Method and system for combining physiological and machine information to enhance function

Abstract

The present invention relates generally and specifically to combining biological sensors with external machines using machine learning to form computerized representations that can control effectors to deliver therapy or enhance performance.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for enhancing mental alertness in an individual, the method comprising:
 detecting signals of normal and abnormal function of mental alertness of an individual at one or more sensors, wherein the sensors measure signals of breathing;   mathematically processing said signals using an enciphered functional network to create a symbolic representation of the mental alertness of the individual; and   delivering effector responses based on the symbolic representation in order to enhance or reinstate the mental alertness.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the detection is performed without requiring knowledge of the precise physiological mapping of the signals or without requiring use of signals empirically associated with alertness. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sensed signals include one or more signals from blood vessel flow, vasomotor activity, skin electrical activity, heart rate or heart rate variations, breathing rate and cellular edema. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the effector response is tailored to the individual based on the symbolic representation of mental alertness. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the effector response includes biofeedback to enhance mental alertness. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the effector response includes delivering energy attenuated to the individual's symbolic representation of mental alertness. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein energy modulates the mental alertness to a normal or enhanced state based on the symbolic representation created by the enciphered functional network. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the energy includes stimulation to the scalp. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the effector response includes audio stimulation. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mental alertness enhancement is demonstrated by measurable improvement in a task. 
     
     
         11 . A method of detecting mental alertness and/or fatigue in an individual comprising:
 detecting signals of normal and abnormal function of mental alertness of an individual at one or more sensors, wherein the sensors measure signals of breathing;   mathematically processing said signals using an enciphered functional network to create a symbolic representation of the mental alertness and/or mental fatigue of the individual; and   based on the symbolic representation, delivering an effector response sufficient to modify the individuals mental alertness and/or mental fatigue.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the detection is performed without requiring knowledge of the precise physiological mapping of the signals or without requiring use of signals empirically associated with alertness. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the sensed signals include one or more signals from blood vessel flow, vasomotor activity, skin electrical activity, heart rate or heart rate variations, breathing rate and cellular edema. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the effector response includes biofeedback to enhance mental alertness. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the effector response includes delivering energy attenuated to the individual's symbolic representation of mental alertness. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein energy modulates the mental alertness to a normal or enhanced state based on the symbolic representation created by the enciphered functional network. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11  The method of  claim 1 , wherein the mental alertness enhancement is demonstrated by measurable improvement in a task. 
     
     
         18 . A method for affecting the performance of a task by enhancing mental alertness of an individual, the method comprising:
 detecting signals of normal and abnormal function of said mental alertness of an individual at one or more sensors, wherein the sensors measure signals of breathing, and wherein said detection is performed without requiring knowledge of the precise physiological mapping of the signals or without requiring use of signals empirically associated with alertness;   mathematically processing said signals to create a symbolic representation of the mental alertness of the individual; and   delivering effector responses based on the symbolic representation in order to enhance or reinstate the mental alertness, wherein said enhanced mental alertness is measured by performance of the task.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the sensed signals further include one or more of blood vessel flow, vasomotor reactivity, skin electrical conductivity, heart rate or heart rate variations, breathing rate, and cellular edema. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the effector response comprises biofeedback to enhance mental alertness. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the biofeedback in in the form of electrical energy to stimulate said individual. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the effector response comprises audio stimulation. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the method includes an enciphered network that can be trained through machine learning. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the effector response comprises energy emanating from a device external to the body. 
     
     
         25 . A method for detecting mental fatigue in an individual as measured by performance of a task, the method comprising:
 detecting abnormal and normal breathing signals from the body using sensors, said detection not requiring the precise physiological mapping of the signals or detection of signals empirically associated with fatigue;   mathematically processing said signals to create a symbolic representation of the fatigue of the individual; and   delivering effector responses based on the symbolic representation in order to reduce fatigue, wherein said reduced fatigue is measured by enhanced performance of the task.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the sensed signals further include one or more of blood vessel flow, vasomotor reactivity, skin electrical conductivity, heart rate or heart rate variations, breathing rate, and cellular edema. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the effector response comprises biofeedback to enhance mental alertness. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the biofeedback in in the form of electrical energy to stimulate said individual. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the effector response comprises audio stimulation. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the method includes an enciphered network that can be trained through machine learning. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the effector response comprises energy emanating from a device external to the body.