US4254776A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for transmission of information by electrocutaneous stimuli
Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
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Filing: 1979-01-29
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Granted: 1981-03-10
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Expires: 1999-01-29
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for use in a system for transmitting information in the form of electric stimuli to a subject through the medium of a multiplicity of electrodes attached to the subject, which apparatus comprises analogue switches provided one each for the electrodes at their respective input sides and a decoder adapted to effect the "ON-OFF" control of these analogue switches. The pulse signals generated by a stimulator to represent a given piece of information are transmitted to the analogue switches, and then the pulse signals are applied to the subject only through the electrodes which are in their "ON" state at the time of the reception of the signals, giving required electric stimuli to the subject.
Inventors
- 👤 Kazuo Tanie
- 👤 Susumu Tachi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:30
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F9/00; A61F9/08; G; G09; G09B; G09B21/00; G09B21/001; G09B21/003; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/36014; A61N1/3603; A61N1/36034; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/908
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
188 words
An apparatus for the transmission of information to a human subject by the medium of electric stimuli selectively presented to the subject's skin by the application of closely spaced-apart signals to electrodes attached to the subject's skin, which comprises: a central processing unit (CPU); a stimulator coupled to the central processing unit for issuing pulse signals having the parameters of the information to be transmitted; a plurality of electrodes for generating electrocutaneous stimuli to the subject in response to said pulse signals, wherein each of said electrodes includes an input for receiving the pulse signals; an analog switch connected to each of said electrode inputs; a first single isolator having its input connected to said stimulator and its output connected to the input of each analog switch of said electrodes. a decoder having its input coupled to the CPU for sequentially controlling the "ON-OFF" operation of the respective analog switches; and second isolators connecting said analog switches with said decoder so that the electric stimuli are selectively turned on and off by the CPU coupled to the decoder in pulsed intervals, whereby said analog switches are turned selectively.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
188 words
An apparatus for the transmission of information to a human subject by the medium of electric stimuli selectively presented to the subject's skin by the application of closely spaced-apart signals to electrodes attached to the subject's skin, which comprises: a central processing unit (CPU); a stimulator coupled to the central processing unit for issuing pulse signals having the parameters of the information to be transmitted; a plurality of electrodes for generating electrocutaneous stimuli to the subject in response to said pulse signals, wherein each of said electrodes includes an input for receiving the pulse signals; an analog switch connected to each of said electrode inputs; a first single isolator having its input connected to said stimulator and its output connected to the input of each analog switch of said electrodes. a decoder having its input coupled to the CPU for sequentially controlling the "ON-OFF" operation of the respective analog switches; and second isolators connecting said analog switches with said decoder so that the electric stimuli are selectively turned on and off by the CPU coupled to the decoder in pulsed intervals, whereby said analog switches are turned selectively.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said first single isolator is an analog isolator having a low-voltage power source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said second isolators are photocouplers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein the analog switches are sequentially controlled in less than 15 ms.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-03-09 | 1984-09-08 | 1985-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-09 | 1988-09-08 | 1989-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-09 | 1992-09-08 | 1993-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |