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

这个项目的目标是开发一个完全被动的颅内传感系统。这种新型的电子脑机接口利用了基于微波后向散射的可植入微型神经传感器、微型纺织天线和柔性聚合物基板上的射频电路。它具有独特的特性，只有轻微的加热，因此，最大限度地减少了对大脑的伤害和创伤，消除了通过头盖骨的电线的需要，并保留了自然的生活方式和舒适。获取的神经信号由自供电的可穿戴身体区域网络收集，用于连续实时监测和随后的生理解释。该项目包括对后天大脑信号的生理研究。虽然最初设想是作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，包括假肢的控制和癫痫发作的早期检测。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。研究通过几个活动与教育相结合，包括为这个新领域的学生提供实践经验、夏令营和各种吸引女性和少数民族参与工程的外展活动。

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.