SCH: INT: Collaborative Research: Physiological Studies of Brain Signals using a Wireless Neuro-Sensing-Diagnostic System

本计画的目标是发展一个全被动式颅内感测系统。这种新型的电子脑机接口采用了一种基于微波背散射的可植入微型神经传感器，一种微型纺织天线和柔性聚合物基板上的RF电路。它具有仅轻微加热的独特特性，因此，最大限度地减少了对大脑的损伤和创伤，消除了对穿过颅骨的电线的需要，并保持了自然的生活方式和舒适度。采集的神经信号由自供电可穿戴体域网收集，用于连续实时监测和后续生理解释。该项目包括对获得的大脑信号进行生理学研究。虽然最初被设想为长期监测大脑信号的工具，但这种传感技术在健康方面具有非常广泛的潜在应用，包括控制假肢和早期发现癫痫发作。克服传统神经传感器技术在安全性和长期可靠性方面的挑战，可以改变患有严重慢性神经系统疾病的人的医疗保健。生理学研究的结果通过数据库传播，以了解大脑疾病。研究通过几项活动与教育相结合，包括为学生提供这一新领域的实践经验、夏令营以及各种外联活动，以吸引妇女和少数民族从事工程学工作。

The goal of this project is to develop a fully-passive intra cranial sensing system. This novel electronic brain-machine interface utilizes an implantable miniaturized neurosensor based on microwave back-scattering, a miniature textile antenna, and RF circuits on flexible polymer substrate. It has the unique properties of only minor heating, thus, minimizing injury and trauma to the brain, eliminating the need for wires through the cranium, and preserving natural lifestyle and comfort. The acquired neurosignals are collected by a self-powered wearable body area network for continuous real-time monitoring and subsequent physiological interpretation. The project includes physiological studies of the acquired brain signals. While conceived initially as a tool for long-term monitoring of brain signals, this sensing technology has a very wide range of potential applications in health, including control of prosthetics and early detection of seizures. Overcoming the challenges in safety and long-term reliability presented by conventional neurosensor technology could transform healthcare for people suffering from severe chronic neurological disorders. Results of the physiological studies are disseminated through a data repository for understanding brain disorders. Research is integrated with education through several activities, including hands-on experience for students in this new area, summer camps, and a variety of outreach activities to attract women and minorities in engineering.