Multi-site Brain Stimulation via Resonant Oscillation Modes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cranial stimulation methods, such as TMS and tDCS, lack specificity and focus due to their inability to effectively stimulate the brain as a non-linear coupled oscillating system, which is crucial for achieving coordinated activity across different brain regions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-site cranial stimulation method that models the brain as a non-linear coupled oscillating system, determining stimulus signals to excite natural vibration modes by coordinating stimuli in space and time, with real-time monitoring and adaptation using electrophysiological sensors to control the phase, frequency, and amplitude of magnetic or electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional TMS or tDCS stimulation methods are used, then the stimulation can be applied to the brain, but the stimulation lacks specificity and focus due to inability to effectively stimulate the brain as a non-linear coupled oscillating system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the brain into multiple independent oscillating regions, each capable of being stimulated separately. The system applies stimuli to specific regions rather than treating the brain as a unified structure, enabling targeted stimulation of individual oscillating modes while maintaining the ability to coordinate multiple regions for synergistic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts stimulation parameters including frequency, phase, and amplitude based on real-time monitoring of brain oscillations. By changing these parameters in response to detected oscillating modes, the system achieves precise control over which natural vibration modes are excited, thereby improving stimulation specificity without requiring overly complex hardware modifications.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple stimulation elements are arranged in different neural regions to supply multiple stimuli, then the coverage of brain regions is improved, but the coordination of stimuli to produce combined effect is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time monitoring of brain oscillations from multiple regions and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the timing, frequency, and phase of stimuli applied to different stimulation elements. This coordination ensures that stimuli from multiple regions converge to produce synergistic effects that enhance overall stimulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies periodic stimuli synchronized with the natural oscillating periods of different brain regions. By timing the application of multiple stimuli to coincide with the oscillation cycles of their respective target regions, the system maximizes the cumulative effect and produces coordinated brain-wide oscillations that enhance productivity.
3Reliability
If the brain is modeled as a non-linear coupled oscillating system to determine stimulus signals, then the natural vibration modes can be excited, but the complexity of determining and coordinating stimulus signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the brain's own natural oscillating modes as a guide for stimulation. By detecting the intrinsic oscillations and using them to determine the timing and frequency of stimuli, the system allows the brain to essentially dictate the optimal stimulation parameters, reducing the need for complex external control algorithms while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies stimuli at frequencies that resonate with the natural vibration modes of different brain regions. By tuning the stimulation frequency to match the detected oscillation frequency of each region, the system efficiently excites these modes with minimal energy input, simplifying the control requirements while achieving reliable and accurate stimulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If real-time monitoring and adaptation is implemented using electrophysiological sensors, then the stimulation can be adapted to brain rhythms, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electrophysiological sensors to continuously monitor brain oscillations and feeds this information back to the stimulation control system. This real-time feedback enables dynamic adjustment of stimulation parameters to match the current brain state, achieving high adaptability while keeping the monitoring system relatively simple by focusing on key oscillation parameters rather than comprehensive brain mapping.
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 precise stimulation of the entire brain or specific sections, improving focus, adapting to brain rhythms, and achieving a synergistic effect through coordinated stimulation, enhancing the effectiveness of cranial stimulation systems.
Implementation Method 1
either by means of the application of magnetic impulses in the proximity of the regions to be stimulated, or TMS stimulation, or by means of the application of electric signals
Implementation Method 2
determining the stimulus signals to be applied so that they are suitable for exciting one or more natural vibration modes of the brain, or of a sector thereof seen as a non-linear coupled oscillating system
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method comprises applying individual stimuli to different regions of a brain by means of the application of specific stimulus signals to corresponding stimulation elements arranged adjacent to said regions of said brain. The method comprises constructing one or more simplified models of the brain, or one or more sectors of the brain, the brain or the sector thereof, as appropriate, being considered to be a non-linear coupled oscillating system, and comprises the determination of said stimulus signals so that the latter are suitable for exciting one or more natural vibration modes of said non-linear coupled oscillating system. The system comprises stimulation elements (E1, E2...En) arranged adjacent to regions of a brain, and an electronic system in connection with the stimulation elements (E1, E2...En) and provided in order to apply thereto corresponding stimulus signals and for determining same by applying the proposed method.