Implantable Stimulator Sub-Program Resumption Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable neurostimulator devices, such as Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) systems, face challenges in efficiently logging and resuming the execution of sub-programs due to interruptions, which can delay the evaluation of effective stimulation parameters for patient therapy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a stimulator device with controller circuitry that periodically stores information about the execution of sub-programs, allowing for seamless continuation at the point of interruption, even after external devices have communicated the necessary markers for resumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stimulator device continuously logs execution status of all sub-programs, then the reliability of program resumption is improved, but the device complexity and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The logging system is segmented to track only essential resumption information rather than complete execution details of all sub-programs. The controller circuitry divides the logging function into minimal necessary components: storing current sub-program identification and execution status, enabling reliable resumption without comprehensive monitoring overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary logging of critical execution state information before interruptions occur. By pre-storing the current sub-program ID and execution status in non-volatile memory, the device prepares resumption data in advance, ensuring reliable continuation without requiring complex real-time tracking systems.
2Measurement precision
If the device stores detailed execution information for all sub-programs, then the precision of resumption point identification is improved, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential elements needed for resumption: the current sub-program identification and execution status. By taking out only these critical data points from the complete execution information, the device achieves precise interruption point identification without the time overhead of processing comprehensive execution logs.
Solution Approach 2:
The logging system implements partial action by recording only the minimum necessary information for accurate resumption rather than complete execution details. This selective logging of essential state information provides sufficient precision for identifying interruption points while minimizing data processing time and memory overhead.
3Reliability
If the stimulation program is restarted from the beginning after interruption, then the reliability of program execution is improved, but the loss of time for therapy evaluation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller circuitry performs preliminary storage of execution status information in non-volatile memory before interruptions occur. This preliminary action enables the device to resume stimulation programs from the exact point of interruption rather than restarting from the beginning, maintaining execution reliability while eliminating unnecessary time loss during therapy evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses stored execution status information as feedback to determine the appropriate resumption point. By continuously monitoring and storing execution state, the device receives feedback about where the program was interrupted, enabling intelligent resumption decisions that maintain reliability while minimizing therapy evaluation time.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable stimulator device is disclosed for executing a stimulation program comprising a plurality of sub-programs, wherein the sub-programs are configured to be automatically sequentially executed by stimulation circuitry in the device. Control circuitry periodically stores log data to indicate where each sub-program is in its execution. If the device experiences an interruption that prevents the stimulation circuitry from executing the stimulation program, and upon receiving an indication that the stimulation circuitry can continue execution of the stimulation program, the control circuitry is configured to query the log data to determine a sub-program during which the interruption occurred, and using the log data, cause the stimulation circuitry to continue execution of the stimulation circuitry either at the beginning of the sub-program, or at a point during the sub-program when the interruption occurred.