An Inter-Disciplinary Resource Website to Effects on Human Electrodynamic Physiology
www.uncg.edu/~t_hunter/sound.html |
Site Map |
Patent No. 5213562 Method of inducing mental, emotional and physical states of consciousness, including specific mental activity, in human beings (Monroe, May 25, 1993)
Abstract
A method having applicability in replication of desired consciousness states; in the training of an individual to replicate such a state of consciousness without further audio stimulation; and in the transferring of such states from one human being to another through the imposition of one individual's EEG, superimposed on desired stereo signals, on another individual, by inducement of a binaural beat phenomenon.
Notes:
Method
of inducing mental, emotional and physical states of consciousness including
specific mental activity in human beings. Filed April 1990, granted May 1993.
Basically a brain programmer using audible sound entrainment and someone else's
EEG patterns subliminally with/in the audible sound. Like most of the other
patents, it doesn't go into the 'other' frequencies, as if the ones it uses
weren't bad enough anyway. Does go into previous research a little. Gives credit
to H.W. Dove for discovering binaural beat phenomena in 1839, basically means
he named it as it was already occurring. Also states that what is described
in the patent worked better on naïve subjects, which translates into non-consensual
human experimentation.
BACKGROUND
OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of inducing various states of consciousness
in human beings. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of inducing
such states of consciousness through generation of stereo audio signals having
specific wave shapes which act as a carrier of a binaural beat. The resultant
binaural beat acts to entrain brain waves into unique waveforms characteristic
of identified states of consciousness. The invention is applicable in areas
of learning and behavior replication as well as in the area of sleep inducement,
and thus represents a significant departure from and improvement over known
audio-based sleep inducement techniques, some of which will be discussed below.
The binaural beat phenomenon was discovered in 1839 by H. W. Dove, a German
experimenter. Generally, this phenomenon works as follows. When an individual
receives signals of two different frequencies, one signal to each ear, the individual's
brain detects a phase difference or differences between these signals. When
these signals are naturally occurring, the detected phased difference provides
directional information to the higher centers of the brain. However, if these
signals are provided through speakers or stereo earphones, the phase difference
is detected as an anomaly. The resulting imposition of a consistent phase difference
between the incoming signals causes the binaural beat in an amplitude modulated
standing wave, within each superior olivary nucleus (sound processing center)
of the brain. It is not possible to generate a binaural beat through an electronically
mixed signal; rather, the action of both ears is required for detection of this
beat.
FIGS. 1A and 1B show two superposed waves of different frequencies. FIG. 1C
shows the resulting wave, which has a clear beat phenomenon. Assuming the two
waves have equal amplitude but different respective frequencies f.sub.1, f.sub.2,
the combination of the two waves may be represented mathematically as follows:
##EQU1##
The beat phenomenon arises from the variation in amplitude of a resulting carrier
frequency. Pulses appear every 1/2(f.sub.1 -f.sub.2), with two maxima occurring
each cycle, when cos(2.pi.)1/2[f.sub.1 -f.sub.2 ]=.+-.1. That is, the beat frequency
is simply f.sub.1 -f.sub.2, a result which agrees with experience.
Known consciousness state inducing techniques have not used this binaural beat
phenomenon, but have relied on other techniques, as follows. For example the
use of audio generators to induce a state of consciousness known as sleep is
well known in the prior art, as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 2,711,165 and 3,384,074.
In one type of technique exemplified in these patents, generated audio signals
include pleasing and harmonious study sounds or vibrations, fixed frequency
signals which are buried cyclically with respect to amplitude, and repetitive
sounds such as the falling of rain on the roof and the sighing wind through
the trees.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,304,095 relates to a method of inducing sleep by generation
of an audible or tactual signal which is related to the physiological process
of heartbeat and respiration. In the disclosed method, the pitch and amplitude
of a pleasing audio signal are varied at a rate somewhat slower than either
the rate of heartbeat or the rate of respiration. As a result, heartbeat and
respiration tend to synchronize with the audio signal, thus lowering heartbeat
and respiration rates and inducing sleep.
Of course, there are other naturally-occurring sounds which have been recorded,
and which are not varied, but which instead induce a state of relaxation which
leads to sleep for a similar reason. For example, the pounding of waves on a
shore line occurs at a frequency generally lower than that of heartbeat or respiration,
and induces a state of relaxation.
