Diversionary therapy apparatus and methods and interactive devices

• US 8,292,797 B2
• Filed: 10/17/2006
• Issued: 10/23/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: DTT (Holdings) Pty Ltd
• Original Assignee: Diversionary Therapy Technologies Pty Ltd
• Inventors: Chapman, Ben Niall, Bucolo, Sam, Smith, Glenn
• Primary Examiner(s): LACYK, JOHN P
• Application Number:
  US12/090,448
• Publication Number:
  US 20080319252A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,198 Days
• Field of Search: 600 27- 29
• US Class Current: 600/27
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2021/0022 by the tactile sense, e.g. vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2021/0027 by the hearing sense
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2021/005 images, e.g. video
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 21/02 for inducing sleep or relaxation, e.g. by direct nerve stimulation, hypnosis, analgesia for massage A61H; electrotherapy A61N, e.g. applying alternating or intermittent electric currents for producing anaesthesia A61N1/36021
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/215 Tilt detection, e.g. for warning or shut-off
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3375 Acoustical, e.g. ultrasonic, measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3561 local, e.g. within room or hospital
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3569 sublocal, e.g. between console and disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3584 using modem, internet or bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3592 using telemetric means, e.g. radio or optical transmission
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/43 making noise when used correctly
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/505 Touch-screens; Virtual keyboard or keypads; Virtual buttons; Soft keys; Mouse touches
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/581 by audible feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/582 by tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/583 by visual feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/587 Lighting arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/59 Aesthetic features, e.g. distraction means to prevent fears of child patients
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6027 Electric-conductive bridges closing detection circuits, with or without identifying elements, e.g. resistances, zener-diodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6045 having complementary physical shapes for indexing or registration purposes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/6072 Bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/08 : Supports for equipment
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/005 : Parameter used as control input for the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/04 : Heartbeat characteristics, e.g. ECG, blood pressure modulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/06 : Heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/10 : Electroencephalographic signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/205 : partial oxygen pressure (P-O2)
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/30 : Blood pressure A61M2230/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/42 : Rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/50 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/60 : Muscle strain, i.e. measured on the user
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/62 : Posture
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/63 : Motion, e.g. physical activity
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/65 : Impedance, e.g. conductivity, capacity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/10 : Control of the course of the game, e.g. start, progess, end
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/2145 : the surface being also a display device, e.g. touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/285 : Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/428 : involving motion or position input signals, e.g. signals representing the rotation of an input controller or a player's arm motions sensed by accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/45 : Controlling the progress of the video game
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/92 : Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1012 : involving biosensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat, limb activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 : being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/105 : using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 : being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1075 : using a touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1087 : comprising photodetecting means, e.g. a camera
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/204 : the platform being a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8094 : Unusual game types, e.g. virtual cooking
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0346 : with detection of the device orientation or free movement in a 3D space, e.g. 3D mice, 6-DOF [six degrees of freedom] pointers using gyroscopes, accelerometers or tilt-sensors

Abstract

A diversionary therapy apparatus (100) provides a tangible intuitive and immersive interaction device for a patient so as to distract the patient from a treatment. It includes a handheld tablet device (110) having motion sensors and a screen (112) for showing digital content relating to a three-dimensional environment. A controller determines movement of the tablet device (110) and displays content on the screen (112) based on this movement so that the patient can interact with the three-dimensional environment displayed on the screen through physical manipulation of the device (110). Various other interactive features are also disclosed, including interchangeable selector elements, e.g. figurines (114), that may be mounted on the device (110) to allow selection of content and action, a camera, biometric sensors, a touchscreen, a domed rear surface to allow the device to rock on a surface and a profiled screen wall (124). Handgrips (122) may be provided skew to the horizontal to encourage immediate rotation of the device (110). Various other applications of the device are discussed, as is motion sensing based on a camera imaging a pattern on a marker element, e.g. on a figurine (114).

