Patent Application
20170124900
Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
The subject matter in general relates to behavioral traits in humans, and more particularly but not exclusively, the subject matter is directed to a technical solution to overcome weak behavioral traits.
An individual's behavior towards others, attitudes and characteristics, defines his personality. Each individual's personality is a combination of both positive and negative traits. A person may be driven by his positive traits at times and by negative traits at other times. As a result, to classify a person into a single personality type is difficult, as there are several different behavioral traits a person can have. Behavioral traits may be influenced by genes and/or by the environment where he grew up or may have spent most of his time during the stage of brain development.
Understanding what makes people who they are has been a challenge in the world of psychology. One of the approaches used for determining the personality of a person is by way of taking a psychology based personality test. In such a test, the person answers a set of questions, and based on the answers gets a report detailing the type of personality that person may have.
Negative or weak traits in a person can lead to difficulty in achieving their life goals. Conventionally, people try to overcome their weaknesses when one understands one's weaknesses or weak traits. An individual may approach a counselor or a psychologist with a view that, the counselor or the psychologist may be able to help him address his negative or weak trait. The person may have to undergo several sessions with the counselor. Such sessions may deal with the negative trait via a broad based general (not focused at the root of the weak trait) approach, which may be effective in the short run. For example, if a person is trying to deal with stress, the person may be advised to engage in regular exercise, outdoor games, engage socially and so on, which may prove effective to an extent for the time being.
Currently, there are multiple games and applications being developed that may work in the same way as a counseling process. Even these games deal with the negative trait via a general approach. As an example if a person is not capable of reading at good speed, the person is subjected to games related to reading to improve his speed of reading. Such approach may be effective in the short run and does not address negative traits in a wholesome manner.
In light of the foregoing discussion there is a need for an improved technique to overcome a weak trait of personality.
An embodiment provides a system provided for enabling a user to overcome weak behavioral traits. The system includes an activity module configured to enable the user to engage in at least a first activity in a virtual environment, wherein the first activity affects a first defective wiring of the brain, whose symptom is a weak behavioral trait. The activity module further enables the user to engage in at least a second activity in the virtual environment, wherein the second activity affects a second defective wiring of the brain, whose symptom is the weak behavioral trait, wherein engagement in the second activity is enabled after the user has at least participated in the first activity. The activity module additionally provides automated instructions to the user to engage in at least one activity, wherein the one activity is performed in a real world environment, wherein the activity affects the first defective wiring of the brain. In addition, the activity module provides automated instructions to the user to engage in yet another activity, wherein the yet another activity is performed in the real world environment, wherein the yet another activity affects the second defective wiring of the brain.
Another embodiment provides a method for enabling a user to overcome weak behavioral traits. The method includes enabling the user to engage in at least a first activity in a virtual environment, wherein the first activity affects a first defective wiring of the brain, whose symptom is a weak behavioral trait. The method further includes enabling the user to engage in at least a second activity in the virtual environment, wherein the second activity affects a second defective wiring of the brain, whose symptom is the weak behavioral trait, wherein engagement in the second activity is enabled after the user has at least participated in the first activity. Furthermore the method includes providing automated instructions to the user to engage in at least one activity, wherein the activity is performed in a real world environment, wherein the activity affects the first defective wiring of the brain. Additionally the method includes providing automated instructions to the user to engage in yet another activity, wherein the yet another activity is performed in the real world environment, wherein the yet another activity affects the second defective wiring of the brain.
Yet another embodiment provides a system for enabling a user to overcome weak behavioral traits. The system includes an activity module configured to enable the user to engage in at least a first activity in a virtual environment, wherein the first activity affects a first defective wiring of the brain, whose symptom is a weak behavioral trait. The activity module is further configured to enable the user to engage in at least a second activity in the virtual environment, wherein the second activity affects a second defective wiring of the brain, whose symptom is the weak behavioral trait, wherein engagement in the second activity is enabled after the user has at least participated in the first activity.
Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the Figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as a limiting sense.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated.
Embodiments provide a technical solution to overcome weak behavioral traits. The solution is based on a principle that genetic and environmental factors (may be referred to as “cause”) cause defects in human brain wiring (may be referred to as “defect”), and such defects in human brain wiring express themselves in the form of weak behavioral traits (may be referred to as “symptoms”); hence, to overcome a weak behavioral trait, the defective brain wiring(s) have to be rewired, thereby providing a wholesome and long term solution to weak behavioral traits.
In an embodiment, a system is provided to overcome weak behavioral traits. The system may include an activity module. The activity module may be configured to enable the user to engage in at least one activity in a virtual environment. The activity in the virtual environment facilitates rewiring of a defective brain wiring, wherein the symptom of the defective brain wiring is the weak behavioral trait. The activity module may be further configured to provide automated instructions to gradually expose the user to situations in a real environment. The situations may be generally uncomfortable to the user as a result of the defective brain wiring. Exposure to such situation facilitates rewiring of the defective brain wiring.
The activity in the virtual environment may be a brain game. There may a plurality of levels in the brain game. Each level in the game may have to be successfully completed by the user to unlock a subsequent higher level in the game.
The exposure activity may take place in the real world environment, subsequent to the brain games. There may be a plurality of levels in the exposure activity.
Examples of behavioral traits include, but not limited to, anger, submissiveness, anxiety, pessimism and introversion. Behavioral traits are in fact symptoms or consequences of the way an individual's brain is wired. The way an individual's brain is wired is based on the joint influence of genetic and environmental factors. With regards to each kind of brain wiring, genetic and environmental factors may work together in different proportions.
As a simple example, an individual as a kid may be exposed to environmental factors such as, for an extend period of time, fulfillment of the individual's demand for having fun even though the demands were unreasonable. Said environmental factors (e.g., social interactions and cultures) along with genetic factors that may be present, cause a defective brain wiring responsible for being out of control. The individual after he grows up may exhibit a behavioral trait (symptom) of excessive shopping.
Embodiments provide a solution to rewire the defective brain wiring (addressing the defect) rather than just addressing the behavioral trait (symptom) without addressing the core defect.
It is important to identify the brain wiring that results in development of a trait. A wholesome approach to overcome or eradicate a negative or a weak behavioral trait in a person would be to implement ways to rectify defect in the brain wiring.
Brain wirings may be referred to as connections of neural pathways in the brain. These connections of the brain form beliefs, thought patterns and response patterns to external stimulation. Rewiring may be referred to as a process of creating new brain wiring and stimulating a person's existing brain wirings so that his beliefs, thought patterns and responses to external stimulation change for the better.
Referring to the figures, more particularly to
The processor 102 may be any hardware which returns output by accepting signals, such as electrical signals as input. In one embodiment, processors 102 may include one or more computer processing units (CPUs). The processor(s) 102 may communicate with a number of peripheral devices via the bus system 104. The processor(s) 102 may be implemented as appropriate in hardware, computer-executable instructions, firmware, or combinations thereof Computer-executable instruction or firmware implementations of the processor(s) 102 may include computer-executable or machine-executable instructions written in any suitable programming language to perform the various functions described.
Communications interface 110 may provide an interface to other communication networks and devices. The input devices 112 may include all possible types of devices and mechanisms for inputting information to system 100. The output devices 114 may include all possible types of devices and mechanisms for outputting information from the system 100. The system 100 may include memory that may store data and program instructions that are loadable and executable on the processor(s) 102, as well as data generated during the execution of these programs. The memory may be volatile, such as random access memory 106 and/or a disk drive or non-volatile memory 108.
Referring to the figures, and more particularly to
The activity module 200 may include a behavioral traits database 202, a collection of games 204, an actions database 206, a logging module 208, an assessment module 210 and a user interface module 212.
Referring to
In an embodiment, the information corresponding to the brain wiring (defect) 216a causing the trait 214 enables the activity module 200 to select games, activities or actions to overcome respective trait 214.
Examples of defective brain wiring 216a include, but not limited to, lack of self control.
In an embodiment, displaying the information corresponding to the brain wiring (defect) 216a causing the trait 214 helps the user in understanding the defect(s) responsible for his weak behavioral trait, thereby motivating the user to follow the instructions provided by the activity module 200.
In an embodiment, the activity module 200 displays the information corresponding to the brain rewiring that the activity module 200 is attempting to achieve to overcome the weak behavioral trait 214, thereby enabling the user to understand the actual goal he will be instructed to work towards, which in turn can overcome his weak behavioral trait 214.
In an embodiment, the activity module 200 displays the information corresponding to the causes (genetic or environmental) that resulted in the defective brain wiring (defect) 216a, which in turn resulted in the trait 214, thereby enabling the user to relate to the cause, defect and symptom of the defect, which results in an wholesome experience while working on the weak behavioral trait chosen by the user.
The activity module 200 includes a collection of digital games 204, which are played in a virtual world. Each of the games 204 is used by the activity module 200 based on the brain rewiring, which the game 204 is capable of achieving.
Referring to
The associated information 218 may further include instructions 218c to be followed by the user to play the game 204. The associated information 218 may additionally include one or more rules 218d. Examples of rules include rules for playing each game, rules to proceed to a higher level, scoring method in each level and time assigned to each level to reach the end of the level, among others.
In an embodiment, a higher level of the digital game 204 is unlocked based on predefined criteria.
