Method and apparatus for measuring and treating hyperactivity in human beings
First Claim
1. A method of measuring hyperactivity in a human being comprising the steps of:
- (a) detecting physical movement of said human;
(b) incrementing a first counting means each time physical movement is detected;
(c) repetitively generating a timing interval;
(d) determining when the number of physical movements during said timing interval exceed a selected maximum thereby indicating hyperactivity;
(e) incrementing a second counting means and initiating a new timing interval each time the selected maximum is exceeded;
(f) periodically reading out the values stored in the first and second counting means,whereby the degree of hyperactive behavior may be determined.
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Abstract
A method of measuring hyperactivity includes determining the total number of movements of the subject as well as the number of movements which occur at a rate exceeding a preselected threshold. When the rate exceeds the threshold, biofeedback conditioning may be employed to alert the patient in order to condition him against such activity. An apparatus employing the method includes a counting unit worn on the belt of the subject. The counting unit records movement detected by a set of mercury switches. The total number of times a mercury switch is opened is counted as well as the number of times the rate threshold is exceeded. This information is stored in the counters for subsequent evaluation. An oscillator circuit gated by the counting unit provides an audible signal to the subject when the rate threshold is exceeded. A readout and display circuit is utilized for obtaining the information stored in the counting unit.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of measuring hyperactivity in a human being comprising the steps of:
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(a) detecting physical movement of said human; (b) incrementing a first counting means each time physical movement is detected; (c) repetitively generating a timing interval; (d) determining when the number of physical movements during said timing interval exceed a selected maximum thereby indicating hyperactivity; (e) incrementing a second counting means and initiating a new timing interval each time the selected maximum is exceeded; (f) periodically reading out the values stored in the first and second counting means, whereby the degree of hyperactive behavior may be determined. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A device for measuring hyperactivity in a human being comprising:
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(a) means for detecting physical movement of said human; (b) first counting means incremented each time physical movement is detected; (c) means for repetitively generating a timing interval; (d) second counting means; (e) determining means for incrementing said second counting means and initiating a new timing interval when the number of physical movements during a preceding timing interval exceed a selected maximum; and (f) means for periodically reading out the values stored in said first and second counting means. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification