SBIR Phase I: Signal Processing Techniques for Neural Discovery and Communications

这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目旨在为目前正在制造的用于同时记录多个神经元活动的微型神经探针阵列开发定制信号处理算法和嵌入式软件。迄今为止，在神经探针上花费的大部分努力都集中在制造探针硬件元件的艰巨挑战上。 通过探针进行神经通信的一个关键因素在技术上和商业上都是可行的，但很少受到关注。 调节、恢复和传输神经元信号以及将神经刺激传递到肌肉组织所需的高级信号处理技术很少受到关注。该项目旨在开发算法和嵌入式软件，使神经探针更加可靠和实用。 如此配备的神经探针可以可靠地捕获、调节、过滤、传输和接收神经信号，并恢复其操作所需的高度可重复性和一致性。反过来，这将加速探针的部署，大大提高迄今为止对神经探针的大量投资的价值。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to develop custom signal processing algorithms and embedded software for arrays of tiny neural probes that are currently being manufactured for simultaneously recording the activity of multiple neurons. Most of the effort expended to date on neural probes has focused on the formidable challenges of manufacturing the hardware elements of the probes. One crucial element for making neural communications via probes technically and commercially viable has received little attention. Advanced signal processing technologies needed to condition, recover and transmit the signals from neurons, and to deliver transmitted neural stimulus to muscle tissue has received little attention. This project aims to develop algorithms and embedded software that will render neural probes more reliable and practical. Neural probes so equipped can reliably capture, condition, filter, transmit and receive neural signals, and restore the needed high degree of repeatability and consistency to their operation. This, in turn, will accelerate the deployment of the probes, greatly enhancing the value of the substantial investment in neural probes to date.