2793 results about "Neuron" patented technology

The present application relates to a new stimulation design which can be utilized to treat neurological conditions. The stimulation system produces a burst mode stimulation which alters the neuronal activity of the predetermined site, thereby treating the neurological condition or disorder.

A pattern detecting apparatus has a plurality of hierarchized neuron elements to detect a predetermined pattern included in input patterns. Pulse signals output from the plurality of neuron elements are given specific delays by synapse circuits associated with the individual elements. This makes it possible to transmit the pulse signals to the neuron elements of the succeeding layer through a common bus line so that they can be identified on a time base. The neuron elements of the succeeding layer output the pulse signals at output levels based on a arrival time pattern of the plurality of pulse signals received from the plurality of neuron elements of the preceding layer within a predetermined time window. Thus, the reliability of pattern detection can be improved, and the number of wires interconnecting the elements can be reduced by the use of the common bus line, leading to a small scale of circuit and reduced power consumption.

An artificial neural network device that utilizes one or more non-volatile memory arrays as the synapses. The synapses are configured to receive inputs and to generate therefrom outputs. Neurons are configured to receive the outputs. The synapses include a plurality of memory cells, wherein each of the memory cells includes spaced apart source and drain regions formed in a semiconductor substrate with a channel region extending there between, a floating gate disposed over and insulated from a first portion of the channel region and a non-floating gate disposed over and insulated from a second portion of the channel region. Each of the plurality of memory cells is configured to store a weight value corresponding to a number of electrons on the floating gate. The plurality of memory cells are configured to multiply the inputs by the stored weight values to generate the outputs.

An externally powered and controlled neuro-implant system for transmission of stimulating therapeutic signals to an implantable electrode. The system basically consists of two coils, one external active coil and one internal passive coil each housed in a ferrite pot core which enhances inductive coupling and minimizes the coils in size, thus facilitating the construction of a passive coils array to enable the usage of multi-contact electrodes for swithching of the electrical stimulation between a number of sites along the target neurons. The implanted part of the system, comprising only a coil housed in a ferrite pot core, is fully passive. The passive coil, that is implanted under the skin, is connected with the electrode placed in neighbouring of the target neural tissue via implanted thin medical grade wires. The active coil is placed on the skin overlying the passive coil. Therapeutic signals produced by the transmitter outside the body are transmitted through the coils by inductive coupling across the skin of the patient.

A system and method for characterizing a pattern, in which a spiking neural network having at least one layer of neurons is provided. The spiking neural network has a plurality of connected neurons for transmitting signals between the connected neurons. A model for inducing spiking in the neurons is specified. Each neuron is connected to a global regulating unit for transmitting signals between the neuron and the global regulating unit. Each neuron is connected to at least one other neuron for transmitting signals from this neuron to the at least one other neuron, this neuron and the at least one other neuron being on the same layer. Spiking of each neuron is synchronized according to a number of active neurons connected to the neuron. At least one pattern is submitted to the spiking neural network for generating sequences of spikes in the spiking neural network, the sequences of spikes (i) being modulated over time by the synchronization of the spiking and (ii) being regulated by the global regulating unit. The at least one pattern is characterized according to the sequences of spikes generated in the spiking neural network.

A flexible, conformable, sensor assembly is provided, including an electrode array especially adapted for stable, long-term recording of EEG signals from a pre-term or neonatal infant in intensive care. A kit or sterile pack includes guidance for placement of the electrodes over a designated area of the infant's brain, an area likely to be injured. The sensor assembly includes a left-side and a right-side flexible strip bearing at least electrodes and optional temperature, motion, and optical sensors provide for the monitoring of an extended range of parameters including aspects of cerebral perfusion and metabolism. Optional impedance measurements provide an indication of neuronal swelling. Stable performance over from three days to about a week is intended so that progress, effects of treatment, and outcome can be considered.

The invention provides a micro-control neuroprosthetic device and methods for predicting and controlling epileptic neuronal activity. The device includes a detection system that detects and collects electrophysiological information comprising action potentials from single neurons and ensembles of neurons in a neural structure such as an epileptogenic region of the brain in a subject. An analysis system included in the neuroprosthetic device evaluates the electrophysiological information and performs a real-time extraction of neuron firing features from which the system determines when stimulus intervention is required. The neuroprosthetic device further comprises a stimulation intervention system that provides stimulus output signals having a desired stimulation frequency and stimulation intensity directly to the neural structure in which abnormal neuronal activity is detected. The analysis system further analyzes collected electrophysiological information during or following stimulus intervention to assess the effects of the stimulation intervention and to provide outputs to maintain or modify the stimulation intervention.

