Implantable Stimulator GUI Slider for Drop-Back Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable neurostimulator devices lack intuitive and efficient user interfaces for adjusting stimulation parameters, particularly current magnitude, which can complicate the programming process and affect therapeutic efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) with a slider mechanism is introduced to allow users to adjust current magnitude at electrodes, featuring a drop-back functionality that reduces the current magnitude when a release threshold is reached, enhancing control and precision in programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional programming interfaces are used for adjusting current magnitude, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of intuitive control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or button-based programming interfaces with a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays a visual representation of the electrode array and allows drag-and-drop placement of cathodes and anodes. This substitution provides intuitive visual control while managing complexity through software-based graphical elements rather than complex physical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical interface as an intermediary between the user and the stimulator device's programming functions. This GUI layer mediates the interaction by providing visual feedback and simplified controls, translating user actions into device commands without exposing the underlying complexity of the stimulation programming.
2Productivity
If manual adjustment of current magnitude is used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming programming process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing users to visually select and position electrodes on a graphical representation before finalizing the stimulation program. The system pre-configures the electrode array display and allows drag-and-drop placement, preparing the stimulation parameters in advance through intuitive visual interaction rather than step-by-step manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the graphical interface interactive and responsive to user actions. The GUI dynamically updates as users drag and drop electrodes, allowing real-time modification of the stimulation configuration. This dynamic interaction accelerates programming by enabling continuous adjustment and immediate visual feedback rather than static, sequential programming steps.
3Measurement precision
If simple control mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates in terms of current magnitude control accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the graphical interface to have different levels of control precision. The GUI enables precise control of current magnitude through visual selection of specific electrode positions and parameters, while maintaining overall simplicity through the graphical representation. Each electrode or electrode pair can be independently configured with precise current values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control interface into distinct functional areas: visual display of the electrode array, selection of cathodes and anodes, and adjustment of current magnitude parameters. This segmentation allows precise control of each parameter independently while keeping the overall interface simple and manageable through modular graphical elements.
4Ease of operation
If visual feedback mechanisms are added to improve control, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes as visual feedback in the graphical interface to indicate different electrode states, selection status, and stimulation parameters. Different colors or shading can represent active versus inactive electrodes, or different current magnitudes, providing intuitive visual information to the user without requiring complex displays or additional controls.
Data Source
AI summary
A Graphical User Interface (GUI) for an external device used to program an implantable stimulator device is disclosed. The GUI includes aspects useful in adjusting the current magnitude provided at one or more of the stimulator device's electrodes. In particular, the GUI includes an amplitude slider, which allows the user to slide an indicator to increase or decrease the current magnitude at different rates depending on the length of the slide. The GUI further allows the user to prescribe drop back functionality, which reduces the current magnitude by a prescribed amount when the indicator is released. In one example, drop back functionality can be engaged in accordance with a rate threshold, and thus drop back functionality will only occur when the rate of increase equals or is above the threshold when the control button is released.