Gamified Neurostimulation Training for Self-Control Impairment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treatments for substance use disorders and neurotrauma, such as opioid addiction and traumatic brain injury, lack effective tools for continuous self-control training and monitoring, leading to high relapse rates and unaddressed impulsivity, with limited real-world accessibility and efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A combination of gamified self-control training exercises and neurostimulation, using a neurostimulation device with a graphical user interface, to provide transcranial stimulation during gameplay, targeting cognitive processes to enhance impulse control and self-control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are used for substance use disorders, then treatment coverage is provided, but real-world accessibility is poor and relapse rates remain high (40-60% by six months)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacyVSAvoidreal-world accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/physical therapy delivery systems with a digital mobile application platform that delivers self-control training exercises. This substitution enables continuous, accessible treatment through smartphones while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness through evidence-based cognitive training protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling users to independently complete self-control training exercises through the mobile application without requiring continuous clinician supervision. Users can access training modules, complete exercises, and track progress autonomously, significantly improving real-world accessibility while maintaining treatment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If intensive treatment programs are implemented for substance use disorders, then initial treatment coverage is achieved, but drop-off rates remain high (37-60% over first year) and long-term relapse rates increase (72-88% by thirty-six months)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment intensityVSAvoidtreatment sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing users to flexibly adjust training intensity and schedule based on their needs and availability. The system adapts to user preferences while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness, enabling sustained engagement without requiring fixed intensive schedules that lead to high drop-off rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuity of useful action by providing ongoing self-control training through the mobile application that users can access indefinitely. This continuous access allows users to maintain treatment engagement long-term, addressing the sustainability issue that plagues intensive programs with high drop-off and relapse rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing therapy strategies are used for impulsivity in TBI, then some treatment coverage is provided, but self-control impairment remains unaddressed or under-treated with no FDA-approved treatment available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment coverageVSAvoidself-control treatment efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing self-control training exercises that address multiple cognitive domains simultaneously, including impulsivity, working memory, and attention. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive treatment coverage for TBI-related self-control impairments without requiring separate specialized interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying training parameters such as task difficulty, response time requirements, and feedback timing to specifically target and improve self-control and impulse regulation. These parameter adjustments enable the system to effectively address self-control impairment while maintaining engagement and measuring progress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances self-control capabilities, providing a just-in-time intervention for substance cravings and improving treatment outcomes by modulating cognitive functions and reducing impulsivity.

Implementation Method 1

neurostimulation (for example, anodal or cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)) is a treatment that may be applied to improve patient-directed recovery from neurotrauma

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250342937A1Neurostimulation with adaptive gamified self-control training exercises

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 NXTECH INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for managing self-control impairment. The method includes placing a neurostimulation device on a head of a user. The method also includes displaying, to the user via a graphical user interface of a mobile computing device, a self-control training boost game. The method further includes activating the neurostimulation device to provide a transcranial stimulation to the user while the user plays the self-control training boost game.