Neuroenhancement System for Non-Invasive Brain State Induction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack the ability to precisely and non-invasively capture and replicate neural activity associated with cognitive states, making it difficult to characterize and induce desired mental states in individuals.

Innovation Solution

Integration of non-invasive measurement and neuromodulation techniques to identify and replicate brain activity patterns, allowing for the induction of specific brain states through brain entrainment methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If non-invasive measurement techniques are used to capture brain activity, then the ease of operation and safety are improved, but the measurement precision and ability to capture neural activity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasive measurementVSAvoidbrain activity capture precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement techniques (EEG, fNIRS, fMRI) into an integrated system that leverages the strengths of each modality while compensating for their individual limitations, thereby achieving both non-invasive operation and high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated platform, including electrical activity measurement (EEG), blood oxygenation monitoring (fNIRS), and structural imaging (fMRI), allowing comprehensive brain state characterization without requiring multiple separate invasive procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If brain activity patterns are induced through neuromodulation, then the ability to induce desired mental states is improved, but the device complexity and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to induce mental statesVSAvoidneuromodulation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates real-time feedback loops where brain activity is continuously monitored and used to adjust neuromodulation parameters dynamically, enabling precise induction of desired mental states while maintaining safety through closed-loop control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermediary substances or agents that facilitate neuromodulation effects while reducing direct intervention complexity and safety risks, allowing indirect but effective manipulation of brain states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple measurement techniques are integrated to improve characterization accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrain state characterization accuracyVSAvoidintegrated measurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated measurement system is divided into modular components, each responsible for a specific measurement modality (EEG module, fNIRS module, fMRI module), allowing independent optimization and maintenance while achieving comprehensive brain state characterization when combined

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 the precise characterization and induction of mental states, offering potential clinical applications in therapies for cognitive disorders and enhancing neuroenhancement.

Implementation Method 1

measuring brainwaves using electroencephalography (EEG) and other modalities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroencephalography (EEG):

Implementation Method 2

measuring brainwaves using electroencephalography (EEG) and other modalities, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI):

Implementation Method 3

inducing brain activity patterns of the desired type in a subject through, inter alia, brain entrainment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBrain entrainment:

Data Source

PatentUS20230398356A1Method and apparatus for neuroenhancement to facilitate learning and performance

Publication Date: 2023.12.14 NEUROENHANCEMENT LAB LLC

AI summary

A method of facilitating a skill learning process or improving performance of a task, comprising: determining a brainwave pattern reflecting neuronal activity of a skilled subject while engaged in a respective skill or task; processing the determined brainwave pattern with at least one automated processor; and subjecting a subject training in the respective skill or task to brain entrainment by a stimulus selected from the group consisting of one or more of a sensory excitation, a peripheral excitation, a transcranial excitation, and a deep brain stimulation, dependent on the processed temporal pattern extracted from brainwaves reflecting neuronal activity of the skilled subject.