Disposable Neural Activity Recording Apparatus with On-Board Digital Filtering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current neural activity recording devices are costly and complex, making them unsuitable for widespread use, particularly for disposable or limited-use applications, and they often struggle with effectively filtering line frequency noise in neural signals.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, disposable or limited-use neural activity recording apparatus comprising electrodes, an integrated circuit with a processor, analog-to-digital converter, and an efficient line frequency filter algorithm, which samples and stores neural activity data, and optionally includes a removable memory, wireless transceiver, and common mode noise cancellation, to provide accurate and efficient signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex equipment and analysis systems are used to provide more complex neural activity analysis, then measurement precision and analysis capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and embeds the essential signal processing functions (filtering, digitization, storage) directly into a compact integrated circuit, separating the complex processing functions from the simple recording apparatus. This allows the device to perform sophisticated neural activity analysis while maintaining simplicity in the main body of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic filtering systems with a software-based efficient line frequency filter algorithm implemented in the integrated circuit. This substitution reduces hardware complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision through programmable signal processing.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated filtering hardware is implemented to remove line frequency noise, then signal purity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical filtering hardware with a software-based efficient line frequency filter algorithm that runs on the integrated circuit. This algorithm digitally removes line frequency noise from neural signals without requiring complex analog filtering components, thereby maintaining signal purity while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from fixed hardware filtering parameters to programmable software-based filtering parameters. The efficient line frequency filter algorithm can be configured and adjusted through software, allowing flexible optimization of signal purity without changing physical hardware components.
3Ease of operation
If disposable or limited-use design is implemented to reduce cost and simplify usage, then ease of operation and cost are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (signal acquisition, amplification, filtering, digitization, and storage) into a single integrated circuit package. This consolidation simplifies the overall device structure, making it more suitable for disposable use while maintaining consistent performance through precise integration of all components in a single manufactured unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a disposable or limited-use design where the entire neural activity recording apparatus can be discarded after a single use or limited number of uses. This approach reduces cost and simplifies operation by eliminating the need for complex calibration, maintenance, and quality control procedures required for reusable devices, while the integrated circuit ensures consistent performance during its service life.
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 apparatus enables cost-effective, accurate recording of neural activity with efficient line frequency noise removal, suitable for diagnosing neurological disorders and sleep patterns, while being simple enough for single-use or limited-use applications without the need for complex hardware or extensive processing.
Implementation Method 1
at least two electrodes configured to establish an electrical path through a patient's skin and to acquire a neural activity signal
Implementation Method 2
an amplifier circuit configured to receive the neural activity signal and to output an amplified neural activity signal
Implementation Method 3
an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)... the ADC configured to receive and digitize the amplified neural activity signal to produce a sample stream
Implementation Method 4
an efficient line frequency filter algorithm embedded therein... the efficient line frequency filter algorithm configured to cancel a substantial portion of a line frequency noise embedded in the sample stream
Implementation Method 5
an energy storage device configured to energize the IC and the amplifier circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to enable individuals to record neural activity. The apparatus is designed to be produced at a low cost and may be configured to be disposable or capable of a limited number of uses. The apparatus comprises electrodes, a flexible housing sealably enclosing an energy storage device and an integrated circuit having a memory, a processor, and on-board memory. The electrodes capture the neural activity signals. The integrated circuit samples the neural activity signals and stores corresponding data in memory.