Contoured PCB Brain-Computer Interface With Closed-Loop Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) require multiple wired connections, are location-dependent, time-intensive to set up, and suffer from delays in feedback, often needing external devices and separate systems, with flat printed circuit boards that fail to function well in field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A contoured printed circuit board in a headset that integrates sensors, processing, and biofeedback, allowing on-board processing of bio-signals for wireless, portable operation, including EEG and EMG, with haptic, audio, and visual outputs, forming a closed-loop system for neural pathway reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat printed circuit board is used in BCI, then manufacturing is simple, but the device fails to function well in field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is contoured to conform to the curvature of the human head, transforming the flat board into a curved surface that matches the anatomical shape. This curvature improves field functionality by ensuring proper contact and positioning on the head, while the board remains manufacturable through standard contouring processes
2Device complexity
If multiple wired connections are used in BCI, then processing and display functions are separated, but the system has multiple points of failure and requires location-dependent setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors, processing modules, and biofeedback devices onto a single contoured printed circuit board that conforms to the head. This merging eliminates multiple wired connections and external devices, reducing failure points while maintaining all necessary functions in a unified, portable system
3Measurement precision
If external devices are used for BCI processing, then specialized processing is possible, but setup is time-intensive and requires multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The contoured printed circuit board performs processing, analysis, and mapping of bio-signals autonomously on the user's head. The integrated system eliminates the need for external processing devices and time-intensive setup procedures, as the board is self-sufficient in processing brain signals and generating feedback
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used for BCI feedback, then specialized feedback modalities are available, but feedback latency increases and requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple feedback modalities including haptic actuators, audio speakers, and visual displays are integrated directly onto the contoured printed circuit board. This merging enables immediate local feedback without transmission delays or human intervention, while maintaining versatility across multiple sensory channels
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method of a brain computer interface in a headset including an augmented reality display, one or more sensors, a processing module, at least one biofeedback device, and a battery. The interface may include a printed circuit board that has the sensors to read bio-signals, provides biofeedback, and performs the processing, analyzing, and mapping of bio-signals into output. The output provides feedback via stimulation of multiple sensory brain systems of a user, including audio and visual on the augmented reality display, or audio and haptic in terms of vibration patterns that a human user may feel. All together this forms a closed-loop system, by detecting the bio-signal, then providing sensory-feedback, which in turn enhances the bio-signal.