Brain Signal Assessment Using Real-Time Neural Data Clustering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices for electrical stimulation therapy face challenges in accurately and timely associating patient state information with neural data, leading to delayed and less precise therapy adjustments, as they rely on batched data analysis and user inputs that are not time-specific or reliable in capturing side effects.

Innovation Solution

Implementing real-time neural data analysis and clustering techniques, combined with user prompts for immediate patient state feedback, using artificial neural networks to enhance the accuracy and speed of patient state identification, allowing for faster and more precise therapy adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If batched neural data analysis is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and response time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing complexityVSAvoidpatient state identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data processing workflow into two distinct parts: (1) real-time neural data analysis and clustering performed by the implantable medical device to identify patient states, and (2) batch processing of clustered data performed by external devices. This segmentation allows the implantable device to focus only on essential real-time operations, reducing its complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through immediate patient state identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing neural data analysis and patient state identification in real-time within the implantable device before data is transmitted externally. This preliminary processing ensures that patient states are identified immediately when they occur, improving measurement precision and response time without requiring complex real-time processing capabilities in external devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If real-time neural data analysis is implemented, then response time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapy adjustment delayVSAvoidprocessing circuitry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the processing functions between the implantable medical device and external devices. The implantable device performs only neural data analysis, clustering, and patient state identification in real-time, while external devices handle less time-critical tasks such as long-term data storage and comprehensive analysis. This segmentation reduces the real-time processing burden on the implantable device, limiting complexity increase while achieving faster therapy adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces data clustering as an intermediary step between raw neural data collection and patient state identification. The processing circuitry first clusters neural data based on similarity, then identifies patient states from these clusters. This intermediary approach simplifies the real-time processing requirements by working with condensed data representations rather than raw high-dimensional neural data, reducing device complexity while maintaining fast response times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If user feedback is collected in real-time, then reliability of patient state information is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient state information accuracyVSAvoiduser interaction burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the implantable medical device to automatically perform neural data analysis, clustering, and patient state identification without requiring continuous user input. The system autonomously monitors neural data, identifies patient states in real-time, and can trigger alerts or therapy adjustments automatically. This self-service capability maintains high reliability of patient state information while significantly reducing the ease of operation burden on users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system presents identified patient states to users for confirmation and uses this feedback to improve future identifications. The feedback loop allows the system to learn from user corrections and refine its patient state detection algorithms over time, enhancing reliability while requiring minimal user interaction compared to manual reporting systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12502541B2Device for assessment of brain signals
Publication Date: 2025.12.23 MEDTRONIC INC
  • US12502541B2 patent drawing
  • US12502541B2 patent drawing
  • US12502541B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for assessment of brain signals of a patient includes determining, by one or more processors, a cluster of neural data occurring at a brain of the patient and outputting, by the one or more processors, a request for a user to provide patient state information for the cluster of the neural data in response to determining that the cluster of the neural data is occurring at the brain of the patient. The method further includes associating, by the one or more processors, the patient state information with the cluster of the neural data to generate patient assessment information and outputting, by the one or more processors, the patient assessment information.