Brain Stimulation Apparatus with Automatic Signal Parameter Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrical stimulation methods for sensory organs and brains lack automation in adjusting signal parameters, leading to cumbersome and variable applications without linkage to actual sensory functions, and do not account for individual responses to stimulation signals.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that automatically determines and applies optimal stimulation signals to sensory organs or brains using physiological signals like EEG, varying signal parameters such as frequency to find resonance frequencies, and synchronizes electrical and sensory stimulation signals with predetermined phase relationships.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of electrical stimulation signal parameters is used, then the operator can adjust parameters based on subjective feedback, but the process becomes cumbersome and variable depending on the operator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual adjustment processVSAvoidadjustment speed and consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts electrical stimulation signal parameters by detecting physiological signals (EEG, EOG, EMG) and processing them to determine optimal stimulation settings without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously varies signal parameters and evaluates physiological responses to achieve consistent, operator-independent parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors physiological signals from the patient's brain, eye, or muscle during stimulation and uses this feedback to automatically adjust signal parameters. The control unit processes physiological signal variations and modifies electrical stimulation parameters in real-time to optimize treatment effectiveness without manual input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If conventional electrical stimulation without sensory organ stimulation is used, then the method is simple, but it causes artificial stimulation without connection to functional sensory parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestimulation methodVSAvoidconnection to sensory function
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines electrical stimulation of the brain with simultaneous sensory stimulation of the sensory organ (eye, ear, or skin). The control unit coordinates both stimulation signals to ensure they occur simultaneously or with predetermined phase relationships, creating a unified treatment approach that links electrical stimulation to functional sensory responses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensory stimulation as an intermediary to bridge electrical brain stimulation with functional sensory output. By presenting sensory stimuli (visual, auditory, or tactile) concurrently with electrical stimulation, the system creates a meaningful connection between the stimulation process and sensory function, using the sensory organ response as a mediator to validate treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed electrical stimulation parameters are used, then the application is straightforward, but it does not account for individual responses to stimulation signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter applicationVSAvoidindividual response adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts electrical stimulation signal parameters based on real-time physiological signal detection. Instead of using fixed parameters, the control unit continuously varies stimulation settings in response to detected brain, eye, or muscle activity, allowing the system to adapt to individual patient responses and optimize treatment parameters for each person.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 ensures consistent and effective stimulation tailored to individual responses, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of sensory organ and brain stimulation by using resonance frequencies to maximize physiological signal amplitudes, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

the detected physiological signal is an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroencephalogram (EEG):

Implementation Method 2

the detected physiological signal is an electro-oculogram (EOG) signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectro-oculogram (EOG):

Implementation Method 3

the detected physiological signal is an electromyogram (EMG) signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromyogram (EMG):

Implementation Method 4

Stimulation of retina cells can produce phosphenes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical stimulation of retina cells produces phosphenes:

Implementation Method 5

a direct electrical current can flow between both electrodes at an amplitude of 5 - 1,000 μAmp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDirect current electrical stimulation:

Implementation Method 6

varying signal parameters such as frequency to find resonance frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance frequency: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2101865B1Apparatus for stimulating a brain of a person
Publication Date: 2016.03.09 EBS TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP2101865B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2101865B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2101865B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus for stimulating a brain (3B) of a person (2) comprising a detector (10) for detecting an induced or a spontaneous physiological signal generated by the brain (3B), a control unit (12) being connected to said detector (10) for comparing the detected physiological signal with a criterion to determine an optimal setting of a variable signal parameter, a first signal generator (8) for applying an electrical stimulation signal (EES) to said person (2) and/or at least one second signal generator (9) for applying a sensory stimulation signal (SSS) to a sensory organ (3A) of said person (2), wherein a signal parameter of the stimulation signals (ESS, SSS) are adjusted to the determined optimal setting of said signal parameter.