NIRS-EEG Brain Interface for Movement Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brain training systems are inadequate for providing effective, measurable, and sustainable cognitive performance and stress resilience training in a commercial setting, as they are either not suitable for non-regulated environments, lack user convenience, or are too costly and require operator expertise.
Innovation Solution
A human brain interface device combining near-infrared spectroscopy for real-time optical signal detection and weak pulsed electromagnetic fields for brain entrainment, integrated into a single unit that is robust, easy to set up, and affordable, allowing for simultaneous measurement and stimulation without movement artifacts, and is designed for use in motion with wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If EEG-based brain monitoring is used, then high temporal resolution and detection of neural oscillations are achieved, but movement artifacts and operator skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical measurement system (EEG) with an optical measurement system (NIRS). This substitution eliminates movement artifacts that plague EEG while maintaining the ability to monitor brain activity in real-time during exercise. The optical system measures cerebral blood flow and oxygenation levels without being susceptible to the electrical interference and skin contact issues that affect EEG electrodes during physical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical signals (EEG) to optical signals (NIRS). This parameter change allows for robust monitoring during movement while maintaining measurement precision. The NIRS system detects changes in blood oxygenation and flow through optical absorption differences, providing a movement-robust alternative to electrical measurements.
2Productivity
If EEG electrodes are positioned on the forehead for cognitive training, then training effectiveness is improved, but movement artifacts and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex EEG electrode positioning with simpler NIRS sensor placement. The optical sensors can be positioned on the forehead or other accessible areas without requiring the precise scalp preparation, conductive gel application, and impedance matching that EEG requires. This reduces setup complexity while maintaining the ability to target cognitive training effectively.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If NIRS is used for brain monitoring, then robustness towards movement artifacts is improved, but simultaneous brain stimulation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the NIRS measurement system with a transcranial electromagnetic stimulation system into a single integrated device. The NIRS sensors and stimulation coils are combined in the same headpiece, allowing simultaneous monitoring and stimulation. The optical measurement and electromagnetic stimulation operate independently without interfering with each other, enabling robust movement artifact rejection while providing active brain stimulation for cognitive training.
4Ease of operation
If commercial brain training systems are made affordable and accessible, then wider population adoption is improved, but measurement precision and training effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback systems that require no operator expertise. The system automatically monitors brain activity via NIRS, processes the data, and provides real-time feedback to the user through audio or visual signals. This self-service capability allows anyone to use the device for cognitive training without requiring trained operators, making the system both accessible and effective for widespread adoption.
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
The device provides sustainable training effects by enhancing cerebral blood flow and neural oscillations, making it suitable for widespread use in fitness and health clubs, with improved reproducibility and effectiveness compared to traditional EEG-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
each compound unit comprises: a first measurement unit, for the detection of real time optical signals, wherein the measurement unit has means for near-infrared spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
an entrainment unit for the generation of weak pulsed electromagnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
A biocybernetics based system for detecting the biofeedback of human central nervous system activity and its optimization includes a non-invasive human brain interface device for the stimulation of the human brain using weak pulsed electromagnetic fields, a multi-sensor detection unit for the real-time measurement of various states of the central and autonomic nervous system, linked to a processing and feedback software supported by a database. Optimization processes are based on bio-cybernetic regulation, controlled by intrinsic feedback loops, generating measurable output for optimizing brain stimulation parameters as well as sensing feedback output to the human subject, in the form of visual, auditory, tactile, and highly immersive content related output including simulations in virtual and augmented reality.