Smartphone Nerve Stimulator Alignment for Accurate Self-Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive electrical stimulation devices for treating medical conditions like migraine headaches face challenges in ensuring accurate application, maintaining optimal positioning, and managing stimulation duration and intensity, particularly when used by patients without professional supervision.
Innovation Solution
A smartphone-integrated nerve stimulation system with electrodes and a software application that allows for precise application, monitors positioning, and controls stimulation parameters, including using a rear camera to image fluorescent spots for alignment and adjusting amplitude, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-invasive electrical stimulation devices are used for self-treatment without professional supervision, then patient convenience and accessibility are improved, but accuracy of application and reliability of treatment are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a camera that captures images of fluorescent spots on the patient's skin to provide visual feedback on electrode positioning. The software application processes these images to determine whether the electrodes are correctly positioned over the target nerve, giving real-time feedback to the patient to adjust placement if needed. This feedback mechanism enables self-treatment while maintaining application accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual positioning and tactile alignment methods with an optical system using fluorescent spots and camera imaging. Instead of relying on patient touch or visual estimation, the system uses optical detection to precisely determine electrode placement, substituting mechanical alignment with optical measurement and digital image processing.
2Ease of operation
If simple non-invasive devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and control of stimulation parameters are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fluorescent spots as an intermediary element between the electrodes and the camera. These spots are applied to the skin and serve as visual markers that amplify and clarify the electrode position. The fluorescent material acts as a mediator that converts the subtle physical position of electrodes into bright, easily detectable optical signals that can be precisely measured by the camera.
3Measurement precision
If software application with camera imaging is added to the device, then measurement precision and control are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the smartphone's existing multi-functionality by using its built-in camera, processor, and display for the stimulation control application. Rather than adding dedicated specialized components, the invention repurposes the universal capabilities of a smartphone to perform imaging, image processing, and user interface functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
4Ease of operation
If visual feedback system with fluorescent spots is used, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance is worsened due to fluorescent material application
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent spots are designed as temporary, disposable markers that are applied to the skin for the duration of the treatment session and then removed or allowed to naturally degrade. The system discards these consumable markers after use, accepting the minor loss of substance as a trade-off for the significant improvement in positioning ease and accuracy that they provide.
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 patients to administer effective nerve stimulation safely and accurately, providing rapid relief from migraine headaches and other conditions by ensuring correct nerve targeting and optimal stimulation parameters.
Implementation Method 1
using a rear camera to image fluorescent spots for alignment
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache, by electrical non-invasive stimulation of a nerve, such as the trigeminal nerve. A system comprises one or more electrodes configured for contacting an outer skin surface of a patient and a stimulator coupled to the one or more electrodes. The stimulator is configured to transmit an electrical impulse from the electrodes through the outer skin surface to a target site within a patient. A software application coupled to the stimulator. The software application may, for example, be downloadable onto a mobile device and may allow the user to transmit data to and from the stimulator and/or control operation of the stimulator.