PIP: Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the PIP really measure stress ?
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Absolutely - and here's how:
The PIP measures a psycho-physiological phenomenon known as electrodermal activity (EDA) .
EDA corresponds to changes in the electrical properties of the skin due to sweat gland activity.
Since sweat is electrically conductive, the more a person sweats, the more electrically conductive
their skin becomes and vice versa. These changes in conductivity are readily measurable, and
especially so at the fingertips, where there is a particularly high concentration of sweat glands.
But what has this got to do with stress?
Many processes in the body are regulated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). "Autonomic" refers to the fact that these processes are not under our conscious control, but are carried out continuously and automatically "in the background". The ANS can be subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. In situations that cause stress, the sympathetic system primes the body for "fight or flight", one manifestation of which is an increase in sweating. Hence the psychological phenomenon of stress elicits a physiological response (increased sweating), and it is this that the PIP measures. - How is the PIP used for stress management?
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The PIP empowers the user to develop stress management skills using a technique called biofeedback.
One of the most valuable aids in any learning process is feedback on whether you are improving or getting worse.
Biofeedback is a learning process where the user learns to gain conscious control over an aspect of their
psycho-physiological state, by providing continuous information on whether or not they are "doing the right thing".
With repeated practice, the user gradually evolves a personal strategy that produces the desired result.
Of course, any activity that requires repetition is in danger of becoming boring. That's why the PIP puts the fun into relaxation. The feedback mechanism is provided through a game running on a mobile device, or desktop computer, for example. The user's stress level, as measured by the PIP, is used to determine their performance in the game: The more relaxed they get, the better they do. One of the great strengths of video games is that they allow the player to have fun, while performing the same task over and over again. By using games as the context for biofeedback, the user learns to manage their stress, while having fun at the same time. - I really enjoy the game that came with my PIP. Are there any others?
- Yes! The PIP is a content platform, and a full suite of applications is in development. Currently, there are three titles available. For more information, click here.
- What wireless technology does the PIP use?
- The PIP used Bluetooth wireless technology. To date, over 1 billion Bluetooth-enabled products have been shipped. Bluetooth is turning up everywhere, from mobile phones to personal computers to personal media players to games consoles. Consumers have embraced Bluetooth and are comfortable using it. By basing the PIP on Bluetooth, we are offering the consumer a familiar brand, and opening up the possibility of interopability with the widest possible range of platforms.
- What platforms does / will the PIP work with?
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The PIP has the potential to work with a wide variety of Bluetooth capable platforms. The initial product offering
targets mobile phones and PDAs, but is planned for all of the following:
- Mobile phones and PDA's (Java / Windows Mobile / SymbianOS / Blackberry OS)
- Personal Computers (Windows / MacOS)
- Personal Media Players
- Games Consoles
- Set-top Boxes
