Facial Muscle Electrical Stimulation System for Automated Expression Induction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for inducing facial expressions are mechanical and unreliable, lacking a device that can automate the process of eliciting desired expressions and triggering mood-elevating chemical messengers in the brain.

Innovation Solution

An electrical stimulation system using electrodes to deliver targeted electrical stimulations to facial muscles, guided by a dynamic face model created through imaging technologies and sensors, which defines electrode placement and stimulation patterns to induce specific facial expressions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical methods (laughing exercises, facial stretching, objects in mouth) are used to induce smiles, then facial expressions can be induced, but the method is unreliable and not automated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of inducing facial expressionsVSAvoidautomation of facial expression induction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical methods (facial stretching, objects in mouth) with an electrical stimulation system that uses electrodes to deliver controlled electrical signals to facial muscles, thereby reliably inducing facial expressions through automated electrical rather than mechanical means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect the user's current facial expression state and automatically adjusts the electrical stimulation parameters to achieve the desired expression, enabling the system to self-regulate and automate the expression induction process without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If electrical stimulation is applied to facial muscles, then automated induction of facial expressions is achieved, but personalized electrode placement and stimulation patterns are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of facial expression inductionVSAvoidcomplexity of electrode placement and stimulation patterning

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a dynamic face model that maps electrode positions and stimulation parameters to specific facial expressions, allowing automated adjustment of electrical stimulation parameters (voltage, frequency, pulse width) based on the desired expression and individual facial anatomy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to continuously monitor the user's facial expression and provides real-time feedback to adjust the electrical stimulation parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that simplifies operation while maintaining personalized effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The system effectively induces artificial facial expressions, such as smiles, triggering the release of mood-elevating chemical messengers, providing a personalized and automated method for mood elevation.

Implementation Method 1

a series of electrodes to deliver electrical stimulations to the facial muscles involved in the making of the facial expressions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentUS20220080195A1Electrical stimulation system for facial expressions and a method of use thereof

Publication Date: 2022.03.17 PEYMAN NAZMI

AI summary

A novel electrical stimulation system to stimulate facial muscles so that face expressions mimicking the happy face of a person can be induced in a person. The system includes a series of electrodes configured on a cosmetically acceptable medium, such as a mask that can be applied on the face. The position of the electrodes and the stimulation patterns and stimulation parameters can be determined by a pre-trained artificial intelligence algorithm.