Virtual Patch Electrodes for Adaptive EMS Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current NMES and TENS garments face challenges with inter-session and inter-subject variability due to inconsistent electrode positioning and anatomical differences, requiring tedious manual calibration and coarse resolution adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A wearable garment with a processor that defines regions of interest (ROIs) for electrode activation, determines target patterns, and optimizes electrode currents in real-time to achieve precise and efficient muscle stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual calibration is used to position electrodes, then anatomical variations can be accommodated, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning process with an automated image-guided system. The processor automatically determines electrode positions by comparing pre-session and current session images, eliminating the need for manual electrode-by-electrode positioning while maintaining adaptability to anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the electrode array that can be positioned and adjusted independently of the physical electrodes. This virtual electrode array is mapped to the current session's anatomical images, allowing rapid repositioning without physically moving each electrode.
2Manufacturing precision
If discrete electrode states are used for positioning, then electrode locations can be controlled, but fine adjustments become difficult due to coarse resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static discrete electrode states to a dynamic continuous positioning system. The virtual electrode array can be positioned at any location within the image space, allowing continuous fine adjustments rather than being constrained to fixed discrete positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds an image space dimension to the electrode positioning problem. By mapping electrodes to coordinates in the image space rather than fixed array positions, the system enables precise positioning in continuous space while maintaining the discrete nature of physical electrodes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If garment position is shifted, then accommodation to anatomical differences is possible, but active electrode alignment becomes misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image feedback to automatically detect and compensate for garment position shifts. By comparing the current session's anatomical images with the pre-session electrode mapping, the processor automatically recalculates electrode positions to maintain alignment despite garment displacement or anatomical variations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a muscle stimulation system, comprising a wearable garment including a plurality of electrodes, and a processor; wherein the processor is configured to define one or more regions of interest (ROI) for electrode activation via a subset of the plurality of electrodes, and provide electrical muscle stimulation, via the subset of the plurality of electrodes, to the ROI.