Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing relaxing activities and solving psychological problems.

As it is known, a lot of techniques for relaxing and for solving psychological problems are currently widespread. Each one of them has its own characteristics, is based on determinate principles and is carried out in its own specific way.

A method known in the art is generally identified as Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), which analyzes the process at the basis of human behaviour (as a mass, as a group, or as a single individual).

NLP was created in the US in the 70s by a linguist and a mathematician, and its purpose is to help individuals modify the state of their undesired emotions. The assumption at the basis of NLP is that there are automatic behaviour procedures based on a sequence of sensory accesses (visual, auditory or based on proprioceptive sensations), and that such procedures can be modelled in order to help people give up their limitations and undesired behaviour (phobias, negative emotions, depressions, etc.).

The technique is based on the ability to dissociate the person from an undesired situation and to "teach again" to his/her own brain a new procedure to face and solve such problem. In NLP there are some techniques that use structures that are beneath the sensory perceptions.

For example, the memory of a specific event referred to a single individual may be formed by a substantially static image or by a sort of filmed sequence. The image that the individual can see in his/her mind may be big or small. The image or the filmed sequence may be visualized, in his/her mind, in colour or in black and white. The definition of all these factors identifies a part of the structure of the syntax used by the individual to mentally represent the event.

Such structures are technically defined as "submodalities" and may be elaborated in order to obtain a rapid and effective change of the results and consequently of the state of mind deriving from them. From a certain point of view, the elaboration can be considered as similar to the modification of the grammatical structure of a sentence: modifying the tense of a verb (from the "past tense" to the "future tense") or adding a negation ("not") at the right point may be enough to obtain a radical change of the general meaning of the sentence in question.

The elaboration, in NLP, does not change the content of the thought, but it changes the type of emotion that is associated to such thought. The main difficulty found so far, above all when one wants to work by himself/herself with NLP technique, is to focus on and to maintain a firm connection between the core of what he/she wants to change, namely the problem, and the mental resource used to solve such problem. The resource is in general represented by an event whose nature is different from the source of the problem and wherein the person felt well.

The apparatus that is object of the invention provides a very important contribution to face and solve such problem of holding the representation: as it will be clearer below, the voice is positioned at the right place of the perceptive space, thus becoming a sort of modern "mantra", which guides the used to hold the problem and the resource for such problem in order to carry out the desired change.

By modifying the view of the reality (the so-called "map of the world") the individual may improve his/her action and boost his/her performance.

Thus the invention facilitates the application of the process and, in particular, it allows to any individual to intervene on himself/herself in full autonomy without necessarily need the direct intervention of a specialist.

One of the purposes of the apparatus that is object of the invention is to amplify the effects produced by the thought process of the individual: in practice, the system helps the mind to localize in the space the source of a previously recorded sound of a positive sentence (containing a "positive representation/resource") or of a negative sentence. The orientation in the space of such sounds facilitates the application of therapeutic or relaxing mental techniques, deriving in general from NLP. If needed, the tool allows to add the recorded sound of a lot of voices that represent a positive resource.

In this context, the aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for performing relaxing activities and solving psychological problems that allows to apply an NLP technique in a simple and versatile way.

A further aim of the present invention is to allow a single individual to apply on himself/herself psychotherapeutic and/or relaxing techniques, without a direct guidance from a specialist in the field.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for performing the aforementioned activities which has a not very complex structure and has moderate costs.

These and other aims are substantially reached by an apparatus for performing relaxing activities and solving problems connected to the mind according to what is described in the attached claims.

Further characteristics and advantages will become more clear from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the invention.

Such description is provided in the following with reference to the attached figures, given by way of example and thus not limitative, wherein:

- figure 1 shows a block diagram of the apparatus according to the present invention; - figure 2 schematically shows some parts of a control panel that can be used in the apparatus of figure 1.

With reference to the attached figures, number 1 refers to the apparatus for performing relaxing activities and solving psychological problems as a whole, according to the present invention.

The apparatus 1 comprises first of all a receiving device 10 for receiving voice signals.

The device 10 may be, for example, a microphone, or another similar device, through which it is possible to detect and to record the voice of a user.

The apparatus 1 further comprises a first memory register 20 associated to the receiving device and configured for storing a first voice signal S .

The first voice signal S1 is representative of a voice of a user in a first situation. In particular, the first voice signal S1 is representative of a voice of the user in a first situation in which said user is in a positive mood.

In practice, the user expresses, by means of his/her own voice, a positive emotion, represented, for example, by the content and/or by the tone of the vocal expression. The receiving device 10 and the first memory register 20 allow to detect and to store what is expressed by the user.

In the preferred embodiment, the first voice signal S1 is a monophonic signal, namely it is detected in monophonic mode.

