DE112023006156T5 - MUSCLE STIMULATION THROUGH BRAINWAVE SIGNALS TRANSMITTED VIA BODY COMMUNICATION - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for transmitting brainwaves or control signals via body communication from the brain to the ends of the body to control or activate body parts or even external devices. An EEG coupler/transceiver couples to a person's scalp, comprising an EEG electrode for receiving a brainwave from the person, an EEG body communication coupler, and an EEG antenna for transmitting a signal via the EEG body communication coupler. An activator coupler/transceiver couples to the person's body to stimulate a muscle, comprising a muscle activator, an activator body communication coupler, and an activator antenna for receiving the signal via the activator body communication coupler.

Description

PRIORITY

This application claims priority over the preliminary one. US Application No. 63/457,501 , submitted on 06.04.2023, the content of which is hereby fully incorporated.

TECHNICAL AREA

The present disclosure relates to an electroencephalography (EEG)-based control of paralyzed body muscles, in particular EEG/actuator systems and methods that transmit brainwave control signals via the body itself to body parts.

BACKGROUND

Many people have paralyzed parts of their body for various reasons. Paralyzed individuals cannot control certain parts of their body (arms and legs). EEG headsets are used to receive brainwave control signals, which are transmitted via wiring harnesses to remote actuators used to control or stimulate muscles in the limbs.

Conventional EEG headsets are heavy to wear and unsightly due to the numerous cables extending from each of the EEG sensors attached to the person's scalp. Conventional wireless EEG electrodes use purely radio-frequency signals (Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, etc.) to transmit data to the surrounding environment, making them susceptible to problems such as noise, higher power consumption, and even unwanted privacy breaches.

One solution proposed by Neuralink Corp. of Fremont, California, involves implanting a brain-computer interface device under the scalp, which poses health risks for the patient and may be considered "too dangerous" by some. The implanted device can wirelessly transmit neural signals to a wearable computer device, such as a smartphone, which decodes the data stream into control signals for actions and intentions.

There is a need for EEG/actuator systems and methods that transmit brainwave control signals to remote actuators used for wireless control or stimulation of muscles in the body's limbs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspekte provides EEG-based control of paralyzed body parts via a body communication interface. Aspekte EEG/actuator systems and procedures transmit brainwave control signals to remote actuators used to control or stimulate muscles in body limbs via wireless body communication.

One aspect provides a procedure that includes: coupling a first EEG coupler/transceiver to a person's scalp, wherein the first EEG coupler/transceiver includes a first EEG electrode and a first EEG body communication coupler; coupling a first activator coupler/transceiver to the person's body, wherein the first activator coupler/transceiver includes a first muscle activator and a first activator body communication coupler; receiving a first brainwave from the person's brain through the first EEG coupler/transceiver; transmitting a first signal, based on the received first brainwave, from the first EEG body communication coupler of the first EEG coupler/transceiver to the first activator body communication coupler of the first activator coupler/transceiver through the person's body; and stimulating a first muscle of the person's body with the first muscle activator of the first activator coupler/transceiver, at least partially based on the first signal.

One aspect of the procedure, as described in the previous paragraph, comprises: coupling a second EEG coupler/transceiver to a person's scalp, the second EEG coupler/transceiver having a second EEG electrode and a second EEG body communication coupler; and receiving a second brainwave from the person's brain through the second EEG coupler/transceiver.

One aspect of the procedure, as described in one of the two preceding paragraphs, involves: coupling a second activator-coupler/transceiver to the person's body, wherein the second activator-coupler/transceiver includes a second muscle activator and a second activator-body communication coupler; sending a second signal from the second EEG-body communication coupler of the second EEG-coupler/transceiver to the second activator-body communication coupler of the second activator-coupler/transceiver through the person's body;
and stimulating a second muscle of the person's body with the second muscle activator of the second activator coupler/transceiver, at least partially based on the second signal.

One aspect of the procedure, as described in one of the three preceding paragraphs, involves: transmitting a second signal from the second EEG body communication coupler of the second EEG coupler/transceiver to the first activator body communication coupler of the first activator coupler/transceiver through the person's body, based on the received second brainwave; and stimulating a first muscle of the person's body with the first muscle activator of the first activator coupler/transceiver, at least partially based on the first and second signals.

One aspect of the procedure, as described in one of the four preceding paragraphs, involves sending a second signal from the second EEG body communication coupler of the second EEG coupler/transceiver to the first EEG body communication coupler of the first EEG coupler/transceiver through the person's scalp, based on the received second brainwave;

Generating the first signal by the first EEG coupler/transceiver, which is based at least partially on the first brainwave and the second signal.

One aspect of the procedure, as described in one of the five preceding paragraphs, involves: sending a second signal from the second EEG body communication coupler of the second EEG coupler/transceiver based on the second brainwave; and terminating the sending of the first signal and the sending of the second signal.

One aspect provides the procedure as in one of the preceding six paragraphs, where the signal is a signal selected from: the first brainwave, a signal triggered by the first brainwave, and a signal that is at least partially based on the first brainwave.

One aspect of the procedure is provided as in one of the preceding seven paragraphs, where the first muscle activator of the first activator-coupler/transceiver is a functional electrical stimulator.

