 , which may be housed in a computer or as part of an independent device . the processor 10 may contain the software program for generating the virtual environment including a depository of virtual imagery , videos or mixed images . alternatively , the processor may contain software supporting user interface , allowing the user to access a virtual reality system hosted on a remote device , which contains the ar software 40 as well as the image depository required for generating the virtual environment . the processor 10 also relays information between the trackers 25 and the virtual reality system 40 . the connection may be between the processor and the remote device may be wireless , radio , or physical . virtual reality system software 40 provides tools enabling the user to build or accessing his / her personalized virtual environments and may provide the patient with educational instructions . a display 15 , which may include a monitor , a head - mounted display , or a 3 - d google , is connected to the processor providing the user with visual stimulations and visual instructions . an audio speaker 20 , such as a head phone , is connected to the processor to provide the user with auditory stimulations and audio instructions . various forms of user input devices 25 may also be connected to processor allowing the user to navigate within the virtual environment and interact with the virtual reality system 40 . examples of such input devices include but not limited to a keyboard , mouse , hand - held grip , joystick , triggers and buttons . tracking sensors 24 receives and sends position location data to the processor , which may in turn communicates with the virtual reality system 40 relaying data bidirectionally . a memory device 45 may also be in communication with the processor 10 , allowing data relating to each treatment be recorded , such as the virtual environment build by the users and instructions they received . a physiological monitor 30 is included to measure physiological parameters of the user , which may be recorded by a recording device 35 connected to the physiological monitor . the recording device 35 may be in communication with the memory 45 , allowing physical parameters of the user to be stored . memory 45 can be a hard disk , floppy disk , compact disk ( cd ), a cartridge , a network storage unit , or any other standard medium capable of storing electronic instructions for running fully interactive , immersive , three - dimensional graphics and storing all data related to the treatment . the ability to hold a large amount of data is a prerequisite for storing large graphic programs . before using the virtual reality - based technology shown in fig2 , a patient must first visit a health care professional to evaluate his or her psychiatric or medical condition . the practitioner will diagnose the condition and choose the proper treatment plan based on the patient &# 39 ; s needs . table 1 . shows the basic processes of virtual therapy , which the mental health professional can use for evaluation and treatment of the user &# 39 ; s behavior , medical or emotional conditions such as insomnia or chronic pain . nightmares are highly prevalent among patients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder ( ptsd ) and are among the most frequently reported chronic symptoms of ptsd . nightmares often persist following standard treatments for ptsd . recent estimates indicate 50 - 70 % of patients diagnosed with ptsd report frequent nightmares although estimates are higher ( 90 %) in some studies of veterans , with some evidence suggesting that the severity and frequency of the nightmares is associated with the degree of combat and trauma exposure . although rates are yet to be officially determined for oef / oif , early evidence suggests the rate of trauma - related nightmares will be similar in this generation as in previous cohorts . chronic nightmares are associated with delayed sleep onset , sleep fragmentation , poor sleep quality , and often a conditioned fear of sleep . in addition to nightmares , insomnia is a common complaint in ptsd . data from the national vietnam veterans readjustment ( nvvr ) study revealed combat veterans with ptsd were eight times more likely to report sleep onset difficulties than combat veterans without ptsd . in the same study , a staggering 90 . 7 % of veterans with ptsd reported difficulty staying asleep “ sometimes ” or more frequently , compared to 62 . 5 % of non - ptsd combat veterans and 52 . 9 % of civilian . fragmented sleep in ptsd is also characterized by atypical , sometimes violent , motor behaviors during sleep , although this may be related more directly to nightmares . much evidence suggests insomnia and nightmares become distinct and co - occurring syndromes during the course of ptsd due to ineffective coping strategies to deal with these conditions implemented by patients . in a recent study of vietnam combat veterans , 88 % reported trauma - related nightmares upon entering a three month ptsd treatment program — following the program 77 % continued to experience frequent and distressing nightmares . this may not be surprising , given trauma - focused therapies ( e . g ., prolonged exposure ) do not involve any sleep or nightmare related treatment techniques , leaving nightmares unaddressed , especially when they have become distinct diagnoses . fig3 shows the process of treating a patient with sleep disorder . the process begins with patient assessment / history . the psychological strategies listed include explicit identification of learning principles , cognitive re - framing of distorted thinking processes , and replacement of failure beliefs with success experiences achieved in the virtual environment . the computer - augmented imagery rehearsal therapy works to distract the patient &# 39 ; s attention away from sleep - interfering cues such as fear cue from a nightmare . the user is given time and instruction on how to create a prerequisite allostatic parasympathetic stasis via autonomic regulation training . the user is then provided with tools to create personalized relaxation immersive virtual experience . when sensory stimulation impacts vision , hearing , and touch , the user develops adaptive personalized dream scenarios . with each practice and rehearsal , the adaptive personalized dream scenarios are refined and strengthened through the cognitive mediator of self - efficacy . as shown in fig3 , the therapist first works to establish a practitioner - patient relationship via patient interview . the patient is assessed using standard sleep assessment tests , including but not limited to pittsburg sleep quality index and ptsd symptom scales . based on patient history and assessment , the therapist identifies the severity and diagnoses the patient &# 39 ; s sleep disorder . for short term sleep disorder , the therapist may elect traditional therapeutic strategy including sleep education and pharmacotherapy . for patients with chronic / dysfunctional sleep disorders , the therapist may proceed to computer - augmented imagery rehearsal therapy , which begins with sleep hygiene education . patients are educated on how nightmares are developed based on neuophysiological / physiological models . they are introduced to the theory of neuroplasticity and allostasis , and are taught the roles of automatic ( biofeedback ) regulation training in priming body to learning and virtual reality training in treatment of sleep disorder . an example of sleep hygiene education procedure is provided in appendix b . after the initial training , patient is then screened for suitability / commitment for the computer augmented imagery rehearsal therapy . trainee expectation and trainer &# 39 ; s role are discussed . automatic regulation training ( art ) is provided to patients elected for computer - augmented imagery rehearsal therapy . the patients are provided with hands on experience using the physiological monitor ( s ) and are taught on how to use biofeedback to reach allostasis . patients are given opportunities to practice and familiarize themselves with the physiological monitor ( s ) under the supervision of a trainer and their physiological baseline metrics are established . following the automatic regulation training , patients undergo virtual reality training ( vrt ). the trainer shows the patient on how to use the virtual therapy software and explains how it works . patients have hand - on experience with immersive environment , animation , and undergo self - paced tutorials . patients are then given the opportunity to create his / her own avatar ( virtual personality ), and their own dream storyboard by using imageries and tools provided by the virtual reality system . the scripts are then powered into the virtual environment and patients are allowed to practice within the virtual environment . following art and vrt trainings , qualified patients are provided with equipments required for the augmented imagery rehearsal therapy , and proceed to perform therapeutic training at home . patients must complete at home training sessions according to a pre - determined treatment plan . each treatment session starts with the art . patient practices biofeedback relaxation to prepare for vrt learning . their physiological parameters are measured using the physiological monitor ( s ). during the follow - up vrt session , patient log onto the virtual reality system and using the imageries and tools provided by the system to build a personalized dream scenario and creating their own machinima ( a virtual environment or a animated virtual world ). trainer can provide instructions and technical support to the patient during online consultation as well as clinical visit . the patient is required to keep a record of the at - home treatment , and consult with the therapist during regular check - in . through the repeated refinement of the virtual dream scenarios , patient achieves cognitive correction of their problem . an example of a possible dream scenario is displayed on fig5 . each patient is assessed at the end of the planned computer - augmented imagery rehearsal therapy using standardized assessment tests . method of treating chronic pain using computer - augmented imagery rehearsal therapy closely mirrors the treatment of sleep disorder . the procedure is illustrated in fig4 . the therapist first establishes practitioner - patient relationship via patient interview . the patient is assessed using standard assessments , such as imaging test . based on patient &# 39 ; s history and assessment results , the therapist identifies the severity and diagnoses the pain . for acute pain or pains due to a diagnosed physiological dysfunction , the therapist may elect routine treatment procedures including but not limited to physical therapy , surgical corrections and / or pharmacotherapy . for patients with chronic / dysfunctional pain , the therapist may precede with computer - augmented image rehearsal therapy alone or in combination with routine treatment . patients are educated on how pain develops based on neuophysiological / physiological models . they are introduced to the theory of neuroplasticity and allostasis and taught the role of automatic ( biofeedback ) regulation training and virtual reality training in relation to coping with pain . the patient is then screened for suitability / commitment for computer - augmented imagery rehearsal therapy . trainee expectation and trainer &# 39 ; s role are discussed . automatic regulation training ( art ) is provided to the patients elected for computer - augmented imagery rehearsal therapy . they are provided with hands on experience on using the physiological monitor ( s ) and are taught on how biofeedback impacts allostasis and neuroplasticity . patients have opportunity to practice and familiarize themselves with the physiological monitor ( s ) under supervision of the trainer . their baseline metrics are established . following the automatic regulation training , patients undergo virtual reality training ( vrt ). the trainer educates the patients about virtual reality system , explains how it works . patients have hands on experience with the immersive environment , animation , and undergo self - paced tutorials . patients are then given the opportunity to create his / her own avatar ( virtual personality ), and create their own relaxation storyboard using imageries and tools provided by the augmented reality system . the scripts are then powered into machinima ( the virtual environment ) and patients are allowed to practice within the virtual environment . following art and vrt trainings , qualified patients are provided with equipments supporting the augmented image rehearsal treatment , and proceed to perform therapeutic training at home . patients must complete at home trainings according to a predetermined treatment plan , which sets out the frequency , duration and tasks for the treatment . each treatment session starts with the art . patient practices biofeedback relaxation techniques to prepare for vrt learning . their physiological parameters are measured using the physiological monitor . during the follow - 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