Preferably the apparatus 1 is provided with a data request module (not shown), appropriately set to ask the user to insert a first voice signal S1 , representative of a positive sensation of the user himself/herself.

In particular the request module may ask the user, by an audio and/or a visual signal, to express, by means of his/her voice, a sentence, a message, an exclamation that may represent and recall a positive sensation for the user himself/herself, such as, for example, success, satisfaction, happiness, etc.

After the emission of the aforementioned audio and/or visual signal, the user may express himself/herself, so that the receiving device 10 may detect what is said, and the first memory register 20 may store it.

The apparatus 1 comprises a processing unit 30 for determining a first main virtual position Plmain of a first virtual acoustic source AS1 for playing a first determinate audio signal. As it will be explained below, an important characteristic of the present invention is represented by the virtual position, with respect to the user perception, from which some audio signals are played.

In practice, the processing unit 30 may be made as a traditional computer, appropriately programmed in order to perform the operations that are described and claimed herein.

In the following, it will be described with more detail how the first main virtual position Plmain is defined.

The apparatus 1 further comprises an acoustic player 40, associated to at least the first memory register 20 and to the processing unit 30 in order to play the first voice signal S1.

Thanks to the cooperation between the acoustic player 40 and the processing unit 30, the first voice signal S1 is played simulating the first virtual acoustic source AS1 playing the same first voice signal S1 , namely as if the first voice signal S1 is played from an actual acoustic source that is physically placed in the first main virtual position P1 main.

Preferably the acoustic player 40 comprises 8-way headphones. Each half-part comprises a plurality of small loudspeakers; by appropriately regulating the sound played by each loudspeaker it is possible to simulate that the sound itself comes from different points in the space.

Thus this technique allows to simulate the aforementioned first virtual acoustic source AS1 , as well as the second virtual acoustic source AS2 which will be described in the following.

The apparatus 1 further comprises a user interface 50, in order to allow the user to interact with the apparatus 1 itself.

For example, the aforementioned data request module may be part of the user interface 50. In practice, the user interface 50 may comprise a set of hardware/software components which allow the user to insert data/commands in the apparatus 1 , and allow the apparatus 1 , in its turn, to provide data/information/feedback to the user. In practice, the user interface 50 may be partly made by the aforementioned computer, coupled with one or more peripherals (monitor, mouse, etc.) which are directly employed by the user.

The user interface 50 is advantageously configured in order to allow the user to define the aforementioned first main virtual position Plmain with the highest possible precision.

In particular, the user interface 50 is configured to perform a series of operations: a) cooperating with the processing unit 30 for sending to the acoustic player 40 a command for playing the first voice signal S1 simulating the first virtual acoustic source AS1 positioned in a first initial virtual position P1 start; in practice, a first initial virtual position P1 start is defined, wherein the first virtual acoustic source AS1 is initially positioned in a virtual way. Thus the user can listen to the first audio signal S1 as if the latter is emitted by an actual acoustic source positioned in the physical position corresponding to the first initial virtual position P1 start;

b) receiving one or more first modifying signals MS1 , for modifying the first initial virtual position P1 start; such signals MS1 may be inserted by the user after listening to the first audio signal S1 , played by the first virtual source AS1 in the first initial virtual position P1 start. The modifying signals MS1 thus allow to obtain one or more first virtual modified positions P1 changed for the first virtual acoustic source AS1. In practice, the user, through the user interface 50, can modify the position from which he/she hears the first voice signal S1 coming; in particular the user will identify, by one or more attempts, the position that gives him/her stronger feelings after the first audio signal S1 is played. Figure 2 schematically shows a possible control panel that can be used by the user to modify the position of the first virtual acoustic source AS1. It can be noted how the user, by means, for example, of a conventional mouse, may define the first main virtual position Plmain in terms of "front/rear", "right left" and "up/down" with respect to his/her listening point;

c) cooperating with the processing unit 30 for sending to the acoustic player 40 a first command C1 to play the first audio signal S1 , simulating the first virtual acoustic source AS1 positioned in the first initial modified virtual positions P1 changed; thus the user can perform, as said, a series of attempts in order to identify the best position of the first virtual acoustic source AS1 ;

d) receiving a first confirmation signal CS1 , in order to select a position between the first initial and modified virtual positions P1 start, P1 changed, thus defining the first main virtual position Pimain. The latter can thus be used for subsequently playing the first determined audio signal through the acoustic player 40.

Once the best position, according to the user, for playing the first determinate audio signal has been determined, the real activity can start. Such activity consists in listening repeatedly to the first determinate audio signal, according to modalities defined by the user himself/herself.

Thus, as explained above, it will be possible to obtain optimal results in terms of relaxing and/or of solving psychological problems.

It can be noted that, in the preferred embodiment, the first determinate audio signal coincides with the first voice signal S1. In other words, after having determined the first main virtual position Pimain, a listening to the first voice signal S1 from said first main virtual position P1 main is performed according to the modalities defined by the user.

