The world we live in today is increasingly noisier and brighter, which can often be distracting and overwhelming, particularly for people who suffer from sensory sensitivity, such as those with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). PHOEB-X has recently filed for a new patent (US11779275B2) that aims to address this issue through the development of a wearable gadget they've dubbed the "Sensory Assistant."
The challenges posed by heightened senses can greatly affect an individual's quality of life by causing anxiety, distraction, and fatigue. But the Sensory Assistant aims at aiding those moments of heightened sensory overload. It is a wearable gadget, think along the lines of a smartwatch, designed to help people control their sensory environment. Equipped with sensors, the Sensory Assistant can detect if its owner is becoming distracted or anxious and then promptly intervene by altering lighting or ambient noise.
The potential benefits of this patent reach not just for individuals struggling with sensory sensitivity issues, but everyone in their everyday lives. Imagine being in a noisy traffic jam that causes you immense stress. The Sensory Assistant detects your heightened state and dims your car’s interior lights and softens the radio volume to help get you back into a state of calm.
Similarly, in a work scenario, the device could help increase productivity by improving focus and reducing distractions. If it senses you are becoming overwhelmed by the noise in your office, it may suggest you to move into a quieter space or remind you to take a moment for some deep breathing.
The possibilities are endless when our technology becomes aware and adapts to our needs, providing a more personalized and comfortable experience in our day to day actions.
However, while this innovative solution holds a lot of promise, it's also critical to remember that it is still a patent and thus, not a market-ready product yet. Therefore, it might be a while before we see these smart wearables making our lives more sensory-friendly.
P.S. A patent represents a concept in its infancy, and there is no assurance that it will reach fruition or appear in the marketplace soon. This particular invention is an exciting prospect that holds potential to make life more comfortable for many individuals, specifically those who could benefit from a quieter, softer world.