Neuromodulation Sequence Programming for Multi-Site Pulse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuromodulation systems face inefficiencies in programming complex and individually optimized patterns of neuromodulation pulses due to separate and independent programming of multiple modulation parameters, leading to challenges in delivering spatially and temporally diverse neuromodulation fields.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for programming neuromodulation therapy that includes a neuromodulator and a programming system, which translates user-defined block sequence descriptions into neuromodulator instructions, optimizing register settings and minimizing memory usage, to efficiently deliver spatially and temporally diverse neuromodulation patterns using fractionalized energy allocation and independent current sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate and independent programming of multiple modulation parameters is used, then each parameter can be individually optimized, but the programming complexity and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the neuromodulation programming into discrete blocks, where each block represents a specific modulation pattern that can be independently configured. These blocks are then assembled into sequences, allowing complex patterns to be built from simpler, manageable units. This segmentation reduces programming complexity by breaking down the overall programming task into discrete, easily configurable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining standardized blocks with specific modulation parameters before they are needed in the final sequence. These pre-configured blocks can be directly assembled into sequences without requiring real-time calculation or complex programming during the actual neuromodulation delivery, thereby reducing the programming time and complexity required at execution time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate and independent programming of multiple modulation parameters is used, then individual optimization is enabled, but the time required for programming increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the programming into standardized blocks, the patent enables rapid assembly of complex neuromodulation sequences without requiring time-consuming parameter configuration for each component. The blocks are pre-defined and can be quickly combined to create customized sequences, dramatically reducing the overall programming time while maintaining individual optimization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-definition of standardized blocks with optimized parameters allows the system to avoid time-consuming parameter calculation during sequence assembly. The preliminary configuration of blocks enables quick sequencing and programming, reducing the total time required to program complex neuromodulation patterns while still allowing individual optimization through block selection and arrangement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex neuromodulation patterns are delivered, then spatially and temporally diverse fields can be provided, but memory usage and computational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments complex neuromodulation patterns into standardized blocks that can be efficiently stored and retrieved. Each block represents a complete modulation pattern that can be independently stored in memory, allowing the system to achieve diverse spatial and temporal fields without requiring large amounts of memory for complex continuous patterns. The segmented approach reduces memory requirements by storing only the essential block definitions rather than complete sequence data.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-defining and storing standardized blocks with their associated parameters, the patent enables the system to generate diverse neuromodulation fields through simple block assembly rather than complex real-time calculation. This preliminary preparation of blocks reduces computational overhead during execution, as the system only needs to retrieve and assemble pre-computed blocks rather than calculate complex patterns in real-time.
Data Source
AI summary
A neuromodulator may include a neuromodulation generator and a plurality of electrodes. A programming system may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the neuromodulator. The programming system may be configured to receive user input for use in creating at least two block sequence descriptions for at least two neuromodulation sites, respectively. Each of the at least two block sequence descriptions may define both a sequence of blocks for each of the at least two neuromodulation sites and timing relationships between the blocks in the sequences. Each of the blocks may correspond to a neuromodulation field generated using a corresponding neuromodulation parameter set. The programming system may be configured to translate the block sequence descriptions into neuromodulator instructions and wireless communicate the neuromodulator instructions to the neuromodulator for use by the neuromodulator to deliver the neuromodulation to each of the at least two neuromodulation sites.