Neural Stimulator Interface for Non-BCI Device Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing direct neuronal interfaces can only interact with specific BCI-compatible electronic devices equipped with screens and controllers, limiting their use with non-compatible devices and increasing interaction errors for users with disabilities or hindered hands.

Innovation Solution

A neuronal stimulator interface connected to a communications network that reproduces a visual signal with a given frequency, allowing non-BCI-compatible electronic devices to be controlled through a direct neuronal interface by physically associating the stimulator with a physical button and using a fastening system to maintain this association.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If direct neuronal interfaces are used to control electronic devices, then accessibility for users with disabilities is improved, but interaction errors increase when hands are hindered by clothing or objects

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidinteraction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a physical button as an intermediary object between the user and the electronic device. The button serves as a tangible target that can be visually located and associated with specific commands, reducing interaction errors when hands are hindered. The button acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between neuronal interface control and device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the control system into distinct components: the neuronal interface, the physical button, and the electronic device. This segmentation allows each component to have a specialized function - the neuronal interface captures brain signals, the button provides a visual and tactile reference point, and the device executes commands. This modular approach improves both accessibility and interaction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If BCI-compatible electronic devices are equipped with screens and controllers for neuronal interface interaction, then direct neuronal control is enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneuronal interface compatibilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the neuronal interface functionality from the electronic device itself and places it in a separate, dedicated interface unit. This allows the electronic device to remain simple while still supporting neuronal control through the external interface. The complex neuronal processing is separated from the basic device operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal physical button interface that can be associated with multiple different electronic devices and commands. The button serves multiple functions - it can be paired with different devices, support various command types, and work with different neuronal interface configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for device-specific customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If physical buttons are used for controlling electronic devices, then interaction with non-BCI-compatible devices is enabled, but users with disabilities or hindered hands cannot operate them correctly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidbutton operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical button-pressing operation with a neuronal control mechanism. Instead of requiring physical hand movement to press buttons, the system captures neuronal signals and translates them into button commands. This substitution eliminates the need for manual dexterity while maintaining the simplicity of button-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a pairing process where physical buttons are pre-associated with specific commands and visual indicators before use. This preliminary configuration allows the system to present the appropriate button visual cues to the user before neuronal control is activated, ensuring that the user knows which button corresponds to which command even though they will not physically touch the buttons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250025093A1Connected neural stimulator interface, connected-object manager, connected electronic device, method for starting up a connected neural stimulator interface, and method for controlling an electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 ORANGE SA

AI summary

A neural stimulator interface connected to a communication network, a connected-object manager, a direct neural interface, an electronic device connected to the communication network, a method for initializing a connected neural stimulator interface, a method for controlling a connected electronic device, and in particular, an interaction with an electronic device via a direct neural interface. A neural stimulator interface connected to a communication network is capable of reproducing a visual signal with a given frequency. The given frequency is associated with a given command of an electronic device connected to the communication network upon initializing the neural stimulator interface. The connected neural stimulator interface is separate from the electronic device. Thus, an electronic device that does not have a display can be granted a so-called BCI function, i.e. a neural interface, by using the connected neural stimulator interface.