Neural Stimulation Virtual Interface Eliminates Physical Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual user interface systems require display devices like computer screens or head-worn VR/AR goggles, which are expensive and inconvenient for prolonged use, limiting the user's ability to observe their environment and may be socially unacceptable.
Innovation Solution
A system that stimulates neurons in the visual cortex to present a perceived virtual image and senses signals from the motor and pre-motor cortex to interact with this image, eliminating the need for physical displays by using electrode sets or light emitting devices for stimulation and light sensitive devices for sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional display devices (computer screens or head-worn VR/AR goggles) are used to present virtual user interfaces, then the user can interact with virtual interfaces, but the system becomes expensive and inconvenient for prolonged use, and the user's ability to observe their environment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display function from external physical devices and relocates it directly to the user's visual cortex through neural stimulation. By removing the intermediate display device (screen or goggles), the system eliminates the need for expensive hardware while enabling natural observation of the real environment simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that translates visual information into neural stimulation patterns delivered to the visual cortex. This intermediary approach allows virtual interface presentation without requiring traditional display hardware, resolving the contradiction between interaction capability and hardware complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional display devices are used, then virtual interfaces can be presented, but the cost of hardware increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a functional copy of the visual display experience by directly stimulating the visual cortex to generate phosphene patterns that represent the virtual interface. This neural copy eliminates the need for expensive physical display hardware while maintaining full interface presentation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical display system (screens, lenses, goggles) with a neurostimulation system that delivers electrical patterns to the visual cortex. This substitution eliminates expensive hardware while preserving the ability to present virtual interfaces
3Productivity
If head-worn VR/AR goggles are used for prolonged use, then virtual interfaces can be interacted with, but user comfort decreases and social acceptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical goggle hardware entirely and delivers neural stimulation through implanted or non-invasive electrodes directly to the visual cortex. This extraction eliminates the comfort and social acceptance issues associated with head-worn devices while maintaining full interaction efficiency
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 interaction with virtual interfaces without physical displays, enhancing user interaction speed and eliminating the need for expensive hardware, allowing for more intuitive and efficient control of devices and tasks.
Implementation Method 1
one or more stimulating devices for stimulating neurons in one or more regions of the visual cortex of the user to present to the user a perceived virtual image responsive to the stimulating
Implementation Method 2
the one or more stimulating devices are one or more stimulating electrode set(s) or one or more light emitting devices
Implementation Method 3
one or more sensing devices for sensing signals associated with neuronal activity in one or more regions of the motor and/or pre-motor cortex of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a power source, one or more stimulating devices for stimulating the visual cortex of a user to present a perceived virtual image responsive to the stimulating, one or more sensing devices for sensing electrical signals in the motor and/or pre-motor cortex of the user and a processor/controller connected to the stimulating and sensing devices and programmed to sense signals from the motor and/or pre-motor cortex of the user. The sensed signals result from the user performing a movement and/or intending to perform a movement and/or imagining the performing of a movement and are used to interact with the presented virtual image. The processor/controller processes the sensed signals to obtain computed data indicative of a user's interaction with the virtual image, and performs a general computing task responsive to the computed data.