Focused Ultrasound Transducer Array for Brain Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies have limited success in artificially stimulating the human sensory system, particularly the sense of olfaction, and recording the results of such stimulation.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an electronic memory storing pre-recorded neurostimulation data and a focused ultrasound transducer arrangement, which delivers transcranial stimulation to specified regions of the brain using the stored data to recreate responses similar to those elicited by sensory stimuli.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to stimulate the human sensory system, then the stimulation can be delivered, but the ability to effectively recreate sensory experiences (particularly olfaction) is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to recreate sensory experiencesVSAvoidsuccess in stimulating sensory system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electrical or chemical stimulation methods with focused ultrasound technology. The ultrasound transducer array delivers mechanical acoustic energy through the skull to specific brain regions, substituting traditional stimulation mechanisms with acoustic field-based stimulation that can more effectively recreate sensory experiences including olfaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameters of stimulation by using focused ultrasound with specific frequency, intensity, and spatial targeting parameters. By adjusting ultrasound parameters (frequency, power, focal depth), the system can selectively stimulate different brain regions to recreate various sensory experiences, thereby improving both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If transcranial stimulation is delivered to specified brain regions, then sensory responses can be recreated, but the complexity of the stimulation system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetranscranial stimulation deliveryVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the brain into specific targetable regions and uses an array of individual ultrasound transducers that can be independently controlled. Each transducer element can be focused on different brain locations, allowing precise regional stimulation while managing system complexity through modular transducer design and software-based beamforming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The focused ultrasound transducer array serves multiple functions: it can stimulate different brain regions by changing focus parameters, deliver various types of sensory stimulation (olfactory, visual, auditory), and potentially both stimulate and record neural activity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices for each stimulation type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If pre-recorded neurostimulation data is used to deliver transcranial stimulation, then sensory responses can be recreated, but the quantity of data required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse recreation accuracyVSAvoidneurostimulation data volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates simplified copies or models of sensory responses by recording neural activity patterns and storing them as pre-recorded neurostimulation data. Instead of storing complete raw neural datasets, the system captures essential response patterns that can be replayed to recreate sensory experiences, reducing data volume while maintaining response recreation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables effective delivery of transcranial stimulation to recreate sensory experiences, such as olfactory perceptions, and contemporaneously senses neural activity in response to the stimulation, improving the ability to record and replicate sensory responses.

Implementation Method 1

A focused ultrasound transducer arrangement is operably coupled to the electronic memory and comprises an array of ultrasound transducers. The focused ultrasound transducer arrangement is configured to deliver transcranial stimulation to the specified region of a person's brain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12207930B2Non-invasive transcranial stimulation system and method using pre-recorded neurostimulation data

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 XEROX CORP

AI summary

An electronic memory is configured to store pre-recorded neurostimulation data comprising patterns of stimulation of a specified region of a subject's brain developed to recreate a response by one or more of a sensing organ or sensing organs, a vestibular system, and a memory of the subject. A focused ultrasound transducer arrangement is operably coupled to the electronic memory and comprises an array of ultrasound transducers. The focused ultrasound transducer arrangement is configured to deliver transcranial stimulation to the specified region of a person's brain using the pre-recorded neurostimulation data to recreate the response by one or more of the sensing organ or sensing organs, the vestibular system, and the memory of the subject. A support structure is configured for placement on or about a person's head. The support structure is configured to support at least the focused ultrasound transducer arrangement.