Multimodal Cranial Nerve Stimulation With Real-Time Brain Activity Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cranial nerve stimulation, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), have limitations in providing effective rehabilitation treatments, particularly for paralyzed nerves, and lack real-time monitoring and precise measurement of brain activity.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal cranial nerve stimulation system that integrates electrical and haptic stimulation units with real-time brain activity measurement and monitoring, using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), to identify and treat specific brain activity regions of interest through a control unit that adjusts stimulation conditions based on measured brain signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If statistical parametric mapping (SPM) is used for brain activity analysis, then bio-optical and anatomical accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to complicated procedures and requirement of various anatomical information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and procedural requirements of SPM with an automated image processing system that uses standard medical imaging formats (DICOM) and algorithms to automatically extract anatomical information, eliminating the need for users to manually provide anatomical data or understand complex SPM procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that automatically converts and processes medical images into the required format for brain activity analysis, acting as a mediator between the user and the complex analysis requirements, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining accuracy
2Measurement precision
If statistical parametric mapping (SPM) is used for brain activity analysis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases because analysis is performed using data collected after the experiment is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of medical images and setup of analysis parameters before the actual brain activity measurement, so that when data is collected, the system is already configured and ready for immediate analysis, eliminating post-experiment processing delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous real-time analysis during the brain activity measurement process, maintaining continuous useful action from data collection through analysis, rather than performing analysis in a separate post-experiment phase, thereby eliminating time loss
3Reliability
If transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is used for brain stimulation, then treatment effectiveness for cranial nerve diseases is improved, but device complexity and treatment versatility deteriorate due to limitations in providing effective rehabilitation treatments for paralyzed nerves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tDCS brain stimulation with robotic assistance and virtual reality technologies into an integrated rehabilitation system, combining multiple treatment modalities to address both brain function and physical movement, thereby enhancing treatment effectiveness and versatility for paralyzed nerves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional rehabilitation system that can provide various treatment modes including tDCS stimulation, robotic physical therapy, and virtual reality exercises, allowing the same system to address different types of neurological conditions and rehabilitation needs, thereby improving adaptability
4Loss of time
If electrodes and detection ends are mounted on a cap for simultaneous tDCS and fNIRS measurement, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates tDCS electrodes, fNIRS detection ends, and robotic/virtual reality components into a single unified cap or head-mounted device, merging multiple functions into one structure, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining real-time monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal cap or head-mounted platform that can accommodate multiple sensors and stimulation devices, allowing a single device to perform tDCS, fNIRS measurement, and other rehabilitation functions, thereby simplifying the system while enabling real-time multi-modal monitoring and treatment
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
Enables precise and personalized rehabilitation treatments by accurately measuring and stimulating specific brain regions in real-time, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments for conditions like depression, epilepsy, and stroke.
Implementation Method 1
fNIRS is a method that uses the scattering and absorption characteristics of near-infrared light to non-invasively measure the concentration of oxidized or unoxidized hemoglobin in the cerebral blood flow distributed in the human cerebral cortex
Implementation Method 2
fNIRS is a method that uses the scattering and absorption characteristics of near-infrared light
Implementation Method 3
The tDCS is a method that non-invasively applies fine current stimulation to a person's transcranial region to stimulate the brain and regulate the electrical activity of the brain
Implementation Method 4
an electrical stimulation unit that controls a brain activity of the subject by applying electrical stimulation to the brain of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A multimodal cranial nerve stimulation treatment system for personalized optimal rehabilitation, includes a measurement unit that measures a brain activity signal transmitted from a brain of a subject; an electrical stimulation unit that controls a brain activity of the subject by applying electrical stimulation to the brain of the subject; a haptic stimulation unit that controls the brain activity of the subject by inducing a haptic stimulation motion of the subject based on a content to be provided to the subject from a content providing unit; a detection unit that detects a brain activity region of interest requiring rehabilitation treatment by comparing the brain activity signal measured by the measurement unit with a preset reference brain activity signal; and a control unit that controls at least one of the electrical stimulation unit, the content providing unit, and the haptic stimulation unit.