AN INTERACTIVE DEVICE FOR REAL-TIME SUPPORT GROUP ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

The present invention discloses an interactive device for real-time support group engagement, wherein said device (100) includes a communication module (10) for audio, video, and text interactions, an emotion detection system (20) to analyze user inputs, a feedback module (30) for haptic responses, and a secure virtual room feature (40). It integrates a cognitive-behavioral therapy prompt module (50) and a data analytics unit (60) for tracking user progress, ensuring adaptive, empathetic, and secure support.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The field of the invention is mental health technology, focusing on interactive devices designed to facilitate real-time engagement within support groups. It aims to enhance communication, emotional support, and collaborative problem-solving, providing users with a digital tool that fosters connectivity and continuous well-being monitoring.

BACKGROUD OF THE INVENTION:
Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
Support groups have long served as a crucial mechanism for individuals coping with various challenges, whether related to mental health, addiction recovery, chronic illnesses, or personal crises. These groups provide an environment of mutual understanding, shared experiences, and emotional support, enabling participants to better navigate their circumstances. Traditionally, support groups have been in-person gatherings where members meet regularly to discuss their issues. However, geographic constraints, time limitations, and personal commitments often impede consistent participation. Additionally, the emergence of digital communication channels has reshaped the way people interact, opening up new possibilities for maintaining and improving support group dynamics.
Despite technological advancements, existing digital solutions for support groups often lack features that facilitate real-time, dynamic interaction among participants. Current platforms generally rely on chat forums, video calls, or asynchronous messaging, which may not be sufficient for building a sense of connection, especially when dealing with sensitive topics. These limitations can reduce the effectiveness of support group meetings, as participants may feel disconnected, unable to convey their emotions adequately, or struggle with misinterpretations. In mental health support, where empathetic listening and timely responses are critical, the lack of an interactive, real-time platform can hinder the therapeutic process. There is a clear need for a device that transcends these limitations by creating an immersive, immediate, and empathetic digital interaction experience.
The proposed invention aims to address this gap by introducing an interactive device that supports real-time engagement within support groups. This device not only serves as a digital communication tool but also incorporates features designed to enhance the overall experience of users. By providing real-time audio, visual, and sensory feedback, it ensures that participants can express themselves effectively while receiving immediate responses from others. The device uses a combination of speech recognition, facial emotion analysis, and sentiment detection algorithms to foster a more empathetic and personalized experience for each user. It is equipped with sensors that detect voice tone, facial expressions, and heart rate fluctuations to understand the user's emotional state better. This data is then processed and shared, ensuring that the communication is both meaningful and timely.
One of the key features of this interactive device is its ability to create virtual support group rooms, where participants can join sessions based on their specific needs. These rooms are structured to offer privacy, ensuring that discussions remain confidential and secure. Each room is designed to simulate a face-to-face support group environment, allowing participants to engage as if they were physically present. The device includes haptic feedback technology, which can simulate comforting gestures, such as a virtual "pat on the back" or a gentle vibration, to convey empathy and support. This feature is particularly beneficial in managing crises, as it can provide immediate comfort to users who may be experiencing anxiety or distress.
In addition to real-time communication capabilities, the device also offers tools for guided support. It integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based prompts, mindfulness exercises, and stress-relief techniques that users can access during sessions. These tools are tailored to the specific needs of the group, helping users develop coping strategies and engage in self-reflection. The device's user interface is intuitive, with voice-activated commands and visual cues that make it accessible to users with varying levels of digital literacy. Furthermore, it supports multi-language functionality, making it a versatile tool for diverse user groups worldwide.
Another significant advantage of the interactive device is its ability to track users' progress over time. It stores anonymized data, including participation rates, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns, enabling users and support group facilitators to understand their growth journey. By providing this feedback, users can better evaluate their progress, recognize positive changes, and identify areas that need more attention. Facilitators can use these insights to adapt group activities, discussions, and support mechanisms, ensuring that the group remains effective and responsive to users' evolving needs.
The device is designed to be portable and user-friendly, encouraging continuous use. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy for users to carry and access at any time, whether they are at home, work, or on the go. This portability ensures that support is always available, reducing the risk of isolation and helping users maintain a consistent connection with their support group. The device can also be integrated with smartphones, tablets, and computers, offering users the flexibility to switch between devices based on their convenience. The secure cloud-based infrastructure ensures that data is protected, maintaining user privacy while allowing seamless synchronization across multiple devices.
To further enhance user engagement, the device includes gamification elements, such as reward systems and goal-setting features, which motivate users to actively participate in sessions. Users can set personal milestones, track their progress, and earn virtual rewards for consistent participation, fostering a sense of achievement and encouraging ongoing involvement in support groups. These features are designed to make the experience more engaging and less daunting, as they transform what might be perceived as a challenging task into a positive, goal-oriented activity.
Overall, the invention aims to redefine the support group experience by providing a more connected, responsive, and empathetic environment. By leveraging advanced technologies, it offers users an opportunity to access support beyond physical boundaries while maintaining the depth of personal interaction necessary for meaningful engagement. The device not only fills the existing gap in digital support group solutions but also sets a new standard for how technology can enhance emotional well-being, making support accessible, interactive, and effective.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
The prime object of the invention is to provide an interactive device that enables real-time engagement within support groups, ensuring seamless communication and empathy among participants. This device aims to foster a sense of presence and emotional connection, making digital interactions as effective as in-person meetings.
Another object of the invention is to offer a secure and confidential platform where users can join virtual support group sessions tailored to their specific needs. By simulating a physical support group environment, it allows users to feel comfortable and safe in sharing their experiences, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of group interactions.
Yet another object of the invention is to incorporate real-time emotional sensing features that detect voice tone, facial expressions, and heart rate variations to gauge the emotional state of users. This information is processed to offer personalized and empathetic responses, ensuring that participants receive immediate and meaningful feedback during their interactions.
Still another object of the invention is to integrate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based prompts, mindfulness exercises, and stress-relief techniques within the device. These tools guide users in developing coping strategies, encouraging self-reflection, and improving mental well-being during support group sessions.
A further object of the invention is to ensure accessibility by designing a user-friendly interface that accommodates users with varying digital literacy levels. The device supports voice-activated commands and visual cues, making it easy to navigate, while its multi-language functionality broadens its applicability to diverse user groups worldwide.
An additional object of the invention is to provide portability, allowing users to access the device at any time and from any location. Its compact, lightweight design encourages continuous use, minimizing the risk of isolation and promoting consistent engagement with support groups.
Moreover, an object of the invention is to track user progress by collecting anonymized data on participation rates, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns. This feedback enables both users and facilitators to monitor growth, identify areas for improvement, and adapt support mechanisms accordingly.
Lastly, the invention aims to make the support group experience more engaging by integrating gamification elements, such as reward systems and goal-setting features. These components motivate users to actively participate, set personal milestones, and achieve consistent involvement, transforming the support process into a positive and goal-oriented activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The invention is a technologically advanced interactive device that facilitates real-time support group engagement, aiming to enhance communication, empathy, and user connectivity in digital support settings. It transcends conventional digital communication tools by integrating sensory feedback, emotion recognition, and guided support features. The device is designed to create an immersive and secure platform for users to interact effectively in virtual support groups, making it particularly useful for mental health support, addiction recovery, chronic illness management, and other sensitive discussions.
An inventive aspect of the invention is to provide real-time emotional sensing capabilities within the device. It is equipped with sensors that detect users' voice tones, facial expressions, and heart rate variations, enabling the system to understand emotional states and respond empathetically. This feature not only improves communication accuracy but also ensures that participants feel understood and supported during interactions.
Another inventive aspect of the invention is to provide virtual support group rooms that simulate a face-to-face support environment. These rooms offer users privacy, security, and a sense of physical presence, which is critical in sensitive discussions. The inclusion of haptic feedback technology enhances the experience by simulating comforting gestures, like a virtual "pat on the back," providing immediate reassurance in moments of crisis.
Yet another inventive aspect of the invention is to provide built-in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based prompts, mindfulness exercises, and stress-relief techniques. These features are accessible during support group sessions and are tailored to meet the specific needs of participants. By offering guided support tools, the device enables users to develop effective coping mechanisms and promotes mental well-being throughout the interaction process.
Still another inventive aspect of the invention is its portability and seamless integration with other digital devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. The compact, lightweight design ensures that users can carry the device and access support at any time and from any location, ensuring continuous connectivity. The secure cloud-based infrastructure supports seamless data synchronization while maintaining privacy, making it suitable for diverse and remote user groups.
