Scanning method for applying ultrasonic acoustic data to the human neural cortex
US7350522B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2007/0095
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for creating sensory experiences operates by scanning the acoustical signal across the human neural cortex to create the desired sensory perceptions. The acoustic signal is scanned in a predetermined pattern. The pattern is then modified to fill in spaces in the predetermined pattern so that over a short time period, the desired signal is scanned across the intended region of the neural cortex. In one exemplary embodiment, the pattern begins with an array of points on the cortex. Thus, an acoustic signal in an array of points is directed towards the cortex. The acoustic pattern is then shaped to expand in radius about each point. Thus, the acoustic signal scans the visual cortex in an array of expanding circles. Varying the signal at each point along the radius as it expands produces neural firing differences in the neural tissue. When the circles expand to where they begin to touch, the pattern changes to fill in the areas between the original array of points. The new circles are centered about the points between the original stimulation locations, and the acoustic signal contracts about these new centers. The signal continues to contract about the new center points. When…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.