EEG-Mediated Computing Device for Alzheimer’s Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no effective way for Alzheimer's disease sufferers to interact with family and friends at various stages of the disease, leading to a diminished quality of life for both the sufferer and their caregivers.

Innovation Solution

A computing device, the Alzheimer's Cognitive Enabler (ACE), uses EEG waveform signals to recognize and generate responses, integrating with a server computer for continuous learning and improvement, enabling interaction through stored data and artificial intelligence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Alzheimer's disease sufferers attempt to interact with family and friends using conventional communication methods, then the interaction quality deteriorates due to memory loss and cognitive decline, but implementing advanced computational systems increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system (computing device with EEG interface) that mediates between the Alzheimer's patient and family/friends. The device translates the patient's EEG signals into recognizable communication patterns, enabling effective interaction despite cognitive decline. This intermediary handles the complexity of signal processing and pattern recognition, keeping the patient-side interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical communication methods (speech, writing) with a biological signal-based system. Instead of relying on deteriorating cognitive functions for communication, the system uses EEG waveform patterns that remain relatively preserved, substituting the broken mechanical communication pathway with a functional biological signal pathway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the computing device stores and processes large amounts of EEG waveform data for recognition, then the interaction accuracy improves, but the data storage and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEEG signal recognition accuracyVSAvoiddata storage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by collecting and storing EEG waveform data during periods when the patient has good cognitive function. These pre-collected waveform patterns serve as a library for future recognition, enabling accurate identification of communication intent even when cognitive function deteriorates. The preliminary data collection reduces the need for extensive real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates copies of EEG waveform patterns associated with specific communication intents or emotional states. Instead of storing and processing raw continuous EEG data, the system stores representative waveform copies that capture the essential characteristics of different communication states, reducing storage requirements while maintaining recognition accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Speed

If the system uses automatic response output based on EEG pattern recognition, then the interaction speed improves, but the risk of incorrect interpretation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidresponse accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automatic responses are continuously refined based on the patient's subsequent EEG patterns and interaction outcomes. The server computer learns from accumulated data to improve pattern recognition accuracy, reducing incorrect interpretations over time while maintaining fast response speeds. Feedback loops allow the system to adapt to individual patient characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250285736A1Computing device for enhancing communications
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 UTASIA INC
  • US20250285736A1 patent drawing
  • US20250285736A1 patent drawing
  • US20250285736A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computing device for enhancing communications is disclosed. The computing device includes a memory configured to store data, a video camera configured to receive video input data, and a microphone configured to receive audio input data. The computing device also includes a processor that is configured to analyze the received video input data, the received audio input data, and the data stored in the memory. The computing device further includes a visual display device that is configured to output a visual display based on the processor analysis, and a speaker output device that is configured to output an audio signal based on the processor analysis.