Malech
April 20, 1976
Apparatus and method for remotely monitoring and altering brain waves
Abstract
Apparatus for and method of sensing brain waves at a position remote
from a subject whereby electromagnetic signals of different frequencies
are simultaneously transmitted to the brain of the subject in which the
signals interfere with one another to yield a waveform which is
modulated by the subject's brain waves. The interference waveform which
is representative of the brain wave activity is re-transmitted by the
brain to a receiver where it is demodulated and amplified. The
demodulated waveform is then displayed for visual viewing and routed to
a computer for further processing and analysis. The demodulated waveform
also can be used to produce a compensating signal which is transmitted
back to the brain to effect a desired change in electrical activity
therein.
Inventors:
Malech; Robert G. (Plainview, NY)
Assignee:
Dorne & Margolin Inc. (Bohemia, NY)
Appl. No.:
494518
Filed:
August 5, 1974
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Medical science has found brain waves to be a useful barometer of organic
functions. Measurements of electrical activity in the brain have been
instrumental in detecting physical and psychic disorder, measuring stress,
determining sleep patterns, and monitoring body metabolism.
The present art for measurement of brain waves employs electroencephalographs
including probes with sensors which are attached to the skull of the subject
under study at points proximate to the regions of the brain being monitored.
Electrical contact between the sensors and apparatus employed to process the
detected brain waves is maintained by a plurality of wires extending from the
sensors to the apparatus. The necessity for physically attaching the measuring
apparatus to the subject imposes several limitations on the measurement process.
The subject may experience discomfort, particulary if the measurements are to be
made over extended periods of time. His bodily movements are restricted and he
is generally confined to the immediate vicinity of the measuring apparatus.
Furthermore, measurements cannot be made while the subject is conscious without
his awareness. The comprehensiveness of the measurements is also limited since
the finite number of probes employed to monitor local regions of brain wave
activity do not permit observation of the total brain wave profile in a single
test.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for monitoring brain
waves wherein all components of the apparatus employed are remote from the test
subject. More specifically, high frequency transmitters are operated to radiate
electromagnetic energy of different frequencies through antennas which are
capable of scanning the entire brain of the test subject or any desired region
thereof. The signals of different frequencies penetrate the skull of the subject
and impinge upon the brain where they mix to yield an interference wave
modulated by radiations from the brain's natural electrical activity. The
modulated interference wave is re-transmitted by the brain and received by an
antenna at a remote station where it is demodulated, and processed to provide a
profile of the suject's brain waves. In addition to passively monitoring his
brain waves, the subject's neurological processes may be affected by
transmitting to his brain, through a transmitter, compensating signals. The
latter signals can be derived from the received and processed brain waves.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to remotely monitor electrical
activity in the entire brain or selected local regions thereof with a single
measurement.
Another object is the monitoring of a subject's brain wave activity through
transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves.
Still another object is to monitor brain wave activity from a position remote
from the subject.
A further object is to provide a method and apparatus for affecting brain wave
activity by transmitting electromagnetic signals thereto.
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