Neural Activity Detection and Suppression using Advanced Acoustic Waves and AI
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A next-generation system for detecting, localizing, and suppressing neural activity using advanced acoustic waves, AI-powered processing, and wearable/non-invasive devices to revolutionize epilepsy treatment and brain-computer interfaces.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Detection, localization, and/or suppression of neural activity using acoustic waves and/or ultrasound,' has limitations in its ability to accurately detect and suppress neural activity, particularly in real-time. This new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating AI-powered processing, advanced acoustic waves, and wearable/non-invasive devices to provide a more accurate, efficient, and user-friendly system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept consists of a system that combines AI-powered processing with advanced acoustic waves to detect, localize, and suppress neural activity. The system includes a wearable, non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) device with a dry-electrode EEG sensor array and a miniaturized, AI-powered processor that analyzes EEG signals and controls a focused ultrasound transducer array. The system can also include a neural network-based processor that predicts seizure likelihood and a transcranial ultrasound device integrated with a wearable headset that emits focused ultrasound pulses to suppress predicted seizure activity. Additionally, the system can utilize a swarm of micro-robots that navigate through cerebrospinal fluid to detect neural activity patterns indicative of seizure onset and a central controller that coordinates micro-robot deployment and focused ultrasound energy delivery to suppress detected seizure activity.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce several novel and non-obvious elements, including the integration of AI-powered processing, advanced acoustic waves, and wearable/non-invasive devices. The use of machine learning algorithms to analyze reflected ultrasound signals and generate high-resolution, 3D neural activity maps is a significant departure from the original patent. Furthermore, the incorporation of a swarm of micro-robots and a central controller to detect and suppress seizure activity is a paradigm shift in the field of epilepsy treatment.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different types of sensors, such as optical or magnetic sensors, to detect neural activity. The system could also be adapted for use in other medical applications, such as stroke detection or brain-computer interfaces for paralyzed individuals. Additionally, the system could be miniaturized for use in implantable devices or scaled up for use in clinical settings.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the fields of epilepsy treatment, brain-computer interfaces, and neurological disorders. The market for epilepsy treatment alone is projected to reach $13.3 billion by 2027, and the incorporation of AI-powered processing and advanced acoustic waves could revolutionize the field and provide a significant competitive advantage.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Neurotechnology, neurological disorder treatment, brain-computer interfaces, and non-invasive neural activity modulation techniques, with expertise in signal processing, ultrasound technologies, and medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A multidisciplinary professional with advanced degrees in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, or electrical engineering, possessing knowledge of neural signal processing, ultrasound technologies, and medical device miniaturization
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable extensions of the source patent's core technology by applying known machine learning techniques, sensor integration, and miniaturization strategies to the existing ultrasound-based neural activity suppression framework. The variations demonstrate standard engineering problem-solving approaches that would be apparent to someone skilled in neural interface technologies. The proposed system builds upon the foundational concepts of localized neural activity detection and suppression using acoustic waves by introducing incremental technological improvements.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,811 |
|---|---|
| Title | Detection, localization, and/or suppression of neural activity using acoustic waves and/or ultrasound |
| Assignee(s) | The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University |