Neurostimulation Programming Interface Drag-and-Drop Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neurostimulation systems face challenges in efficiently programming and scheduling stimulation parameter sets for implantable tissue stimulators, leading to difficulties in incorporating parameter sets into multiple programs and managing therapy delivery based on time and day schedules.
Innovation Solution
An external control device with a user interface configured for receiving input via a mouse, trackball, touchpad, or joystick, allowing users to select, drag, and drop graphical parameter objects into program objects to associate stimulation parameter sets with stimulation programs and schedule delivery, enabling flexible programming and scheduling of therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stimulation parameter sets are programmed into the neurostimulator to provide comprehensive therapy options, then the adaptability and versatility of the system is improved, but the complexity of programming and managing these parameters increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the programming task by separating parameter set definition from program assembly. Clinicians can define individual parameter sets independently and then assemble them into programs through drag-and-drop operations, reducing the cognitive load of managing complex configurations as a single monolithic task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining and storing parameter sets with their characteristics before program creation. This allows clinicians to review, select, and assemble parameter sets into programs without having to configure each parameter from scratch during the programming session, streamlining the workflow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of electrodes is increased to improve stimulation coverage and therapy effectiveness, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the number of possible stimulation parameter sets increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode array into multiple independently controllable electrodes, allowing clinicians to activate subsets of electrodes based on therapeutic needs. Each electrode can be individually configured with parameters, and parameter sets can be assembled by selecting specific electrode combinations, making the exponential configuration space manageable through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allows reconfiguration of electrode assignments and parameter set compositions. Clinicians can easily modify which electrodes are active in each parameter set and how parameter sets are combined in programs, providing flexibility to adapt to changing therapeutic requirements without being locked into fixed configurations.
3Device complexity
If manual programming methods are used to configure stimulation parameters, then the system maintains simplicity in hardware design, but the time required for programming and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface as an intermediary between the clinician and the neurostimulator programming functions. The GUI provides visual representation of parameter sets and programs with drag-and-drop functionality, making the programming process more intuitive and efficient while the neurostimulator hardware itself remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies or representations of parameter sets and programs in the graphical interface. Clinicians can view, manipulate, and assemble these graphical representations before they are translated into actual device configurations, providing a buffer that simplifies the interaction complexity without adding hardware complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive scheduling options are added to deliver therapy at different times and days, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the complexity of managing and programming schedules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scheduling function into separate programmable parameters that can be independently configured for each program. Clinicians can set start times, durations, and day-of-week schedules as distinct parameters, allowing flexible combination with parameter sets without creating a monolithic scheduling complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for use with a stimulation system comprises a user interface for receiving input from a user, displaying graphical parameter objects respectively corresponding to stimulation parameter sets, and displaying graphical program objects corresponding to stimulation programs. The device further comprises a controller/processor for selecting a graphical parameter object, dragging the graphical parameter object, dropping the graphical parameter object into a graphical program object, and storing the stimulation parameter set corresponding to the graphical parameter object in association with the stimulation program corresponding to the graphical program object. The user interface may further display graphical program objects corresponding to stimulation programs, and a graphical schedule object. The controller/processor may select a graphical program object, drag the graphical program object, drop the graphical program object into a time period of the graphical schedule object, and store the time period in association with the stimulation program corresponding to the graphical program object.