Closed-Loop Neuromodulation for Biomarker-Guided Sleep Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inducing sleep, such as transcranial stimulation, face challenges in effectively addressing insomnia due to varying subject responses, leading to inefficiencies in dose and time requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transducer, detector, and controller that emits neuromodulatory signals based on signal parameters, measures biomarker signals, and adjusts these parameters dynamically to tailor treatment to individual subject responses, potentially ceasing or continuing signals based on detected characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transcranial stimulation is used to induce sleep, then sleep induction can be achieved, but the dose and time requirements vary significantly across subjects leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors biomarker signals (EEG, ECG, EMG) during transcranial stimulation and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust stimulation parameters. The controller processes real-time physiological data to optimize the stimulation dose, ensuring effective sleep induction while minimizing the time required by adapting to each subject's unique response characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters (intensity, frequency, duration) based on real-time biomarker measurements. Rather than using fixed protocols, the system continuously adapts the stimulation regime to the subject's physiological state, transitioning from static to dynamic control to improve both efficacy and time efficiency.
2Reliability
If transcranial stimulation is used to induce sleep, then sleep can be induced, but varying subject responses lead to inefficient dose requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time biomarker feedback to optimize stimulation dose delivery. By monitoring physiological responses and adjusting parameters dynamically, the system delivers only the necessary amount of stimulation energy required for each subject, avoiding both under-dosing (ineffective) and over-dosing (inefficient energy waste).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous adjustment of stimulation parameters (intensity, frequency, pulse width) based on measured biomarker characteristics. This parameter optimization ensures that the stimulation dose is precisely tailored to each subject's physiological response, maximizing efficacy while minimizing energy consumption.
3Ease of operation
If fixed transcranial stimulation protocols are used, then implementation is simple, but they cannot adapt to individual subject responses
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring biomarker signals and modifying stimulation parameters without requiring manual intervention. The closed-loop control architecture enables the device to autonomously adapt to individual subject responses, maintaining ease of operation while achieving personalized treatment optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time biomarker monitoring provides continuous feedback to the control system, enabling automatic adaptation of stimulation protocols to each subject's physiological characteristics. This feedback mechanism bridges the gap between simple fixed protocols and complex personalized approaches, achieving adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for inducing sleep in a subject. The method includes emitting, by a transducer, a first neuromodulatory signal to the subject based on a signal parameter during a first time period. A first biomarker signal of the subject is measured by a first detector a during a second time period. The second time period is subsequent to or at least partially overlaps with the first time period. The method includes determining, by a controller, a characteristic of the first biomarker signal and adjusting, by the controller, the signal parameters based on the characteristic thereby forming an adjusted parameter. Based on the adjusted parameter, the method includes performing at least one of the following: emitting, by the transducer, a second neuromodulatory signal to the subject during a third time period based on the adjusted parameter; or ceasing further emission of neuromodulatory signals based on the adjusted parameter.