Stimulation Control Dynamic Range via Virtual Intensity Parameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices require clinicians to individually adjust multiple parameters (amplitude, pulse width, and frequency) for electrical stimulation therapy, which is cumbersome and may result in suboptimal settings due to the complexity of finding the ideal combination, leading to inefficiencies and potential discomfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
A method where a user can input a single stimulation therapy intensity value, allowing the device to adjust pulse width, amplitude, and frequency automatically to maintain the desired intensity, keeping most parameters constant and only modifying one parameter to prevent exceeding threshold values, thereby simplifying the adjustment process and ensuring effective therapy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a user adjusts multiple parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) individually to achieve desired stimulation intensity, then the ability to precisely control therapy intensity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complexity of finding the ideal parameter combination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual parameter (stimulation intensity) that acts as an intermediary between the user and the actual physical parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency). The user interacts with this single virtual parameter through a user interface, while the system automatically calculates and adjusts the underlying physical parameters. This mediator simplifies the user interface while maintaining precise control over stimulation intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the stimulation intensity parameter universal by allowing it to control multiple underlying parameters simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate adjustments for amplitude, pulse width, and frequency, a single intensity value orchestrates all three parameters, making the system easier to operate while maintaining comprehensive control.
2Ease of operation
If the system automatically adjusts multiple parameters based on a single user input, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to coordinate multiple parameter adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating and adjusting the physical parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) in response to user input for stimulation intensity. The processor autonomously determines the appropriate parameter values and coordinates their adjustment without requiring manual intervention for each parameter, thereby reducing device complexity from the user's perspective while maintaining sophisticated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by treating the physical parameters as interchangeable variables that can be transformed into the virtual intensity parameter. The processor maintains relationships between parameters and can substitute adjustments across different parameters based on the desired intensity change, effectively managing the complexity through mathematical parameter transformations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the system limits parameter values to prevent exceeding threshold levels, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but the adaptability of the therapy intensity range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing an additional dimensional layer - the virtual intensity parameter - that sits above the individual physical parameters. This allows the system to enforce thresholds on physical parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency) while still providing a broad apparent intensity range through the virtual parameter. The system can adjust multiple parameters in coordinated ways to achieve different intensity levels without any single parameter exceeding its safe threshold.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for configuring electrical stimulation therapy parameters is described. Based on user input, processing circuitry may keep a first therapy parameter substantially constant and increase a value of a second therapy parameter until increasing the second therapy parameter further causes the second therapy parameter to be bigger than threshold value. The processing circuitry may adjust the second therapy parameter value and adjust the first therapy parameter value. Prior to adjustment, the first and second therapy parameters set a first intensity, and after adjustment, the first and second therapy parameters set a second intensity that is greater than or equal to the first intensity. The processing circuitry causes delivery of therapy at the second intensity.