The use of an electroencephalogram (EEG) as a research and diagnostic tool has
led to findings that particular brain wave patterns are indicative of different
states of consciousness. In 1934, researchers discovered that brain waves, and
their associated states of consciousness, could be altered with repetitive visual
stimulation at a known frequency, an effect known as entrainment. Scientific
interest in entrainment continued throughout the 1960's. In the 1970's, numerous
independent studies repeatedly confirmed that rhythmic flashing lights rapidly
entrained brain waves.
A sonic equivalent of photic entrainment also is known, as disclosed for example
in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,884,218, the inventor of which is the inventor
of the present application. This patent discloses a method of inducing sleep
in a human being by generating an audio signal which is made up of a familiar
pleasing repetitive sound modulated by frequencies usually associated with an
EEG sleep pattern. There are different EEG patterns related to various levels
or depths of sleep, and it has been found that by modulating the repetitive
sound with these different sleep patterns, it is possible to induce various
levels of sleep. The inventor has coined the term frequency following response,
or FFR, to describe this phenomenon.
Other known techniques for inducing various states of consciousness, or for
performing brainwave analysis and related functions, are shown, for example,
in the following U.S. patents:
2,466,054
4,034,741
3,160,159
4,141,344
3,576,185
4,227,516
3,712,292
4,335,710
3,753,433
4,573,449
3,826,243
4,834,701
3,837,331
______________________________________
The binaural beat phenomenon described above also can create a frequency entrainment
effect. If a binaural beat is within the range of brain wave frequencies, generally
less than 30 cycles per second, the binaural beat will become an entrainment
environment. This effect has been used to study states of consciousness, to
improve therapeutic intervention techniques, and to enhance educational environments.
However, the modulation of the binaural beat signals with brain waves associated
with particular activities has not been attempted previously.
SUMMARY
OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is one object of the invention to provide a method
of inducing states of consciousness by generating stereo audio signals having
specific wave shapes. These signals act as a carrier of a binaural beat. The
resulting beat acts to entrain brain waves into unique waveforms characteristic
of identified states of consciousness.
The method of the invention extends beyond the confines of the frequency entraining
concept, and incorporates waveform entrainment by altering the wave shape of
the binaural beat. Conventional binaural beat frequency entrainment previously
has been limited to conventional wave shapes, i.e., square triangular sinusoidal,
or in some cases, the various musical instruments. For example, it is known
that radiant energy, such as sound in this case, may be defined by its frequency,
amplitude, and wave shape. A musical note is a particularly suitable example
of this. Generally, the musical note A above middle C in the twelve tone diatonic
scale is assigned a frequency of 440 cycles per second. The amplitude of that
note is expressed as the loudness of the signal. However, the wave shape of
that note is related strongly to the instrument used. An A played on a trumpet
is quite different from an A played on a violin.
The similarity results from the distinct shapes of the waveforms of each instrument.
Similarly, human brain waves also have unique wave shapes, wave contours which
are neither sinusoidal, nor square, nor triangular, nor like those of any musical
instrument.
In accordance with the invention, human brain waves, in the form of EEGs, are
superimposed upon specific stereo audio signals, known as carrier frequencies
which are within the range of human hearing. Thus the invention relates not
only to techniques of generating the binaural beat, but also to specific waveforms
of the binaural beat in frequency, waveshape, and amplitude, and most particularly
to the source of the data used to produce such waveforms.
BRIEF
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A-1C show two waves at different frequencies, and the resulting binaural
beat, respectively;
FIGS. 2A-2D show an input wave, two stereo carrier waves as determined by Fourier
analysis, and the resultant binaural beat wave, which matches the contour of
the input wave;
FIGS. 3A-3B, 3C-3D, 3E-3F, and 3G-3H are pairs of graphs showing a normal waking
EEG and FFR responses in different signal ranges, respectively; and
FIGS. 4A-4F show topographic brain maps of the neocortex of a subject in a normal
waking state, and after listening to a binaural beat sound pattern.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT
As will be discussed below, different regions of the brain produce distinct
electrical waveforms during various physical, mental, and emotional states of
consciousness. In the method of the invention, binaural beat audio wave shapes
are made to match such particular brain waves as they occur during any mental
physical, and emotional human condition of consciousness. Thus, it is possible
to convert waveforms from specific brain regions, as well as complete brain
surface electrical topography.
