WO2024259413A1

WO2024259413A1 - Portable cognitive aid

Info

Publication number: WO2024259413A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/034308
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph Rizzo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-06-16
Filing date: 2024-06-17
Publication date: 2024-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2025-12-16
Also published as: EP4727640A1

Abstract

A portable cognitive aid includes an oscillator circuit, which can be utilized as a stand-alone remote or embedded within a wearable article. The frequency emitting device includes a plurality of user actuable buttons or dials, each of one which corresponds with an operating mode which emits frequencies within predetermined ranges. These modes include awake (30-50 Hz), focused (15-30 Hz), calm (4-15 Hz), and sleep (0.5-4 Hz), and allow users to achieve a desired cognitive state. A user donning the portable cognitive aid in any form can select one of the modes to cause the frequency emitting device to emit waves at frequencies within the predetermined ranges for that particular mode. For example, the user may select the sleep mode button and the frequency emitting device will cause waves to be emitted at frequencies of between 0.5-4 Hz which is shown to induce sleep.

Description

PORTABLE COGNITIVE AID

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/521,362, filed on June 16, 2023, entitled WEARABLE COGNITIVE AID, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to a cognitive aid, and more specifically, to a portable and/or wearable cognitive aid.

Background

[0003] Cognitive aids come in a wide variety of forms, including chemical, such as serotonin, melatonin, and amphetamine, and devices to aid in relaxation, focus, sleep, and awareness, such as those that utilize sounds and lights. Scientifically, it has been shown that an individual’s brain emits waves of certain frequencies when in different states. For example, when in a deep sleep, the brain has been found to emit waves at frequencies of 0.5 - 4 Hz. When calm/relaxed and inwardly meditative, the brain has been found to emit waves of 4 - 8 Hz. A very awake, relaxed person showing passive attention emits brain waves of 8 - 12 Hz. If problem solving and highly concentrating, brain waves of 15-30 Hz are emitted, and if active or awake/alert dominant and showing external focused attention, the brain emits waves of between 30-50 Hz. The ability for a device to maneuver an individual’s cognitive state could lead to significant mental health benefits and increase overall productivity.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the health, healing, and wellness industry for a device that induces the brain to emit waves within certain frequencies to achieve a desired cognitive state. [0005] To the extent that specific patents/publications/products are discussed in this disclosure, these discussions should not be taken as an admissions that the discussed patents/publications/products are prior art for patent law purposes. For example, some or all of the discussed patents/publications/products may not be sufficiently early in time, may not reflect subject matter developed early enough in time and/or may not be sufficiently enabling so as to amount to prior art for patent law purposes. To the extent that specific patents/publications/products are discussed throughout the application, the descriptions/disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by reference into this document in their respective entirety(ies).

Summary

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to a portable cognitive aid that induces the brain to emit waves within certain frequencies to achieve a desired cognitive state.

[0007] According to an aspect is a portable cognitive aid, comprising a frequency emitting device stand-alone or embedded within a wearable cognitive aid.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the portable cognitive aid can further comprise radiofrequency transmitters and/or speakers connected to the frequency emitting device and embedded within the cognitive aid.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the frequency emitting device can comprise a plurality of user actuable modes, each one of which when actuated emits waves within a unique frequency range.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the plurality of user actuable modes can include an awake mode operating in a frequency range of 30-50 Hz; a focus mode operating in a frequency range of 15-30 Hz; a calm mode operating in a frequency range of 4-15 Hz; and a sleep mode operating in a frequency range of 0.5-4 Hz.

[0011] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiments described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a wearable portable cognitive aid and frequency emitting device shown in spaced relation, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2A is a front view of a frequency emitting device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2B is a rear view of the frequency emitting device shown in FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment. [0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wearable sleep aid and frequency emitting device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a front plan view of a frequency emitting device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4B is a rear plan view of the frequency emitting device shown in FIG. 4A, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a frequency emitting device coupled to speakers, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable cognitive aid, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a table showing operating modes of a frequency emitting device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a wearable cognitive aid and frequency emitting device shown in spaced relation, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a frequency emitting device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 10A is a table of frequency bands and corresponding brain states.