In an embodiment, the higher level is unlocked upon repeatedly playing a previous level in the digital game 204 for a predefined number of times or duration of time.
The actions database 206 includes information corresponding to a plurality of exposure activities or sets of exposure activities. Exposure activities may include activities that are performed in a real world environment, as opposed to the digital games played in the virtual world (ex: games included in the collection of games 204). Examples of exposure activities include, hut not limited to, counting the number of restaurants that are on the way back from one's office to home, interacting with a neighbor, interacting with a friend's friend, asking them their names, addresses, hobbies and profession, among others.
Referring to
Each game exposure activity 220 may include associated information 222. As an example, an exposure activity 220a may be capable of achieving more than one type of brain rewiring 218a, 218b. Each exposure activity 220 includes data indicating the brain rewiring(s) 218a, 218b it is capable of achieving, so that the activity module 200 can opt to present a choice of one or more exposure activities 220, which has the capability to achieve the brain rewiring, which the activity module 200 is attempting to achieve.
The associated information 222 may further include instructions 222a to be followed by the user to perform the exposure activity 220 or a set of exposure activity 220. The associated information 222 may additionally include one or more rules 222b. Examples of rules include rules to proceed to a higher level, scoring method in each level and time assigned to each level to reach the end of the level, among others.
In an embodiment, the action database 220 further includes plurality of physical actions 224, mind actions 226 and dietary actions 228, one or more of which may be presented to a user who is trying to overcome a weak behavioral trait 214.
Example of physical actions 224 includes one or more physical activities, such as exercises and physical postures, among others. Example of mind actions 226 may include meditation. Example of dietary actions 228 may include adding specific food to one's diet or deleting specific food from the diet. As a further example, drinking black tea may be a dietary action and cutting down on rice consumption may be another dietary action.
In an embodiment, the logging module 208 enables logging of the activities (ex: games, exposure activities and other actions) performed by the user. The logging module 208 may record information corresponding to the activities performed by the user. The information may include one or more of time of performance, date of performance, quantum of performance, success or failure consequent to an attempt to perform, and extent of success in performing the action, among others. The user may provide input that an activity has been performed. Such input may be used to log the activity in the logging module 208. Alternatively, the logging module 208 may be configured to automatically log the performance of an activity upon detection that the activity has been performed.
The assessment module 210 of the activity module 200 is configured to determine the performance of a user in each activity the user performs. The assessment module 210 may determine the user's score for each game and at each level in a game based on the log available in the logging module 208. Further, the assessment module 210 analyzes performance of the user in the exposure activities and determines scores of each level of exposure activity based on the log that is present in the logging module 208. The assessment module 210 may also determine status of the one or more behavioral trait 214 or the brain wiring causing the trait 202, after engaging in the activities, based on performance of activities suggested by the activity module 200.
The user interface module 212 may be configured to receive input from the user and display content to the user. The content displayed, can be, as an example, games, images, instructions, rules, information, haptic feedback and sound, among others.
Now referring more particularly to
Referring to the step (302) of receiving a selection of a behavioral trait 214, the user may be provided an option to select a behavioral trait that he would be like to overcome. The activity module 200 may provide or recommend an option to select at least one weak behavioral trait to work on. The user may select at least one behavioral trait 214 that the user thinks he needs to work on, from a list of behavioral traits that may be displayed to the user via the user interface module 212. Alternatively, the user may input answers in response to a set of questions displayed to the user, which may determine what type of weak behavioral trait 214 the user may have. Upon selection of a behavioral trait 214, the activity module 200 may also display a list 216c of other behavioral traits that can be confused with the instant behavioral trait 214, so that the user can select a more appropriate behavioral trait 214, which he desires to work on. The activity module 200 may further display the information corresponding to the brain wiring (defect) 216a causing the trait behavioral 214. The activity module 200 may additionally display information about impact 216b of the behavioral trait 214 on the user. In addition, the activity module 200 may display information corresponding to the brain rewiring 218a that the activity module 200 is attempting to achieve to overcome the weak behavioral trait 214. Furthermore, the activity module 200 may display the information corresponding to the causes (genetic or environmental) that resulted in the defective brain wiring (defect) 216a.
Referring to the step (304) of enabling the user to play digital game(s) 204a in a virtual world, the activity module 200 may select one or more digital game(s) 204 based on the capability of the digital game(s) 204 to achieve the desired brain rewiring 218a. Referring to
In an embodiment, the activity module 200 is configured to recommend a plurality of games 204, wherein the recommendation indicates each of the games' 204 effectiveness to achieve the desired brain rewiring 218a.
The activity module 200 allows the user to play the selected game 204. The logging module 208 may log the performance of the user. The assessment module 210 may determine the performance scores using the log in the logging module 208. Further, based on the rules 218d, the user is either allowed or denied access to other levels of the game 204.
