Patent ID: 12236012

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

InFIG.1, a network of mind-controlled switches and devices are schematically illustrated. Three mind-controlled switches110,112,114are shown. The mind-controlled switch110is a master device in the network of mind-controlled switches while the mind-controlled switches112,114are slave devices. It will be appreciated that, generally, the master device controls the slave devices. An EEG headset105reads electrical activity in a user's brain and generates EEG (mind state) data which is wirelessly transmitted (for example using Bluetooth) to the master switch110. The master switch110provides the EEG data to the switches112,114, so all switches are able to operate based on EEG data from a single headset without requiring multiple links to the headset105. Although Bluetooth is used here as an example, other wireless techniques can be used instead, such as BLE or WIFi by being on the same network. A protocol known as MQTT can be used, which broadcasts the data over TCP/IP as long as the devices are on the same network. Any and/or all of these wireless networking techniques may be applied to all of the wireless links shown inFIG.1. In one implementation, where multiple switches are to be networked, a master and slave devices may create their own internal network and an app can still connect to internal network. In particular, a master switch can function as a server and broadcast data over a private network. In this case, an app (client) that may be supplied with the mind-controlled switch as part of a software development kit can still connect to the master device directly even if no wifi connection available. Wifi would then only be required if control of other wifi (only) connected devices is desired.

A portable electronic device107(such as a smartphone) is shown in wireless communication with the switch110. The wireless communication may typically be via a local network of devices connected to a (wireless) router. In other words, both the portable electronic device107and the mind-controlled switch110may be connected to the same WiFi router, permitting the portable electronic device107to discover the mind-controlled switch110on the network, and access data from it. The portable electronic device107is thus able to collect the data from the mind-controlled switch110and using an app can bridge the switch110to a wireless device that cannot be directly connected into the circuitry but is already available as an IoT or connected device controlled by a third party controller such as a wireless switch or Amazon Echo or Siri for example. The portable electronic device107also allows the user to view the data without having to look at the display in cases where the mind-controlled switch110is not accessible or hidden. The portable electronic device107also enables the display of the data on a second screen, to either display the feed or use the data to create an app or visualiser with the thresholds (and current mind state levels) visible, providing an experience so that the user knows what their current mind state is and what thresholds are required to meet (and how close they are to that threshold) without needing to look at the display on the mind-controlled switch. The other switches112,114may also be controlled by the portable electronic device, either directly or indirectly via the switch110, and either individually or in a group.

In one implementation, the portable electronic device7connects to the Internet/cloud via WiFi, and also connects directly to the mind-controlled switch1via WiFi (assuming that the mind-controlle switch1is connected to the same WiFi router, or more generally the same local network, as the portable electronic device7. In this way, the portable electronic device7, under control of a dedicated app, is able to collect data from the mind-controlled switch, including current settings (e.g. switch settings and thresholds as described elsewhere) of the mind-controlled switch1, and current mind-state levels. The portable electronic device7can then communicate the collected data onwards, via the Internet/Cloud, to a third party controller as mentioned above, in order to (wirelessly) control devices not directly connected to the mind-controlled switch1. In the case of a network of mind controlled switches, consisting of one master switch and one or more slave switches (described in detail elsewhere), the portable electronic device1may communicate only with the master switch, which in turn obtains information from the slave switches.

The switch110is shown to have a wired connection to three devices131,132,133. The wired connection is used to activate and/or control the function of these devices, for example by switching the devices131,132,133on and off, or controlling a variable parameter (such as the illumination of a lamp, or the speed of a fan). For certain devices, the variable parameter may be controlled simply by increasing or decreasing the amount of electrical power delivered to that device. The switch110controls the devices131,132,133based on the EEG data captured by the headset. The switch110also has a wireless connection to a smart device120, such as an Amazon Alexa. The smart device120is itself wirelessly connected to three further devices122, and is able to control these (for example to switch on or off, or carry out a specified function) in dependence on a control output from the switch110, which is itself dependent on the EEG data collected by the EEG headset105. The smart device120is also shown to be wirelessly connected to the portable electronic device107, which is able to view the status of the smart device120and the devices it controls, as well as program conditional logic to be applied by the smart device120in controlling the devices122in dependence on the EEG data. The conditional logic applied may be independent from, but similar or identical to in nature, the conditional logic applied by the mind-controlled switch110in controlling the external devices131,132,133(to be described in detail below).