A further inventive aspect of the invention is the integration of a user-friendly interface that supports voice-activated commands, visual cues, and multi-language functionality. This makes the device accessible to users with varying levels of digital literacy, thereby increasing inclusivity and broadening the reach of support services.
An additional inventive aspect of the invention is the implementation of gamification elements, such as reward systems, goal-setting features, and progress tracking. By motivating users to actively participate and set personal milestones, these components transform the support process into a positive, goal-oriented experience, promoting consistent engagement and reducing the stigma often associated with seeking support.
The invention also incorporates an advanced data analytics feature that tracks users' participation rates, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns in an anonymized format. This feedback helps users and facilitators evaluate progress, adapt support mechanisms, and ensure a more personalized approach to group engagement.
Therefore, the invention provides an innovative solution for digital support group engagement by leveraging real-time interaction, emotional sensing, guided therapy tools, and gamification. Its inventive features ensure that users receive a meaningful, empathetic, and continuous support experience, making it an effective tool for mental health improvement and general well-being.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of "An Interactive Device for Real-Time Support Group Engagement," highlighting key aspects of its design and operation. These figures are intended for illustrative purposes to aid in understanding the invention and are not meant to limit its scope.
FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an interactive device for real-time support group engagement, showing its components and functional flow, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The drawings provided will be further described in detail in the following sections. They offer a visual representation of the interactive device's design, user interface, and engagement features, helping to clarify and support the detailed description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
The present invention is described in brief with reference to the accompanying drawings. Now, refer in more detail to the exemplary drawings for the purposes of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the present invention.
As used herein, the term "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers or elements but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers or elements.
As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to "a device" encompasses a single device as well as two or more devices, and the like.
As used herein, the terms "for example", "like", "such as", or "including" are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise specified, these examples are provided only as an aid for understanding the applications illustrated in the present disclosure, and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion.
As used herein, the terms ""may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition and persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
With reference to FIG. 1, in an embodiment of the present invention, the interactive device for real-time support group engagement (100) is designed to enhance communication, empathy, and connectivity among participants in digital support groups. It offers an immersive experience that replicates the dynamics of in-person support group meetings, addressing the limitations of traditional online communication tools. The device incorporates several modules and systems to facilitate seamless engagement, personalized feedback, guided therapy, and user progress tracking.
The communication module (10) is the core component of the device, enabling real-time interactions among users. It supports audio, video, and text-based communication, allowing participants to engage in discussions through their preferred medium. This module ensures clear audio transmission with minimal latency, while the video functionality offers high-definition video calls to simulate face-to-face conversations. The text-based interaction is designed to facilitate quick messaging, providing users with an option to type responses or comments during sessions. To increase accessibility, the communication module (10) is further configured to support multi-language functionality, allowing users from diverse linguistic backgrounds to communicate effectively within the support group environment. The module can automatically detect the language preference of each user and provide translations, ensuring seamless communication and inclusivity.
The emotion detection system (20) plays a vital role in enhancing the emotional connection among users. It is equipped with sensors that capture voice tone, facial expressions, and heart rate to analyze user emotions during interactions. The system uses advanced algorithms to interpret changes in voice pitch, facial muscle movements, and physiological indicators, such as heart rate variability, to identify emotional states accurately. For instance, a user's voice tone might become shaky or high-pitched when expressing distress, prompting the system to identify this as a sign of anxiety. Similarly, facial expressions, such as frowning or smiling, are detected to determine whether the user is experiencing negative or positive emotions. By capturing this data in real-time, the emotion detection system (20) enables the device to respond empathetically to users' feelings, creating a more supportive and engaging experience. This feature ensures that the emotional needs of participants are acknowledged, even in a digital environment.
To complement the emotion detection system (20), the feedback module (30) provides users with haptic feedback that simulates comforting gestures. It is designed to deliver tactile sensations, such as vibrations or soft pulses, based on the detected emotional states of users. For example, if the system identifies signs of distress, the feedback module (30) may generate a soft, pulsing vibration to simulate a reassuring touch, helping to calm the user. This tactile response enhances the sense of empathy and support, making digital interactions feel more personal and emotionally connected. The haptic feedback feature is particularly useful in crisis situations, as it provides immediate reassurance, reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety among users.
