Method and system for incorporating physiological self-regulation challenge into geospatial scenario games and/or simulations
Inventors
Stephens, Chad L. • Pope, Alan T. • Hollingsworth, William
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11903719-B2
Publication Date
2024-02-20
Expiration Date
2037-10-18
Abstract
A method of providing physiological self-regulation challenges prior to participating in a series of activities or exercises at a series of predefined locations includes determining a physiological goal associated with each location. A sensing device measures a physiological state of a user, and a mobile communication device communicates to a user whether or not the user has achieved the physiological goal for the challenge. The level of difficulty of the physiological goal may be reduced if the user does not meet the goal. The physiological goal may comprise a brain state that is conducive to learning, and the sensing device may be configured to measure brain state values representing cognitive engagement. Upon achievement of each physiological goal, the participant is provided with a reward such as information concerning the current predefined location and/or information concerning the next predefined location.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method and system for integrating physiological self-regulation challenges into a series of predefined activities or exercises conducted at spaced-apart predefined locations. For each location, a physiological goal, such as achieving a brain state conducive to learning, is determined. A sensing device measures the user's physiological state, and a mobile communication device communicates whether the user has achieved the physiological goal. Achievement unlocks rewards like information on the current or next location.
This method addresses the problem of limited motivation and adherence in physiological self-regulation training, such as biofeedback therapy, which often requires regular practice yet suffers from user attrition. By embedding physiological self-regulation challenges into geospatial scenario games, simulations, or activities like parcourse training, orienteering, escape rooms, and tours, the invention increases engagement and encourages health-enhancing physiological self-regulation skills through gameplay and interactive rewards.
The invention further describes adaptive difficulty of physiological goals based on user's performance, multi-modal feedback through wearable technology (e.g., headsets measuring brainwaves), and integration with mobile devices that provide instructions, feedback, and unlock content. It combines cognitive engagement monitoring with physical or mental tasks, enhancing learning and immersion in educational, therapeutic, or entertainment contexts.
Claims Coverage
The claims encompass one independent system claim detailing components and functions for providing physiological self-regulation challenges integrated with geospatial activities. The inventive features focus on the system's components and operational processes facilitating user self-regulation and reward.
System components and physiological challenge delivery
A system comprising a wearable brain state sensor measuring cognitive engagement, a location-based sensor, one or more processors in mobile devices, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium with instructions. The system provides a series of physiological self-regulation challenges tied to spaced-apart predefined activities and locations, receives target brain state goals conducive to learning or problem solving, monitors the participant's location and brain state, compares measured values to targets, communicates achievement results via mobile device, and provides predefined rewards upon goal achievement.
Adaptive adjustment of physiological challenge difficulty
The system adjusts the physiological self-regulation goal's level of difficulty if the participant fails to achieve the target after a predefined number of attempts, lowering the challenge level to increase likelihood of completion.
Feedback and prompting mechanisms
The system prompts participants to repeat challenges upon failure, and provides displays indicating proximity to physiological goals and whether goals have been achieved or not.
Construction of physiological monitoring devices and software
The system supports user construction of physiological monitoring hardware using modular components and in-game character instructions, software construction using modular development methods, or both, to perform physiological self-regulation challenges.
Support for multi-participant navigation
The system enables groups of participants to navigate through multiple predefined locations while undergoing physiological self-regulation challenges.
Integration with physical activities and viewable items
The system's predefined activities include physical activities and viewing or interacting with items at each predefined location, linking physiological self-regulation goals with diverse tasks.
Use of engagement index and facial recognition
The brain state conducive to learning includes an engagement index derived from brainwave signals, and the system can utilize facial recognition sensors to resolve facial expressions indicating cognitive engagement, forming part of the physiological self-regulation goals.
Unlocking physical access via remote control
The system can transmit signals to unlock remote locks, such as electronic locks in escape room games, granting participant access to clues or compartments upon achieving physiological self-regulation goals.
Physiological measures and baselines
The system employs EEG devices and heart rate monitors, using physiological goals defined by thresholds or differences relative to individual baseline measures for parameters like engagement index or heart rate.
The claims collectively cover a system integrating physiological self-regulation challenges linked to geospatially defined activities, employing wearable sensors, adaptive difficulty, feedback, user-involved device construction, group navigation, and varied reward mechanisms to enhance learning, engagement, and physical or mental task performance.
Stated Advantages
Increases motivation and engagement in physiological self-regulation training by incorporating challenges into gamified geospatial activities.
Enhances the entertainment value of orienteering-type games and simulations by adding physiological self-regulation skill mastery as an additional challenge.
Encourages health-enhancing physiological self-regulation skills and therapeutic benefits within an engaging game or simulation context.
Provides adaptive difficulty to accommodate individual participant capabilities and improve likelihood of challenge achievement.
Facilitates immersive and educational experiences by blending physiological self-regulation with real-world activities, learning tasks, and interactive rewards.
Documented Applications
Integration of physiological self-regulation into parcourse training with outdoor exercise equipment at spaced-apart locations.
Escape room problem-solving games where physiological self-regulation unlocks clues or access to compartments.
Orienteering and rogaining games requiring participants to navigate to geospatial points and achieve physiological goals to receive information or rewards.
Museum tours and educational facilities where participants unlock exhibit information by achieving physiological self-regulation challenges at exhibit stations.
Geospatial games such as golfing, where physiological responses influence gameplay advantages or information.
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