The switch112is shown to have a wired connection to one device134. The wired connection is used to activate and/or control the function of the device134in the same manner as the switch110controls the devices131,132,133. Similarly, the switch114is shown to have a wired connection to devices135,136. The wired connection is used to activate and/or control the function of devices135,136in the same manner as the switch110controls the devices131,132,133. The switch114is also shown to have a wireless connection to a device137. The wireless connection is used to activate and/or control the function of the device137.

Each of the switches110,112,114has its own set of controls110a,112a,114awhich can be independently set. As a result, conditional logic and/or mind state thresholds applied by the three switches may be different (or they may be set to be the same). This enables the three groups of device (first group including devices131,132,133, second group including device134, and third group includes devices135,136,137) to be switched on and off or otherwise controlled differently, so that for example the different groups switch on and/or off at different times (or more accurately, at different mind state values). All devices attached (wirelessly or wired) to a particular switch will be controlled based on the same logic and using the same threshold(s). This means for example that the devices131,132,133will all be activated under the same circumstances, but that the devices134,134,136and137may be activated under different circumstances by way of appropriate selection of the settings on the respective switches110,112,114.

According toFIG.1, a plurality of mind-controlled switches110,112,114are wirelessly networked together with one of the switches110being a master and the remaining switches112,114being slaves, and with only the master switch110directly receiving mind state data from the wearable headset device105. The slave switches112,114receive the mind state data (either directly or indirectly) from the master switch110.

It will be appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, a single mind-controlled switch could be utilised rather than a network of multiple mind-controlled switches.

InFIG.2A, a top view of a mind-controlled switch1is schematically illustrated. The switch1takes the form of a cuboid box having a housing2within which input circuitry3, control circuitry4and output circuitry5is provided, with dashed lines representing that these components are hidden within the housing2. All components of the mind-controlled switch1are either provided within, mounted to, or exposed through the housing2. In other words, the mind-controlled switch1represents a single entity providing the functionality described herein, rather than the functionality provided by the mind-controlled switch1being distributed across multiple devices. In practice, these are functional delineations of the circuitry, and there may be significant overlap. For example, transceiver circuitry for wireless reception and transmission may carry out some of the input circuitry3functions, and some of the output circuitry5functions. However, as will be explained further, the output circuitry5includes wired as well as wireless outputs, which will be separate from transceiver circuitry. It will be appreciated that the transceiver circuitry may include one or more internal antennae, and may operate for example using Bluetooth, WiFi, ZigBee or any other suitable protocol and technology.

InFIG.2B, a front view of the mind-controlled switch1is schematically illustrated. On the front of the mind-controlled switch1, there is provided a first switch11, a second switch12and a third switch13. The function of these switches will be described below. Also provided on the front of the mind-controlled switch are a first dial14and a second dial15. The function of these dials will be described below. Finally, the front of the mind-controlled switch1is provided with a display16, which is operable to display one or more of a target concentration threshold, a target relaxation threshold, a current level of concentration and a current level of relaxation. This enables the user to see how close they are to satisfying the conditions for controlling the output device(s). The display also indicates whether the switch is currently in test mode or live mode (discussed below), and whether the switch is currently in open power or closed power mode (discussed below). Note that the various components described inFIG.2Bwill be operably (electrically) connected to the control circuitry4inFIG.2A. In particular, the first, second and third switches11,12,13and the first and second dials14,15provide inputs to the control circuitry4, used by the control circuitry4in defining and applying conditional logic to the EEG (mind state) data provided to the switch1via the input circuitry3. The display16is connected to the control circuitry4and receives and displays information therefrom.

