Machine Interface for Selective Sensory Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are limited in their ability to electronically simulate a wide range of human sensations beyond visual and auditory outputs, such as temperature, pain, and pressure, as they cannot selectively stimulate specific sensory receptors in the body.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising multiple exterior electrodes and a controller to selectively stimulate sensory receptors by controlling input electrical signals at precise three-dimensional locations within the body, ensuring stimulation of targeted receptors while avoiding adjacent ones, using tailored signal forms and magnitudes, and accounting for subject-dependent factors through impedance measurement and compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional HMI devices are used to create electronic outputs, then visual and auditory outputs can be generated, but the ability to simulate a wide range of human sensations such as temperature, pain, and pressure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the body surface into multiple discrete electrode positions, each capable of independent electrical signal application. This segmentation allows selective stimulation of specific sensory receptors while avoiding adjacent ones, enabling precise control over which sensations are generated where on the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different electrical signal characteristics (amplitude, frequency, pulse width) to different electrode locations based on the specific sensory receptors present at each location. This local quality approach allows the same device to generate diverse sensations (temperature, pain, pressure, itch) by tailoring the electrical parameters to match the properties of specific receptor types at each body location.
2Measurement precision
If electrical signals are applied to stimulate sensory receptors, then selective stimulation of specific receptors is achieved, but adjacent sensational receptors may also be stimulated causing unwanted sensations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the electrode array into individually controllable units spaced at specific intervals, the system can apply electrical signals to only those electrodes whose associated receptors are the intended targets. The spacing and individual control prevent signal spread to adjacent electrodes, thereby avoiding unwanted stimulation of neighboring sensory receptors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system tailors the electrical signal parameters locally at each electrode position according to the specific type and density of sensory receptors at that location. This allows precise matching of stimulation characteristics to the target receptor type while keeping the signal intensity below the threshold for activating adjacent receptor types, thus achieving selective stimulation without harmful side effects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes are used to create complex sensory scenes, then selective stimulation of different sensational receptors is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single multi-electrode device that can generate multiple different sensation types (temperature, pain, pressure, itch, vibration) by varying the electrical signal parameters applied to different electrodes. This universal approach allows one device to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices, creating complex sensory scenes without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts electrical signal parameters (amplitude, frequency, pulse width, waveform shape) in real-time for each electrode based on the desired sensory output. This dynamic control allows the same physical electrode configuration to generate diverse sensory scenes by changing the electrical characteristics, rather than requiring separate hardware for each sensation type.
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 precise and selective stimulation of various sensory receptors, mimicking natural sensory experiences, allowing for the creation of complex sensory scenes that were previously unattainable with traditional HMIs.
Implementation Method 1
means for controlling input electrical signals provided to a sub-set of the multiple exterior electrodes to control a three-dimensional location in a body of a subject where the input electrical signals combine to selectively stimulate at least first sensational receptors of the body
Implementation Method 2
the means for controlling input electrical signals provided to a sub-set of the multiple exterior electrodes comprises impedance measurement circuitry configured to estimate variations in impedance between the multiple exterior electrodes and the three-dimensional location
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising: multiple exterior electrodes; and means for controlling input electrical signals provided to a sub-set of the multiple exterior electrodes to control a three-dimensional location in a body of a subject where the input electrical signals combine to selectively stimulate at least first sensational receptors of the body.