Sync Pulse Detector for Millisecond Neurostimulator Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing physiological data with neurostimulation signals in spinal cord injury patients are inaccurate due to variable latency introduced by packet-based wireless communication systems and stimulation artifacts in noisy EMG data, making it difficult to achieve precise temporal synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A sync pulse detector that uses a dedicated, non-packet based electromagnetic signal to synchronize with an implanted neurostimulator, providing a low-latency wireless link for accurate synchronization between neurostimulation signals and physiological responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet-based wireless communication systems are used for data transmission, then data can be transmitted between the implanted neurostimulator and external receiver, but variable latency is introduced making precise temporal synchronization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system is segmented into two independent channels: a packet-based MICS channel for data transmission and a dedicated electromagnetic pulse channel for synchronization timing. This segmentation allows each channel to optimize for its specific function without interference, resolving the contradiction between reliable data transmission and precise temporal synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated electromagnetic pulse acts as an intermediary timing signal that bridges the implanted neurostimulator and external receiver. This pulse provides a direct timing reference that is independent of the packet-based data communication, enabling precise temporal synchronization while maintaining reliable data transmission through the MICS channel.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If preamble signals are used to stabilize receiver circuits, then signal recognition from background noise is improved, but variable latency is introduced into the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary stabilization of the receiver circuit using the MICS communication channel before the dedicated electromagnetic pulse arrives for timing synchronization. This allows the receiver to be ready and stable when the timing pulse arrives, eliminating the need for a preamble signal on the timing channel and avoiding additional latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The MICS communication channel serves as an intermediary that handles the complex signal stabilization and data transmission, while the dedicated electromagnetic pulse channel provides clean, direct timing information without requiring preamble signals, thus minimizing latency.
3Quantity of substance
If EMG sensors are placed lateral to the stimulator electrode array, then physiological data can be collected, but stimulation artifacts appear in the noisy EMG data making artifact identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated electromagnetic pulse acts as an intermediary timing reference that is independent of the noisy EMG signals. By using this clean, direct timing signal from the implanted device, the system can accurately mark stimulation onset times without relying on artifact identification in the noisy EMG data, thus resolving the contradiction between collecting physiological data and identifying artifacts.
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 sync pulse detector achieves precise synchronization within approximately 1 millisecond, significantly improving the accuracy of correlating stimulation parameters with desired physiological responses, such as muscle contractions, by eliminating variable latency and using a dedicated communication channel.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic pulse detector external to the patient, generating an electromagnetic pulse using the electromagnetic pulse generator, and detecting the electromagnetic pulse using the electromagnetic pulse detector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices and methods used with neurostimulation therapy for spinal cord injury. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a sync pulse detector and methods for synchronizing signals from an implanted neurostimulator with measured physiological responses and other data.