InFIG.2C, a rear view of the mind-controlled switch1is schematically illustrated. On the rear of the mind-controlled switch1, there is provide a USB-out port17, a first pair of output terminals18, a second pair of output terminals19, a master/slave switch20and a test output dial21. The function of all these will be described below. Note that the various components described inFIG.2Cwill be operably (electrically) connected to the control circuitry4and/or output circuitry5inFIG.2A. In particular, the USB port17and the two pairs of terminals18,19are connected to or form part of the output circuitry5. The master/slave switch20and test output dial21are also electrically connected with, and provide inputs to, the control circuitry4.

The master/slave switch20is used when multiple switches110,112,114are being operated together, as per the setup shown inFIG.1. One of the switches (in this case switch110) is set to master, and the others (in this case112,114) set to slaves. The switches then talk to each other to establish the master/slave networking configuration, and the EEG headset105connects only to the master switch110.

The input circuitry3and output circuitry5provide for wireless communication with the EEG headset105(inFIG.1), with other mind-controlled switches, with the portable electronic device107, and with a connected smart device120. The input circuitry receives mind state (EEG) data from the headset105(or from another mind-controlled switch), and the output circuitry5transmits the EEG data to other switches, and/or to the connected smart device120. The input circuitry3may also receive control commands from an external device such as the smart device120or the portable electronic device107. The output circuitry5also selectively provides electrical power to external devices (via the outputs17,18,19shown inFIG.2C) to deactivate, or control their state, and in some embodiments may provide control commands to external devices to control their operation or state. In other words, one implementation may control the external devices solely by the selective provision of electrical power to the external devices (to switch them on and off, and optionally to control the amount of electrical power when the device is on two influence a variable function such as brightness or fan speed), while alternative embodiments may output control signals to external devices which the external devices are responsive to to switch themselves on and off and/or to modify their behaviour in other ways. The output circuitry5is also able to transmit control commands to devices such as the device137and the smart device120. The output circuitry5may also provide for wireless communication with a device to be controlled, such as the device137inFIG.1.

The control circuitry3carries out conditional logic using the received EEG data as an input, using settings dictated by the first, second and third switches11,12,13, and the dial21, and thresholds dictated by the first and second dials14,15. The outcome of the conditional logic is to control the external devices attached to the output circuitry5, for example by switching on or off or adjusting the output level of the supply of electrical power to the external devices by the output circuitry5, and in particular via the outputs17,18,19.

The mind-controlled switch1comprises a number of actuators, shown inFIGS.2B and2C. These, and in particular their functions, are described below. The actuators are intended to be manually manipulated by a user, and are each provided on, exposed through, or extend through the housing2of the mind-controlled switch1.

The first switch11(first actuator or selector) is a two-way switch for selecting between a concentration (attention) mode in which the concentration level of the user determined from the EEG data is compared with the threshold mind state value(s) and a relaxation mode (meditation) in which the relaxation level of the user determined from the EEG data is compared with the threshold mind state value(s). It will be appreciated that a different type of actuator may be used instead of a two-way switch, such as a button. Where more than two mind states are able to be handled, a three (or more) way switch or selector may be provided instead.

The second switch12(second actuator or selector) is a two-way switch for selecting an output mode of the output circuitry between an on/off output in which the second external device is switched on and off in accordance with the control signal, and a variable output in which a variable state of the second external device is controlled to a determined level in accordance with the control signal. In the variable output mode, the power delivered by the output circuitry may not only be applied and discontinued, but also scaled (adjusted in value) in proportion (direct or inverse) to an increase or decrease in focus or relaxation (depending on the first switch11).

The third switch13(third actuator) is a two-way switch for selecting a relationship between the threshold(s) being satisfied and whether the output circuitry delivers electrical power to the second external device. In other words, the third switch13determines whether reaching a particular threshold should turn on or off an attached device. In the case of a single threshold being used, the relationships available may be that the external devices are activated when the user's mind state level is at or above that threshold (and are deactivated below it) or that the external devices are activated when the user's mind state level is below that threshold (and are activated at or above it). In the case of upper and lower thresholds, the relationships available may be that the external devices are activated while the user's mind state is between the upper and lower thresholds, and deactivated otherwise, or alternatively that the external devices are activated while the user's mind state is either below the lower threshold or above the upper threshold, and deactivated when the user's mind state is between the upper and lower thresholds.

