System and method for assisting those with diminished mental capacities

• US 20070222772A1
• Filed: 03/23/2006
• Published: 09/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Melissa Amick
• Original Assignee: Melissa Amick
• Inventors: Amick, Melissa
• Application Number:
  US11/387,824
• Publication Number:
  US 20070222772A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/204
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 1/02 and having a support carrying or adapted to carry the elements

Abstract

A system and method is disclosed to associate with a device images corresponding to the control of same for use by those with diminished mental capacities, such as dementia. The system of the present invention associates with a device images corresponding to the control of same with which a person is able to interact with, or control, his or her environment. The images selected and used by the system are user-specific and correspond with visual cues that the individual can recognize and understand. The method of the present invention includes the steps of: (1) identifying a device that a user can manipulate to control or interact with his or her environment; (2) selecting one or more images that the user recognizes as visual cues to correspond with the control mechanism(s) of the device identified in Step (1) above; (3) using the system of the present invention to associate the image(s) selected in Step (2) above with the control mechanism(s) of the device identified in Step (1) above; and (4) repeating, as needed, Steps 1-3 to keep the images of the system matched to visual cues recognized and understood by the user over time.

Claims

1. A system for image-based control of a device by an individual suffering from dementia, said system comprising:

At least one image display;

said at least one image display capable of removable attachment in close physical proximity to a control mechanism of the device;

said at least one image display capable of selectively displaying images associated with operation of the control mechanism such that the individual can operate the control mechanism based upon the images displayed; and

means for highlighting the at least one image in conjunction with operation of the control mechanism.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the images displayed uniquely correspond to images recognized and understood by the individual.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the images displayed are selected from the group consisting of stock images and user-supplied images.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one image display is a protective sleeve capable of receiving and displaying images.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one image display is a display selected from the group consisting of:

liquid-crystal display;

plasma display;

cathode ray tube display; and

light emitting diode display.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the images displayed correspond to text- or language-based controls or instructions associated with the control mechanism.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for highlighting the at least one image in conjunction with operation of the control mechanism includes a flashing or otherwise illuminated light.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further includes means for producing a short message along with, or in lieu of, selectively displaying images to assist the individual with operation of the control mechanism.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for producing a short message includes a recording device coupled with a speaker so that unique short messages can be prerecorded for use with the system.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the means for producing a short message includes means for selecting the short message from a group of stock messages.

11. A kit for image-based control of devices and environment by an individual suffering from dementia, said kit comprising:

means for selecting at least one image to be associated with a control mechanism for a device;

means for selecting a short message to be associated with the control mechanism of the device;

means for associating the selected at least one image and/or the selected short message with the control mechanism of the device; and

means for highlighting the at least one image and/or activating the selected short message so as to aid the individual in controlling the control mechanism of the device.

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the means for selecting at least one image is a sleeve shaped and sized for removably receiving, containing and protecting the image.

13. The kit of claim 11, wherein the means for selecting at least one image further includes means for selecting the at least one image from a group of stock images.

14. The kit of claim 11, wherein the means for selecting a short message includes means for pre-recording the short message.

15. The kit of claim 11, wherein the means for selecting a short message includes a group of stock messages from which the short message can be selected.

16. A method for image-based control of devices and environment by individuals suffering from dementia, said method comprising the steps of:

(1) identifying a device that a user can manipulate to control or interact with his or her environment;

(2) selecting at least one image that the user recognizes as a visual cue to correspond with control mechanism(s) of the device identified in Step (1) above;

(3) associating the image(s) selected in Step (2) above with the control mechanism(s) of the device identified in Step (1) above; and

(4) repeating, as needed, Steps 1-3 above to maintain the images matched to visual cues recognized and understood by the user over time.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein optional steps following Step 3 and prior to Step 4, comprise:

(3A) selecting a short message to be announced in connection with control of the device; and

(3B) associating the short message selected in Step (3A) above with the control mechanism(s) of the device identified in Step (1) above.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein optional Steps (3A) and (3B) are performed in lieu of Steps (2) and (3).

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of selecting a short message to be announced in connection with control of the device (Step (3A)) includes selecting said short message from a set of stock messages.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of selecting a short message to be announced in connection with control of the device (Step (3A)) includes the sub-step of pre-recording the short message.