Ear-worn Neural Stimulator Synchronizing Prompts for Learning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for enhancing learning and memory lack effective technologies to deliver targeted neural stimulation and prompts in a coordinated manner, particularly for improving motor skills, cognitive functions, and memory recall, often relying on invasive or inefficient techniques.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a neural stimulator housed in a wearable device, such as an earpiece, that delivers transcutaneous neural stimuli in synchronization with audio or visual prompts to enhance learning and memory, utilizing electrical control circuitry to manage the timing and repetition of stimuli and prompts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive neural stimulation techniques are used to enhance learning and memory, then the effectiveness of neural stimulation is improved, but the invasiveness and complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical/electrical stimulation methods with transcutaneous acoustic stimulation delivered through bone conduction. The acoustic stimulator generates sound waves that travel through the skull bone to stimulate the auditory cortex non-invasively, eliminating the need for surgical implantation while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness for enhancing learning and memory.
2Reliability
If coordinated neural stimulation and prompting are delivered to enhance learning, then the learning effectiveness is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple therapeutic functions into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the acoustic stimulator for neural stimulation and the prompting system for behavioral guidance, synchronized through shared control circuitry. This merging eliminates the need for separate coordinated systems while maintaining the therapeutic benefits of combined neural stimulation and prompting.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single system: delivering acoustic neural stimulation, providing auditory or visual prompts, and coordinating these interventions based on detected user state. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate specialized devices for each function.
3Ease of operation
If transcutaneous neural stimulation is delivered through the ear, then the non-invasiveness is improved, but the precision of neural target delivery may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the skull bone as an intermediary medium to transmit acoustic energy from the external acoustic stimulator to the auditory cortex. The bone conduction pathway serves as a natural transmission medium that preserves the non-invasive nature of the procedure while enabling precise targeting of deep brain structures through controlled acoustic wave propagation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system effectively enhances learning and memory by providing synchronized neural stimulation and prompts, improving motor skills and cognitive functions, and aiding in memory recall through targeted and non-invasive means.
Implementation Method 1
a neural stimulator located in or on the housing and configured to deliver a transcutaneous neural stimulus to a peripheral neural structure located at least in part in or on the ear of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and related methods for enhancing learning of an activity by a subject are described. A prompt for causing the subject to perform the activity is delivered repeatedly, in combination with a neural stimulus, with timing of delivery of prompts and neural stimuli controlled by electrical control circuitry. Neural stimuli are delivered with a transcutaneous neural stimulator located fitted in or on at least a portion of an ear of the subject. The system is implemented in connection with a personal computing device such as a smart phone or tablet computer.