Systems and methods for generic control using a neural signal

Abstract

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.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of calibrating neural signals as universal electronic switches to permit an individual to control an electronic device, the method comprising:
 measuring neural-related signals when the individual generates a task-irrelevant thought to obtain a sensed neural signal;   transmitting the sensed neural signal to a processing unit; and   associating the task-irrelevant thought and the sensed neural signal with a universal switch in the processing unit and assigning the universal switch to an input command of the electronic device in the processing unit, where a function associated with the input command is irrelevant to the task-irrelevant thought.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising assigning the universal switch to the input command of the electronic device via user input. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising assigning the universal switch to the input command of the electronic device via a user interface. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising compiling the task-irrelevant thought, the sensed neural signal, and the input command to a database stored in electronic format which allows the individual to control the electronic device by producing the task-irrelevant thought to cause electrical transmission of the input command to the electronic device. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , where the input command is a first input command of the electronic device, the method further comprising assigning the universal switch to a second input command of the electronic device in the processing unit, where a function associated with the second input command is irrelevant to the task-irrelevant thought. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , where the sensed neural signal is electrical brain activity. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , where measuring neural-related signals comprises measuring neural-related signals of the individual with an implanted endovascular device. 
     
     
         9 . A method of calibrating neural signals as universal electronic switches to permit an individual to control an electronic device, the method comprising:
 measuring neural-related signals when the individual generates a task-irrelevant thought to obtain a sensed neural signal;   transmitting the sensed neural signal to a processor; and   calibrating, via the processor, a universal switch based on the sensed neural signal, and assigning, via the processor, the universal switch to a first input command of the electronic device or to a second input command of the electronic device.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising assigning the universal switch to the first input command or to the second input command via a user interface. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising compiling the task-irrelevant thought, the sensed neural signal, and the first input command or the second input command to a database stored in electronic format which allows the individual to control the electronic device by producing the task-irrelevant thought to cause electrical transmission of the first input command or the second input command to the electronic device. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising assigning the universal switch to the first input command or to the second input command via a user interface. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising assigning the universal switch to the first input command and to the second input command. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising assigning the universal switch to the first input command and to the second input command via a user interface. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising compiling the task-irrelevant thought, the sensed neural signal, and the first input command or the second input command to a database stored in electronic format which allows the individual to control the electronic device by producing the task-irrelevant thought to cause electrical transmission of the first input command or the second input command to the electronic device. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising compiling the task-irrelevant thought, the sensed neural signal, the first input command, and the second input command to a database stored in electronic format which allows the individual to control the electronic device by producing the task-irrelevant thought to cause electrical transmission of the first input command and the second input command to the electronic device. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 9 , where the sensed neural signal is electrical brain activity. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 9 , where measuring neural-related signals comprises measuring neural-related signals of the individual with an implanted endovascular device. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 9 , where the measuring, transmitting, and calibrating steps are performed independently of the electronic device. 
     
     
         20 . A method of calibrating neural signals as universal electronic switches to permit an individual to control an electronic device, the method comprising:
 calibrating a first universal switch by measuring neural-related signals of the individual to obtain a first sensed neural signal when the individual generates a first thought, transmitting the first sensed neural signal to a processing unit, and associating the first thought and the first sensed neural signal with the first universal switch;   calibrating a second universal switch by measuring neural-related signals of the individual to obtain a second sensed neural signal when the individual generates a second thought, transmitting the second sensed neural signal to the processing unit, and associating the second thought and the second sensed neural signal with the second universal switch; and   assigning the first universal switch or the second universal switch to an input command of the electronic device,   where a function associated with the input command is irrelevant to the first thought, and   where the function associated with the input command is irrelevant to the second thought.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising assigning the first universal switch and the second universal switch to the input command. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , where producing a combination of the first thought and the second thought causes electrical transmission of the input command to the electronic device. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , where the input command of the electronic device is a first input command of the electronic device, the method further comprising:
 assigning the first universal switch to the first input command of the electronic device; and   assigning the second universal switch to a second input command of the electronic device.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , further comprising associating a combination of the first thought and the second thought with a third universal switch. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising assigning the third universal switch to a third input command of the electronic device in the processing unit. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising controlling the electronic device by producing the combination of the first thought and the second thought to cause electrical transmission of the third input command to the electronic device.