Random interval generators and method of behavior modification using same

• US 3,986,136 A
• Filed: 01/29/1975
• Issued: 10/12/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Russell T. Hurlburt
• Original Assignee: Russell T. Hurlburt
• Inventors: Hurlburt, Russell T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Grimm, Siegfried H.
• Application Number:
  US05/545,093
• Time in Patent Office: 622 Days
• Field of Search: 331/78, 331/49, 331/47, 331/55, 331/173, 35/22 R, 307/265, 328/111
• US Class Current: 331/78
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/16 Devices for psychotechnics using teaching or educational appliances G09B1/00 - G09B7/00; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/162 Testing reaction times
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/486 Bio-feedback A61B5/375 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 3/84 Generating pulses having a predetermined statistical distribution of a parameter, e.g. random pulse generators

Abstract

Behavior modification method involving the use of a portable random interval signal generator. One disclosed embodiment has an increasing probability of obtaining a signal through a time interval. In another disclosed embodiment the probability of obtaining a signal remains constant with time. The method involves analyzing behavior at randomly occurring intervals and in a preferred form recording instances of predefined behavioral classes on a pair of counters associated with the interval generator. Another method involves providing feedback to the subject in the form of reinforcing or punishing events.

Claims

1. An operator resettable random interval generator, comprising:

a. means for generating a time interval of random length;

b. signal means connected to said generating means for producing an alerting signal at the conclusion of a generated random time interval;

c. a pair of operator actuated reset means each connected for terminating said signal and initiating the next random time interval; and

d. feedback means connected to said pair of reset means for providing distinctive feedback to the operator, according to which of the reset means was actuated.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said feedback means comprises a pair of counters, and wherein said distinctive feedback comprises the count of how many times each of said reset means has been actuated.

3. A resettable random interval generator, comprising:

a. means for producing a first train of pulses;

b. means for producing a second train of pulses having a frequency much higher than said first train of pulses;

c. a counter;

d. a switching means connected for selectively coupling said first or second train of pulses to said counter;

e. signal means connected to said counter for producing an alerting signal when said counter reaches a predetermined count, said signal means further connected to said switching means;

f. reset means connected to said signal means for turning off said signal means, said reset means further connected to said switching means; and

g. said switching means operable to couple said first train of pulses to said counter upon activation of said reset means, and operable to couple said second train of pulses to said counter upon activation of said signal means, whereby said second train of pulses runs said counter to a random count dependent upon the time between the alerting signal and the operation of the reset means, and whereby said first train of pulses runs said counter to the predetermined count, thereby producing a random length time interval to the next alterting signal.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 whereby said reset means includes a pair of registers and operator actuated means for selectively incrementing either register.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said means for producing a first train of pulses comprises an adjustable frequency oscillator, whereby the average duration of said random intervals can be adjusted.

6. Apparatus according to claim 3 further including time delay means connected between said counter and said signal means for delaying for a predetermined time the alerting signal when said counter reaches a predetermined count, thereby assuring a predetermined minimum time interval.

7. A constant probability random interval generator, comprising:

a. a noise generator;

b. a variable period oscillator connected to said noise generator, said oscillator operable to produce pulse of randomly varying period according to the random characteristics of said noise generator;

c. a high frequency oscillator for producing pulses of much greater frequency than those produced by said variable period oscillator;

d. a counter;

e. a logic gate connected to said variable period oscillator, said high frequency oscillator and said counter, said logic gate operable to alternately block or transmit pulses from said high frequency oscillator to said counter in response to pulses from said variable period oscillator;

f. detection means connected to said counter and operable when enabled to compare the count in said counter with a predetermined value; and

g. clock means connected to said gate means and said detection means for enabling said gate and disabling said detection means in a first state, and for disabling said gate and enabling said detection means in a second state.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 further including signal means connected to said detection means for producing an alerting signal when the compared count exceeds said predetermined value, and further including reset means for turning off the signal means.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said reset means comprises a pair of registers and operator actuated means for selectively incrementing either register.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8 further including time delay means connected between said detection means and said signal means for delaying the alerting signal for a predetermined time, thereby assuring a predetermined minimum time interval.