The first dial14(first threshold setting control input) is for setting an upper threshold value against which the EEG data or mind state is to be compared. Similarly, the second dial15(second threshold setting control input) is for setting a lower threshold. Each of the dials14and15can be rotated from a zero setting (threshold of zero) to maximum (for example 100%). So, for example, the output of each dial may be any integer value between a minimum value (for example zero) and a maximum value (for example 10, or 100).

The thresholds allow the user to define when the action (e.g. switching on an external device) occurs. For example, where upper and lower thresholds are being used, the switch1can be set up such that the external device is switched on when a particular mind state of the user is between the upper and lower thresholds. So, if carrying out control based on concentration, it would be possible for example to set the lower threshold to a value of 10 (out of 100) and the upper threshold to 100 (out of 100). In this case, the switch would activate the external device (or deactivate it, depending on the state of the second selector) when the user's concentration level exceeds 10 and would keep the external device active provided that the concentration level remained above 10.

In other words, a first output state of the mind-controlled switch can be defined as when the user's (selected) mind state is between the lower and upper thresholds. A second output state of the mind-controlled switch can be defined as when the user's (selected mind state is not between the lower and upper thresholds. It will be appreciated that, if one of the thresholds is set to zero, in effect only a single threshold is used, and similarly if one of the thresholds is set to maximum.

Accordingly, if the lower threshold is set to 40 (out of 100) and the upper threshold is set to 80 (out of 100), and a fan is connected as an external device controlled by the output circuitry, the output circuitry may provide electrical power for the fan to switch on while the user's mind state is between 40 and 80 (first state), and be off at all other times (second state) or, depending on the third selector, the output circuitry may provide electrical power for the fan to switch on while the user's mind state is below 40 and above 80, and off when it is between the upper and lower thresholds.

One reason for this is to allow users to gradually make the thresholds higher for training purposes. Alternatively, if multiple mind-controlled switches are provided in a room (for example), it is possible to set each of these to utilise different (upper and/or lower) thresholds or filter them in such a way that that they all come on (and/or switch off) at different thresholds. In other words, it is possible to manipulate the switches and potentiometers on a second (and/or third and/or fourth and so on) mind-controlled switch so that it behaves completely differently, for example if one mind-controlled switch is basing output control on attention, another mind-controlled switch can base output control on meditation. In this way, if (for example 5 objects (external devices) are connected to 5 mind-controlled switches they can all be set up (filters) to work completely independently even though they are all receiving the same brain data.

If the upper threshold is set to 0 then only lower threshold is active, with the result that there is no upper threshold and the output state of the mind-controlled switch will remain the same for any input value of mind state at or above the lower threshold value. Similarly, if the upper threshold is set to any value which is lower than the lower threshold value, the upper threshold value is ignored. It is not essential to set an upper threshold, since this is only used in order to define a range rather than a single switching point.

It should be noted that the mind-controlled switch is preferably configured such that thresholds are only used with physical devices connected to the switch, while wirelessly connected devices will utilise their own thresholds (for example within an app that controls and bridges between the mind-controlled switch an IoT (Internet of Things) connected device such as an Amazon Echo.

The test output dial21has two functions, one when the mind-controlled switch is operating in a test mode, and another when the mind-controlled switch is operating in a live mode. An actuator, such as a button or switch, may be used to flip between the live and test modes. In one example, the test output dial21(or a part thereof) may be depressed in order to toggle between the live and test modes. In the test mode of the switch1, the dial21serves as a test control input, operable to replace the received mind state data (which would be available in the live mode) to emulate a mind state concentration or relaxation level in order to test that the switch1and the connected external devices are operating as expected. However, in an operational (live) mode the test output dial21serves as a time delay dial, which can be varied from zero (no time delay) up to a maximum delay (for example 60 seconds or 5 minutes). This represents a delay time between the mind state data satisfying the threshold mind state value and the second external device being controlled.

