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NH A
(10) International Publication Number
WO 2014/025765 A2
13 February 2014 (13.02.2014) WIPO! PCT
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{Eo Tie SVSTINS AND METHODS FOR ADAPTIVE NFURAT DECODING
WO 2014/025765 A2 lll
FIGURE
(7) Abstract: This invention is drocted toa system and,
method for adaptive neural decoding of a user” A plural-
ity of imerconnected processing units comprising sensory
nodes, hidden nodes, and ourput nodes forms a thre lay
fr network, The sensory nodes receive signals from a
neural vector and outputs signals 10 the hidden nodes.
‘The hidden nodes sre connected 10 the sensory nodes,
‘and the output nodes to the hidden nodes through each of
‘synaptic’ connection having an individual synaptic
Weight, The hidden and outpnt nodes are individually
configured to calculate a probability hased on its synaptic
Weights, and output a signal based on the probability
‘The output signal of the ouput node having the highest
probability is tansmitted 10 the environment. A feedback
Signal i received by’a feedback module based on the out
Di signal, and associated synaptic weight (3) are altered
‘hase on the feedback signal10
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WO 2014025765 PCT/US2013/053772
Description
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADAPTIVE NEURAL DECODING
Statement Regarding Federally-Sponsored Research and Development
This invention was made with U.S. government support under
grant number N66001-10-C-2008 and W31P4Q-12-C-0200 awarded by the
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The U.S.
government may have certain rights in the invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to adaptive neural decoding and
interfaces between the brain and machines. More specifically, the
invention concerns automatically adjusting neural mapping for
adaptive learning of neural decoders and neuroprosthetics.
Additionally, the present invention is also directed to responsive
neurorehabilitation through the use of adaptive neural decoders.
Description of the Related Art
Neural decoding involves the reconstruction of stimuli from
information that is represented in the brain by networks of
neurons, in order to convert the impulses of the brain into
actions that can be performed in the subject‘s environment. with
neural decoding, thought can drive mechanical motion of objects in
the environment, such as neuroprosthetic devices. A neural
decoder is a device made up of a plurality of synthetic neurons or
nodes that process impulses and convey information to other nodes
further downstream by “firing” an action potential. Ideally, the
pattern of synthetic neurons or nodes models the decision-making
process in the brain, in order to convert neural impulses to
commands for action to be taken in an environment.
Neural decoding can be particularly useful in medical cases
in which a person’s control of a limb or extremity has been
reduced or is gone entirely. For instance, neural decoding can
assist in rehabilitation of arm, hand, leg, or foot movement, such10
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WO 2014025765 PCT/US2013/053772
as following injury or impairment due to a medical condition such
as Parkinsons, full or partial paralysis, and muscle wasting
diseases or conditions. It can also be used for neuroprosthetic
control, such as to replace an amputated arm, leg, hand, or foot.
However, many challenges still remain. For example, central
nervous system (CNS) injuries, such as spinal cord injuries,
impair the ability of the brain to communicate with and direct the
body. Physical therapy is often used, but it does not fully
engage the CNS, only affecting the brain indirectly and not
quantitatively. Therefore, the connection between the brain and
body is not fully restored, which is needed for successful
rehabilitation.
In addition, the way the brain produces intent adapts and
changes over time, a phenomenon called neural plasticity. It is a
complicated and constantly ongoing process, and is influenced by
numerous factors. Being able to account for and adapt to this
ever-changing neural landscape is critical for successful neural
decoding, but as yet remains only rudimentarily achieved. For
instance, machines can “learn” to adapt to changes or
perturbations, but the various approaches to machine learning all
fall short of ideal.
There are currently three main machine learning paradigms:
supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning methods. In
supervised learning approaches, the controller or converter of
neural impulses to the machine needs a detailed copy of the
desired response to compute a low-level feedback for adaptation.
For example, in the case of reaching tasks, the desired response
would be the trajectory of arm movements or the location of the
target in the environment. There have been attempts to “infer” a
desired response so that supervised learning approaches can be
used, however these approaches do not exactly match the user's
intent and may not be feasible in unstructured environments such
as those encountered during daily living. Moreover, these static
neural decoding algorithms assume stationary input/output
relationships, limiting their usefulness since they cannot easily
adapt to perturbations in the input space.