Patent · US Expired

Automatic operant conditioning system

US5243998A · kind A · utility

79Cited by
13References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 10, 1991
Grant dateSep 14, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 10, 2011

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. The device includes a programmed microcomputer whose inputs include digital converters and which simultaneously adjusts the criteria and which controls the stimuli means, such as a tone generator and its speaker.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.