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AI Biotech/Diagnostics: Cardio
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Application US20190046794
Published 2019-02-14
Multi-factor Control Of Ear Stimulation
An ear stimulation device and related systems and methods for operating an ear stimulation device in connection with a computing device are described. Multiple factors are used in controlling the ear stimulation device, including a variety of factors relating to or influencing the state of the user. In various aspects, the system is also responsive to inputs from sensors or computing networks. System features include fault detection, stimulus cycling and sequencing, integration with other devices in a networked system, device control based on playlists, battery charging, and device status display features.
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- 1. A neural stimulation system comprising:
a wearable neural stimulation device for delivering a stimulus to an ear of a subject, the wearable neural stimulation device including
at least one neural stimulator, the at least one neural stimulator configured to deliver at least one first stimulus to activate one or more nerve or nerve branch innervating the skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject and at least one second stimulus to activate the one or more nerve or nerve branch; and
a securing member configured to secure the at least one neural stimulator to the ear of the subject;
a computing device configured for communication with the wearable neural stimulation device via a communication link and configured to send or receive information relating to operation of the wearable neural stimulation device to or from one or more remote system via a communications network; and at least one of hardware or software configured to control delivery of the at least one first stimulus and the at least one second stimulus via the at least one neural stimulator, wherein the at least one first stimulus is different from the at least one second stimulus.
- 2.-13. (canceled)
- 14. A nerve stimulation system, comprising:
a wearable neural stimulation device for delivering a stimulus to an ear of a subject, the wearable neural stimulation device including
at least one neural stimulator configured to deliver at least one first stimulus to activate one or more nerve or nerve branch innervating the skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject; and
a securing member configured to secure the at least one neural stimulator to the ear of the subject;
a computing device configured for communication with the wearable neural stimulation device via a communication link and configured to send or receive information relating to operation of the wearable neural stimulation device to or from one or more remote system via a communications network; and fault detection hardware and/or software configured to detect a fault in system function and cease application of the stimulus, partially shut down the system, completely shut down the system, or refuse to initiate treatment if a fault is detected.
- 17.-22. (canceled)
- 23. A nerve stimulation system, comprising:
a wearable neural stimulation device for delivering a stimulus to an ear of a subject, the wearable neural stimulation device including
at least one neural stimulator configured to deliver at least one first stimulus to activate one or more nerve or nerve branch innervating the skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject; and
a securing member configured to secure the at least one neural stimulator to the ear of the subject;
a computing device configured for communication with the wearable neural stimulation device via a communication link and configured to send or receive information relating to operation of the wearable neural stimulation device to or from one or more remote system via a communications network; and at least one sensor configured for communication with one or more of the wearable neural stimulation device and the computing device and configured to detect one or more characteristics of a sleeping disorder; wherein at least one of control circuitry on the wearable neural stimulation device, the computing device, or the remote system is configured to monitor changes in the one or more characteristics over time indicative of an altered sleep pattern of the subject.
- 27.-33. (canceled)
- 34. A networked system, comprising:
a wearable neural stimulation device for delivering a stimulus to an ear of a subject, the wearable neural stimulation device including
at least one neural stimulator, the at least one neural stimulator configured to deliver at least one first stimulus to activate one or more nerve or nerve branch innervating the skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject and at least one second stimulus to activate the one or more nerve or nerve branch;
a securing member configured to secure the at least one neural stimulator to the ear of the subject;
control/processing circuitry on the wearable neural stimulation device; and
communication circuitry on the wearable neural stimulation device; and
a computing device configured for communication with the wearable neural stimulation device via a communication link, wherein the computing device is configured to send or receive information relating to operation of the wearable neural stimulation device to or from one or more remote system via a communications network; at least one sensing device or stimulation device separate and distinct from the wearable neural stimulation device and configured for communication with at least one of the wearable neural stimulation device and the computing device; and application software and/or hardware for controlling operation of the wearable neural stimulation device.
- 44. (canceled)
- 45. A method of controlling a nerve stimulation system, comprising:
retrieving instructions for a first stimulation pattern from a playlist stored in a memory in at least one of a wearable neural stimulation device or a computing device in communication with the wearable neural stimulation device; delivering a first transdermal stimulus to an ear of a subject with at least one first neural stimulator of the wearable neural stimulation device under control of control/processing circuitry in at least one of the wearable neural stimulation device or the computing device, according to the instructions for the first stimulation pattern, to activate one or more nerve or nerve branch innervating the skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject; retrieving instructions for at least a second stimulation pattern from the playlist stored in the memory in the at least one of the wearable neural stimulation device or the computing device; and delivering a second transdermal stimulus to the ear of the subject under control of the control/processing circuitry in the at least one of the wearable neural stimulation device or the computing device, according to the instructions for the second stimulation pattern, to activate the one or more nerve or nerve branch innervating the skin on or in the vicinity of the ear of the subject; wherein the second transdermal stimulus differs from the first transdermal stimulus by at least one of stimulation parameter, type of stimulus, or stimulation location.
- 46.-51. (canceled)
- 52. A battery charger for charging a neural stimulation system, comprising:
a housing having size and shape configured to hold a neural stimulation system and internal components of the battery charger therein, the housing including
a first portion;
a second portion;
a first carrier configured to be disposed in the first portion, the first carrier including
a support member defining at least one first recess configured to have the neural stimulation system disposed therein; and
electrical contacts configured to mate with charger contacts of the neural stimulation system;
wherein the second portion is configured to move relative to the first portion to allow the battery charger to switch between a closed configuration and an open configuration.
- 53.-57. (canceled)
- 58. A neural stimulation earpiece comprising:
a main body including a housing and having an interior chamber configured to contain one or more components of the neural stimulation system; a user interface configured to receive inputs from a subject or present information to a subject; and at least one extension extending from the main body and configured to support at least one neural stimulator and to attach the neural stimulation earpiece to an ear of the subject.
- 59.-62. (canceled)