Claims

1. A method of providing diversionary therapy to a patient during a treatment using a device having a display screen which displays digital content relating to a three-dimensional environment, the method including the steps of:

monitoring movement of the device produced by the patient; and

altering the digital content displayed on the screen based on the monitored movement of the device,

wherein the patient is able to interact with the three-dimensional environment by moving the device, the interaction providing a distraction to the patient from the treatment; and

wherein the device has a pair of opposed handgrips on the housing which are oriented along an axis skew to an axis dividing upper and lower regions of the display screen whereby said skew orientation of the handgrips prompts the patient to immediately rotate the device thereby causing movement which alters the digital content.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the device includes a set of selector elements that are interchangeably mountable on the device to make selections, the method including the step of:

altering the digital content displayed on the screen based on selections made by the patient using the selector elements.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the device includes a touch screen, the method including the step of:

altering the digital content displayed on the screen in response to the patient touching the touch screen.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the device includes one or more output devices, each output device being a vibrational element or a sound generator, the method including the step of:

providing an output from the one or more output devices in accordance with patient interaction.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the device has a link for communication between the device and an external device, the method including one or both of the steps of:

receiving digital content and processing other functionality from the external device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the device includes a physiological sensor, the method including the steps of:

receiving a monitored condition of the patient from the physiological sensor; and

using the monitored condition to provide a patient-device interaction.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a tablet device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a head mountable device.

9. A diversionary therapy apparatus including:

a tablet device configured to be held and moved by a patient during a treatment; and

a set of interchangeable physical selector elements for mounting on the tablet device;

the tablet device having a housing in which are mounted;

a display screen for displaying digital content;

a motion sensor for sensing movement of the tablet device; and

a controller for determining movement of the tablet device through the motion sensor and for displaying digital content on the screen in accordance with the tablet device movement, the digital content defining a three-dimensional environment, the controller allowing the patient to interact with the three-dimensional environment by movement of the tablet device;

the controller further determining which selector element is mounted on the tablet device, and altering the digital content according to the determination;

wherein the device further includes a pair of opposing handgrips on the housing which are oriented along an axis skew to an axis dividing the upper and lower regions of the display screen, and wherein said skew orientation of the handgrips prompts the patient to immediately rotate the device thereby causing movement which alters the digital content.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the housing is waterproof.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the tablet device includes a domed portion on a rear surface of the tablet device for supporting the tablet device during movement.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the tablet device includes at least one of a touch screen, a sound sensor, a sound generator, a vibrational motor and a physiological sensor.

13. A method of providing diversionary therapy, the method including the step of:

providing a patient with apparatus as claimed in claim 9; and

allowing the patient to operate the apparatus during a treatment.

14. A tablet device forming part of a diversionary therapy apparatus and intended for use with a set of interchangeable physical selector elements for mounting on the tablet device;

the tablet device having a housing in which are mounted;

a display screen for displaying digital content;

a motion sensor for sensing movement of the tablet device; and

a controller for determining movement of the tablet device through the motion sensor and for displaying digital content on the screen in accordance with the tablet device movement, the digital content defining a three-dimensional environment, the controller allowing the patient to interact with the three-dimensional environment by movement of the tablet device;

the controller further determining which selector element is mounted on the tablet device, and altering the digital content according to the determination,

wherein the tablet device further includes a pair of opposing handgrips on the housing which are oriented along an axis skew to an axis dividing the upper and lower regions of the display screen, and wherein said skew orientation of the handgrips prompts the patient to immediately rotate the device thereby causing movement which alters the digital content.

15. A diversionary therapy apparatus including a tablet device configured to be held and moved by a patient during a treatment, the tablet device having a housing in which are mounted:

a display screen for displaying digital content;

a motion sensor for sensing movement of the tablet device;

a controller for determining movement of the tablet device through the motion sensor and for displaying digital content on the screen in accordance with the tablet device movement, the digital content defining a three-dimensional environment, the controller allowing the patient to interact with the three-dimensional environment by movement of the tablet device, the controller further determining which selector element is mounted on the tablet device, and altering the digital content according to the determination; and

a pair of opposing handgrips on the housing which are oriented along an axis skew to an axis dividing the upper and lower regions of the display screen, and wherein said skew orientation of the hand grips prompts the patient to immediately rotate the device thereby causing movement which alters the digital content.

16. A diversionary therapy apparatus including a tablet device configured to be held and moved by a patient during a treatment, the tablet device having:

a housing in which are mounted;

a display screen for displaying digital content;

a motion sensor for sensing movement of the tablet device; and

a controller for determining movement of the tablet device through the motion sensor and for displaying digital content on the screen in accordance with the tablet device movement, the digital content defining a three-dimensional environment, the controller allowing the patient to interact with the three-dimensional environment by movement of the tablet device, the controller further determining which selector element is mounted on the tablet device, and altering the digital content according to the determination; and

a pair of handgrips on the housing, the handgrips being provided along an axis skew to an axis dividing upper and lower regions of the display screen.