Neurostimulation Waveform Generator Circuit Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional neurostimulation devices require additional power sources and hardware or software to generate complex stimulation waveforms, which reduces their operating life and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system with a user interface, communication circuit, and controller circuit that automatically designates one of three generator circuits based on timing and amplitude resolutions, and mathematical relationships to generate target stimulation waveforms, optimizing power usage and waveform complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware or software resources are used to generate non-rectangular pulse trains, then waveform complexity is improved, but power consumption increases and operating life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waveform generation task by dividing it into multiple generator circuits, each specialized for specific waveform types. The controller circuit selectively activates only the required generator circuit based on the desired waveform, avoiding the need to power all generator circuits simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to achieve waveform versatility while minimizing power consumption by activating only the necessary segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates appropriate generator circuits based on real-time waveform requirements. The controller circuit determines which generator circuit is needed and activates it accordingly, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to the actual waveform complexity required rather than maintaining constant high power usage for maximum waveform capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware or software resources are used to generate complex stimulation waveforms, then waveform complexity is improved, but device operating life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the waveform generation capability into separate dedicated circuits, the system can maintain complex waveform generation potential while extending operating life through selective activation. Only the required generator circuit consumes power during operation, reducing overall energy depletion and extending the duration the device can function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by dynamically controlling which generator circuits are active based on waveform requirements. This parameter control ensures that the device operates with minimal necessary resources, preserving battery life while maintaining the capability to generate complex waveforms when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dedicated hardware circuits are used to generate rectangular pulse trains, then power efficiency is improved, but waveform complexity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waveform generation system into multiple dedicated hardware circuits, each optimized for specific waveform types. This segmentation allows each circuit to maintain high power efficiency for its specialized function while the overall system achieves waveform complexity through the combination of multiple specialized circuits controlled by a controller circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple specialized generator circuits that can be selectively activated. While each individual circuit is dedicated to specific waveform types, the collective system provides universal waveform generation capability, and the controller circuit manages which circuit is active to maintain power efficiency.
4Use of energy by moving object
If automatic designation of generator circuits is implemented, then power efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller circuit performs preliminary analysis of the desired waveform characteristics and automatically designates the appropriate generator circuit before activation. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary activation of multiple circuits and ensures optimal power efficiency by selecting the most suitable generator circuit in advance based on waveform requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The methods and systems herein generally relate to generating stimulation waveforms for a therapy of a neurostimulation (NS) device in a patient. The methods and systems receive a target stimulation waveform from a user interface, calculate a timing resolution of the target stimulation waveform, determine target amplitude resolutions of the target stimulation waveform, identify whether a mathematical relationship exists between the target amplitude resolutions, and automatically designate one of a first, second, or third generator circuits based on at least one of the timing resolution, the amplitude, or the mathematical relationship. The systems and methods further transmit the target stimulation waveform and an activation instruction for the designated one of the first, second, or third generator circuits along the communication link to a NS device. The NS device includes the first, second, and third generator circuits configured to generate different first, second, and third types of stimulation waveforms.