Universal BCI System for Multi-Device Neural Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional brain computer interface (BCI) systems are limited to controlling a single device, requiring multiple systems and technician assistance to switch between devices, and lack flexibility in mapping neural commands to various device functions.

Innovation Solution

A single BCI system that can be implemented on multiple devices, allowing instances to communicate with a neural decoding system to receive and process neural signals, enabling control of multiple devices with a graphical user interface and cursor, and allowing users to easily switch between devices and calibrate the system independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional BCI systems are used to control multiple devices, then device control capability is achieved, but system complexity increases and user independence decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal BCI system where a single neural decoding system can control multiple different devices (desktop PC, tablet, robotic arm) through a common interface and control mechanism. The system provides device-agnostic control capabilities, allowing one BCI system to replace multiple specialized systems while maintaining the ability to adapt to various device types and functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional BCI systems are used to switch between devices, then device switching is possible, but user independence decreases due to technician assistance requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice switching capabilityVSAvoiduser independence
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to independently switch between devices and calibrate the BCI system without requiring technician assistance. The calibration process is automated and can be performed by the user themselves, allowing the system to adapt to individual user needs and maintain optimal performance across different devices autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If traditional BCI systems are implemented on a single device, then control accuracy is maintained, but system versatility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidsystem versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the neural decoding functionality from the device-specific control interface. The neural decoding system processes brain signals independently and generates control commands that can be transmitted to any connected device. This segmentation allows the core decoding accuracy to be maintained while enabling versatile device compatibility through standardized communication protocols and interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11972050B2Brain computer interface (BCI) system that can be implemented on multiple devices
Publication Date: 2024.04.30 BROWN UNIVERSITY
  • US11972050B2 patent drawing
  • US11972050B2 patent drawing
  • US11972050B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Instances of a single brain computer interface (BCI) system can be implemented on multiple devices. An active instance can control the associated device. The instances can each communicate with a neural decoding system that can receive neural signals from a user, process the neural signals, and output a command based on the processed neural signals. A device running the active instance of can be in communication with the neural decoding system to receive a command. The device can include a display, a non-transitory memory storing instructions, and a processor to execute the instructions to: run an instance of a control program; and execute the task based on the command.