[0025] FIG. 10B is another table of frequency bands and corresponding brain states.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a front plan of a frequency emitting device, in accordance with an alternative embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a circuit for the portable frequency emitting device, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 13A is a front view of a primary circuit board assembly, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 13B is a rear view of the primary circuit board assembly shown in FIG. 13 A, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of portable frequency emitting devices, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 14B is a side view of a portable frequency emitting device, in accordance with an embodiment. [0032] FIG. 14C is a perspective view of the portable frequency emitting device shown in FIG. 14B, in accordance with an embodiment.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0033] The present disclosure describes a portable cognitive aid.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, is a portable cognitive aid designated generally by reference numeral 10. Cognitive aid 10 is shown in the wearable form of a knit hat 12, but it is understood it could take on other forms, the intention being that waves of a certain frequency can be emitted around the user’s head. In addition to the knit hat 12, cognitive aid can further comprise a frequency emitting device 14 (e.g., an oscillator circuit) embedded within hat 12, more specifically within the front/side forehead region of the hat, in the embodiment shown. As shown in FIG. 1, frequency emitting device 14 comprises an antenna configured to emit electromagnetic radiation of at least one predetermined frequency to aid in achieving a particular desired cognitive function (e.g., focus, sleep, awake, calm). While the frequency emitting device shown in FIG. 1 comprises an antenna, it will be understood in conjunction with the description below and associated figures that one or more speakers can be used in the alternative. In this example, sound waves of the predetermined frequency are emitted. Portable cognitive aid 10, through the frequency emitting device, aids the brain in achieving the desired cognitive state of the associated transmitted frequency.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 9, frequency emitting device 14 comprises a printed circuit board on which is mounted a plurality (e.g., four, as in the embodiment shown) of user actuable buttons or dials 16, 18, 20, and 22. Each button can serve to permit selection of an operating mode and can be electrically connected with an oscillator circuit that drives an antenna, causing the emission of electromagnetic radiofrequency waves within certain frequency ranges. Each mode/button 16, 18, 20, 22 can be associated with a unique frequency range: button 16 (awake mode) causes emission of waves at 30 - 50 Hz, button 18 (focus mode) causes emission of waves at 15 - 30 Hz, button 20 (sleep mode) causes emission of waves at 0.5 - 4 Hz, and button 22 (calm mode) causes emission of waves at 4 - 15 Hz. These modes are reflected in the tables of FIGS. 10A and 10B. See “Binaural Beats: What’s the Best Sleep Frequency?” DubsLabs, 27 Apr. 2021 and Blank, R. “What Is The Schumann Resonance? - Syb.” Shield Your Body with SYB EMF & 5G Protection, 9 Jan. 2024. [0036] The frequency emitting device 14 can further include a power source (not shown), such as a battery (e.g., 3.7V lithium battery), and the printed circuits 26, 28, 30, 32 that correspond to user actuable buttons 16, 18, 20, 22, respectively, to generate the desired frequency. In some embodiments, the frequency emitting device 14 further comprises a rechargeable battery and a corresponding charging port within the device, such as a USB or USB-C, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, a pair of speakers 34 can be electrically coupled to frequency emitting device 14 (and powered by the same on-board power source as explained above). Speakers 34 can emit the frequency generated by the frequency emitting device 14 to particular spots on the user’s head based on their placement within the wearable article/knit hat 12.

[0038] In one embodiment, best seen in FIG. 6, the user actuable buttons 16, 18, 20, 22 can extend through openings formed in the wearable article 12 while the frequency emitting device 14 remains securely housed within the wearable article.