The secure virtual room feature (40) is designed to replicate the environment of a physical support group, providing users with a sense of presence and privacy. Each virtual room is configured to ensure confidentiality, incorporating encryption protocols and user authentication measures to protect user data and communication. The secure virtual room feature (40) creates a closed environment where only authorized participants can join, making it a safe space for discussing sensitive issues. The room settings allow users to customize their virtual surroundings, adjusting elements such as background themes, lighting effects, and seating arrangements to simulate a real-world group meeting. This customization enhances user comfort and engagement, making the virtual support group experience more realistic and effective.
The integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) prompt module (50) offers guided exercises, mindfulness tools, and stress-relief techniques during support group sessions. It includes a library of CBT-based prompts that are tailored to users' specific needs, helping them develop coping mechanisms and self-awareness. For instance, the module may suggest a guided breathing exercise when a user appears anxious or stressed. Similarly, it may provide mindfulness tips to promote mental relaxation during discussions. The CBT prompt module (50) is customizable, allowing users to select therapy tools based on their preferences and mental health goals. It also offers structured prompts for facilitators, aiding in the management of group sessions and enhancing overall support.
The data analytics unit (60) is responsible for collecting, processing, and storing anonymized user data. It monitors participation rates, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns, providing insights into users' progress over time. The collected data is analyzed to generate user-specific reports that highlight improvements, areas requiring additional support, and patterns of engagement. For example, the data analytics unit (60) may detect a user's increased participation over a series of sessions, indicating progress in social interaction. Alternatively, it may identify recurring signs of distress, prompting facilitators to offer additional support. This feedback mechanism allows users and facilitators to track progress and make informed decisions about support strategies, ensuring that the support group remains adaptive to users' evolving needs.
Portability is a key feature of the interactive device (100), making it lightweight, compact, and easily integrated with smartphones, tablets, and computers. The device's portability ensures that users can access support at any time and from any location, facilitating continuous engagement. For instance, users can join virtual support group sessions while traveling, working, or staying at home. This portability feature minimizes the risk of isolation, encouraging users to maintain regular interaction with their support group. The device's design includes a rechargeable battery, wireless connectivity, and a durable outer casing, ensuring reliable performance in various settings.
The user interface of the device is designed to be intuitive and accessible, supporting voice-activated commands, visual cues, and easy navigation. It is suitable for users with different levels of digital literacy, making it an inclusive tool for support group engagement. The voice-activated commands allow users to initiate or join sessions, respond to prompts, and access therapy tools without manual input, making it convenient for those with limited mobility or visual impairments. Visual cues, such as color-coded icons and animated prompts, guide users through the device's features, enhancing the user experience and reducing the learning curve.
The device also incorporates gamification elements, such as reward systems, goal-setting features, and progress indicators, to motivate users to actively participate in support group sessions. Users can set personal milestones, such as attending a certain number of sessions or achieving specific emotional regulation goals, and earn virtual rewards for their progress. The reward system includes badges, certificates, and recognition within the support group, fostering a sense of achievement and promoting consistent engagement. These gamification elements transform the support process into a positive, goal-oriented experience, making it more engaging and less daunting for users.
In addition to these features, the interactive device (100) is equipped with a secure cloud-based infrastructure that ensures data protection and seamless synchronization across multiple devices. This infrastructure supports real-time data processing, enabling the device to deliver immediate responses and updates during support group sessions. The cloud-based system also allows users to switch between devices without losing session data, making it convenient for those who prefer to use different devices at different times.
Overall, the interactive device for real-time support group engagement (100) offers a comprehensive solution that combines advanced communication, emotion detection, guided therapy, and user progress tracking in a portable and user-friendly format. By integrating these components, the device addresses the limitations of existing digital support tools and enhances the effectiveness of support groups, making emotional well-being more accessible and engaging for users. The device is particularly suitable for mental health support, addiction recovery, chronic illness management, and other areas where real-time emotional connection and adaptive support are essential. Its design ensures that users receive empathetic, personalized, and continuous support, regardless of physical location or language barriers. The invention thus represents a significant advancement in digital support technology, providing a reliable and effective platform for real-time support group engagement.