According to one aspect, a system is provided comprising: a first EEG coupler/transceiver for coupling to a person's scalp, wherein the first EEG coupler/transceiver comprises a first EEG electrode for receiving a first brainwave from the person, a first EEG body communication coupler, and a first EEG antenna for transmitting a first signal via the first EEG body communication coupler based on the received first brainwave; and a first activator coupler/transceiver for coupling to the person's body and for stimulating a first muscle of the person's body, wherein the first activator coupler/transceiver comprises a first muscle activator, a first activator body communication coupler, and a first activator antenna for receiving the first signal via the first activator body communication coupler.

One aspect of the system, as described in the previous paragraph, is: a second EEG coupler/transceiver for coupling to a person's scalp, wherein the second EEG coupler/transceiver has a second EEG electrode for receiving a second brainwave from the person, a second EEG body communication coupler, and a second EEG antenna for transmitting a second signal via the second EEG coupler based on the received second brainwave.

One aspect of the system is provided as in one of the two preceding paragraphs, comprising: a second activator coupler/transceiver for coupling to the person's body and for stimulating a second muscle of the person's body, wherein the second activator coupler/transceiver comprises a second muscle activator, a second activator body communication coupler, and a second activator antenna for receiving the second signal via the second activator body communication coupler.

One aspect provides the system as in one of the three preceding paragraphs, wherein the second EEG body communication coupler of the second EEG coupler/transceiver is to transmit the second signal via the person's body to the first activator body communication coupler of the first activator coupler/transceiver; and wherein the first muscle activator of the first activator coupler/transceiver is to stimulate a first muscle of the person's body based on the first and the second signal.

One aspect provides the system as in one of the four preceding paragraphs, wherein the second EEG body communication coupler of the second EEG coupler/transceiver has to transmit the second signal to the first EEG body communication coupler of the first EEG coupler/transceiver, and wherein the first EEG coupler/transceiver has to generate the first signal at least partially based on the first brainwave and the second signal.

One aspect the system provides, as in one of the five preceding paragraphs, whereby the The first EEG coupler/transceiver is a coordinator for terminating the transmission of body communication signals.

One aspect provides the system as in one of the previous six paragraphs, wherein the first signal is a body communication high frequency (HF) signal, and wherein the first body communication HF signal is a signal selected from: the first brainwave, a signal triggered by the first brainwave, and a signal that is at least partially based on the first brainwave.

One aspect is provided by the system as in one of the previous seven paragraphs, where the first muscle activator of the first activator coupler/transceiver is a functional electrical stimulator.

According to one aspect, a system is provided which includes: a first EEG coupler/transceiver for receiving a first brainwave from a person and for sending a first signal based on the received first brainwave as a body communication radio frequency (RF) signal; and a first activator coupler/transceiver for receiving the first signal and for stimulating a first muscle of the person's body based on the received first signal.

One aspect of the system, as described in the previous paragraph, is: a second EEG coupler/transceiver for receiving a second brainwave from the person and sending a second signal as a body communication RF signal based on the received second brainwave; and a second activator coupler/transceiver for receiving the second signal and stimulating a second muscle of the person's body based on the received second signal.

One aspect provides the system as in one of the two preceding paragraphs, wherein the second EEG coupler/transceiver transmits the second signal to the first EEG coupler/transceiver circuit, and wherein the first EEG coupler/transceiver circuit generates the first signal based on the first brainwave and the second signal.

One aspect provides the system as in one of the three preceding paragraphs, where the first EEG coupler/transceiver circuit is a coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver circuit to transmit signals according to a schedule.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• 1A zeigt, wie eine Körperkommunikations-Hochfrequenz-(HF-)Signalübertragung die kapazitive Kopplung zwischen dem menschlichen Körper und einem EEG-Koppler/Transceiver, der auf dem Kopf einer Person platziert ist, und einem Aktivator-Koppler/Transceiver, der auf dem Körper der Person, beispielsweise einem Bein, platziert ist, nutzt.
• 1B zeigt einen Satz EEG-Koppler/Transceiver auf dem Kopf einer Person und ein Blockdiagramm eines EEG-Kopplers/Transceivers.
• 1C zeigt einen Aktivator-Koppler/Transceiver am Bein einer Person und ein Blockdiagramm des Aktivator-Kopplers/Transceivers.
• 2 zeigt ein Blockdiagramm eines Körperkommunikation-Senders eines EEG-Kopplers/Transceivers.
• 3 zeigt einen Multiplex-Übertragungszeitplan für eine Reihe von EEG-Kopplern/Transceivern zur Übertragung von Signalen über Körperkommunikation.
• 4 zeigt ein schematisches Diagramm eines Koordinator-EEG-Kopplers/Transceivers, einer Gruppe von EEG-Kopplern/Transceivern und eines Aktivator-Kopplers/Transceivers.
• 5 zeigt ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Verwendung von Körperkommunikation von Gehirnwellensignalen zur Steuerung von Körpermuskeln.
• 6 zeigt ein Blockdiagramm von Schaltungen für die Körperkommunikation von Gehirnwellensignalen zur Steuerung von Körpermuskeln.
• 7 zeigt ein Blockdiagramm einer Schaltung, die zur Implementierung verschiedener Funktionen, Operationen, Handlungen, Prozesse und/oder Verfahren für die Körperkommunikation von Gehirnwellensignalen zur Steuerung von Körpermuskeln verwendet werden kann.

