Microelectrode Array Feedback for Precise Neural Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural signal measurement technologies struggle to accurately identify the correct area of pain and often apply unnecessary electrical stimulation, requiring frequent hospital visits and inefficient treatment protocols.
Innovation Solution
A neural signal feedback system using a microelectrode array unit with a reference electrode and corresponding electrode groups, converting analog signals to digital for precise analysis and applying electrical stimulation only when measured values reach a preset reference value, enabling automatic and targeted treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrical stimulation is applied to approximate problematic areas, then pain reduction may be achieved, but stimulation is applied to regions not requiring stimulation and accurate problematic area cannot be found
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the nervous system into multiple discrete measurement points using an array of electrodes. Instead of applying stimulation to a broad approximate area, the system segments the measurement into specific locations and identifies the exact problematic area by comparing signals from multiple segmented points, thereby eliminating unnecessary stimulation in non-problematic regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously measures neural signals from multiple electrode points and uses this feedback to precisely identify the problematic area. The measurement results feed back into the stimulation control, allowing the system to apply electrical stimulation only to the accurately identified problematic area rather than approximate regions, thus avoiding energy waste.
2Ease of operation
If conventional electrical stimulation is applied to approximate problematic areas, then pain reduction may be achieved, but patient must visit hospital and doctor's procedure is required at each visit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the device automatically performs measurement, analysis, and stimulation application without requiring doctor's procedures at each visit. The microcomputer automatically controls the electrical stimulation based on measured neural signals, enabling the system to serve itself and the patient continuously without frequent hospital visits, thus improving ease of operation and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a continuous feedback loop that automatically adjusts stimulation parameters based on real-time neural signal measurements. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual doctor intervention at each visit, allowing patients to receive treatment at home without frequent hospital trips, thereby improving convenience and reducing time loss.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement points are used to accurately identify problematic area, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional integrated device that combines measurement, analysis, and stimulation functions in a single system. The microcomputer serves multiple purposes: it controls the electrode array, processes neural signals, identifies problematic areas, and regulates electrical stimulation. This universal design allows multiple measurement points to be used effectively without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one component performs multiple functions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a neural signal feedback system and method. The neural signal feedback system includes: a microelectrode array unit configured such that a plurality of microelectrodes is disposed on a substrate and such that one microelectrode, which is a reference electrode, and corresponding electrode groups including other microelectrodes located at different same distances from the reference electrode are set; and an analysis and determination unit configured to compare neural signal values, measured in the microelectrode array unit, with a preset reference value, and to determine whether to apply the electrical stimulation of the microelectrode array unit. The analysis and determination unit performs re-measurement after the application of electrical stimulation, and repeats the application of electrical stimulation and measurement until the measured values reach the reference value.