SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PHYSICAL SYSTEMS USING BRAIN WAVES

Smart overview of the Invention

The disclosed framework enables control of physical systems using brainwaves, leveraging electroencephalogram (EEG) technology. A set of EEG electrodes is used to capture brain signals from a user, which are then processed through an extensible architecture. This architecture includes plugins for EEG device interaction, signal interpretation, and command execution, allowing for the control of various objects. The system is designed to be adaptable, supporting different EEG devices and control commands.

Background

Current brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are limited by proprietary software and compatibility issues. Products from companies like Emotiv and NeuroSky require specific software development for their devices, while open-source options like OpenBCI offer broader compatibility but still face integration challenges. Open VIBE attempts to address these issues with a GUI-based approach but requires developers to work outside their usual environments. A unified platform is needed to facilitate the development of BCI applications compatible with a range of devices.

System Architecture

The framework introduces a modular approach for controlling objects using brainwaves. It consists of an EEG device plugin that extracts signals from electrodes, an interpreter plugin that converts these signals into commands, and an object control plugin that executes these commands. This setup allows developers to integrate BCI functionality into their applications without needing extensive knowledge of brainwave interpretation. The architecture supports extending to additional devices and control commands as needed.

Methodology

The process begins with collecting EEG signals from electrodes on the user's head. These signals are extracted by a device-specific plugin and converted into commands via an interpreter plugin. The resulting commands are accessed by an object control plugin to manipulate the target object. The framework's extensible design allows for adding new plugins to accommodate different EEG devices and control requirements, facilitating broad application across various domains.

Advantages

This framework provides a flexible platform for developers to create BCI applications without deep expertise in brain data analysis. By supporting multiple EEG devices and allowing runtime modifications, it enhances the potential for innovative applications in controlling both physical and digital systems. The use of plugins ensures modularity and customization, making it easier for third-party developers to build upon the existing architecture.