fNIR Brain Computer Interface for Non-Invasive Neural Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brain-computer interfaces face challenges in training individuals to control brain activity non-invasively, correlating changes in brain activity with computing functions, isolating suitable biomarkers, selecting controllable brain regions, and decoupling motor control functions from computing tasks.
Innovation Solution
Functional near-infrared (fNIR) technology is used to detect and output individual changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin levels and event-related optical signals, enabling users to up-regulate or down-regulate neural activity in specific brain regions for binary, two-dimensional, or continuous control of computing devices, with real-time feedback for training and therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive methods such as electrodes or radioactive tracing elements are used to capture brain signals, then signal quality and measurement precision improve, but patient safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to complex surgery and unacceptable risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical/electrical measurement methods (electrodes, radioactive tracers) with optical measurement methods. Specifically, it uses near-infrared light sources and detectors to measure brain activity through functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), substituting physical intrusion with non-invasive optical sensing that detects hemodynamic changes in the brain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hemodynamic markers (oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations) as intermediary variables between neural activity and measurement. Instead of directly measuring electrical neural signals through invasive electrodes, the system measures changes in blood oxygenation levels that correlate with neural activity, using these hemodynamic markers as safe intermediary indicators
2Ease of operation
If motor control functions are used to control computing tasks, then brain activity detection becomes feasible, but the complexity of correlating brain activity with computing functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the brain into functionally distinct regions and measures hemodynamic markers independently in each region. It specifically separates motor control region measurements from language processing region (Broca's area) measurements, allowing independent analysis and control. This segmentation enables mapping different brain regions to different computing functions without complex cross-region correlations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using language processing region activity to control computing tasks directly, rather than using motor control regions. Instead of translating motor intentions into computer commands, it detects language processing activation and uses that to control computing functions, simplifying the correlation by using the same functional domain (language) for both input and output
3Ease of operation
If binary control options are used for brain computer interfaces, then control simplicity improves, but the versatility of computing device control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from binary control (two options) to multi-dimensional control by utilizing multiple independent brain regions simultaneously. It measures hemodynamic markers in both motor control regions and language processing regions (Broca's area), creating a multi-dimensional control space where each region can independently control different aspects of computing device functionality, thereby expanding control versatility while maintaining relative simplicity
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
fNIR-based brain computer interfaces allow for effective, non-invasive control of computing devices by training users to alter specific brain biomarkers, enhancing learning capabilities and providing personalized therapy and learning systems with precise neural activity regulation.
Implementation Method 1
Near infrared spectroscopy has been used in human brain activation studies as a method for non-invasively assessing oxygenation changes in the brain. A light source emitting at least in part in the near infrared rang of the electromagnetic spectrum is positioned on the scalp of a patient and the photons that enter the tissue are either absorbed or scattered.
Implementation Method 2
the photons that enter the tissue are either absorbed or scattered. Different types of tissue and associated attributes of the tissue may cause changes in the absorption and/or scattering of the photons as they pass through the tissue.
Implementation Method 3
the photons that enter the tissue are either absorbed or scattered. Different types of tissue and associated attributes of the tissue may cause changes in the absorption and/or scattering of the photons as they pass through the tissue.
Implementation Method 4
A percentage of the photons follow a relatively well-described pathway back to the surface of the scalp, where they can be measured with the detector.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are fNIR-based brain computer interfaces. Training of individuals to intentionally control neural activity in specific cortical areas, thereby up-regulating and down-regulating oxygenation levels in specific locations in the brain is also provided herein. Further, continuous and/or binary control over computing environments using fNIR brain computer interfaces. Further still, a scale for brain interface index for oxygenation of a portion of the brain is provided herein.