In the audio application of the invention, using sampled EEG waveforms from
a subject in specific states of consciousness and activity, mental and/or physical,
these waveforms are impressed upon multiple sets of sound carrier waves within
the human spectrum of hearing. Thus, the waveforms translate into wave amplitude
modulations of the carrier to effect what is called a frequency following response,
or FFR, as mentioned above.
Some description of the empirical procedure used in the course of developing
the invention will be useful. as background. In the 1970s, testing was done
on various subjects for effective EEG frequencies using audio signals as a human
stimulus. Such frequencies were replicated as amplitude modulation of single-channel
audio signals within human hearing ranges, for use in sleep-inducing, attention-focusing,
etc.
Where particular subjects responded especially well, those signals were converted
to binaural beat patterns. The binaural beat signals were derived by first selecting
frequencies of the single-channel audio signals based on the well-known "Oersted
Curve", named after the famous 19th century physicist. Using this curve permitted
selection of specific audio frequencies to provide the greatest binaural beat
frequencies at a much lower range. The effectiveness of the tests were doubled
as a result of using binaural beat signals.
In the mid 1980s, EEG waveforms themselves were examined as produced by the
binaural signals employed. FFR and entrainment factors thought to be responsible
for success were verified. One of the results identified as the probable cause
of such effectiveness was the synchronization of the brain hemispheres in such
signal frequency ranges (i.e. the induced signals were present simultaneously
in major portions of both brain hemispheres).
Experimentation expanded to different subjects in similar states of consciousness.
Isolation of EEG patterns in these states of consciousness, and conversion of
these patterns to binaural sound, with subsequent reapplication of the binaural
sounds produced significantly enhanced results. The effect was especially apparent
among naive subjects.
Recently, EEG neuromapping began of subjects with particular talents, where
those subjects could utilize those talents (e.g. playing a piano sonata, or
solving a mathematical equation) at a mental or visualization level. It was
possible to isolate the EEG waveforms related to utilization of those talents,
and to convert those waveforms to binaural sound. Subsequent exposure of the
subject to such patterns enhanced the individual's ability to replicate the
process. Exposing other subjects to the signals produced a learned response
through repetition.
Thus, the inventor believes that the inventive process, while not necessarily
creating a musician or a mathematician, will set up an EEG ambiance in which
learning will be facilitated.
Looking more closely now at the implementation and effects of the invention,
FIGS. 2A-2D show a phenomenon wherein an input brain wave signal from a particular
brain region is superimposed on stereo carrier waves. FIG. 2D shows the resultant
binaural beat wave which matches the contour of the input wave.
The generation and propagation of the binaural beat may be understood from the
following series of equations, based on the following.
Taking the components from FIGS. 1A-1C, and scaling each component to an appropriate
factor (say, .alpha. and .beta.).
These components could be recombined to form a beat in accordance with the original
components. Linearity and orthogonality principles make these manipulations
possible. First, assign the measured wave to be the beat frequency, x.
From the beating waves discussed with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C: ##EQU2##
Now, let us alter the Fourier series f(x) to produce the beat in the shape of
the original wave, f'(x): ##EQU3##
From the foregoing, it can be seen readily that g(.alpha.) and h(.beta.) have
become two waves, each having half the amplitude of the original wave, the combination
of these waves producing a beat which is the input shape f(x).
Thus, using two-channel stereo sound, it is possible to modulate two separate
sets of carrier waves so that the replicated EEG waveforms are created as differential
beat frequencies between the separate sets. Thus, the method permits the direct
application on a frequency base without having to consider the limitation of
the spectrum of human hearing. The brain itself synthesizes the signals which
cause the effect.
One example may be as follows. If a carrier frequency of 100 Hz were employed
in one channel of the audio signal, and a carrier frequency of 104 Hz were employed
in the other channel, a binaural beat of 4 Hz would result. In EEG waveform
synthesis, as many as 100 separate carrier pairs may be used or a single broadbanded
carrier pair may be used to generate a similar number of specific binaural beats
that replicate the EEG waveforms in both frequency and amplitude.
A 4 Hz, or a 5 Hz binaural beat would be too low in frequency to hear. Using
the Oersted curve mentioned above, the most effective harmonic carrier would
be 275 Hz, which is within hearing range. For the multiple waveform situation
just discussed, the differential between carrier waves on a single channel also
is utilized to produce an FFR.
One type of audio pattern found to be particularly useful in implementing the
inventive method is what is known to the inventor as Phased Pink Sound. The
full spectrum of audible sound is known commonly as "white" noise. "Pink" sound
is known to result from an adjustment in amplitude of white sound to compensate
for decline in perception by the human ear at both ends of the audible spectrum.
