Brain-Computer Interface Power/Data Channels for Small Cranium Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brain-computer interface systems face challenges in achieving high power delivery efficiency and high data rate while minimizing damage to the cranium and brain tissue, often requiring large openings that hinder healing and increase tissue heating.
Innovation Solution
A dual-layer communication path system with separate channels for power and data transmission, utilizing intrabody conductive coupling and electromagnetic-based impulse-radio ultra-wideband communication, along with a high spatial integration unit like a microelectrode array, implanted through small cranium openings to minimize tissue damage and enhance data throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional brain-computer interface systems use single communication path with RF or ultrasound for power and data transmission, then device simplicity is maintained, but power delivery efficiency and data rate cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into separate channels: a first downlink channel for power transmission, a first uplink channel for data transmission from implant to external, a second downlink channel for data transmission from external to implant, and a second uplink channel for power transmission. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high data rate and power delivery efficiency simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single communication path to a dual-layer communication path structure, adding a temporal and functional dimension to the communication architecture. This enables parallel operation of power and data channels, resolving the trade-off between simplicity and performance
2Ease of manufacture
If large openings are made in the cranium for implanting BCI systems, then complete implantation is achieved, but tissue damage increases and healing is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The implantation procedure is segmented into two separate steps: first implanting the sensing/stimulation unit through a small cranium opening, then implanting the data transceiver unit through the same or a second small opening. This segmentation allows complete functionality to be achieved while minimizing cranium damage at each step
Solution Approach 2:
Both the sensing/stimulation unit and the data transceiver unit are designed to fit through the same small cranium opening (less than 1 cm²), nesting their implantation pathways. This allows complete system implantation through a minimally invasive approach
3Power
If high power is transmitted for power delivery, then power delivery efficiency improves, but tissue heating increases beyond safe limits
Solution Approach 1:
Power transmission is segmented into dedicated uplink and downlink channels with different power levels and modulation schemes. The first uplink channel transmits power from external to implant at optimized power levels, while the second uplink channel provides additional power transmission capability. This segmentation allows efficient power delivery while distributing thermal load across multiple channels
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters including power level, frequency, and modulation depth across the different communication channels. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system achieves high power delivery efficiency while maintaining tissue temperature within safe SAR limits
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 achieves high power delivery efficiency and data rate with reduced tissue damage, allowing fast healing and safe operation within SAR limits, supporting high-resolution neural sensing and stimulation across large brain areas.
Implementation Method 1
a first downlink channel for transmitting power and data from the data transceiver unit to the sensing and/or stimulation unit
Implementation Method 2
the first uplink channel is configured as an intrabody conductive coupling communication
Implementation Method 3
the second downlink channel is configured as an inductive communication
Implementation Method 4
the second uplink channel is configured as an electromagnetic-based impulse-radio ultra-wideband communication
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a brain-computer interface system and method. In an example, a brain-computer interface system includes a data processing unit, a data transceiver unit, and a sensing or stimulation unit. The system also includes a first communication path between the data transceiver unit and the sensing or stimulation unit including a first downlink channel for transmitting power and data from the data transceiver unit to the data sensing unit and a first uplink channel for transmitting data from the sensing or stimulation unit to the data transceiver unit. The system may additionally include a second communication path between the data processing unit and the data transceiver unit including a second downlink channel for transmitting power and data from the data processing unit to the data transceiver unit and a second uplink channel for transmitting data from the data transceiver unit to the data processing unit.