The mind-controlled switch may also be provide with a time delay setting switch (not shown) for selecting between a first mode in which the second external device is controlled to (for example) switch on or switch off after the delay time has lapsed irrespective of whether the mind state data continues to satisfy the threshold mind state value, and a second mode in which the second external device is controlled to (for example) switch on or switch off after the delay time has lapsed only if the mind state data continues to satisfy the threshold mind state value throughout the delay time.

In use, the mind-controlled switch1receives EEG data from the EEG headset105. The received mind state data may be raw EEG data, in which case the control circuitry4of the switch1is configured to process the raw EEG data to generate a value indicative of either or both of the concentration level of the user and the relaxation level of the user (or of another type of mind state derivable from EEG data). Alternatively, the received mind state data may be processed EEG data defining a value indicative of the concentration level of the user and/or a value indicative of the relaxation level of the user (or indicative of another type of mind state). This will be the case where the wearable device itself processes the raw EEG data to form the concentration level and relaxation level values. For example, the EEG headset105may transmit (separately or together) a concentration level value and a relaxation level value to the switch.

The processed EEG data, representing a mind state, is then used to determine how to control the connected devices (for example devices131,132,133inFIG.1) utilising the thresholds set and the settings of the various input switches and dials described above. If the first switch is set to concentration (focus/attention) then the value of the mind state data indicative of concentration will be used. If the first switch is set to relaxation (meditation) then the value of the mind state data indicative of relaxation will be used.

Once a decision has been taken by the control circuitry, the output circuitry is controlled (configured) accordingly.

In particular, the USB-out port17, the first pair of output terminals18, and the second pair of output terminals19are configured such that the devices connected thereto are either activated, or deactivated, or have their operating state controlled, in accordance with the result of the decision by the control circuitry4.

The wired data port (USB (5V) port)17provides a wired power and/or data connection to an external device being controlled. A USB powered device which is plugged into the port17is switched on or off in accordance with the result of the decision by the control circuitry4. Differing amounts of electrical power may also be delivered via the USB port to alter an operating condition of the external device (such as the illumination of a lamp or the speed of a fan).

Similarly, the terminal blocks18,19, each of which have first and second terminals for connection to the second external device, or to a power supply for delivering electrical power to the second external device having electrical power supplied thereto in dependence on the result of the decision by the control circuitry4. In particular, the first terminal of each of the terminal blocks18,19is a positive terminal into which a positive wire of an external device can be inserted and engaged. The second terminal of each of the terminal blocks18,19is a negative terminal into which a negative wire of an external device can be inserted and engaged. Electrical power can be selectively provided across the first and second terminals in order to turn on and off the connected devices. The amount of electrical power provided may be used to control the connected device further, for example the brightness of a lamp.

In some embodiments the terminal block19is configured differently to the terminal block18(or alternatively a further terminal block may be provided), such as to be usable to control an external device which utilises electrical power with two polarities. In this case, the first terminal may for example be a 0V terminal, while the second terminal may be set (by the output circuitry, in response to the control circuitry) to a positive value (for example+12V or +24V) or to a negative value (for example −12V or −24V). This enables control of an external device which utilises both positive and negative drive voltages/currents to be controlled by the mind-controlled switch1. For example, the external device may be a motor or servo, which can be driven in a first direction when the first terminal is set to 0V and the second terminal set to a positive voltage, and which can be driven in a second (opposite to the first) direction when the first terminal is set to 0V and the second terminal is set to a negative voltage. In this way, the motor can be driven forwards (potentially at different speeds depending on the magnitude of the voltage difference between the first and second terminals), be stationary (no voltage difference between the first terminal and the second terminal), or in reverse (again, potentially at different speeds depending on the magnitude of the voltage difference between the first and second terminals). It will be appreciated that the polarity of the output (that is, whether the second terminal is a positive terminal or a negative terminal compared with the first terminal) is reversed internally by the output circuitry.

