Biomedical Stimulation Device Orientation via Phase-Sensitive Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the orientation of biomedical stimulation devices, such as deep brain stimulation devices, are complex and expensive, relying on high-resolution CT imaging and asymmetrical device shapes, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A system using at least two stimulator elements in a biomedical stimulation device fed with time-varying electric signals of differing phases, combined with a sensor device and a processor to determine the device's orientation based on sensed signals, eliminating the need for expensive CT imaging and asymmetrical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CT imaging devices and asymmetrical device shapes are used to determine device orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/imaging-based CT system with an electrical field-based sensing system. The sensor device detects electrical field variations generated by the stimulation device itself, eliminating the need for CT imaging machinery and complex asymmetrical device geometries. This substitution of detection methodology directly reduces system complexity while maintaining orientation measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stimulation device serves dual purposes: both delivering therapeutic stimulation and generating the electrical field signals for orientation detection. The sensor device detects signals originated from the stimulator elements themselves, allowing the device to self-identify its orientation without requiring external imaging equipment or specialized asymmetrical geometries.
2Measurement precision
If CT imaging devices are used to determine device orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive sensor devices and standard stimulation device components as stimulator elements, replacing expensive CT imaging equipment. The sensor device can be integrated with the stimulation device or positioned nearby, using readily available electrical sensing components rather than requiring costly medical imaging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting the expensive CT imaging system with an electrical field-based detection system using standard sensor devices, the patent dramatically reduces manufacturing and operational costs while maintaining the ability to accurately determine device orientation through electrical signal phase analysis.
3Measurement precision
If asymmetrical device shapes are used to determine orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for specially manufactured asymmetrical device shapes with an electrical field-based orientation detection system. The sensor device detects phase differences in electrical signals generated by the stimulator elements, allowing orientation determination without requiring costly custom manufacturing of asymmetrical geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the physical geometry of the device to enable orientation detection, the patent changes the operational parameters by using time-varying electric signals with specific phase relationships. The sensor device measures these phase differences to determine orientation, eliminating the need for expensive asymmetrical device manufacturing.
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
This approach allows for accurate and cost-effective determination of the angular position of the device relative to the object's anatomy, improving precision and reducing costs, and can be used for implanted devices without direct visual access.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device with a known relative position with respect to the first biomedical stimulation device, arranged for sensing a sensing signal from the stimulator elements. The sensing signal is originated from the time-varying electric signals from the stimulator elements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The application relates to a system (1) for determination of an orientation (14) of a biomedical stimulation device (2) in respect to an object (20). The system comprises the first biomedical stimulation device (2) comprising at least two stimulator elements (4A;4C) and a generator (22) arranged for feeding the stimulator elements (4A;4C) with time-varying electric signals (6A;6C), wherein the time-varying electric signals (6A;6C) differ by a predetermined phase. The system further comprises a sensor device (10) with a known relative position (X;a) with respect to the first biomedical stimulation device (2), arranged for sensing a sensing signal (8) from the stimulator elements (4A;4C), wherein the sensing signal (8) is originated from the time-varying electric signals (6A;6C) from the stimulator elements (4A;4C) and a processor device (12) arranged for determining the orientation (14) of the first biomedical stimulation device (2) based on a sensed phase of the sensing signal (8), phases of the time-varying signals (6A;6C) and the known relative position (X;a). Said system accurately determines the orientation, i.e. angular position, of the biomedical stimulation device in respect to the object. The orientation is also accurately determined when the biomedical stimulation device is implanted in the object. Such a system is relatively cheap. The application also relates to a method for determination of an orientation (14) of a first biomedical stimulation device (2) in respect to an object (20).