Neural Bridging Through Real-Time Signal Decoding and Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuromuscular stimulation devices do not effectively translate neural signals into volitional control for desired movements, particularly in cases of neural damage, as they lack the ability to respond to intended actions and coordinate muscle activity in real time.
Innovation Solution
A system that decodes neural signals in real time to determine desired movements, delivering electrical signals to a target such as a limb or prosthetic, using a feature extractor, decoder, and body state observer to dynamically adjust stimulation patterns based on neural activity and body state, enabling volitional control of movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If neuromuscular stimulation devices are used to deliver stimulation to restore movement, then movement restoration is improved, but the devices cannot respond to volitional control in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors neural signals from the motor cortex and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust stimulation parameters in real-time, enabling the device to respond to volitional control changes and maintain reliable movement restoration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or simple electrical stimulation systems with a neurofeedback-based system that processes neural signals and adaptively adjusts stimulation, transforming the device from a static stimulator to an intelligent, real-time responsive system
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed on the surface of the skin for transcutaneous stimulation, then targeting skeletal muscle tissue is improved, but the stimulation cannot effectively bridge neural gaps caused by injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses neural signal processing as an intermediary between the user's volitional intent and the muscle stimulation, translating brain signals into precise stimulation commands that can bridge neural gaps while maintaining accurate muscle targeting through surface electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions: it monitors neural activity, decodes volitional intent, and delivers targeted stimulation, making it capable of both precise muscle targeting and neural gap bridging simultaneously through integrated neurofeedback control
3Measurement precision
If the number and layout of electrodes are increased to selectively stimulate individual muscles, then movement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and activates only the necessary electrodes based on real-time neural signal analysis, allowing high movement precision through selective stimulation while avoiding the complexity of having all electrodes continuously active or requiring complex manual configuration
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 real-time decoding of neural signals to achieve desired movements, bridging neural gaps due to injuries like stroke or spinal cord damage, allowing for control of body limbs or electronic devices through continuous feedback and high-definition stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a first neural activity of a patient
Implementation Method 2
delivering an electrical signal to the target to start movement of the target
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and devices for interpreting neural signals to determine a desired movement of a target, transmitting electrical signals to the target, and dynamically monitoring subsequent neural signals or movement of the target to change the signal being delivered if necessary, so that the desired movement is achieved. In particular, the neural signals are decoded using a feature extractor, decoder(s) and a body state observer to determine the electrical signals that should be sent.