Monitoring and stimulating brain activity to achieve desired brain state: Key Neurotech Patent #10

– Illustrative image from U.S. Patent No. 6,488,617 Today we are sharing a 2002 patent describing a system linking brain signal detection to brain stimulation techniques. U.S. Patent No. 6,488,617: Method and device for producing a desired brain state Assignee(s): Universal Hedonics Inventor(s): Bruce F. Katz Technology Category: Hybrid Issue Date: December 3, 2002 SharpBrains’ Take: The ‘617 patent describes a system linking brain signal detection to brain stimulation techniques with the purpose of achieving a desired brain state. Cited examples of desired brain states in the background section of the patent include high neural activity in the alpha frequency band (8-13 Hz) that may be correlated with a feeling of relaxation or balancing of asymmetrical activity between the right and left prefrontal cortex that has been correlated with depression. With only two illustration sheets and four pages of written description, the specification may be considered somewhat limited. Nevertheless, the independent claims map well to the inventive concept of a closed loop detection-stimulation system. These independent claims, along with the multiple recited modes of brain state detection (e.g., MEG, EEG, MRI, etc.) and a fairly early priority date (dating back to 2000) are amongst the factors making the ‘617 patent a key non-invasive neurotechnology patent. Abstract: A method and device for the production of a desired brain state in an individual contain means for monitoring an...
Source: SharpBrains - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Cognitive Neuroscience Health & Wellness Technology brain data brain signal brain state brain-stimulation EEG MEG MRI neural-activity neuro-technology patent Universal Hedonics Source Type: blogs