Method and device for determining a valid intrinsic frequency
Inventors
Phillips, James William • Jin, Yi
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12376800-B2
Publication Date
2025-08-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
Described are methods and a device for determining a valid intrinsic alpha frequency. Described herein are methods and a device for determining the appropriate intrinsic alpha frequency (IAF) to be applied for neuro-EEG synchronization therapy using alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect the mood, focus and cognition of subjects. Methods and a device described herein use an algorithm to quantitatively analyze EEG recordings to determine if recorded EEG frequencies are valid, and if necessary, requiring additional recordings and analysis until a valid EEG is found. Methods and devices described herein can be utilized to calculate the intrinsic frequency of other EEG bands, including the Theta, Beta Gamma and Delta bands.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a computer-implemented system for determining an intrinsic alpha frequency of a subject from a first time domain EEG recording. Using a digital processing device executing a computer program, the system determines an intrinsic alpha frequency for a plurality of epochs and discriminates whether the intrinsic alpha frequency is a valid intrinsic alpha frequency based on quantitative criteria for validity.
The valid intrinsic alpha frequency comprises a standard deviation between the plurality of epochs less than a standard deviation threshold and a mean intrinsic alpha frequency for the plurality of epochs between 8.0 Hz to 13.0 Hz. When the time domain EEG recording has the valid intrinsic alpha frequency, the system sets a final intrinsic alpha frequency (fIAF) to the mean intrinsic alpha frequency; when the recording does not have the valid intrinsic alpha frequency, the system determines that the first time domain EEG recording is suspect.
The system further includes a therapy device configured to deliver low amplitude stimulation at the valid intrinsic alpha frequency when the time domain EEG recording has the valid intrinsic alpha frequency. If the first time domain EEG recording is suspect, additional time domain EEG recordings are obtained in order to discriminate a valid intrinsic alpha frequency and provide a valid intrinsic alpha frequency for therapy setting. The described framework is also applied to other EEG bands in addition to alpha.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a computer-implemented system that discriminates a valid intrinsic alpha frequency using epoch-wise stability and alpha-band mean thresholds, sets a final intrinsic alpha frequency when valid, flags the recording as suspect when invalid, and connects the discrimination to a therapy device delivering stimulation at the valid intrinsic alpha frequency. The inventive features include the specific validity criteria and the therapy linkage.
Discriminating a valid intrinsic alpha frequency from epoch intrinsic frequencies
The system determines an intrinsic alpha frequency for a plurality of epochs, and automatically determines when the intrinsic alpha frequency is a valid intrinsic alpha frequency, where the valid intrinsic alpha frequency comprises a standard deviation between the plurality of epochs less than a standard deviation threshold and a mean intrinsic alpha frequency for the plurality of epochs between 8.0 Hz to 13.0 Hz.
Setting a final intrinsic alpha frequency only for valid recordings
The system sets a final intrinsic alpha frequency (fIAF) to the mean intrinsic alpha frequency when the time domain EEG recording has the valid intrinsic alpha frequency.
Marking time domain EEG recording as suspect when validity criteria are not met
The system determines that the first time domain EEG recording is suspect when the time domain EEG recording does not have the valid intrinsic alpha frequency.
Delivering low amplitude stimulation at the valid intrinsic alpha frequency
The system includes a therapy device configured to deliver low amplitude stimulation at the valid intrinsic alpha frequency when the time domain EEG recording has the valid intrinsic alpha frequency.
Across the independent claim, the core inventive coverage is the discrimination of a valid intrinsic alpha frequency using epoch stability (standard deviation threshold) and an alpha-band mean range (8.0 Hz to 13.0 Hz), followed by setting fIAF when valid, marking the recording as suspect when invalid, and using the valid intrinsic alpha frequency to drive low amplitude stimulation via the therapy device.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Neuro-EEG Synchronization Therapy (NEST) device using low amplitude stimulation at the valid intrinsic alpha frequency.
Interested in licensing this patent?