Vagus Nerve Stimulation Control via Voice and Gesture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) systems require patients to manually trigger stimulation parameter changes using a magnetic controller, which can lead to anxiety and reduced utilization due to the need to carry the device and perform precise actions within a short time frame, limiting the quality of care.
Innovation Solution
A VNS system that allows patients to adjust stimulation parameters using predefined patterns of tactile input, such as taps or gestures, and voice commands, detected by sensors, enabling fast and accurate control of electrical stimulation pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic controller is used to trigger stimulation parameter changes, then the ability to provide temporary stimulation boost is improved, but patient anxiety and reduced utilization occur due to the need to carry the device and perform precise actions within a brief time window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnetic controller system with a voice command recognition system. The controller now processes acoustic signals (voice commands) instead of requiring mechanical magnetic interaction. This allows patients to trigger stimulation parameter changes through spoken instructions, eliminating the need to carry a magnetic device and perform precise manual actions, thereby reducing anxiety and improving ease of operation while maintaining the adaptability to provide temporary stimulation boosts when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voice command recognition as an intermediary between the patient and the stimulation control system. Instead of direct magnetic interaction, the patient's voice serves as the mediator that the controller interprets to trigger appropriate stimulation parameter changes. This intermediary layer simplifies the user interface and allows for more natural, less anxiety-provoking interaction while preserving the system's responsiveness and adaptability
2Measurement precision
If the magnetic controller requires precise swiping action within a brief time window, then the control precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complexity of the action required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the precise mechanical swiping action with voice command recognition. The controller now identifies and responds to specific spoken phrases or commands, eliminating the need for patients to perform complex, time-critical manual gestures. This substitution maintains control precision through accurate voice recognition algorithms while dramatically improving ease of operation by allowing patients to simply speak their intent
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic voice recognition capabilities that can adapt to different patient needs and situations. The system can recognize various voice commands, adjust sensitivity thresholds, and respond to different speech patterns, making the control mechanism more flexible and easier to use while maintaining precise control over stimulation parameter changes
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
This solution improves patient quality of life by providing a more convenient and reliable method for controlling VNS, reducing anxiety and enhancing the effectiveness of seizure prevention and depression treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The predefined pattern of tactile input may include one or more taps and/or bodily gestures that are sensed by a motion sensor
Implementation Method 2
VNS entails the surgical implantation of a device into a patient's chest area under the skin to stimulate the vagus nerve with electrical impulses
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides systems and methods for system for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), using a VNS stimulator implanted in a human subject and configured to transmit electrical stimulation pulses to a vagus nerve of the human subject; and at least one sensor configured to detect a predefined pattern of tactile input, a bodily gesture, and/or a voice command from the human subject, wherein the VNS stimulator includes a controller configured to modulate at least one stimulation parameter of the electrical stimulation pulses based at least in part on the tactile input, bodily gesture, and/or voice command from the human subject.