MRI-Guided Neuronal Stimulation for Cortical Sensory Percepts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuronal stimulation systems, such as those using subdural micro-electrode arrays, have limitations including non-physiological stimulation patterns, poor spatial resolution, and potential for scar tissue formation, which degrade the quality of elicited sensory percepts.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses spatial information about the position of neuronal stimulation means relative to afferent axons to determine tailored neuronal stimulation signals, ensuring physiological correct stimulation and improved sensory percept quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subdural micro-electrode arrays are used for neuronal stimulation, then direct cortical stimulation is achieved, but spatial resolution deteriorates and scar tissue formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical micro-electrode arrays with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based stimulation system. Instead of physically inserting electrodes into the cortex, the system uses magnetic fields to stimulate neurons remotely, eliminating mechanical intrusion and scar tissue formation while maintaining spatial precision through MRI-guided targeting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the stimulation system and neuronal tissue. The magnetic resonance imaging system serves as a mediator that enables non-invasive localization and stimulation of specific cortical regions without direct physical contact, thereby avoiding the harmful effects of electrode insertion.
2Loss of information
If conventional sensory stimuli are provided to sensory organs, then information communication is achieved, but the quality of sensory percepts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional communication approach by bypassing sensory organs entirely. Instead of presenting stimuli to sensory organs and relying on natural processing, the system directly stimulates cortical neurons with precisely controlled magnetic fields, reversing the traditional sensory pathway to achieve higher percept quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of stimulation delivery from sensory organ input to direct cortical stimulation. By altering the mode of neuronal activation from indirect (through sensory organs) to direct (via magnetic fields), the system achieves superior sensory percept quality while maintaining effective information communication.
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
The system enables direct elicitation of specific sensory percepts in the cortex with enhanced quality and accuracy, overcoming the limitations of current systems by using precise spatial information and tailored stimulation signals.
Implementation Method 1
a system for providing neuronal stimulation signals configured to elicit a sensory percept in the cortex of an individual... means for determining at least one neuronal stimulation signal to be applied to at least one afferent axon via the at least one neuronal stimulation means
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing neuronal stimulation signals configured to elicit sensory percepts in the cortex of an individual, comprising means for obtaining spatial information relating to the actual or planned position of a neuronal stimulation means relative to afferent axon(s) targeting sensory neuron(s) in the cortex of the individual and means for determining a neuronal stimulation signal to be applied to the afferent axon(s) via the neuronal stimulation means based at least in part on the obtained spatial information.A system for communicating conceptual information to an individual, comprising means for selecting a neuronal stimulation signal to be applied to afferent axon(s) targeting sensory neuron(s) in the cortex of the individual, wherein the neuronal stimulation signal corresponds to the conceptual information to be communicated and means for transmitting the neuronal stimulation signal to the neuronal stimulation means of the individual.