[0039] Referring to FIGS . 11 - 14C, an alternative embodiment is described. In this embodiment, the frequency emitting device 14 can feature as a standalone device rather than being embedded within a wearable object, such as a hat. This standalone portable device 14 functions similarly to as described above, but the waves emitted by the device are able to reach a further distance (e.g., a 4-foot radius from the device 14’) as explained further below.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 11, three antennas (i.e., spiral emitters) 36, 38, and 40 can be employed to cause the emission of sleep waves, calm waves, and focus waves. In some embodiments, a single radiofrequency antenna is used. The user actuable buttons 42, 44, and 46 function similarly to what is described above, with the first button 36 (sleep mode) causing emissions of waves at 0-4 Hz, the second button 38 (calm mode) causing emissions of waves at 4- 12 Hz, and the third button 40 (focus mode) causing emissions of waves at 15-30 Hz.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a circuit schematic according to an example. This example comprises three user actuable buttons indicated as DOWN, D0WN1, and DOWN2. Actuation of one of the three user actuable buttons instructs microcontroller U2 to enter the selected mode. Depending on the selected mode, microcontroller U2 will activate one of three oscillator circuits. For the purposes of this disclosure, an oscillator circuit is a circuit that produces a periodic electrical signal of a predetermined frequency. The three oscillator circuits, in this example, comprise the three 555 timer chips indicated as IC1, IC2, IC3. In this example, the oscillator circuit comprising IC1 and associated circuitry produces an electrical signal in the frequency range of 0.5-6.83 Hz. The oscillator circuit comprising IC2 and associated circuitry produces an electrical signal in the frequency range of 8-15 Hz. And the oscillator circuit comprising IC3 and associated circuitry produces an electrical signal in the frequency range of 12-20 Hz. Again, microcontroller U2 activates one of the three oscillator circuits in response to the selection of a desired mode through actuation of buttons DOWN, D0WN1, and D0WN2. The signal output from the oscillator circuits is output via QI to an antenna denoted PCB coil for transmission to the user. In this example, a single antenna is used, with the signals from each oscillator circuit being output to the single antenna according to the user selection. Also shown in FIG. 12 is USB port J3 and U1 a standalone battery charger chip for receiving power via USB and charging a battery connected to terminal V BATT. In an alternative example, the circuit of FIG. 12 can be connected to main power with a power supply for stepping down the input voltage. This example can obviate the need for an included battery.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a front and rear view of the primary circuit board assembly is shown, respectively.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, the portable frequency emitting device 14 is shown. In some examples, a specialized case 14’ houses the frequency emitting device 14 that ensures that the device is lightweight, portable, and non-intrusive.

[0044] In an example, the antenna of the portable frequency emitting device 14 allows for the frequency to be transmitted into the surrounding environment at a greater distance (e.g., up to four feet away).

[0045] Extensive review of scientific literature and clinical studies was conducted to identify and confirm the correlation between specific frequency ranges and their impact on different cognitive states. The testing of the frequency emitting device involved methods to observe its effects on cognitive states. These studies focused on user experiences and feedback, collected through detailed surveys and questionnaires. Willing participants reported notable improvements in focus, relaxation, and sleep quality after. These tests helped to gather preliminary data. Comprehensive safety testing was conducted to ensure the device operated within safe parameters. This included evaluating the device for overheating, electrical safety, and overall durability under various conditions. The safety tests confirmed that the device functions reliably and safely, with no adverse effects reported during the testing phase. Performance testing involved a series of controlled experiments to verify the device’s functionality and effectiveness. These tests assessed the battery life and the responsiveness of the different modes (focus, calm, and sleep). The results indicated consistent performance across all metrics, demonstrating the device’s ability to deliver the intended cognitive benefits effectively. Initial testing of the device’s functionality utilized computer simulation. Advanced computer simulations were employed to model the interaction between the device and biological tissues. These simulations helped predict the device’s impact on brain wave activity without requiring physical testing on human subjects. The simulated models showed promising results, indicating that the device could positively influence cognitive states through its targeted frequency emissions. Quantitative data, such as brainwave activity measurements using EEG (electroencephalography) devices were collected from test subjects to objectively assess the effectiveness of the frequency ranges. This data was then used to fine-tune the device settings for optimal performance.

[0046] While various embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] The above-described embodiments of the described subject matter can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, some embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof. When any aspect of an embodiment is implemented at least in part in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single device or computer or distributed among multiple devices/computers.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A portable cognitive aid, comprising: a. An oscillator circuit configured to emit an electrical signal at a predetermined frequency; and b. a transmitter in communication with the oscillator circuit such that the transmitter emits waves at the predetermined frequency, wherein the predetermined frequency is selected to affect a desired cognitive state and is within the frequency range of 0.5 Hz to 50 Hz.

2. The portable cognitive aid according to claim 1. wherein the transmitters is a speaker.

3. The portable cognitive aid according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter is an antenna.

4. The portable cognitive aid according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of user actuable modes, each mode corresponding to a desired cognitive state, wherein each mode corresponds to a respective frequency such that selecting the user actuable mode sets the predetermined frequency to a frequency within the respective frequency range of the selected user actuable mode.

5. The portable cognitive aid according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of user actuable modes includes: a. an awake mode operating in a frequency range of 30 - 50 Hz; b. a focus mode operating in a frequency range of 15 - 30 Hz; c. a calm mode operating in a frequency range of 4 - 15 Hz; and d. a sleep mode operating in a frequency range of 0.5 - 4 Hz.

6. The portable cognitive aid according to claim 1, wherein the frequency emitting device is embedded within a wearable article.