In a different embodiment of the invention, the first determinate audio signal can be different from the first voice signal S1 , it may be, for example, a piece of music previously selected and stored by the user.

In the following we will refer to the playing, from the first virtual main position Pimain, of the first voice signal S1 ; it has to be considered, however, that, in the light of what described above, such activity may be performed also with a different audio signal. The modalities defined by the user comprise, above all, the identification of the first main virtual position Pimain.

Preferably the user interface 50 is configured for receiving one or more set-up commands Y1 , for modifying playing tones, volume and/or speed of said first determined voice signal S1. Thus the user may define, according to different points of view, the playing characteristics of the first voice signal S1 , so that the latter may provoke the most intense sensations in the user himself/herself.

Preferably the user interface 50 is also configured to allow the user to insert a plurality of first activation signals X1. Each activation signal X1 start a cooperation between the user interface 50 and the processing unit 30 for sending a command to the acoustic player 40. The first voice signal S1 is thus played simulating the first acoustic source AS1 positioned in the first main virtual position Pimain. In other words, the user can press a key in a keyboard or can exert a pressure on a pad in order to start playing the first voice signal S1.

In this way, depending on the sensations that he/she experiences at each listening, he/she may increase or decrease the frequency with which the first voice signal S1 is played.

In an embodiment, the first voice signal is automatically repeated in a countinuous way; the user, through the user interface 50, can adjust the frequency of such repetition, by increasing or decreasing the latter depending on the emotions provoked in the user himself/herself.

Preferably, the activity performed is based not only on listening to an expression connected to a positive sensation, but also to a message connected to a negative sensation.

As it will be clearer below, the "positive" signal may be advantageously alternated with the "negative" signal, so that the positive sensation recalled by the first signal can reduce or even nullify the negative sensation recalled by the second signal.

More in detail, the apparatus 1 further comprises a second memory register 22 associated with the receiving device 10 and configured for storing a second voice signal S2, representative of a voice of said user in a second situation.

As said, the second voice signal S2 is representative of a voice of the user in a second situation in which said user is in a negative mood (for example sadness, disappointment, fear due to an event or to a phobia, etc.).

Similarly to the first voice signal S1 , the second voice signal S2 may be detected by the first receiving device 10 and stored in the aforementioned memory register 22. In the preferred embodiment, the second voice signal S2 is a monophonic signal, namely it is detected in monophonic mode.

Preferably the second voice signal S2 may be acquired by the aforementioned data request module, which can be appropriately set to ask the user to insert also the second voice signal S2, representative of a negative sensation of the user himself /herself.

In particular the request module may ask the user, by an audio and/or a visual signal, to express, by means of his/her voice, a sentence, a message, an exclamation that may represent and recall a negative sensation for the user himself/herself, such as, for example, failure, discontent, sadness , etc.

After the emission of the aforementioned audio and/or visual signal, the user may express himself/herself, so that the receiving device 0 may detect what is said, and the second memory register 22 may store it.

With reference to the second voice signal S2, operations similar to the ones described above referring to the first voice signal S1 are performed.

The processing unit 30, indeed, is configured for determining a second main virtual position P2main of a second virtual acoustic source AS2 for playing a second determined voice signal.

Furthermore, the acoustic player 40 is operatively associated to the second memory register 22 and to the processing unit 30 for playing said second voice signal S2 simulating said second virtual acoustic source AS2 playing said second voice signal S2.

Advantageously, through the user interface 50, the user can define the second main virtual position P2main, by performing a series of attempts.

The user interface 50 is thus configured for:

a) cooperating with the processing unit 30 for sending to the acoustic player 40 a command for playing the second voice signal S2 simulating the second virtual acoustic source AS2 positioned in a second initial virtual position P2start; thus the user can evaluate the sensations provoked by such listening;

b) receiving from the user one or more second modifying signals MS2 for modifying the second initial virtual position P2start, depending on listening to the second voice signal S2 and on the respective emotions experienced. Thus, by performing different attempts, one or more second modified virtual positions P2changed can be obtained for the second virtual acoustic source AS2;

c) cooperating with the processing unit 30 for sending to the acoustic player 40 a second command C2 for playing the second voice signal S2 simulating the second virtual acoustic source AS2 positioned in the second modified virtual positions P2changed; thus the user can receive an immediate feedback on the modifications brought by the aforementioned second modifying signals MS2;

d) receiving a second confirmation signal CS2 from the user, in order to select the second main virtual position P2main among the second initial and modified virtual positions P2start, P2changed. The second main virtual position P2main is then used for subsequently playing the second determinate audio signal through the acoustic player 40 for performing the activity of relaxing and/or of solving psychological problems. It can be noted that, in the preferred embodiment, the second determinate audio signal coincides with the second voice signal S2. In other words, after having determined the second main virtual position P2main, a listening to the second voice signal S2 from said second main virtual position P2main is performed according to the modalities defined by the user.

In a different embodiment of the invention, the second determinate audio signal can be different from the second voice signal S2, it may be, for example, a piece of music previously selected and stored by the user.

In the following we will refer to the playing, from the second virtual main position P2main, of the second voice signal S2; it has to be considered, however, that, in the light of what described above, such activity may be performed also with a different audio signal.

Advantageously, through the user interface 50, the user can insert one or more second set-up commands Y2, for modifying playing tones, volume and/or speed of playing of the second determined voice signal S2. Also these modifications are performed depending on the sensations perceived by the user after listening to the second voice signal S2.

Preferably the user interface 50 is also configured for receiving a plurality of second activation signals X2, following each of which it cooperates with the processing unit 30 for sending to said acoustic player 40 a command for playing the second determined voice signal S2 simulating the second acoustic virtual source AS2 positioned in the second main virtual position P2main. In other words, the user can press a key in a keyboard or can exert a pressure on a pad in order to start playing the second voice signal S2.

In an embodiment, the playing of the first voice signal S1 automatically alternated with the playing of the second voice signal S2.

To this end, the user interface is 50 conveniently configured for receiving from said user an alternation command Z for regulating the alternated playing of the first voice signal S1 simulating the first acoustic virtual source AS1 positioned in the first main virtual position Plmain and the second voice signal S2 simulating the second acoustic virtual source AS2 positioned in the second main virtual position P2main. Preferably, the alternation command Z may refer to the playing frequency of the first and of the second voice signal S1 , S2.

In addition or as an alternative, the alternation command Z may be simply inserted by the user pressing on a key of a keyboard or on an appropriate pad, in order to start playing the subsequent signal (the first or the second, depending on which was the last signal played, respectively the second or the first one).

More in detail, the processing unit 30 is configured to control the acoustic player 40 after having received the alternation command Z from the user interface 50, in order to:

- switch from the playing of the first voice signal S1 simulating the first virtual acoustic source AS1 positioned in the first main virtual position Pimain, to the playing of the second voice signal S2 simulating the second virtual acoustic source AS2 positioned in the second main virtual position P2main, or

- switch from the playing of the second voice signal S2 simulating the second virtual acoustic source AS2 positioned in the second main virtual position P2main, to the playing of the first voice signal S1 simulating the first virtual acoustic source AS1 positioned in the first main virtual position Pi main.

In an embodiment it is possible to store one or more auxiliary voice signals Saux, in addition to the first voice signal S1 , preferably stored in the aforementioned first memory register 20.

Such auxiliary voice signals Saux are stored similarly to the first voice signal S1 : each auxiliary voice signal corresponds to a respective positive situation of the user. Thus, by the user interface 50, the user may not only alternate the first voice signal S1 with the second voice signal S2 (as described above), but he/she can also listen to one or more auxiliary voice signals Saux, in addition to the first voice signal S1 , before switching to the second voice signal S2.

The listening to the second voice signal S2 may be repeated until the user needs a "positive" support, in this circumstance the user may then start listening again to the first voice signal S1 and to the auxiliary signals Saux.

In an embodiment, the processing unit 30 is configured to perform the following operations:

- determining a frequency profile of the harmonic components having a frequency higher than 5 KHz of the first determined signal, in particular of the first voice signal S1 ;

- processing, depending on said frequency profile, the harmonic components having a frequency higher than 5 KHz of the second determinate signal, in particular of the second voice signal S2, so that such processed signal is played from the second main virtual position P2main.

Preferably, after such processing, the second determinate audio signal, and in particular the second voice signal S2, has, for frequencies higher than 5 KHz, a profile substantially equal to the one of the first determinate signal, in particular of the first voice signal S1.

From a functioning point of view what follows has to be considered.

The apparatus 1 may be used, as said, for performing relaxing activities and solving psychological problems.

Once the first voice signal S1 has been recorded, the first main virtual position P1 main is identified.

If it is appropriate and/or necessary, also the second voice signal S2 is recorded, and also the second main virtual position S2 is defined.

Thus, through the user interface 50, the user may command the playing of the first voice signal S1 , possibly alternating the latter with the second voice signal S2, according to the modalities (volume, frequency, etc.) he/she prefers.

If it is used carefully, and by respecting the specifications for each case, the apparatus 1 may allow to reach remarkable results in terms of improving of the user's conditions, such as, for example, relaxing, overcoming of traumas or of phobias, etc. Important advantages of the invention are the fact that the apparatus 1 has a simple and cost-effective structure.

Moreover the apparatus 1 allows to obtain very good results also when it is used by the user alone, without any supervision of an expert or of a therapist.