Systems and methods for generic control using a neural signal
Inventors
Oxley, Thomas James • Wright, Jason
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12223106-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
Universal switch modules, universal switches, and methods of using the same are disclosed, including haptic confirmation of commands generated by the user, methods of preparing an individual to interface with an electronic device or software.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a universal switch brain-computer interface control architecture in which a neural interface detects neural-related signals corresponding to task-irrelevant thoughts and/or task-specific thoughts. A processor associates detected signals or features with generic input commands that are mapped to multiple end applications, including devices and software, thereby enabling command routing independent of a specific electronic device.
A neural decoder processes neural-related signals obtained via a neural implant and associates the sensed neural signals with input commands independently of the electronic device. The approach includes transmission of sensed neural signals to a processing unit and routing of the associated input commands to selected active end applications after association, such that electronic devices issue output commands previously associated with the input commands to cause the devices to take actions.
The invention further provides haptic confirmation feedback to an implanted component when the processing unit begins to associate a sensed neural signal with an input command, where the implanted component provides a physical sensation comprising vibration. The disclosed examples include optional electrical stimulation of peripheral sensory nerves as part of the confirmation feedback and an implantable stent neural interface for recording and wireless or telemetry-based transmission.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims include two methods that share a common structure: measuring neural-related signals with a neural implant, transmitting the sensed signals to a processing unit to associate them with device-independent input commands, and transmitting the associated commands to cause the electronic device to take action. Each independent claim further requires haptic feedback confirmation using an implanted component that provides a physical sensation including vibration during command association.
Device-independent input command association from neural implant signals
A processing unit associates a first sensed neural signal with a first input command independently of the electronic device.
Command routing to an electronic device based on prior association
After the processing unit associates the first sensed neural signal with the first input command, the processing unit transmits the first input command to the electronic device to cause the electronic device to issue an output command previously associated with the first input command, where the output command causes the electronic device to take an action.
Haptic feedback confirmation during command association
Upon the processing unit begins to associate the first sensed neural signal with the first input command, generating a haptic feedback confirmation signal to an implanted component implanted within the individual such that the implanted component provides a physical sensation, comprising a vibration, within the individual allowing the individual to confirm selection of the first input command.
Across the independent claims, inventive coverage centers on device-independent association of neural implant signals with generic input commands, transmission of the associated commands to an electronic device to obtain device actions, and confirmation through haptic feedback vibration from an implanted component during the association step.
Stated Advantages
Provides a physical sensation, comprising a vibration, within the individual allowing the individual to confirm selection of the first input command.
Reduces the risk of incorrect selection by providing haptic feedback confirmation when the processing unit begins to associate the sensed neural signal with the input command.
Provides faster and more accurate command recognition.
Reduces distraction.
Documented Applications
Control of a wheelchair based on mapping thoughts or neural signals to database-stored input commands and transmitting the commands to selected applications.
Control of a prosthetic arm based on mapping thoughts or neural signals to input commands and transmitting the commands to the prosthetic arm as an end application.
An implantable stent neural interface for recording neural signals and transmitting the signals for command association.
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