Phased Pink Sound results from the relative rotational shifting of pink sound
from one stereo audio channel to another with cyclic changes in amplitude, frequency,
and rate of panning. Such changes generally are synchronous with selected waveforms
within the multiple patterns of the binaural beat generating system. Studies
have shown that using Phased Pink Sound at a level at least 10 dB lower than
the binaural beat signals produces as much as a 30% enhancement in FFR within
the EEG waveforms of the listening individual. There is some basis for concluding
that Phased Pink Sound provides an audio base that assists the brain in "synthesizing"
the binaural beat frequencies normally inaudible in the human hearing process.
Basically, Phased Pink Sound is generated by a digital processor, which converts
mathematical sequences, derived from appropriate algorithms, into audible sound.
Such digital processors and their operation are well-known in the art, and so
are not discussed here. Inherent in such a system is a frequency sensor that
synchronizes the phasing with dominant EEG waveforms as those waveforms are
introduced from another source.
Examples of suitable algorithms for implementing Phased Pink Sound are as follows:
##SPC1##
Looking at some results of the inventive method, FIG. 3A shows the EEG of a
subject in a normal waking state. FIG. 3B shows an EEG of the individual after
listening to binaural beat sounds produced in accordance with the invention.
The Figure shows an FFR response in the 1.5, 4, and 6 Hz signal range.
Likewise, FIG. 3C shows the EEG of a subject in a normal waking state, and FIG.
3D shows an EEG of the individual after listening to other binaural beat sounds
produced in accordance with the invention. The Figure shows an FFR response
in the 2, 4, and 7 Hz signal range.
FIG. 3E shows the EEG of a subject in a normal waking state, and FIG. 3F shows
an EEG of the individual after listening to still other binaural beat sounds
produced in accordance with the invention. The Figure shows an FFR response
in the 0.5, 3, and 4 Hz signal range.
Finally, FIG. 3G shows the EEG of a subject in a normal waking state, and FIG.
3h shows an EEG of the individual after listening to still other binaural beat
sounds produced in accordance with the invention. The Figure shows FFR response
to 1.5, 2, and 4 Hz signals in amplitude, by frequency.
FIGS. 4A-4C shows a typical contour map of a subject in a normal waking state.
It should be noted that the map shows a lack of continuity. Note also the lack
of significant amplitude patterns ranging between temporal lobes, and the relative
lack of intensity within the frontal area.
In contrast, FIGS. 4D-4F shows a contour map of the same individual after listening
to binaural beat sound in accordance with the invention. Note the synchronization
between hemispheres, and the high amplitude of activity at the frontal portion
of the brain. Note also how the left and right hemisphere brain waves exhibit
significantly higher amplitudes in the frequencies found in the original sound
stimulus.
The application of the binaural beat signals by headphones or other second producing
devices causes the following results:
1. When such audio signals are provided simultaneously with the state of being
itself, those specific states can be enhanced. The additional pattern superposed
upon the original provides a powerful setting to maintain and/or expand the
condition.
2. By recording the audio signals and playing them back, an individual may return
to an original or previously-experienced state of consciousness whenever desired.
3. By listing to recordings of these audio signals, an original pattern or condition
induced in one individual may be replicated in other individuals.
4. An individual can be trained, based on sufficient repetition of application
of these waveforms, to the point that the individual can recall and replicate
these waveforms themselves, without further outside stimulation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
method of the invention has applications in a number of different areas, not
the least of which is the inducement of a state of sleep. Other areas of application
include inducement of wakefulness of varying degrees; focusing of attention;
inducement of mental and physical relaxation; enhancing intellectual performance
in various mental disciplines such as mathematics; enhancement of creativity;
the reexperience of previous activity; the acquisition of new abilities which
others already have; reinforcement and restoration of weak areas in the mind
and body; enhancement and strengthening of mental and/or muscular coordination;
and development of integration of entire brain function. Human beings have EEG
patterns which are unique to the various states of consciousness and mental
and/or physical activity just mentioned, so that the imposition of the appropriate
stereo audio signals on the desired EEG wave produces the binaural beat which
is necessary to induce the state.
While the invention has been described above in detail with reference to a particular
specific embodiment, various modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will be apparent to those of working skill in this technological field.
Thus, the invention should be considered as limited only by the scope of the
appended claims.