Virtual Extremity Control via Non-Physical Input for Neural Recovery
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual reality technologies fail to provide effective control over virtual extremities for individuals with disabilities or impairments, particularly those with hemiplegia, paraplegia, or brain injuries, as they require actual physical movements to simulate therapeutic actions, which is not feasible for those unable to move their extremities.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to control anatomically realistic virtual extremities through input devices such as mice, keyboards, or brain signals, enabling simulated movements without requiring corresponding physical actions, and provides feedback based on the user's input to stimulate neural recovery and motor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual reality technologies require actual physical movements to simulate therapeutic actions, then the system can provide immersive virtual therapy experience, but it becomes inapplicable to individuals with hemiplegia, paraplegia, or brain injuries who are unable to perform physical movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical body movements with alternative input methods including mouse operations, keyboard inputs, voice commands, and eye-tracking technology. This substitution allows users with motor impairments to control virtual extremities without requiring actual physical movement of the affected body parts, thereby resolving the contradiction between immersive therapy experience and accessibility for disabled individuals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses input devices like mouse or keyboard to control virtual extremities, then it becomes accessible to individuals with physical impairments, but the control action becomes distinct from the actual therapeutic physical movement pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the control parameters from direct physical movement coordinates to alternative input modalities (mouse clicks, keyboard presses, voice commands). The computing device maps these alternative inputs to therapeutic movement patterns through software algorithms, allowing the same therapeutic outcome to be achieved through different input parameters. This parameter transformation maintains movement accuracy while accommodating various input methods suitable for different disability types.
3Reliability
If the system provides immediate sensory feedback based on virtual extremity movement, then it can stimulate neural recovery processes, but it requires complex feedback devices and computing processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the computing device receives input from various sources (input devices, sensors), processes the information, generates appropriate sensory feedback signals, and transmits them to feedback devices for delivery to the user. This feedback mechanism stimulates neural recovery by providing real-time sensory information about virtual extremity movements, enhancing the therapeutic effect while the computing device manages the complexity of coordinating multiple feedback modalities.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus, method and system for physical, pre-action, extremity and related spinal cord, brain stem and neural therapies. An apparatus according to the present disclosure can include: a computing device configured to convert an input control action into a simulation instruction, wherein the input control action is provided by an input device; at least one simulated extremity operatively connected to the computing device and configured to simulate at least one modeled human anatomical movement based on the simulation instruction, wherein the at least one modeled human anatomical movement is distinct from the input control action; and a feedback device operatively connected to the computing device and configured to transmit a sensory response, wherein the sensory response is based on the modeled human anatomical movement.