3D Brain Map for TMS Stimulation Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalogram (EEG) treatments face challenges in accurately reflecting individual brain structures, making it difficult to deliver effective electrical stimulation due to variations in head shape and structure among individuals.

Innovation Solution

A method and program for generating a three-dimensional brain map using MRI images, which segments the brain into regions, simulates electrical stimulation, and provides a recommended path for delivering stimulation based on anatomical and conductivity properties, enabling precise targeting and optimization of stimulation points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If general TMS treatment methods are used without individual brain mapping, then the treatment process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of electrical stimulation delivery is poor due to variations in head shape and structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of electrical stimulation deliveryVSAvoidcomplexity of treatment system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the brain into multiple regions (e.g., gray matter, white matter, cerebrospinal fluid) based on MRI images. This segmentation allows for region-specific electrical conductivity properties to be assigned, enabling accurate simulation of electrical stimulation delivery while maintaining computational efficiency through focused analysis of relevant brain regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D or surface-based treatment planning to a 3D volumetric approach by generating three-dimensional brain maps from MRI data. This dimensional transformation enables precise modeling of electrical current propagation through the entire brain volume, accounting for individual anatomical variations in head shape and tissue distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If personalized brain mapping is performed using MRI images and segmentation, then the accuracy of electrical stimulation simulation is improved, but the time required for treatment preparation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of stimulation targetingVSAvoidtime for treatment preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs brain segmentation and electrical conductivity assignment as preliminary actions before the actual treatment. By pre-processing the MRI images to create the three-dimensional brain map and region-specific conductivity model in advance, the treatment procedure itself can be executed more efficiently with accurate targeting without requiring time-consuming calculations during the treatment session

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy or virtual model of the patient's brain structure from MRI images, generating a three-dimensional representation that can be used for simulation and planning. This virtual copy allows for repeated analysis and simulation without requiring additional physical measurements or time-consuming processing during the actual treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If traditional EEG and electrical stimulation are used without head shape consideration, then the treatment process is straightforward, but the effectiveness is reduced due to inability to reflect individual anatomical differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of electrical stimulationVSAvoidease of treatment application
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different electrical conductivity values to different brain regions based on their specific properties (e.g., gray matter has different conductivity than white matter or cerebrospinal fluid). This local differentiation of material properties enables accurate simulation of electrical current distribution while maintaining the overall simplicity of the treatment application process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for personalized and effective electrical stimulation by accurately simulating the propagation of electrical currents within the brain, improving treatment outcomes by accounting for individual anatomical differences.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is a device which expresses an intensity of a magnetic resonance (MR) signal for a radio frequency (RF) signal generated by a magnetic field of a specific intensity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

generating a three-dimensional brain map of the object, the three-dimensional brain map being capable of simulating a process of delivering electrical stimulation to the brain of the object, based on properties of each of the plurality of regions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11744465B2Method and program for generating three-dimensional brain map
Publication Date: 2023.09.05 NEUROPHET INC
  • US11744465B2 patent drawing
  • US11744465B2 patent drawing
  • US11744465B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for generating a three-dimensional brain map, comprising the steps of: acquiring a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) image of an object; segmenting the brain MRI image into a plurality of regions; generating a three-dimensional brain image of the object including the plurality of regions by using the segmented brain MRI image; and generating a three-dimensional brain map of the object capable of simulating a process of transferring electrical stimulation to the brain of the object based on properties of each of the plurality of regions included in the three-dimensional brain image, wherein the step of segmenting includes the step of acquiring a segmented brain MRI image of the object by inputting a brain MRI image of the object into a model learned by using a plurality of processed brain MRI images.