Automatic operant conditioning system especially for scoliosis
US5082002A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/905
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for the operant conditioning of subjects using biofeedback includes means to measure a variable condition, such as posture, which is controllable by the subject. The apparatus sets criteria which, if not met, may result in a negative reinforcement, such as unpleasant audio tone or, if the criteria is met, will reward the subject. The criteria is automatically adjusted, upwards or downwards, in accordance with the subject's history of reaching, or not reaching, the criteria. One embodiment is a device for the training of patients with idiopathic scoliosis (curvature of the spine), as a replacement for a brace. The device includes two cables, one about the chest to measure breathing and the other longitudinally about the trunk to measure spine length. The variable lengths of the cables are converted to digital signals by rotary-to-digital converters. The device includes a programmed microcomputer whose inputs are the digital converters which automatically adjusts the criteria and which controls a tone generator and its speaker to provide an audio feedback of out-of-criteria postures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.