The figures illustrate aspects of systems and procedures that use body communication to transmit brainwave signals to control muscles, with the systems having two components: an EEG coupler/transceiver, which may include a set of EEG electrodes corresponding to an EEG headset that generates control signals based on brain activity; and an activator coupler/transceiver that does something in response to control signals from the set of EEG electrodes.

• 1A shows how a body communication radio frequency (RF) signal transmission utilizes the capacitive coupling between the human body and an EEG coupler/transceiver placed on a person's head and an activator coupler/transceiver placed on the person's body, for example, a leg.
• 1B shows a set of EEG couplers/transceivers on a person's head and a block diagram of an EEG coupler/transceiver.
• 1C shows an activator coupler/transceiver on a person's leg and a block diagram of the activator coupler/transceiver.
• 2 shows a block diagram of a body communication transmitter of an EEG coupler/transceiver.
• 3 shows a multiplex transmission schedule for a series of EEG couplers/transceivers for transmitting signals via body communication.
• 4 shows a schematic diagram of a coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver, a group of EEG couplers/transceivers and an activator coupler/transceiver.
• 5 shows a flowchart of a procedure for using body communication of brainwave signals to control body muscles.
• 6 shows a block diagram of circuits for body communication of brainwave signals to control body muscles.
• 7 shows a block diagram of a circuit that can be used to implement various functions, operations, actions, processes and/or procedures for body communication of brainwave signals to control body muscles.

The reference symbol for each illustrated element that appears in several different figures has the same function in all figures. Meaning is implied, and the mention or discussion of an illustrated element in connection with a particular figure is also applied to any other figure in which the same illustrated element is shown.

DESCRIPTION

Aspekte provides EEG/actuator systems and methods that transmit brainwaves or control signals to body parts via body communication without the need for cables and without interference from environmental signals. Aspekte translates brainwaves into control signals and transmits them via body communication to control or activate body parts or even external devices, such as electrical muscle stimulators, through an approach that allows for scalability and upgrades. As used here, a person's body includes all body parts, including but not limited to: head, neck, torso, arms, legs, hands, and feet. Body communication includes, without limitation, communication via any part of a person's body, for example, without limitation: (1) via the head; (2) via the head and neck; (3) via the head, neck, and arm; (4) via the head, neck, arm, and hand; (5) via the head, neck, and torso; (6) via the head, neck, torso, and leg; (7) via the head, neck, torso, leg, and foot; (8) via the torso; (9) over one arm, torso and one leg.

According to one aspect, a system is provided that has two components: an EEG coupler/transceiver, which may include a set of EEG electrodes corresponding to the electrodes of an EEG headset that generates control signals based on brain activity; and an activator coupler/transceiver that, in response to control signals from the EEG coupler/transceiver, causes something to happen. For example, the activator coupler/transceiver could be an electrical muscle stimulation device to stimulate a paralyzed leg or other limb.

The EEG coupler/transceiver can provide the functionality of a conventional EEG headset; however, in this case, no wires are inserted into the user's brain, the EEG coupler/transceiver is not connected to the activator coupler/transceiver, and no wireless communication takes place beyond the patient. In this respect, the EEG coupler/transceiver comprises a series of independent, self-powered EEG communication nodes. Each node has an EEG electrode attached to the user's scalp to receive the patient's EEG brain signal, but no wired connection to other devices in the environment to transmit the EEG brain signal. Rather, in addition to monitoring brainwave measurements via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) channel, each EEG communication node of the EEG coupler/transceiver is also equipped with a body communication interface (which includes a small antenna). The EEG communication node transmits the EEG brain signal via the body communication interface. Therefore, each EEG communication node includes an EEG electrode and a body communication interface. Additionally, each EEG communication node may have its own power supply (including photovoltaic), a microcontroller (MCU) with an ADC channel, and a body communication antenna.

Analog-to-digital conversion can be part of the EEG coupler/transceiver, allowing signals to be represented in the digital domain and processed by a microcontroller (MCU). For this portable, battery-powered application, power consumption may be a design parameter. An analog EEG brain signal can be converted into digital ADC data.

• Eine einfache Näherungs- oder Berührungserkennung kann ein BODYCOM™-System verbinden.

A BODYCOM™ system utilizes the user's body and/or RF-conductive materials as a medium for RF signal transmission. The BODYCOM™ body communication system is a short-range wireless communication technology that leverages the RF transmission capability of the human body or other materials with RF transmission capability to transmit RF signals, providing secure communication between two or more electronically compatible wireless devices. Communication between BODYCOM™ system devices can occur when they are in close proximity, such as within a few centimeters, to a human body.

• Simple proximity or touch detection can connect a BODYCOM™ system.

BODYCOM™ technology is described in more detail in application note AN1391. described in “Introduction to the BodyCom Technology” (2011) by Microchip Technology Incorporated, available at www.microchip.com available and whose content is hereby incorporated in its entirety for all purposes by reference into this document. BODYCOM™ is a trademark of Microchip Technology Incorporated, a company registered in the State of Delaware, with an address at 2355 West Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, Arizona 85224-6199. BODYCOM™ body communication systems are also available in the US Patent publication 2015/0044969 disclosed, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety for all purposes by reference into this document.

