Sensitive devices and sensitive applications

Abstract

A method for building a new generation of computer applications termed “Sensitive Applications” is described. These applications have the potential to give the impression of working towards goals, reacting “emotionally” and “understanding” feelings. Sensitive Applications take as their input the rate and direction of change of subjective information (such as emotional tone). Sensitive Applications are capable of self-adjustment in efforts to increase the frequency of “good” behaviors (ie behaviors which seem to increase the possibility of reaching a goal.) They are capable of a wide range of modes of expression; through the use of mathematical and geometrical constructs such as waves and lines, the flow and change of emotional states is represented. The invention makes it possible to define a Behavior and then implement the manifestation of this behavior differently for different devices. The invention can be used in combination with robotics to create “Sensitive Devices”, such as a toy which gives the impression of being very knowledgeable, emotional, interested and alive.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.