Method and system for providing electrical stimulation to a user
Inventors
Wingeier, Brett • Chao, Daniel S. • Von Kraus, Lee • Sarva, Amol • Sanchez, Sophia
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11464972-B2
Publication Date
2022-10-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method for providing electrical stimulation to a user as a user performs a set of tasks during a time window, the method comprising: providing an electrical stimulation treatment, characterized by a stimulation parameter and a set of portions, to a brain region of the user in association with the time window; for each task of the set of tasks: receiving a signal stream characterizing a neurological state of the user; from the signal stream, identifying a neurological signature characterizing the neurological state associated with the task; and modulating the electrical stimulation treatment provided to the brain region of the user based upon the neurological signature, wherein modulating comprises delivering a portion of the set of portions of the electrical stimulation treatment to the brain region of the user, while maintaining an aggregate amount of the stimulation parameter of the treatment provided during the time window below a maximum limit.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to neuromodulation using electrical stimulation to a brain region in a time window while a user performs tasks or experiences neurological states. A biosignal detection module receives a signal stream and derives neurological signatures and neurological metrics for a task or for an entry or exit of a neurological state.
The system modulates the stimulation by delivering selected portions of a stimulation treatment, including active and non-active periods, while keeping an aggregated stimulation parameter below a maximum limit constraint. A processing subsystem compares derived neurological signatures and metrics to conditions to determine modulation, and a neuromodulation controller enforces the maximum-limit constraints using real-time or predictive modulation.
The disclosed approach additionally supports task sequencing based on neurological signatures, including task-bounding stimuli and optional virtual constraint therapy for rehabilitation. It also covers intermittent stimulation relative to events and automatic state-matched stimulation with entry and exit triggers, including embodiments described with transcranial electrical stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and depression therapy content through a digital program executed at a client application.
Claims Coverage
The provided set includes two independent claims, with coverage centered on session-based stimulation driven by user inputs in a digital program. The inventive features combine content associated with the program, status determination and updating from inputs, and initiation of stimulation sessions based on the status.
Session-based stimulation for user status in a digital program
Providing content associated with a digital program, receiving a first set of inputs, determining a status relative to the digital program, providing a first stimulation session based on at least one of the first set of inputs and the status, receiving a second set of inputs, updating the status based on the second set of inputs, and providing a second stimulation session based on at least one of the second set of inputs and the updated status.
Application-driven initiation of stimulation sessions from user inputs
Providing content in association with a digital program via an application, receiving a first set of inputs, determining a status based on the first set of inputs, initiating a first stimulation session at a stimulation device based on the status, receiving a second set of inputs, updating the status based on the second set of inputs, and initiating a second stimulation session at the stimulation device based on the updated status.
Within the provided claim set, stimulation is controlled by determining a user status from user-provided inputs during a digital program that guides depression therapy content, and by initiating a first stimulation session and a second stimulation session based on an initial status and an updated status.
Stated Advantages
Keeps an aggregated stimulation parameter below a maximum limit constraint.
Supports real-time or predictive modulation.
Supports task sequencing based on neurological signatures.
Supports automatic state-matched stimulation with entry and exit triggers.
Documented Applications
Virtual constraint therapy for rehabilitation.
Managing neurological states such as sleep states, stress/alert states, and large amplitude oscillations.
Depression therapy content through a digital program executed at a client application.
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