With reference to the drawings, the details of the exemplary embodiments are illustrated schematically. Identical elements in the drawings are represented by the same numbers, and similar elements are represented by the same numbers with a different lowercase suffix.

With reference to the 1A-1C Figure 100 is a schematic block diagram of System 100. System 100 can provide muscle activation via brainwave signals transmitted through body communication and can include an EEG coupler/transceiver 102 and an activator coupler/transceiver 108. The EEG coupler/transceiver 102 can include an EEG battery 103, an EEG processor 104, an EEG electrode 107, an EEG antenna 105, and an associated EEG body communication coupler 106. The activator coupler/transceiver 108 can include an activator battery 113, an activator processor 110, a muscle activator 109, an activator antenna 111, and an associated activator body communication coupler 112. When the EEG body communication coupler 106 and the activator body communication coupler 112 are each attached to or brought near the body 114 of a person (user), a body communication connection can be established between the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 and the activator coupler/transceiver 108. Data can be capacitively transmitted between the EEG body communication coupler 106 and the activator body communication coupler 112 via the user's body 114, using, for example, but not limited to, a low-frequency Amplitude Shift Key (ASK) format.

Due to the high permittivity of the human body 114 at low frequencies, transmissions can be achieved with a body communication system operating from approximately 60 kHz to approximately 30 MHz. Since the data between the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 and the activator coupler/transceiver 108 is transmitted via the user's body 114, there are essentially no security concerns regarding the detection of RF transmissions. The body communication system can provide: 1) very low power consumption, especially for the activator coupler/transceiver 108, 2) fast system response time, 3) stable and robust communication with error detection, and 4) low cost and complexity of the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 and the activator coupler/transceiver 108.

The body communication RF signal transmission utilizes the capacitive coupling between the human body 114, the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 and the activator coupler/transceiver 108, as described in 1A This is illustrated. For this reason, RF signals are attenuated more strongly at low frequencies than at high frequencies, whereby a higher amplitude can be provided for signals transmitted at the lower frequencies. Both the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 and the activator coupler/transceiver 108 can be battery-operated devices.

A further limitation in frequency selection arises from the power consumption of the activator processor 110 in receive mode. Low-power circuits can enable a receive frequency in the range of 60 to 400 kHz. For the transmit channel, a frequency between approximately 6 MHz and approximately 13 MHz can be used, with the power consumption-to-output ratio being optimal within this frequency range. A frequency of approximately 128 kHz can be selected for the channel transmitted by the EEG processor 104 and received by the activator processor 110. A frequency of approximately 8 MHz can be used for the channel transmitted by the activator processor 110 and received by the EEG processor 104, with the frequency being implemented using a programmable on-chip oscillator of an integrated circuit.

For the transmission of the EEG-to-activator signal in System 100, communication can be initiated by the EEG processor 104. To start communication, System 100 is coupled to the human body 114, and an RF transmission can be sent by the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 to search for an activator coupler/transceiver 108. This generated sequence can be applied via a digital driver in the EEG processor 104 to an inductor-capacitor circuit (LC circuit) (not shown) operating in a resonant mode. This LC circuit (not shown) can be connected to a pad of the EEG body communication coupler 106, which then enables the transmission of the low-frequency RF signal to the human body 114. In this way, the human body 114 becomes an extension of the EEG body communication coupler 106, thereby enabling the transmission of the low-frequency RF signal to the activator body communication coupler 112 of the activator coupler/transceiver 108, which is located near the human body 114. Contact occurs when the human body 114 and a coupling element are in contact or in close proximity to each other. The body communication couplers 106 and 112 can be in actual physical contact with the body 114 or be located near it, whereby intermediate layers of clothing, shoe leather, gloves, etc., can be located between the human body 114 and a body communication coupler 106 and 112 without restriction.

If the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 can deliver more power to its transmit channel, a lower frequency, e.g., 128 kHz, can be used for the transmit channel of the EEG coupler/transceiver 102. The EEG coupler/transceiver 102, which is an integral part of the system, can be powered externally or have a larger battery. The signal generated by the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 can be transmitted via the body 114 to the activator coupler/transceiver 108, which is typically in a signal-receiving mode (low power consumption). The signal transmitted by the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 can be received by the activator processor 110 and cause the activator coupler/transceiver 108 to wake up.

After the signal transmitted by the EEG processor 104 is received by the activator processor 110, the latter decodes the data and responds if a response is required. The activator processor 110 can also be capacitively coupled to the human body 114 via the associated activator body communication coupler 112. It can be advantageous that the activator processor 110 has the lowest power consumption and more efficient signal coupling in its transmission mode, which is why transmission at high frequencies may be preferable. High-frequency signals are readily available from a microcontroller and can be used, for example, but not limited to, to generate a transmit signal at approximately 8 MHz. The response is received by the activator processor 110, which transmits at a high frequency, e.g., B. at approximately 8 MHz, the signal is transmitted from the human body 114 to the vicinity of the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 and can be brought to the EEG processor 104 via the EEG body communication coupler 106. See 1B .

