High-Density Electrode Management for Automatic Channel Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuromonitoring and neurodiagnostics systems with large numbers of electrodes face challenges in setup time, error-prone connections, and unreliable measurements due to the cumbersome process of manually mapping each electrode to its correct input channel, which compromises the quality of medical care.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving electrode groups with unique identification codes, managed through connectors and a control unit that automatically associate each electrode with its corresponding input channel, reducing the need for manual mapping and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of electrodes are deployed for neuromonitoring and neurodiagnostics procedures, then the measurement capability and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but the setup time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode system into multiple electrode groups, each connected to a dedicated connector. This segmentation allows the control unit to manage and identify electrodes in organized units rather than individually, reducing setup time while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability across all electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces connectors as intermediary components between electrode groups and the control unit. These connectors carry unique identification codes that enable automatic recognition and mapping of electrodes to input channels, eliminating manual mapping operations and significantly reducing setup time without compromising measurement precision.
2Reliability
If manual mapping of each electrode to input channel is performed, then connection accuracy can be controlled, but error rates increase due to human error and time constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic identification and mapping. Each connector carries a unique identification code that the control unit reads and uses to automatically determine which input channels correspond to which electrodes. This eliminates manual mapping and human error, ensuring 100% connection accuracy without requiring operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit provides feedback by automatically reading the unique identification codes from connectors and verifying the electrode-to-input-channel mappings. This feedback mechanism ensures that connections are correctly established without relying on manual verification, thereby reducing error rates and improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If individual electrode management is performed, then precise control over each electrode is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrodes into electrode groups that are collectively managed through single connectors. This consolidation reduces the number of individual connection operations required, simplifying the overall operational process while maintaining precise control over each electrode through the organized group structure and unique identification system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for advanced electrode management in neurological monitoring applications include receiving sockets configured to receive connectors having groups of electrodes. The physician is not required to manually map each electrode with its corresponding input channel. Electrodes are coupled to the corresponding input channels in groups through connectors having a unique identification (ID). The system is configured to read the unique ID of each connector and establish its identity. Based on the ID, the system configures itself to automatically correlate or associate each electrode with its corresponding input channel when the connectors are first inserted into the receiving sockets, and again if the connectors are removed and re-inserted into different positions in the receiving sockets, to insure the electrodes are always mapped to the same input channels.