Flexible Circuit Board for Brain Computer Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional brain computer interface (BCI) systems are bulky, inefficient, and lack portability, with insufficient dynamic range and readout speed, making them unsuitable for daily use and rapid decoding of brain activity.
Innovation Solution
A wearable BCI system with a flexible printed circuit assembly (FPCA) and optical tomography capabilities, featuring a miniaturized emitter and detector array with increased dynamic range and fast readout, allowing for reliable and discreet brain activity detection and decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional BCI systems use fiber optics to couple light from the scalp to detectors and emitters, then optical signal detection capability is improved, but the system becomes bulky and inhibits user mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) as the substrate to mount detectors and emitters, replacing rigid fiber optic coupling structures. The FPCB allows the system to conform to the curved surface of the scalp while maintaining electrical connections and optical alignment, significantly reducing system bulk while preserving detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the light coupling function from traditional bulky fiber optic assemblies and integrates it directly into the wearable headband structure through the FPCB-mounted detectors and emitters. This separation of the light coupling function from the fiber optic infrastructure enables a compact, integrated design
2Productivity
If traditional sensors are used for detecting brain activity, then system simplicity is maintained, but dynamic range and readout speed are insufficient for rapid decoding applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor functions into an integrated detector array on the FPCB, where multiple detectors can simultaneously read out from different locations on the scalp. This parallel architecture increases readout speed and dynamic range while managing complexity through integrated circuit design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point or linear sensor arrangements to a two-dimensional array of detectors mounted on the flexible circuit board. This spatial distribution across the scalp surface enables simultaneous multi-point measurement, dramatically increasing readout speed and dynamic range for rapid brain activity decoding
3Reliability
If BCI systems are designed for clinical or academic settings, then sensing capability is adequate, but features for repeatable positioning and maintaining contact during user movement are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the circuit board flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to conform to the dynamic shape of the user's head and maintain contact during movement. The FPCB can bend and flex with head motion while maintaining electrical connections, ensuring reliable sensing during daily activities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the FPCB to conform to the curved surface of the scalp, matching the spherical geometry of the head. This curved, flexible design ensures consistent contact and repeatable positioning across different users and during head movement, improving both reliability and ease of operation
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
Enables efficient and portable communication through unspoken means by accurately interpreting brain activity for controlling electronic content, enhancing user interaction without manual input, and facilitating rapid calibration for new users.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor system for a brain computer interface (BCI) that enables detection and decoding of brain activity by optical tomography
Implementation Method 2
the detector package includes at least one detector configured to detect light reflected from the head
Implementation Method 3
Each emitter or detector of the BCI module is encased in a ferrule to direct light towards the head of the user and towards the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible printed circuit board (FPCA) of a brain computer interface (BCI) module is configured to interconnect a plurality of emitter assemblies and a plurality of detector assemblies of the BCI module. The FPCA comprises a connector portion for connecting the FPCA to a controller of the BCI module, a plurality of rigid sections, a plurality of flexible sections. A first subset of rigid sections is configured to mount the plurality of emitter assemblies. A second subset of rigid sections is configured to mount the plurality of detector assemblies. Each flexible section is configured to attach the two or more rigid sections of the plurality of rigid sections to each other. The plurality of flexible sections allows the plurality of emitter assemblies and the plurality of detector assemblies to stretch to conform to a head of a user.