With reference to 2 Figure 1 is a block diagram of an EEG coupler/transceiver shown according to one aspect. The EEG coupler/transceiver, generally represented by the number 102, can include a low-frequency transmitter 216, a high-frequency receiver 230, an EEG body communication coupler 106 or a touchpad in conjunction with an antenna 105, and a communication and control interface 224, which has an Ethernet and/or serial communication port 226 for communication with the EEG electrode 107. The low-frequency transmitter 216 can include a data signal modulator 222 and an RF driver 218, the RF driver being able to communicate with the antenna 105. The data signal modulator 222 can be provided in a microcontroller 220. The high-frequency receiver 230 can include an RF amplifier 240, a frequency conversion mixer 236, an oscillator 238, signal filtering (not shown), and a data decoder/demodulator 234. The demodulated output of the data decoder/demodulator 234 can be coupled to the microcontroller 220 and receive a complete data sequence and decode incoming data transmitted by the activator coupler/transceiver 108.

The EEG coupler/transceiver 102 can be configured to perform the following functions: (1) sending a request to the activator coupler/transceiver 108, (2) receiving and decoding incoming data from the activator coupler/transceiver 108, and (3) providing a communication/control interface 224 for integration with the EEG electrode 107 via the communication port 226. The low-frequency transmitter 216 and the high-frequency receiver 230 can be controlled by a microcontroller 220 of the processor 104, whereby the processor 104 can control the transmit/receive process, perform encoding/decoding, and detect errors. Furthermore, the processor 104 can support the implementation of a security algorithm for secure communication. The processor 104 can receive brainwave signals via the EEG electrode 107 and generate a control signal based on these brainwave signals. The transmitter 230 can control the EEG antenna 107, which can also support the EEG body communication coupler 106 (see Microchip Application Note AN1391, Touchpad).

The placement and individual role of each EEG coupler/transceiver 102 correspond to the settings of conventional EEG readers or headsets. The EEG coupler/transceiver system can, for example, be a system with 1, 2, 24, 32, or 64 nodes, each containing the same number of EEG couplers/transceivers 102.

As in 4 As shown, a set of EEG couplers/transceivers 102 can use a coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101 to the The coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101 reads EEG data pattern ADC data from the other EEG couplers/transceivers 102 (via body communication), and then outputs the EEG data pattern ADC data to an activator coupler/transceiver 108. Alternatively, the coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver can generate a control signal from the collected EEG data pattern ADC data and transmit the control signal to an activator coupler/transceiver 108.

An EEG coupler/transceiver of a set, designated as reference "N0", can be a coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101, as it also manages communication scheduling. The coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101 can occasionally perform a schedule transmission, which is received by the other EEG couplers/transceivers 102 (designated N1, N2, N3... Nn for reference) to determine when each of them should transmit their respective EEG data pattern ADC data via body communication without the risk of data traffic collision. Therefore, most, if not all, EEG couplers/transceivers 102 can perform bidirectional data exchange (sending and receiving) via their body communication interfaces (antenna and coupler).

As in 3 As shown in the table, the reference times are as follows: In the first time interval, the coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101 can send an N0 scheduling broadcast. In the second time interval, the EEG couplers/transceivers 102 N1 and N2 can receive the N0 scheduling broadcast and wait to transmit it until their scheduled transmissions. In the third time interval, nodes N0 to Nn can perform an ADC readout. In the fourth time interval, the coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101 N0 can transmit its ADC data. In the fifth time interval, the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 N1 can transmit its ADC data. The coupler/transceiver 102 N2 can transmit its ADC data. The cycle can then be repeated in a sixth time interval according to the original schedule. In one embodiment, each EEG coupler/transceiver 102 can begin the data sequence with its specific digital ID. The activator coupler/transceiver 108 reads all EEG ADC data from all EEG couplers/transceivers 102 and decides whether the complete EEG data pattern matches the profile of the activator coupler/transceiver 108. The EEG data pattern may not be forwarded to the activator coupler/transceiver 108, but to another activator coupler/transceiver 108. If the activator coupler/transceiver 108 determines that the complete EEG data pattern matches its profile, it can generate a control signal to activate its muscle activator 109. Furthermore, it may require several measurements to identify a valid command from the EEG data pattern, and in some cases the EEG data pattern is not unique.

4 Figure 1 shows a system for transmitting body communication signals between a coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101 and an activator coupler/transceiver 108. The system also includes multiple EEG couplers/transceivers 102, each of which receives a brainwave from a person's brain and transmits a body communication signal to the coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101. The coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101 schedules when each EEG coupler/transceiver 102 may transmit a body communication signal serially to avoid data traffic collisions. The coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101 can multiplex the transmission of body communication signals. In one aspect, the coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101 also transmits all body communication signals from the EEG couplers/transceivers 102 to the activator coupler/transceiver 108, and the activator coupler/transceiver 108 determines, based on these body communication signals, whether a muscle in the body should be stimulated. In another aspect, the coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101 generates a control body communication signal based on the body communication signals received by the EEG couplers/transceivers 102, transmits this control body communication signal to the activator coupler/transceiver 108, and the activator coupler/transceiver 108 stimulates a muscle in the body based on this control body communication signal.

