Multichannel Vestibular Prosthesis ASIC Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vestibular prostheses are not fully functional and fully implantable, lacking effective solutions for restoring vestibular reflexes in individuals with vestibular organ damage, which affects balance and visual acuity.
Innovation Solution
A multichannel vestibular prosthesis with a sensor system, microcontroller, neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit, and programmable electrodes that deliver electrical stimuli to vestibular nerves, controlling current amplitudes, frequencies, polarities, and durations to restore 3D vestibular sensation, featuring a single ASIC to reduce power consumption and circuit space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate circuits are used for neuroelectronic interface functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and circuit space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple neuroelectronic interface functions (digital controller, digital-to-analog converters, analog current control circuits) into a single ASIC device, combining previously separate circuits to reduce overall device complexity and circuit space while maintaining full functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The ASIC is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions including digital control, signal conversion, and analog current regulation, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized circuits and providing adaptability for different stimulation configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate circuits are used for neuroelectronic interface functions, then functional versatility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple neuroelectronic interface functions (digital controller, digital-to-analog converters, analog current control circuits) into a single ASIC device, combining previously separate circuits to reduce overall device complexity and circuit space while maintaining full functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The ASIC is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions including digital control, signal conversion, and analog current regulation, allowing a single device to replace multiple specialized circuits and providing adaptability for different stimulation configurations
3Volume of moving object
If a compact integrated circuit is used, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple neuroelectronic interface functions (digital controller, digital-to-analog converters, analog current control circuits) into a single ASIC device, combining previously separate circuits to reduce overall device complexity and circuit space while maintaining full functional versatility
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 solution enables the restoration of vestibular reflexes, improving balance and visual acuity by providing a compact, power-efficient, and implantable system capable of delivering precise electrical stimuli to multiple vestibular nerves, addressing the need for a fully functional vestibular prosthesis.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of digital-to-analog converters configured to communicate with the digital controller
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of analog current control circuits, each constructed to communicate with a respective one of the plurality of digital-to-analog converters. Each of the plurality of analog current control circuits can be electrically connected directly or under software control to a respective one of a plurality of electrodes for delivering electrical stimuli to at least one vestibular nerve
Data Source
AI summary
A multichannel vestibular prosthesis includes a sensor system and a microcontroller configured to communicate with the sensor system to receive sensor signals from the sensor system while in operation. The microcontroller is configured to provide control signals in response to the sensor signals. The multichannel vestibular prosthesis also includes a neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit configured to communicate with the microcontroller to receive the control signals, and a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to the neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit. The neuroelectronic interface integrated circuit includes a digital controller configured to communicate with the microcontroller, a plurality of digital-to-analog converters configured to communicate with the digital controller, and a plurality of analog current control circuits, each constructed to communicate with a respective one of the plurality of digital-to-analog converters. Each of the plurality of analog current control circuits can be electrically connected directly or under software control to a respective one of a plurality of electrodes for delivering electrical stimuli to at least one vestibular nerve, and the digital controller is configured to control amplitudes, frequencies, polarities and durations of currents to be delivered to any combination of the plurality of electrical leads.