Human Interface Hybrid Input for Accurate Focus Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual brain-computer interfaces struggle to accurately determine which visual stimulus a user is focusing on among multiple stimuli, and conventional input mechanics can be inconvenient or impossible for certain users, limiting interaction with computing devices.
Innovation Solution
A human interface system combining a physical controller with a brain-computer interface, where visual stimuli are modulated to elicit distinct neural responses, allowing the system to determine the user's focus and validate intentions through a hybrid input mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If visual stimuli are presented simultaneously to determine user focus, then interaction speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because current methods cannot distinguish which specific stimulus is under focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by modulating visual stimuli with distinct temporal patterns (e.g., different frequencies or duty cycles) to create distinguishable characteristic profiles. This allows multiple stimuli to be presented simultaneously while their neural responses can be differentiated through temporal analysis, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes temporal parameters of visual stimuli (frequency, duty cycle, timing) to create distinguishable patterns. By varying these parameters across different stimuli, the system can determine which stimulus is the object of focus through correlation analysis of neural responses with the known temporal profiles, thereby achieving both simultaneous presentation and accurate identification.
2Ease of operation
If physical controllers are used for input, then ease of operation is maintained, but accessibility deteriorates for certain users who cannot use conventional input devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a hybrid input system that accepts both traditional physical controller inputs and brain-computer interface inputs. This multi-functional approach allows the system to serve diverse user needs - those who can use physical controllers and those who cannot - thereby improving accessibility while maintaining ease of operation for able-bodied users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism that bridges physical controller input and BCI detection. The system combines inputs from both sources, using the BCI to validate or supplement physical controller signals, thereby creating a unified interface that accommodates different user capabilities while maintaining natural interaction paradigms.
3Measurement precision
If visual stimuli are modulated to enable focus determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for coordinated stimulus presentation and neural response analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex task of focus determination into separate functional modules: stimulus generation with distinct temporal patterns, neural response acquisition, temporal profile correlation analysis, and focus determination. This modular approach manages system complexity while achieving high measurement precision through coordinated operation of specialized components.
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 user interaction by accurately determining focus and validating intentions, providing an intuitive and efficient control mechanism that complements physical input, making tasks more accessible and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Neural responses may be obtained using a variety of known techniques. One convenient method relies upon surface electroencephalography (EEG), which is non-invasive, has fine-grained temporal resolution and is based on well-understood empirical foundations. Surface EEG makes it possible to measure the variations of diffuse electric potentials on the surface of the skull (i.e. the scalp) of a subject in real-time.
Implementation Method 2
Specific techniques monitor different electrical responses, for example steady state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) and P-300 event related potentials.
Data Source
AI summary
A human interface system comprising a physical controller configured to receive input from a user and a brain-computer interface in which visual stimuli are presented such that the intention of the user can be validated. The input data from the physical controller is combined with input data from the brain-computer interface to provide hybrid input which may be used to control one or more external real or computer-generated objects. Method of operating said human interface device.