An EEG coupler/transceiver 102 or an activator coupler/transceiver 108 can output an EEG data pattern to a remote device via cable or wirelessly (Bluetooth, WiFi, UWB, without restriction). According to one aspect, a coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101 can send an EEG data pattern to an activator coupler/transceiver 108 via cable or wirelessly (Bluetooth, WiFi, UWB, without restriction), so that body communication is only used between the EEG couplers/transceivers 102 of the EEG "headset" and the coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101, which can increase its interoperability with other devices.

The muscle activator 109 (see 1C The activator-coupler/transceiver 108 can be a device for electrical muscle stimulation similar to a conventional functional electrical stimulation (FES) device. The activator-coupler/transceiver The transceiver 108 can also be equipped with an activator coupler 112 and an activator antenna 111 to receive inputs from the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 via body communication.

Alternatively, the system 100 can comprise a plurality or set of activator couplers/transceivers 108, each activator coupler/transceiver 108 comprising a muscle activator 109 and a body communication interface comprising an activator body communication coupler 112 and an activator antenna 111. Additionally, each activator coupler/transceiver 108 can have its own power supply, such as a battery 113 (which can also be photovoltaic), and a processor 110, such as an MCU. The activator body communication antenna 111 can be positioned on the body at a distance from the muscle activator 109 so that the locally applied muscle stimulation voltage (e.g., 30 V) does not interfere with the body communication data flow.

Electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes 107 can be sensors that read brainwaves (electromagnetic fluctuations generated by brain activity), from which control signals can be generated to enable the control of body parts or even external devices. The EEG coupler/transceiver 102 can be wireless and utilize body-to-body communication, providing patients with a more acceptable visual experience and greater mobility. Because the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 does not transmit EEG data to the environment, problems with interference, high power consumption, and data breaches can be avoided. It may also be less susceptible to RF interference or data hacking. Troubleshooting which EEG coupler/transceiver 102 is not functioning correctly in an EEG headset can be easily performed by placing a body-to-body communication data sniffer near the body. On the other hand, the data transmitted by the EEG coupler/transceiver 102 of an EEG headset can also be encrypted if data privacy is desired. "Raw EEG data" transmitted to a person's entire body means that any muscle stimulation device can be removed or added at any point on the body at any time.

Potential industrial applications include: medicine (e.g., controlling paralyzed limbs to help a paralyzed person regain muscle control); entertainment (e.g., virtual reality games); industry (e.g., controlling mechanical arms); and military (e.g., controlling bionic hardware or other electromechanical parts attached to the human body).

Due to the high permittivity of the human body at low radio frequencies, body-to-body communication can be achieved via radio-frequency transmitting and receiving devices operating at one or more frequencies from approximately 60 kHz to approximately 30 MHz. Furthermore, a battery-powered device, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant, gaming tablet, touchpad computer, or laptop, can remain in a standby or sleep state with very low power consumption without restriction. Capacitive proximity detection can then be used to activate the device when touched or in close proximity to it, enabling it to continue processing the radio-frequency signals received via the closely coupled part of the user's body.

A short-range wireless signal can be transmitted through the user's body (114) over a very short distance in the air. Thus, two devices that are both in close proximity to a person (user), e.g., through clothing, gloves, near or touching the skin, can communicate without restriction, whereas a device that is not in close proximity to the person (user) may not be able to communicate.

5 Figure 5 shows a flowchart for a method of transmitting brainwaves or control signals via body communication to body parts to control or activate body parts or even external devices. A first EEG coupler/transceiver is coupled to a person's scalp (502), the first EEG coupler/transceiver comprising a first EEG electrode and a first EEG body communication coupler. A first activator coupler/transceiver is coupled to the person's body (504), the first activator coupler/transceiver comprising a first muscle activator and a first activator body communication coupler. A first brainwave is received from the person's brain by the first EEG coupler/transceiver (506). A first signal, based on the received first brainwave, is transmitted from the first EEG body communication coupler of the first EEG coupler/transceiver, through the person's body, to the first activator body communication coupler of the first activator coupler/transceiver. The signal can be a representation of the brainwave or a control signal based on the received brainwave. A first muscle of the person's body is connected to the first muscle activator. of the first activator coupler/transceiver, at least partially based on the first signal.

6 Figure 600 shows a block diagram of a circuit for transmitting brainwaves or control signals via body communication to body parts to control or activate body parts or even external devices. An EEG body communication coupler/transceiver circuit 602 can receive a brainwave from a person and transmit a body communication signal as a body communication radio frequency (RF) signal. An activator body communication coupler/transceiver circuit 604 can receive the body communication signal and stimulate a muscle in the person's body.

7 Figure 700 shows a block diagram of the Circuit 700, which can be used to implement various functions, operations, actions, processes, and/or procedures. The Circuit 700 includes one or more Processors 702 (sometimes referred to herein as "Processors 702") and are functionally coupled to one or more Data Storage Devices (sometimes referred to herein as "Memories 704"). The Memory 704 contains machine-executable code 706 stored therein, and the Processors 702 include a Logic Circuit 708. The machine-executable code 706 contains information describing functional elements that can be implemented (i.e., executed) by the Logic Circuit 708. The Logic Circuit 708 is designed to implement (i.e., execute) the functional elements described by the machine-executable code 706. The circuit 700 should be considered as special hardware, designed for the execution of the functional elements described by the machine-executable code 706, as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the processors 702 can execute the functional elements described by the machine-executable code 706 sequentially, simultaneously (e.g., on one or more different hardware platforms), or in one or more parallel process streams.

In the implementation of the processors 702 by the logic circuit 708, the machine-executable code 706 designs the processors 702 to execute the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the machine-executable code 706 can design the processors 702 to execute at least part or all of the method consisting of 5 execute. As another example, the machine-executable code 706 can configure the processors 702 to execute at least some or all of the operations required for the EEG coupler/transceiver 102, the coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver 101, and the activator coupler/transceiver 108 of the 1-2 and 4 are described.

The processors 702 may include a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, another programmable device, or any combination thereof, designed to perform the functions disclosed herein. A general-purpose computer that includes a processor is considered a special-purpose computer, while the general-purpose computer is configured to execute functional elements corresponding to the machine-executable code 706 (e.g., software code, firmware code, hardware descriptions) relating to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that a general-purpose processor (also referred to herein as the host processor or simply the host) can be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the 702 processors can include any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The 702 processors can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a multitude of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

In some embodiments, the memory 704 includes volatile data storage (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) or non-volatile data storage (e.g., flash memory, a hard disk, a solid-state drive, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), etc.). In some embodiments, the processors 702 and the memory 704 can be implemented in a single device (e.g., a semiconductor device, a system-on-chip (SoC), etc.). In some embodiments, the processors 702 and the memory 704 can be implemented in separate devices.

In some embodiments, the machine-executable code 706 can include computer-readable instructions (e.g., software code, firmware code). As a non-limiting example, the computer-readable instructions can be stored in memory 704, retrieved directly by the processors 702, and executed by the processors 702 using at least the logic circuit 708. As a non-limiting example, the computer-readable instructions can also be stored in memory 704, transferred to a storage device (not shown) for execution, and executed by the processors 702 using at least the logic circuit 708. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the logic circuit 708 includes an electrically configurable logic circuit 608.

In some embodiments, the machine-executable code 706 can describe hardware (e.g., circuits) to be implemented in the logic circuit 708 to execute the functional elements. This hardware can be described at a variety of abstraction levels, from low-level transistor layouts to high-level description languages. At a high abstraction level, a hardware description language (HDL), such as an IEEE standard hardware description language, can be used. Non-restrictive examples include VERILOG™, SYSTEMVERILOG™, or the Very Large Integration (VLSI) Hardware Description Language (VHDL™).

HDL descriptions can be transformed into descriptions at a variety of other abstraction levels as needed. As a non-restrictive example, a high-level description can be transformed into a logic-level description such as a register transfer language (RTL), a gate-level (GL), a layout-level, or a mask-level description. As another non-restrictive example, micro-operations to be performed by hardware logic circuits (e.g., gates, flip-flops, registers, without limitation) of the 708 logic circuit can be described in an RTL and then converted into a GL description by a synthesis tool. The GL description can then be transformed by a placement and routing tool into a layout-level description that corresponds to a physical layout of an integrated circuit, a programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or combinations thereof. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the machine-executable code 706 may include an HDL, an RTL, a GL description, a mask-level description, another hardware description, or any combination thereof.

In embodiments where the machine-executable code 706 includes a hardware description (at any level of abstraction), a system (not shown, but including the memory 704) can be configured to implement the hardware description provided by the machine-executable code 706. As a non-limiting example, the processors 702 can include a programmable logic device (e.g., an FPGA or a PLC), and the logic circuit 708 can be electrically controlled to implement a circuit corresponding to the hardware description within the logic circuit 708. Also as a non-limiting example, the logic circuit 708 can include hard-wired logic manufactured by a fabrication system (not shown, but including the memory 704) according to the hardware description of the machine-executable code 706.

Regardless of whether the machine-executable code 706 contains computer-readable instructions or a hardware description, the logic circuit 708 is designed to execute the functional elements described by the machine-executable code 706 when it implements the functional elements of the machine-executable code 706. It should be noted that while a hardware description may not directly describe functional elements, it may indirectly describe functional elements that can execute the hardware elements described by the hardware description.

Although examples have been described above, other variations and examples can be derived from this revelation without deviating from the spirit and scope of protection of these revealed examples.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 63/457,501 [0001]
• US 2015/0044969 [0036]

Cited non-patent literature

• Introduction to the BodyCom Technology” (2011) by Microchip Technology Incorporated, available at www.microchip.com [0036]

Claims (20)

A method comprising: Coupling a first EEG coupler/transceiver to a person's scalp, wherein the first EEG coupler/transceiver comprises a first EEG electrode and a first EEG body communication coupler; Coupling a first activator coupler/transceiver to the person's body, wherein the first activator coupler/transceiver comprises a first muscle activator and a first activator body communication coupler; Receiving a first brainwave from the person's brain through the first EEG coupler/transceiver; Transmitting a first signal, based on the received first brainwave, from the first EEG body communication coupler of the first EEG coupler/transceiver to the first activator body communication coupler of the first activator coupler/transceiver through the person's body; and stimulating a first muscle of the person's body with the first muscle activator of the first activator coupler/transceiver, at least partially based on the first signal. Procedure according to Claim 1 , which features: coupling a second EEG coupler/transceiver to a person's scalp, wherein the second EEG coupler/transceiver includes a second EEG electrode and a second EEG body communication coupler; and receiving a second brainwave from the person's brain through the second EEG coupler/transceiver. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 2 , which includes: coupling a second activator coupler/transceiver to the person's body, wherein the second activator coupler/transceiver has a second muscle activator and a second activator body communication coupler; sending a second signal from the second EEG body communication coupler of the second EEG coupler/transceiver to the second activator body communication coupler of the second activator coupler/transceiver through the person's body; and stimulating a second muscle of the person's body with the second muscle activator of the second activator coupler/transceiver, at least partially based on the second signal. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , which features: transmitting a second signal from the second EEG body communication coupler of the second EEG coupler/transceiver to the first activator body communication coupler of the first activator coupler/transceiver through the person's body, based on the received second brainwave; and stimulating a first muscle of the person's body with the first muscle activator of the first activator coupler/transceiver, at least partially based on the first and second signals. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , which features: transmitting a second signal from the second EEG body communication coupler of the second EEG coupler/transceiver to the first EEG body communication coupler of the first EEG coupler/transceiver through the person's scalp, based on the received second brainwave; generating the first signal by the first EEG coupler/transceiver, the first signal being based at least partially on the first brainwave and the second signal. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , which features: sending a second signal from the second EEG body communication coupler of the second EEG coupler/transceiver based on the second brainwave; and timing the sending of the first signal and the sending of the second signal. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , where the signal is a signal selected from: the first brainwave, a signal triggered by the first brainwave, and a signal that is at least partially based on the first brainwave. Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , where the first muscle activator of the first activator coupler/transceiver is a functional electrical stimulator. A system comprising: a first EEG coupler/transceiver for coupling to a person's scalp, wherein the first EEG coupler/transceiver comprises a first EEG electrode for receiving a first brainwave from the person, a first EEG body communication coupler, and a first EEG antenna for transmitting a first signal via the first EEG body communication coupler based on the received first brainwave; and a first activator coupler/transceiver for coupling to the person's body and for stimulating a first muscle of the person's body, wherein the first activator coupler/transceiver comprises a has a first muscle activator, a first activator body communication coupler and a first activator antenna for receiving the first signal via the first activator body communication coupler. System according Claim 8 , which includes: a second EEG coupler/transceiver for coupling to a person's scalp, wherein the second EEG coupler/transceiver includes a second EEG electrode for receiving a second brainwave from the person, a second EEG body communication coupler and a second EEG antenna for transmitting a second signal via the second EEG coupler based on the received second brainwave. system according to one of the Claims 9 until 10 , which includes: a second activator coupler/transceiver for coupling to the person's body and for stimulating a second muscle of the person's body, wherein the second activator coupler/transceiver includes a second muscle activator, a second activator body communication coupler and a second activator antenna for receiving the second signal via the second activator body communication coupler. system according to one of the Claims 9 until 11 , wherein the second EEG body communication coupler of the second EEG coupler/transceiver is designed to transmit the second signal via the person's body to the first activator body communication coupler of the first activator coupler/transceiver; and wherein the first muscle activator of the first activator coupler/transceiver is designed to stimulate a first muscle of the person's body based on the first and second signals. system according to one of the Claims 9 until 12 , wherein the second EEG body communication coupler of the second EEG coupler/transceiver is intended to transmit the second signal via the body of the person to the first EEG body communication coupler of the first EEG coupler/transceiver, and wherein the first EEG coupler/transceiver is intended to generate the first signal at least partially based on the first brainwave and the second signal. system according to one of the Claims 9 until 13 , where the first EEG coupler/transceiver is a coordinator for scheduling the transmission of body communication signals. system according to one of the Claims 9 until 14 , wherein the first signal is a body communication radio frequency (RF) signal and wherein the first body communication RF signal is a signal selected from: the first brainwave, a signal triggered by the first brainwave and a signal that is at least partially based on the first brainwave. System according to one of the Claims 9 until 15 , where the first muscle activator of the first activator coupler/transceiver is a functional electrical stimulator. System comprising: a first EEG coupler/transceiver for receiving a first brainwave from a person and for transmitting a first signal based on the received first brainwave as a body communication radio frequency (RF) signal; and a first activator coupler/transceiver for receiving the first signal and for stimulating a first muscle of the person's body based on the received first signal. System according to Claim 17 , which features: a second EEG coupler/transceiver for receiving a second brainwave from the person and for transmitting a second signal as a body communication RF signal based on the received second brainwave; and a second activator coupler/transceiver for receiving the second signal and for stimulating a second muscle of the person's body based on the received second signal. system according to one of the Claims 17 until 18 , wherein the second EEG coupler/transceiver transmits the second signal to the first EEG coupler/transceiver circuit and wherein the first EEG coupler/transceiver circuit generates the first signal based on the first brainwave and the second signal. system according to one of the Claims 17 until 19 , where the first EEG coupler/transceiver circuit is a coordinator EEG coupler/transceiver circuit to transmit signals according to a schedule.