Working of the invention: The interactive device for real-time support group engagement (100) operates through an integrated system of modules and components designed to create a seamless, immersive support environment for users. Its working mechanism is centered around enhancing communication, detecting emotional states, providing feedback, and adapting support strategies based on user behavior and progress. The device's functionality ensures real-time engagement and emotional connection among users in virtual support group settings.
When users initiate the device, the communication module (10) becomes active, enabling users to join virtual support group sessions. This module supports real-time audio, video, and text-based interactions, allowing users to engage in discussions through various communication modes. During the session, users can switch between communication options based on their comfort levels, facilitating dynamic interaction. The communication module (10) utilizes advanced data transmission protocols to maintain stable connectivity and minimize latency, ensuring clear communication. The multi-language feature in the communication module further enables users from diverse backgrounds to participate without language barriers, making communication more inclusive and effective.
As the support group session progresses, the emotion detection system (20) continuously monitors user inputs to identify their emotional states. It uses built-in sensors to capture voice tone, facial expressions, and heart rate variations. For instance, if a user's voice tone becomes tense or high-pitched, the system analyzes these changes to detect signs of anxiety. Similarly, facial expressions like frowning or smiling are assessed to understand the user's current emotional state. The system's accuracy is enhanced by advanced algorithms that analyze the captured data in real-time, providing a clear understanding of users' emotions. This feature ensures that users' emotional needs are acknowledged throughout the interaction, making digital communication more empathetic and responsive.
Based on the emotional analysis, the feedback module (30) activates to provide appropriate haptic feedback. If signs of distress are detected, the device delivers a soft vibration to simulate a comforting touch, helping to reassure the user. This haptic response is designed to enhance emotional connection, providing users with a sense of empathy even in a virtual environment. The feedback module (30) adjusts the intensity and duration of the tactile response based on the user's emotional state, ensuring that the feedback is contextually appropriate. By simulating comforting gestures, the feedback mechanism helps reduce anxiety and create a supportive atmosphere, encouraging users to engage more openly during sessions.
The secure virtual room feature (40) plays a critical role in creating a safe and private environment for users. When users join a support session, the device establishes a secure virtual room with encrypted communication channels. This ensures that all interactions remain confidential and accessible only to authorized participants. The secure virtual room (40) also incorporates user authentication measures, verifying the identity of users before granting access. Within the virtual room, users can customize their environment to simulate a physical support group setting, including adjusting visual backgrounds, ambient sounds, and seating arrangements. This customization enhances user comfort, making virtual support sessions more relatable and effective.
The integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) prompt module (50) operates throughout the session, offering guided support based on user needs. It provides tailored CBT prompts, mindfulness exercises, and stress-relief techniques to users during interactions. For example, if the emotion detection system identifies signs of stress, the CBT module might suggest a breathing exercise or a short mindfulness break to help the user relax. The prompts are context-sensitive, adapting to the emotional state of users in real-time. This module also supports group facilitators by providing structured prompts and activities to manage the session effectively, ensuring that the discussion remains productive and supportive.
The data analytics unit (60) continuously collects and processes user data, such as participation rates, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns. This data is anonymized to protect user privacy and is used to generate insights that help users and facilitators understand individual progress. For instance, if a user shows consistent improvement in emotional regulation over several sessions, the device provides feedback indicating this progress. Conversely, if signs of recurring distress are detected, the system prompts facilitators to offer additional support. This adaptive feedback mechanism helps ensure that the support strategy remains effective and tailored to each user's needs, facilitating better outcomes over time.
The device's portability allows users to access it from any location, maintaining a consistent connection with their support group. Whether users are at home, work, or on the move, the device's lightweight and compact design ensures ease of use. It can be seamlessly integrated with smartphones, tablets, and computers, providing users with flexibility in how they access the support group sessions. The device's wireless connectivity ensures stable communication, while its rechargeable battery supports extended use, making it a reliable tool for continuous support.
The user interface of the device is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate. Voice-activated commands enable users to interact with the device without manual input, while visual cues guide users through the different features. The interface's design accommodates users with varying levels of digital literacy, making it accessible to a wide range of participants. This inclusivity is further enhanced by the multi-language feature, which allows users to engage in their preferred language, increasing comfort and participation in support sessions.
