Optical Wireless Neural Probe Interface for Lightweight Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neural probes face challenges in being minimally invasive, lightweight, and capable of high data transmission while supporting large numbers of probes, often resulting in limited bandwidth, data compression, and increased processing burden, particularly in small animals like mice.
Innovation Solution
A neural probe interface system utilizing optical wireless communications (OWC) with a processing system that converts data from neural probes into optical signals for transmission, incorporating flexible circuit boards and a multilevel arrangement to enhance data transmission capacity and minimize invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If larger numbers of probes are used to record electrical potentials from larger numbers of neurons, then data transmission requirements increase, but the probe and ancillary components become too heavy and cumbersome for small animals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired electrical connections with optical wireless communication technology. Neural data is transmitted from the implantable probe system to an external receiver using optical signals (light) instead of physical wire connections, eliminating the mechanical burden of heavy cables and connectors while maintaining high-bandwidth data transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical communication interface serves multiple functions: it transmits neural data from the probe, provides power to the implantable system, and enables bidirectional communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system weight
2Quantity of substance
If larger numbers of probes are used to record electrical potentials from larger numbers of neurons, then data transmission requirements increase, but data transmission bandwidth becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional wired electrical data transmission with optical wireless communication. This enables significantly higher data transmission bandwidths by utilizing optical frequency carriers, allowing simultaneous high-resolution data streaming from multiple probes without the bandwidth limitations of conventional electrical connections
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission medium from electrical signals to optical signals, fundamentally altering the frequency and bandwidth parameters available for data transmission. Optical frequencies provide vastly larger available bandwidth compared to electrical transmission, enabling high-rate simultaneous transmission from numerous probes
3Weight of moving object
If the probe and ancillary components are made small and lightweight for small animals, then invasiveness is reduced, but data transmission capacity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical data transmission media (wires, cables) with optical wireless communication. This allows the implantable probe system to be minimized in size and weight while maintaining high data transmission capacity, as optical communication requires no physical connection between the implant and external equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from spatial data transmission through physical connections to electromagnetic wave transmission through free space. This dimensional shift from physical space to electromagnetic space enables data transmission without occupying physical transmission pathways, allowing probe miniaturization
4Reliability
If wired connections are used for data transmission, then data transmission stability is ensured, but subject movement is restricted and discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with optical wireless communication. This eliminates physical constraints on subject movement while maintaining reliable data transmission through optical signals. The wireless optical link provides transmission stability through signal processing and error correction without restricting the animal's natural behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static wired connection to a dynamic wireless optical connection that can adapt to subject movement. The optical link maintains reliable communication while the subject moves freely, with the system dynamically adjusting to maintain connection quality without physical constraints
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 system enables high data rates, real-time interrogation, and reduced invasiveness by using optical wireless communications, allowing for efficient data transfer without compromising the comfort and operational life of small animals.
Implementation Method 1
an optical communications interface configured to communicate the data or data derived therefrom with a device
Data Source
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AI summary
An interface or communications system for a neural probe, the interface or communications system comprising at least one probe interface, an optical communications interface and a processing system. The at least one probe interface is configured to interface with at least one neural probe so as to receive data collected by the probe. The processing system is configured to process the data from the at least one probe interface and provide the processed data to the optical communications interface. The optical communications interface is configured to communicate the processed data to a remote device, e.g. using optical wireless communications. The optical communications interface has the large bandwidth available that will allow the scaling up of recording sites from the neural probe without resulting in undue size, weight and/or power consumption.