The relationship between the mind state data and the thresholds then influences both the magnitude and direction of the voltage output of the terminal block22(on state with variable direction (and optionally magnitude)), as well as whether any voltage output is applied at all (off state). For example, if lower and upper thresholds are set, if the mind state data indicates a level less than the lower threshold, a voltage output in a first direction may be applied (0V at first terminal and −12V at second terminal). If the mind state data indicates a level between the lower threshold and the upper threshold, no voltage output is provided, and the external device would be inert. In the mind state data indicates a level above the upper threshold, a voltage output in a second direction may be applied (0V at first terminal and +12V at second terminal). For example, if the external device is a motorised chair capable of rising and descending, the first voltage direction may cause the chair to descend, and the second voltage direction may cause the chair to ascend. When no voltage is output, the chair will remain stationary. Explained differently, if the lower threshold is 40 and the upper threshold 60, then if the mind state data indicates a level of between 0 and 40, the motor operates in reverse, if the mind state data indicates a level of between 40 and 60 the motor would stop, and if the mind state data indicates a level of between 60 and 100, the motor will operate in a forwards direction. Below the lower threshold, the level of the mind state data may control a magnitude of the voltage of a first polarity, while above the upper threshold, the level of the mind state data may control a magnitude of the voltage of a second polarity. Alternatively, fixed voltages may be applied (no variable magnitude), depending on the switch settings.

It will be appreciated that a variety of devices may be controlled at the same time, either directly, or indirectly, using the mind-controlled switch1. This includes both devices directly connected to the output circuitry of the mind-controlled switch, to devices connected indirectly to the mind-controlled switch via slave mind-controlled switches, and devices controlled via third party controllers based on control data from the mind-controlled switch. It will therefore be appreciated that a user is able to quickly control multiple devices, both locally (directly connected to the mind-controlled switch1) and further away (not directly connected to the mind-controlled switch1) based on a simply manual interaction with a single device—that is, with the mind-controlled switch. The user does not require any understanding of the controlled devices, nor to interact with the controlled devices. All user interactions may be carried out with the mind-controlled switch, which then controls all connected devices in parallel with each other.

It will be understood that a wide variety of devices can be controlled in this way—not just the lamp or fan mentioned for the purposes of illustration. For example:(A) Implement a mind-controlled Thor hammer by controlling electromagnets using the mind-controlled switch, with the electromagnets being active by default, and deactivating them when the mind state of the user exceeds a threshold value, thereby allowing user to switch the magnet off and release the hammer.(B) Implement a mind controlled meditation seat by connecting a linear motor to a chair to allow a user to raise and lower the seat in real time as they meditate and hit the thresholds. The linear motor is connected directly to the output of the mind-controlled switch. As the user meditates and reaches the lower threshold the chair starts to rise, and as the user reaches the upper threshold the chair reclines.(C) Implement a balance beam that rotates making it difficult or impossible to cross. The mind-controlled switch is connected to mechanical brakes which when activated by the switch stop the beam from rotating so that the user can cross. If during crossing the user's mind state drops below the relevant threshold, the brakes unlock and throw the user off the beam.(D) Implement door locks which can be unlocked by mind state for use in escape rooms, and to control doors and bridges inside a maze by connecting to hydraulic lift control and electronic solenoids for the door locks.

More generally, any electrical component that requires direct power input such as a motor, electromagnet, solenoid, relays, switches, can be controlled by the mind-controlled switch in the manner described. It is also possible to connect any type of model train set or Scalextric style model slot car racing. It is also possible to wire the mind-controlled switch directly into an RC (radio control) transmitter to control or influence one or more function of a radio-controlled vehicle.

The mind-controlled switch may also be used to charge a phone or the like—that is, anything USB powered, based on mind-state. Other applications include a USB timer, clock, robot, USB rocket launcher, USB drone, USB powered locks and toys. Any model set which runs on 12V, 16V or 48V power such as robotic kits, mechanical toys and so on could also be activate, deactivated or otherwise controlled based on mind state using the mind-controlled switch.