Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation System with Real-Time EEG Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Open loop brain stimulation systems lack real-time feedback and adjustment capabilities, making them ineffective in optimizing brain stimulation parameters for individual differences and changing brain dynamics, which limits their therapeutic and enhancement applications.

Innovation Solution

A closed loop brain stimulation system that continuously monitors brain and biometric signals using electrophysiological and biometric data, and adjusts stimulation parameters via a control algorithm to minimize a reference utility function, optimizing brain and biometric states in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If open loop brain stimulation is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot optimize stimulation parameters for individual differences and changing brain dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to individual differences and dynamic changesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed-loop brain stimulation system that continuously monitors brain activity via EEG and adjusts stimulation parameters in real-time based on the measured response. The control algorithm processes the EEG signals and modifies stimulation intensity, frequency, or duration dynamically, creating a feedback mechanism that enables adaptability to individual differences and changing brain states without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static, pre-programmed stimulation parameters to dynamic parameter adjustment. The stimulation regime becomes adaptive, with parameters that automatically evolve based on real-time brain state monitoring. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond to individual variability and temporal changes in brain physiology while maintaining automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If closed loop brain stimulation with real-time monitoring is implemented, then optimization of brain stimulation parameters is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of stimulation parameter optimizationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs continuous EEG monitoring during stimulation sessions, measuring brain activity to assess the effect of applied stimulation. A control algorithm processes these EEG signals in real-time and automatically adjusts stimulation parameters to optimize therapeutic effect. This feedback-driven approach achieves precise parameter optimization while automating the process to manage system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The closed-loop system performs self-adjustment of stimulation parameters based on real-time EEG feedback and control algorithm processing. The system autonomously optimizes its own operation without requiring continuous manual intervention or complex external control, thereby achieving precise parameter optimization while keeping the operational complexity manageable through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If continuous monitoring of brain signals is performed, then real-time adjustment of stimulation parameters is enabled, but loss of time for data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of real-time adjustmentVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous EEG monitoring and continuous control algorithm processing throughout the stimulation session, eliminating interruptions for data analysis. The real-time processing pipeline continuously transforms incoming EEG data into stimulation parameter adjustments without batch processing delays, ensuring uninterrupted therapeutic action and maximizing productivity while keeping processing time minimal through ongoing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The control algorithm is pre-configured with the necessary processing logic and decision rules before the stimulation session begins. This preliminary preparation enables rapid real-time processing of EEG data during the session, as the computational framework is already in place to immediately translate brain state measurements into parameter adjustments without requiring complex on-the-fly decision-making, thus reducing processing time delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables more efficacious treatment of brain pathologies and enhancement of non-pathological functions by accounting for individual differences and dynamic changes in brain anatomy and physiology, providing a more personalized and adaptive stimulation regime.

Implementation Method 1

this is carried out via the amplification of the small currents that the brain generates on the surface of the scalp (EEG)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current amplification:

Implementation Method 2

In the primary embodiment of this document, this stimulation is in the form of transcranial electrical stimulation (TES)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTranscranial electrical stimulation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10856803B1Method and apparatus for closed-loop brain stimulation
Publication Date: 2020.12.08 AQEEL LLC
  • US10856803B1 patent drawing
  • US10856803B1 patent drawing
  • US10856803B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A closed loop brain stimulation system includes a means for reading electrophysiological signals from the brain; means for reading other biometric signals; means for stimulating the brain; and a control algorithm that dynamically adjusts the parameters of stimulation to minimize a reference utility function that computes the difference between the current and desired brain states, and current and desired biometric states.