Biofeedback apparatus
First Claim
1. A manually operated computer input device for simultaneously sensing a physiological characteristic of a user and for providing input of data unrelated to the physiological characteristic, said device comprising:
- a housing having a surface in at least intermittent contact with the user'"'"'s skin;
at least one electrode disposed on said surface;
means coupled to said electrode for sensing the physiological characteristic of the user; and
manually operated means for inputting data to the computer, said data unrelated to the physiological characteristic.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Biofeedback monitoring and training of a subject using a computer and a computer mouse in the workplace is achieved by monitoring the galvanic skin response (GSR) of the subject every time he or she uses the mouse and by implementing a predetermined course of action on the computer monitor when measured GSR levels are outside of predetermined upper and lower limits. Biofeedback apparatus for implementing this technique includes a computer mouse with electrodes on the exterior surface of the mouse. When the user makes physical contact with two or more electrodes on the mouse, a very small electrical current is conducted by the subject'"'"'s skin and is measured. The measured value is transmitted to the computer over a serial communication cable. The mouse otherwise functions as a conventional computer mouse. Software in the computer uses the GSR measurement and implements a predetermined course of action, such as a relaxing message with visual images and soft music. This process can help the subject monitor his or her physiological state in order to increase relaxation.
149 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A manually operated computer input device for simultaneously sensing a physiological characteristic of a user and for providing input of data unrelated to the physiological characteristic, said device comprising:
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a housing having a surface in at least intermittent contact with the user'"'"'s skin; at least one electrode disposed on said surface; means coupled to said electrode for sensing the physiological characteristic of the user; and manually operated means for inputting data to the computer, said data unrelated to the physiological characteristic. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A biofeedback system comprising:
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a computer; a feedback device coupled to the computer; a manually operated computer input device having an electrode disposed thereon for contacting the skin of the computer operator; means coupled to said electrode for sensing a physiological characteristic of the computer operator; means responsive to said sensed physiological characteristic for providing feedback to the computer operator on the feedback device; wherein said manually operated computer input device includes means for inputting data to the computer, said data unrelated to the physiological characteristic. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification