A61F4/00

Method and system for electronic communication by persons with disabilities

A method and system for detecting and using intentional gestures utilizing a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) provides individuals with limited motor abilities the ability to control multiple devices. The system responds to small intentional gestures produced by any part of the user's body. Unlike existing game controllers and adapted mouse devices, the system has the ability to learn the unique kinematic characteristics of the user's gestures.

BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR FACILITATING DIRECT SELECTION OF MULTIPLE-CHOICE ANSWERS AND THE IDENTIFICATION OF STATE CHANGES

Methods, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable media are disclosed utilizing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Various embodiments are disclosed to allow a user to directly select multiple-choice answers, to provide motorized wheelchair controls, and to allow a user to play a game via the BCI. When used in a cognitive assessment test, embodiments include the administration of unmodified standardized tests with results in the same or a similar format as those taken without a BCI. Various embodiments are disclosed to improve the accuracy of BCI test administration using a three-step process for each test question, which includes determining whether the user intends to select an answer, monitoring user brain activity to determine a selected answer, and verifying the selected answer. In addition, the selected answer may be verified by monitoring user brain activity in accordance with a hold-release process to determine whether a user intends to initiate a state change.

BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR FACILITATING DIRECT SELECTION OF MULTIPLE-CHOICE ANSWERS AND THE IDENTIFICATION OF STATE CHANGES

Methods, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable media are disclosed utilizing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Various embodiments are disclosed to allow a user to directly select multiple-choice answers, to provide motorized wheelchair controls, and to allow a user to play a game via the BCI. When used in a cognitive assessment test, embodiments include the administration of unmodified standardized tests with results in the same or a similar format as those taken without a BCI. Various embodiments are disclosed to improve the accuracy of BCI test administration using a three-step process for each test question, which includes determining whether the user intends to select an answer, monitoring user brain activity to determine a selected answer, and verifying the selected answer. In addition, the selected answer may be verified by monitoring user brain activity in accordance with a hold-release process to determine whether a user intends to initiate a state change.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INDUCTIVE TUNING OF HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE

Systems and methods are provided for configuring a human-machine interface according to a user's relative preference, or weighting, of a set of utility factors, such that a user can customize a human-machine interface in the absence of the direct selection of interface parameters. In some example embodiments, a total utility function (associated with overall utility of a human-machine interface) is calculated based on the sum of a set of weighted utility functions, with each utility function being weighted according to a respective user-tunable weight, and with each user-tunable weight prescribing a relative importance of a respective utility factor to the total utility function. A set of parameters of the human-machine interface that optimize the overall utility function for a selected set of user-tunable weights is determined and employed to configure the human-machine interface.

System and method for aiding communication

System and method for aiding communication for subjects suffering from paralysis of muscles controlled by peripheral nervous system are disclosed. A method for aiding communication for said subjects includes capturing, from a plurality of sensors, sensor data generated based on an interaction of a subject with an interactive UI. The plurality of sensors includes one or more body-parts movement tracking sensors for tracking motion of body-parts of the subject and one or more physiological signal sensors for monitoring physiological signals generated from the subject during the interaction. A plurality of model parameters indicative of characteristics of the subject related to the interaction are determined based on the sensor data. The navigation at the interactive UI is controlled on the plurality of model parameters.

System and method for aiding communication

System and method for aiding communication for subjects suffering from paralysis of muscles controlled by peripheral nervous system are disclosed. A method for aiding communication for said subjects includes capturing, from a plurality of sensors, sensor data generated based on an interaction of a subject with an interactive UI. The plurality of sensors includes one or more body-parts movement tracking sensors for tracking motion of body-parts of the subject and one or more physiological signal sensors for monitoring physiological signals generated from the subject during the interaction. A plurality of model parameters indicative of characteristics of the subject related to the interaction are determined based on the sensor data. The navigation at the interactive UI is controlled on the plurality of model parameters.

Systems and methods for generic control using a neural signal
11093038 · 2021-08-17 · ·

Universal switch modules, universal switches, and methods of using the same are disclosed, including methods of preparing an individual to interface with an electronic device or software. For example, a method is disclosed that can include measuring brain-related signals of the individual to obtain a first sensed brain-related signal when the individual generates a task-irrelevant thought. The method can include transmitting the first sensed brain-related signal to a processing unit. The method can include associating the task-irrelevant thought and the first sensed brain-related signal with N input commands. The method can include compiling the task-irrelevant thought, the first sensed brain-related signal, and the N input commands to an electronic database.

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ASSISTING A USER TO MANIPULATE AN INSTRUMENT
20210229486 · 2021-07-29 ·

A device for assisting a user to manipulate an instrument to interact with an object resting on a surface is described herein. The device includes a framework for resting on the surface and a hand and wrist support. The hand and wrist support is coupled to the framework, coupled to the instrument and vertically spaced above the surface. The hand and wrist support is configured to slide horizontally and longitudinally along the framework and rotate about the framework to provide for the user to move the hand and wrist support to manipulate the instrument to interact with the object.

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ASSISTING A USER TO MANIPULATE AN INSTRUMENT
20210229486 · 2021-07-29 ·

A device for assisting a user to manipulate an instrument to interact with an object resting on a surface is described herein. The device includes a framework for resting on the surface and a hand and wrist support. The hand and wrist support is coupled to the framework, coupled to the instrument and vertically spaced above the surface. The hand and wrist support is configured to slide horizontally and longitudinally along the framework and rotate about the framework to provide for the user to move the hand and wrist support to manipulate the instrument to interact with the object.

Adaptive device for a hand
11090178 · 2021-08-17 ·

An adaptive device for a hand for individuals with mobility impairment. The adaptive device comprising a body; wherein the body has a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the body supports a palm and a wrist when worn by a user. The adaptive device includes two sidewalls extending upward from the body and on opposite sides of the body from each other. At a proximal end of each sidewall, each sidewall includes a slot for receiving a securing member, and wherein the securing member removably secures the hand with the adaptive device when worn by the user. The adaptive device includes a retention member positioned on the body at the distal end and the retention member provides a separation between an index finger and a thumb of the hand, and the retention member removably couples with an interchangeable implement member.