Head-Coupled Optode Assembly for Portable BCI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional brain computer interface (BCI) systems lack portability, reliability, and dynamic range, making them unsuitable for daily use and limiting their ability to rapidly decode brain activity effectively.
Innovation Solution
A wearable BCI system with a light source subsystem, detector subsystem, and optical fibers, featuring grouped pixel units for increased dynamic range and fast readout, allowing for real-time decoding of brain activity and user intentions, enabling unspoken communication through neural signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional BCI systems are used, then electrical signal detection is achieved, but portability and reliability for daily use are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical signal detection methods with optical detection using near-infrared light. This substitution enables the use of wearable optical sensors (fNIRS) that can reliably detect brain activity during daily activities, improving portability and reliability while reducing system complexity compared to traditional clinical BCI systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical signals to optical properties (light absorption and scattering) of brain tissue. This parameter change allows for the development of wearable optical sensors that can function reliably in real-world environments, addressing the reliability and portability issues of traditional systems
2Productivity
If traditional sensors are used, then detection is achieved, but dynamic range and readout speed are insufficient for rapid decoding
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple independent pixel units, each capable of operating at high speeds. This segmentation allows parallel readout of multiple detection channels, increasing overall readout speed while maintaining the dynamic range needed for rapid decoding of brain activity patterns
3Volume of moving object
If miniaturization is implemented, then portable form factor is achieved, but positioning and contact maintenance become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic band mechanism that dynamically adapts to the user's head shape and size. This dynamic positioning system maintains reliable contact between the optical sensors and the scalp throughout daily activities, solving the positioning reliability challenge associated with miniaturized wearable devices
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 enables reliable, portable, and efficient communication by accurately interpreting brain activity for controlling electronic content without manual input, facilitating rapid calibration and effective interaction with virtual or physical objects.
Implementation Method 1
optical fibers coupled to the light source subsystem and/or detector subsystem, and to a body region of a user
Implementation Method 2
detector subsystem...configured to receive light signals from the body region of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A brain computer interface system includes a retainer and cap assembly for transmitting light to a user's head region and transmitting optical signals from the user's head region to a detector subsystem. The retainer is configured to secure the cap assembly to a head region of a user. The cap assembly includes an array of ports that retain an array of ferrules. A first ferrule in the array of ferrules can include a channel that extends at least partially through the body of the ferrule. The channel retains a fiber optic cable such that the fiber optic cable is in communication with a head region of a user during a mode of operation. The cap includes an elastic portion such that in a mode of operation, the cap and array of ferrules are biased towards the head region of a user.