A physical neural network is disclosed, which includes a connection network comprising a plurality of molecular conducting connections suspended within a connection gap formed between one or more input electrodes and one or more output electrodes. One or more molecular connections of the molecular conducting connections can be strengthened or weakened according to an application of an electric field across said connection gap. Thus, a plurality of physical neurons can be formed from said molecular conducting connections of said connection network. Additionally, a gate can be located adjacent said connection gap and which comes into contact with said connection network. The gate can be connected to logic circuitry which can activate or deactivate individual physical neurons among said plurality of physical neurons.

A computer-implemented method executed by at least one processor for training fast models for real-time object detection with knowledge transfer is presented. The method includes employing a Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) as an objection detection framework for performing the real-time object detection, inputting a plurality of images into the Faster R-CNN, and training the Faster R-CNN by learning a student model from a teacher model by employing a weighted cross-entropy loss layer for classification accounting for an imbalance between background classes and object classes, employing a boundary loss layer to enable transfer of knowledge of bounding box regression from the teacher model to the student model, and employing a confidence-weighted binary activation loss layer to train intermediate layers of the student model to achieve similar distribution of neurons as achieved by the teacher model.

The invention provides a calculation apparatus and method for an accelerator chip accelerating a deep neural network algorithm. The apparatus comprises a vector addition processor module, a vector function value calculator module and a vector multiplier-adder module, wherein the vector addition processor module performs vector addition or subtraction and/or vectorized operation of a pooling layer algorithm in the deep neural network algorithm; the vector function value calculator module performs vectorized operation of a nonlinear value in the deep neural network algorithm; the vector multiplier-adder module performs vector multiplication and addition operations; the three modules execute programmable instructions and interact to calculate a neuron value and a network output result of a neural network and a synaptic weight variation representing the effect intensity of input layer neurons to output layer neurons; and an intermediate value storage region is arranged in each of the three modules and a main memory is subjected to reading and writing operations. Therefore, the intermediate value reading and writing frequencies of the main memory can be reduced, the energy consumption of the accelerator chip can be reduced, and the problems of data missing and replacement in a data processing process can be avoided.

A method and system that is directed to the local delivery of growth factors to the mammalian CNS to treat CNS disorders associated with neuronal death and/or dysfunction is described.

A method of inhibiting the binding between N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and neuronal proteins in a neuron is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the neuron an effective inhibiting amount of a peptide replacement agent for the NMDA receptor or neuronal protein interaction domain that effect said inhibition of the NMDA receptor—neuronal protein interaction. The method is of value in reducing the damaging effect of injury to mammalian cells. Postsynaptic density-95 protein (PSD-95) couples neuronal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) to pathways mediating excitotoxicity, ischemic and traumatic brain damage. This coupling was disrupted by transducing neurons with peptides that bind to modular domains on either side of the PSD-95/NMDAR interaction complex. This treatment attenuated downstream NMDAR signaling without blocking NMDAR activity, protected cultured cortical neurons from excitotoxic insults, dramatically reduced cerebral infarction volume in rats subjected to transient focal cerebral ischemia, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats.

Methods and systems for modifying at least one synapse of a physicallelectromechanical neural network. A physical/electromechanical neural network implemented as an adaptive neural network can be provided, which includes one or more neurons and one or more synapses thereof, wherein the neurons and synapses are formed from a plurality of nanoparticles disposed within a dielectric solution in association with one or more pre-synaptic electrodes and one or more post-synaptic electrodes and an applied electric field. At least one pulse can be generated from one or more of the neurons to one or more of the pre-synaptic electrodes of a succeeding neuron and one or more post-synaptic electrodes of one or more of the neurons of the physical/electromechanical neural network, thereby strengthening at least one nanoparticle of a plurality of nanoparticles disposed within the dielectric solution and at least one synapse thereof.

Apparatus and methods for high-level neuromorphic network description (HLND) framework that may be configured to enable users to define neuromorphic network architectures using a unified and unambiguous representation that is both human-readable and machine-interpretable. The framework may be used to define nodes types, node-to-node connection types, instantiate node instances for different node types, and to generate instances of connection types between these nodes. To facilitate framework usage, the HLND format may provide the flexibility required by computational neuroscientists and, at the same time, provides a user-friendly interface for users with limited experience in modeling neurons. The HLND kernel may comprise an interface to Elementary Network Description (END) that is optimized for efficient representation of neuronal systems in hardware-independent manner and enables seamless translation of HLND model description into hardware instructions for execution by various processing modules.

In one aspect, the invention provides vision prosthesis systems. Exemplary vision prosthesis systems of the invention comprise a light energy generator operably connected to a wearable head piece comprising a device for directing light energy produced by the light energy generator onto a mammalian retina, wherein the light energy generator is tuned to emit light energy of sufficient power to modulate neural activity in the retina. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for irradiating neurons in the retina of the mammalian eye by directing light energy produced by a light energy generator onto a mammalian retina. The methods of the invention may be used to directly modulate the activity of retinal neurons or to introduce molecules into retinal cells.

