Brain computer interface architecture
A brain computer interface (BCI) module includes a flexible printed circuit assembly (FPCA) configured to conform to the head of a user. A plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors are mounted on the FPCA. Each emitter of the plurality is configured to emit light towards the head of the user and each detector is configured to detect the emitted light. An array of ferrules is additionally mounted to the FPCA such that each ferrule of the array encases an emitter or a detector. The BCI module additionally includes a controller that is configured to receive an optical signal detected by a detector of the plurality and to encode the detected signal into a biological signal.
1. A brain-computer interface (BCI) module for enabling a user to interface a computing device, the BCI module comprising:
a flexible printed circuit assembly (FPCA) configured to conform to a head of a user, the FPCA having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
a plurality of emitters mounted on the first surface of the FPCA, each emitter configured to emit light towards the head of the user;
a plurality of detector mounted on the FPCA, each detector configured to detect light reflected from the head of the user;
an array of ferrules mounted on the FPCA, the plurality of ferrules comprising a first set of ferrules and a second set of ferrules, each ferrule of the first set of ferrules encasing an emitter and each ferrule of the second set of ferrules encasing a detector, each ferrule of the first set of ferrules comprising a ferrule body disposed on the first surface of the FPCA; and
a controller coupled to the plurality of emitters and the plurality of detectors, the controller configured to:
receive an optical signal detected by a detector of the plurality of detectors;
encode the detected optical signal; and
transmit the encoded optical signal to the computing device.
2. The BCI module of claim 1 , wherein the FPCA comprises:
an emitter FPCA configured to mount the plurality of emitters; and
a detector FPCA configured to mount the plurality of detectors.
3. The BCI module of claim 1 , wherein the FPCA is configured to flex to allow each ferrule of the array to contact the head of the use and conform to the shape of the user's head.
4. The BCI module of claim 1 , wherein a ferrule encasing an emitter is configured to direct light emitted by the emitter towards the head of the user.
5. The BCI module of claim 1 , wherein a ferrule encasing a detector configured to direct light reflected from the head of the user to the detector.
6. The BCI module of claim 1 , wherein a ferrule encasing an emitter comprises an emitter cap configured to seal the emitter in the ferrule.
7. The BCI module of claim 1 , wherein a ferrule encasing a detector comprises a detector cap configured to seal the detector in the ferrule.
8. The BCI module of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to instruct the plurality of emitters to emit light towards the head of the user.
9. The BCI module of claim 1 , further comprising a stretchable ferrule retaining membrane configured to hold each ferrule of the array in a fixed position.
10. The BCI module of claim 9 , wherein the stretchable ferrule retaining membrane is configured to provide an elastic force to allow the array of ferrules to conform to the shape of the user's head.
11. A head-mounted display (HMD) comprising:
at least one brain-computer interface (BCI) module for enabling a user to interface a computing device, the BCI module comprising:
a flexible printed circuit board (FPCA) configured to conform to a head of a user, the FPCA having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
a plurality of emitters mounted on the first surface of the FPCA, each emitter configured to emit light towards the head of the user;
a plurality of detector mounted on the FPCA, each detector configured to detect light reflected from the head of the user;
an array of ferrules mounted on the FPCA, the plurality of ferrules comprising a first set of ferrules and a second set of ferrules, each ferrule of the first set of ferrules encasing an emitter and each ferrule of the second set of ferrules encasing a detector, each ferrule of the first set of ferrules comprising a ferrule body disposed on the first surface of the FPCA; and
a controller coupled to the plurality of emitters and the plurality of detectors, the controller configured to:
receive an optical signal detected by a detector of the plurality of detectors;
encode the detected optical signal; and
transmit the encoded optical signal to the computing device.
12. The HMD of claim 11 , wherein the FPCA comprises:
an emitter FPCA configured to mount the plurality of emitters; and
a detector FPCA configured to mount the plurality of detectors.
13. The HMD of claim 11 , wherein the FPCA is configured to flex to allow each ferrule of the array to contact the head of the user and conform to the shape of the user's head.
14. The HMD module of claim 11 , wherein a ferrule encasing an emitter is configured to direct light emitted by the emitter towards the head of the user.
15. The HMD module of claim 11 , wherein a ferrule encasing a detector configured to direct light from the head of the user to the detector.
16. The HMD module of claim 11 , wherein a ferrule encasing an emitter comprises an emitter cap configured to seal the emitter in the ferrule.
17. The HMD module of claim 11 , wherein a ferrule encasing a detector comprises a detector cap configured to seal the detector in the ferrule.
18. The HMD module of claim 11 , wherein the controller is further configured to instruct the plurality of emitters to emit light towards the head of the user.
19. The HMD module of claim 11 , further comprising a stretchable ferrule retaining membrane configured to hold each ferrule of the array in a fixed position.
20. The HMD module of claim 19 , wherein the stretchable ferrule retaining membrane is configured to provide an elastic force to allow the array of ferrules to conform a shape of the user's head.