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Toward High-Performance Neural Control of Prosthetic Devices

Neural electrical signals would be processed into electronic control signals.

A program of basic and applied research in neuroscience is dedicated to (1) advancing fundamental understanding of how the human brain plans and executes arm movements and (2) designing and building high-performance neural prostheses for controlling arm prostheses. The basic-research part of the program involves experiments on non-human primates by use of techniques of chronic-electrode-array electrophysiology, computational neuroscience, theoretical neuroscience, and observations of reaching behavior. The appliedresearch part of the program includes, as part of the effort to develop neural prostheses, an effort to decode (that is, to extract scientifically and prosthetically useful signals from) neural activity in real time, use the signals generated in the decoding process to move computer cursors, and utilize the knowledge thus gained to design and validate high-performance neural-prosthetic algorithms.

The main scientific findings thus far concern the preparation (including planning) and execution of arm movements. It was found that the neural activity associated with preparation of an arm movement could be mathematically modelled as an attractor system wherein neural activity becomes more "accurate" as planning proceeds. Another finding is that the speed of a planned arm movement (and not merely the direction and distance) is also planned.

The main accomplishment of the applied part of the program was the design and demonstration of an unprecedentedly fast and accurate neural prosthetic system that included implanted electrodes and electronic brain/computer interface circuitry. The development of this system was part of the first study to demonstrate that neural prosthetic systems that rely on implanted electrodes can substantially outperform systems that rely on such relatively noninvasive neural-signal receptors as surface electrodes used in electroencephalography.

Other accomplishments of the program include the following:

  • Development of low-power analog and analog-to-digital-converter electronic circuits that could be suitable for surgical implantation for processing neural signals; and
  • Investigation of the effects of unavoidable movements of implanted electrodes in relation to neurons and initiation of a concomitant effort to develop both means of correcting for such movements and less-invasive means of sensing neural signals.

This work was done by Krishna Shenoy et. al. of Stanford University for the Naval Research Laboratory.

Topics:
Anatomy Arm Body regions Design processes Mathematical models Medical Medical equipment and supplies Medical, health and wellness Medical, health, and wellness Nervous system Prostheses and implants Research and development Simulation and modeling
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
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Toward High-Performance Neural Control of Prosthetic Devices

(reference NRL-0021) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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    Defense Tech Briefs Magazine

    This article first appeared in the February, 2008 issue of Defense Tech Briefs Magazine (Vol. 2 No. 1).

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    Overview

    The document titled "Toward High-Performance Neural Control of Prosthetic Devices" is a final technical report authored by Krishna V. Shenoy, PhD, from Stanford University, detailing research funded by the Office of Naval Research. The report outlines the scientific and technical objectives aimed at enhancing the understanding of how the brain plans and executes arm movements, alongside the design and development of high-performance neural prostheses.

    The primary scientific objective is to deepen the understanding of neural control over natural movement, which is crucial for creating effective neural prostheses that can restore movement to individuals with disabilities, including disabled warfighters. The report emphasizes the importance of advancing neural prosthetic systems, which are designed to interface with the brain and translate neural signals into actionable commands for prosthetic devices.

    Key areas of focus include the development of low-power circuits suitable for surgical implantation, which is critical for the functionality of neural prostheses that require electronics to be placed close to the brain. Collaborations with experts in electrical engineering have led to the creation of analog low-power local field potential and threshold chips, as well as lower-power digital spike sorting chips. These innovations aim to reduce power consumption while maintaining optimal performance of the prosthetic devices.

    The report also discusses the challenges associated with characterizing bio-MEMS signals and designing less-invasive alternatives for sensing electrical signals from neurons. It highlights the limitations of permanently implanted electrode arrays, which can lose their ability to sense the same neurons over time due to movement and immunological effects.

    Additionally, the document references various studies and publications that contribute to the understanding of neural variability and motor preparation, which are essential for improving the performance of cortically-controlled prostheses. The report includes citations of relevant research articles and conference papers that support the findings and objectives outlined.

    In summary, this technical report presents a comprehensive overview of ongoing research aimed at enhancing neural prosthetic technology, focusing on the integration of advanced engineering solutions to improve the interface between the brain and prosthetic devices. The ultimate goal is to restore natural movement capabilities to individuals with disabilities, thereby improving their quality of life.

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