Generalized learning rules may be implemented. A framework may be used to enable adaptive spiking neuron signal processing system to flexibly combine different learning rules (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning) with different methods (online or batch learning). The generalized learning framework may employ time-averaged performance function as the learning measure thereby enabling modular architecture where learning tasks are separated from control tasks, so that changes in one of the modules do not necessitate changes within the other. Separation of learning tasks from the control tasks implementations may allow dynamic reconfiguration of the learning block in response to a task change or learning method change in real time. The generalized spiking neuron learning apparatus may be capable of implementing several learning rules concurrently based on the desired control application and without requiring users to explicitly identify the required learning rule composition for that task.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a neuromorphic network for producing spike-timing dependent plasticity. The neuromorphic network includes a plurality of electronic neurons and an interconnect circuit coupled for interconnecting the plurality of electronic neurons. The interconnect circuit includes plural synaptic devices for interconnecting the electronic neurons via axon paths, dendrite paths and membrane paths. Each synaptic device includes a variable state resistor and a transistor device with a gate terminal, a source terminal and a drain terminal, wherein the drain terminal is connected in series with a first terminal of the variable state resistor. The source terminal of the transistor device is connected to an axon path, the gate terminal of the transistor device is connected to a membrane path and a second terminal of the variable state resistor is connected to a dendrite path, such that each synaptic device is coupled between a first axon path and a first dendrite path, and between a first membrane path and said first dendrite path.

A method to control respiration generally comprising generating a confounding neuro-electrical signal that is adapted to confound or (suppress) at least one interneuron that induces a reflex action and transmitting the confounding neuro-electrical signal to the subject, whereby the reflex action is abated. In one embodiment, the confounding neuro-electrical signal is adapted to confound at least one parasympathetic action potential that is associated with the target reflex action, e.g., bronchial constriction.

The present invention teaches a method and apparatus for physiological modulation, including neural and gastrointestinal modulation, for the purposes of treating several disorders, including obesity, depression, epilepsy, and diabetes. This includes chronically implanted neural and neuromuscular modulators, used to modulate the afferent neurons of the sympathetic nervous system to induce satiety. Furthermore, this includes neuromuscular stimulation of the stomach to effect baseline and intermittent smooth muscle contraction to increase gastric intraluminal pressure, which induces satiety, and stimulate sympathetic afferent fibers, including those in the sympathetic trunk, splanchnic nerves, and greater curvature of the stomach, to augment the perception of satiety.

A brain implant system consistent with embodiments of the present invention includes an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes for sensing neuron signals. A method for manufacturing the electrode array includes machining a piece of an electrically conductive substance to create a plurality of electrodes extending from a base member. Each electrode also has a corresponding base section. A nonconductive layer is provided around at least a portion of the base section of each electrode to support the plurality of electrodes. The base section of the electrodes are then cut to separate the base member from the plurality of electrodes supported by the nonconductive support layer. The present invention also includes a complete brain implant system using the above electrode array.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to neuromorphic circuits containing two or more internal neuron computational units. Each internal neuron computational unit includes a synchronization-signal input for receiving a synchronizing signal, at least one input for receiving input signals, and at least one output for transmitting an output signal. A memristive synapse connects an output signal line carrying output signals from a first set of one or more internal neurons to an input signal line that carries signals to a second set of one or more internal neurons.

Systems and methods for defection classification in a semiconductor process are provided. The system includes a communication line configured to receive a defect image of a wafer from the semiconductor process and a deep-architecture neural network in electronic communication with the communication line. The neural network has a first convolution layer of neurons configured to convolve pixels from the defect image with a filter to generate a first feature map. The neural network also includes a first subsampling layer configured to reduce the size and variation of the first feature map. A classifier is provided for determining a defect classification based on the feature map. The system may include more than one convolution layers and/or subsampling layers. A method includes extracting one or more features from a defect image using a deep-architecture neural network, for example a convolutional neural network.

The present invention relates to a neurochemical formulation comprising a supplement for improving function of neurons, improving memory and cognitive abilities, and reversing free radical damage caused by aging or neurodegenerative disease. The formulation comprises phosphoesters and antioxidants. Components may have antioxidant properties or enhance properties of other components. The synergistic combinations allow individual component dosages to be reduced, thereby minimizing potential toxicity.

