Universal BCI Switch Mapping for Task-Irrelevant Neural Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) limit users to controlling pre-defined tasks using either task-relevant or task-irrelevant mental tasks, restricting flexibility and versatility in controlling various applications and devices.

Innovation Solution

The development of systems and methods that enable users to utilize task-irrelevant neural signals as universal switches, allowing control over multiple end-applications, including software and devices, by measuring and transmitting these signals to process them into input commands, which can be compiled and used to configure device control systems for improved performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current BCI systems use pre-defined target tasks set by researchers, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the adaptability and versatility for controlling various applications and devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility in controlling various applications and devicesVSAvoidsystem complexity for configuring universal control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal switch module that can be assigned to control multiple different applications and devices. A single neural signal detection capability is made multi-functional by allowing the switch to be programmed for different target tasks, enabling one BCI system to control various end-applications including software and hardware devices without requiring separate specialized systems for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the universal switch module through programming different target tasks. The BCI system can adapt to different control needs by changing the assignment of neural signals to different applications and devices, providing flexibility without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If BCI users are asked to perform task-relevant mental tasks to control target tasks, then the control precision is high, but the ease of operation and naturalness of control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of controlling devices with natural thoughtsVSAvoidprecision of neural signal detection for control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring users to perform task-relevant mental tasks (thinking about the target task itself), the system uses task-irrelevant thoughts as control inputs. The universal switch module detects neural signals associated with natural, unrelated thoughts and maps them to control commands, inverting the traditional approach where the controlled task must be the focus of the user's attention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a universal switch module as an intermediary between neural signal detection and application control. This mediator translates task-irrelevant neural signals into meaningful control commands for various applications, allowing natural thoughts to be converted into precise control actions without requiring the user to mentally simulate the target task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If BCI systems allow control of pre-defined target tasks only, then the system configuration is simple, but the productivity and efficiency for performing multiple different tasks is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency in controlling multiple applications and devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of universal switch configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The universal switch module provides multi-functional control capability, allowing a single BCI system to operate multiple different applications and devices. By programming the switch with different target tasks, users can efficiently control various end-applications including software and hardware devices without requiring separate specialized systems for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a single universal switch module. Instead of having separate control systems for different applications, the system combines multiple target task capabilities into one programmable switch that can be assigned to control various applications and devices, reducing overall system complexity while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11625014B2Systems and methods for configuring a brain control interface using data from deployed systems

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 SYNCHRON AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

AI summary

Universal switch modules, universal switches, and methods of using the same are disclosed, including methods of preparing an individual to interface with an electronic device or software. For example, a method is disclosed that can include measuring brain-related signals of the individual to obtain a first sensed brain-related signal when the individual generates a task-irrelevant thought. The method can include transmitting the first sensed brain-related signal to a processing unit. The method can include associating the task-irrelevant thought and the first sensed brain-related signal with N input commands. The method can include compiling the task-irrelevant thought, the first sensed brain-related signal, and the N input commands to an electronic database.