Transcutaneous Electromagnetic Radiation for Neural Tissue Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haptic technologies face challenges in achieving high spatial resolution and reliability due to inertia in mechanical devices and poor spatial resolution in electrical stimulation, making it difficult to create nuanced tactile sensations effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of transcutaneously focused electromagnetic radiation, such as light in the visible or infrared spectrum, to directly or indirectly stimulate neural tissue, allowing for high spatial selectivity and potentially higher resolution than mechanical or electrical methods, using systems that include electromagnetic radiation sources like LEDs or lasers, and control mechanisms to modulate radiation characteristics for specific sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical devices are used for haptic feedback, then tactile sensations can be generated, but spatial resolution is limited due to inertia and mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical haptic devices with electromagnetic radiation (light) to stimulate neural tissue. Instead of using mechanical actuators that suffer from inertia and limited spatial resolution, the system uses optically excited neural tissue to generate tactile sensations, eliminating mechanical constraints entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of stimulation from mechanical force to electromagnetic radiation. By using light at specific wavelengths to directly or indirectly excite neural tissue, the system achieves superior spatial resolution and eliminates the inertia problem inherent in mechanical systems.
2Measurement precision
If electrical stimulation is used for haptic feedback, then tactile sensations can be generated, but spatial resolution remains poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical stimulation with electromagnetic radiation (optical stimulation). By using light to excite neural tissue instead of electrical currents, the system achieves better spatial resolution while reducing harmful effects on tissue, as optical stimulation is more selective and can be precisely targeted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using focused electromagnetic radiation to stimulate specific neural tissue locations with high precision. The optical stimulation can be concentrated at specific points or patterns on the skin, providing localized tactile sensations without affecting surrounding areas, thus improving spatial resolution and reducing tissue damage.
3Reliability
If mechanical parts are used in haptic systems, then tactile feedback can be provided, but system reliability decreases and maintenance becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical parts by using electromagnetic radiation sources (such as LEDs or lasers) to stimulate neural tissue. This substitution removes moving components, bearings, and mechanical actuators that require maintenance, thereby significantly improving system reliability and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs solid-state electromagnetic radiation sources that have no moving parts and require minimal maintenance. These sources can operate for extended periods without service, and the system is designed to be inherently reliable with fewer failure points compared to mechanical haptic devices.
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
This approach enables the induction of precise cutaneous sensations with higher spatial resolution and reliability, reducing the need for mechanical parts and minimizing tissue damage, while providing a more responsive and maintainable system for various applications, including tactile feedback and less-than-lethal weapons.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic radiation suitable for directly or indirectly exciting neural tissue
Implementation Method 2
at least one focusing element controllable for selectively focusing the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation emission system
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides various systems and methods for inducing cutaneous sensations by delivering electromagnetic radiation to directly or indirectly excite neural tissue. An electromagnetic radiation source, such as one or more infrared lasers, may be used to transcutaneously excite neural tissue. The excited neural tissue may be interpreted by the user's nervous system as cutaneous sensations. Accordingly, a system as described herein may be used to induce sensations to allow actual cutaneous sensations to be simulated. A system for inducing a cutaneous sensation via transcutaneously focused electromagnetic radiation may be incorporated in a display to provide cutaneous sensation feedback or used as a separate accessory component associated with a display. Numerous additional applications and variations are provided herein.