Gamification elements integrated into the device motivate users to engage consistently with support group activities. Users can set personal milestones, such as attending a specific number of sessions or completing guided exercises, and earn rewards for achieving these goals. The reward system includes digital badges, certificates, and recognition within the group, fostering a sense of accomplishment and encouraging continued involvement. By transforming support activities into a goal-oriented process, the device makes engagement more positive and less daunting, helping users stay committed to their progress.
Overall, the device for real-time support group engagement (100) functions as an integrated platform that combines communication, emotional analysis, feedback, guided therapy, and progress tracking. Its design ensures a holistic support experience, addressing users' emotional and psychological needs while fostering a sense of community and connection. The device's working mechanism ensures that users receive immediate, empathetic, and personalized support, making it an effective tool for enhancing digital support group engagement and promoting mental well-being.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION:
The prime advantage of the invention is to provide real-time support group engagement, fostering seamless communication and empathetic interaction among users, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of virtual support group sessions.
Another advantage of the invention is its emotion detection system, which accurately identifies users' emotional states, ensuring that participants receive timely, personalized, and empathetic responses during interactions, leading to a more supportive experience.
Yet another advantage of the invention is the haptic feedback module, which simulates comforting gestures based on detected emotions, helping to reduce anxiety and enhance the feeling of empathy in a digital environment.
Still another advantage of the invention is the secure virtual room feature, which ensures user privacy and confidentiality, creating a safe space for sharing sensitive issues while maintaining data protection through encryption and authentication.
A further advantage of the invention is its integrated CBT prompt module, which offers guided exercises and mindfulness tools tailored to users' needs, promoting mental well-being and helping users develop effective coping strategies during sessions.
An additional advantage of the invention is its portability, allowing users to access support from any location, thus ensuring consistent engagement and reducing the risk of isolation or disruption in support continuity.
Moreover, an advantage of the invention is its user-friendly interface, designed with voice-activated commands and visual cues to accommodate users with varying digital literacy levels, making it accessible to a broader range of participants.
The invention also provides a progress tracking system, enabling users and facilitators to monitor improvements and adjust support strategies as needed, making the support process more adaptive and personalized.
Another notable advantage of the invention is the gamification elements, which motivate users through reward systems and goal-setting, transforming support activities into a positive, goal-oriented process that encourages consistent participation.
, Claims:CLAIM(S):
We Claim:
1. An interactive device for real-time support group engagement (100), comprising:
a. a communication module (10) configured to enable real-time audio, video, and text-based interactions among users participating in a support group;
b. an emotion detection system (20) that analyzes user inputs, including voice tone, facial expressions, and heart rate, to identify emotional states during interactions;
c. a feedback module (30) that provides haptic feedback to simulate comforting gestures based on detected emotional states;
d. a secure virtual room feature (40) that simulates a physical support group environment, ensuring privacy and confidentiality for users;
e. an integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) prompt module (50) configured to offer guided exercises, mindfulness tools, and stress-relief techniques during sessions;
f. a data analytics unit (60) configured to collect and store anonymized user data, including participation rates, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns, for progress tracking and support adaptation.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the communication module is further configured to support multi-language functionality, enabling users from diverse linguistic backgrounds to participate in the support group sessions.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the emotion detection system comprises sensors capable of capturing physiological data such as heart rate variability and facial muscle movements to enhance the accuracy of emotion detection.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the feedback module includes haptic feedback technology designed to provide users with tactile sensations, such as vibrations or soft pulses, simulating empathetic responses during critical moments of engagement.
5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a portability feature that allows the device to be lightweight, compact, and seamlessly integrated with smartphones, tablets, and computers, enabling continuous support group engagement from any location.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the secure virtual room feature includes encryption protocols and user authentication measures to ensure data protection and secure communication within the support group environment.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the integrated CBT prompt module offers customizable therapy tools that adapt to the specific needs and preferences of users, providing personalized guidance during support sessions.
8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a user-friendly interface that supports voice-activated commands, visual cues, and intuitive navigation to accommodate users with varying levels of digital literacy.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the data analytics unit includes a progress tracking system that generates user-specific reports, allowing facilitators and users to monitor improvements, identify areas for additional support, and adjust intervention strategies accordingly.
10. The device of claim 1, further comprising gamification elements, including reward systems, goal-setting features, and progress indicators, designed to motivate users to actively participate in support group sessions and achieve personal milestones.

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