Referring to step 306, the activity module 200 verifies whether the user can proceed to perform exposure activities 220. Preferably, the activity module 200 recommends exposure activities 220 after the user has performed to a desired extent in the digital game(s) 204. Desired extent of performance can be, as an example, levels completed, score reached and duration over which the game 204 was played.
Referring to step 312, if it is determined that user can proceed, then instructions are provided to the user to enable the user to perform exposure activity/activities 220a. Preferably, the user is allowed to perform or instructed to begin performing exposure activities 220 upon participating in the digital game 204a at least to an extent, which is determined based on the desired rewiring. The exposure activity 220a is instrumental in rewiring 218a a defective brain wiring 216a, whose symptom is exhibition of said weak behavioral trait 214.
The activity module 200 may select one or more exposure activities 220 based on the capability of the exposure activities 220 to achieve the desired brain rewiring 218a. Referring to
In an embodiment, the activity module 200 is configured to recommend a plurality of exposure activities or sets of exposure activities 220, wherein the recommendation indicates each of the exposure activities' or sets of exposure activities' 220 effectiveness to achieve the desired brain rewiring 218a.
The activity module 200 instructs the user to perform the exposure activities 220. The logging module 208 may log the performance of the user. The assessment module 210 may determine the performance scores using the log in the logging module 208. Further, based on the rules 218d, the user is either allowed or denied access to other levels of the exposure activities or sets of exposure activities 220.
In an embodiment, at least two defective wirings 216 result in the user exhibiting a weak behavioral trait 214. Hence, the activity module 200 suggests and enables participation in digital games 204 directed at rewiring 218 the two defective wirings 216. A first set of digital game(s) 204 may be directed at rewiring 218 a first defective brain wiring 216. A second set of digital game(s) 204 may be directed at rewiring 218 a second defective brain wiring. The activity module 200 suggests participation in the second set of digital game(s) 204 only after the user has participated in the first set of digital game(s) 204 at least to a desired extent.
It may be noted that, attempting to rewire the second defective wiring 216 without at least having rewired the first defective wiring 216 to an extent may not result in effective rewiring of the defective wirings 216, and thereby may not result in alleviating the weak behavioral trait 214.
In an embodiment, the activity module 200 provides automated instructions to the user to enable the user to perform at least one exposure activity 220. The exposure activity 220 is directed at rewiring the first defective wiring 216 of the brain. The instructions to engage in the exposure activity 220 directed at rewiring the first defective wiring 216 is provided after the user has engaged in the first set of digital game(s) 204 directed at rewiring 218 the first defective brain wiring 216. Likewise, the activity module 200 provides automated instructions to the user to enable the user to perform at least one exposure activity 220 directed at rewiring the second defective wiring 216 of the brain. The instructions to engage in the exposure activity 220 directed at rewiring the second defective wiring 216 is provided after the user has engaged in the second set of digital game(s) 204 directed at rewiring 218 the second defective brain wiring 216.
Additionally, the activity module 200 may provide instruction to perform mind actions, physical actions and dietary actions.
Each of the physical and dietary actions may have effect on one or more hormones corresponding to one or more traits, among others. While executing the physical action the energy expended in the body is more compared to the energy expended while playing brain game. Similarly, the mind action may involve thinking about the specific trait in a way which may change the structure of the brain by changing the Axons, Receptors and/or the number of Neurons. The dietary action may include consuming specific foods which changes one or more hormone levels.
The exposure, mind, physical and dietary activities are carried out in a real environment. Automated instructions are provided as to when and how the activities may have to be carried out. Further, there may be instructions that one or more of the real world activities may have to be carried out simultaneously with the brain games and one or more of the activities may have to be carried out prior to or after engaging in brain game (digital games) and performing to a desired extent.
In an embodiment, upon selecting a behavioral trait, the activity module 200 provides a scale operable by the user to select a position on the scale. The position may be indicative of the user's perception of the behavioral trait. Improvement in the behavioral trait resulting from the rewiring of the brain achieved by the performance of the activities (virtual games or exposure activities) enabled by the activity module 200 is reflected on the scale. Degradation of the improvement in the behavioral trait resulting from the degradation of the rewiring of the brain due to premature halt in performance of the activities (virtual games or exposure activities) enabled by the activity module 200 is also reflected on the scale.
The games and the exposure activities change the neural connections in the brain. When these activities are carried out repeatedly, new neural connections are formed (brain plasticity) but if one stops carrying out these activities prematurely then slowly the neural connections die.
The processes described above is described as sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.
The example embodiments described herein may be implemented in an operating environment comprising software installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware.
Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention.