Apparatus and methods for feedback in a spiking neural network. In one approach, spiking neurons receive sensory stimulus and context signal that correspond to the same context. When the stimulus provides sufficient excitation, neurons generate response. Context connections are adjusted according to inverse spike-timing dependent plasticity. When the context signal precedes the post synaptic spike, context synaptic connections are depressed. Conversely, whenever the context signal follows the post synaptic spike, the connections are potentiated. The inverse STDP connection adjustment ensures precise control of feedback-induced firing, eliminates runaway positive feedback loops, enables self-stabilizing network operation. In another aspect of the invention, the connection adjustment methodology facilitates robust context switching when processing visual information. When a context (such an object) becomes intermittently absent, prior context connection potentiation enables firing for a period of time. If the object remains absent, the connection becomes depressed thereby preventing further firing.

The present invention teaches a method and apparatus for physiological modulation, including neural and gastrointestinal modulation, for the purposes of treating several disorders, including obesity, depression, epilepsy, and diabetes. This includes chronically implanted neural and neuromuscular modulators, used to modulate the afferent neurons of the sympathetic nervous system to induce satiety. Furthermore, this includes neuromuscular stimulation of the stomach to effect baseline and intermittent smooth muscle contraction to increase gastric intraluminal pressure, which induces satiety, and stimulate sympathetic afferent fibers, including those in the sympathetic trunk, splanchnic nerves, and greater curvature of the stomach, to augment the perception of satiety.

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating or preventing dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers, particularly those in a vagus nerve, that modulate the activity of a patient's locus ceruleus. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers to cause the locus ceruleus to release norepinephrine into regions of the brain that contain beta-amyloids. The norepinephrine counteracts neuroinflammation that would damage neurons in those regions and the locus ceruleus, thereby arresting or slowing the progression of the disease in the patient.

The present invention is directed generally to systems, devices and methods for direct delivery of agents, e.g., pharmaceutical agents, to target spinal and neuronal anatomies, e.g., the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), for the treatment of various disorders, particularly pain and pain related disorders, such as chronic itch, sensory disorders, multiple sclerosis, post-herpetic neuralgia and the like. The system, devices and methods of the invention encompass the agents to be delivered to the target anatomy alone or in combination with electrical stimulation. The delivery device and systems and methods as disclosed herein place the distal end of the delivery element, which comprises at least one agent delivery structure, and optionally at least one electrode, in close proximity, or in contact with or next to the target spinal anatomy, e.g., DRG. A variety of agents can be delivered using the device, including sodium channel blockers, biologics, neuroinflammatory modulators, toxins etc., to selectively neuromodulate the neurons. Agent delivery and/or electrical stimulation can be automated and/or can be controlled automatically or by a pre-determined program, or by a patient control pump (PCA).

The present invention relates to antibodies that differentially recognize multi-dimensional conformations of Aβ-derived diffusible ligands, also known as ADDLs. The antibodies of the invention can distinguish between Alzheimer's Disease and control human brain extracts and are useful in methods of detecting ADDLs and diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease. The present antibodies also block binding of ADDLs to neurons, assembly of ADDLS, and tau phosphorylation and are there useful in methods for the preventing and treating diseases associated with soluble oligomers of amyloid β1-42.

Efficient updates of connections in artificial neuron networks may be implemented. A framework may be used to describe the connections using a linear synaptic dynamic process, characterized by stable equilibrium. The state of neurons and synapses within the network may be updated, based on inputs and outputs to/from neurons. In some implementations, the updates may be implemented at regular time intervals. In one or more implementations, the updates may be implemented on-demand, based on the network activity (e.g., neuron output and/or input) so as to further reduce computational load associated with the synaptic updates. The connection updates may be decomposed into multiple event-dependent connection change components that may be used to describe connection plasticity change due to neuron input. Using event-dependent connection change components, connection updates may be executed on per neuron basis, as opposed to per-connection basis.

A multichannel cochlear implant system spatially spreads the excitation pattern in the target neural tissue by either: (1) rapid sequential stimulation of a small group of electrodes, or (2) simultaneously stimulating a small group of electrodes. Such multi-electrode stimulation stimulates a greater number of neurons in a synchronous manner, thereby increasing the amplitude of the extra-cellular voltage fluctuation and facilitating its recording. The electrical stimuli are applied simultaneously (or sequentially at a rapid rate) on selected small groups of electrodes while monitoring the evoked compound action potential (ECAP) on a nearby electrode. The presence of an observable ECAP not only validates operation of the implant device at a time when the patient may be unconscious or otherwise unable to provide subjective feedback, but also provides a way for the magnitude of the observed ECAP to be recorded as a function of the amplitude of the applied stimulus. From this data, a safe, efficacious and comfortable threshold level can be obtained which may be used thereafter as the initial setting of the stimulation parameters of the neurostimulation device, or to guide the setting of the stimulation parameters of the neurostimulation device.