| Abstract: | Embodiments of neural interfaces according to the present invention
comprise sensor modules for sensing environmental attributes beyond the
natural sensory capability of a subject, and communicating the attributes
wirelessly to an external (ex-vivo) portable module attached to the
subject. The ex-vivo module encodes and communicates the attributes via a
transcutaneous inductively coupled link to an internal (in-vivo) module
implanted within the subject. The in-vivo module converts the attribute
information into electrical neural stimuli that are delivered to a
peripheral nerve bundle within the subject, via an implanted electrode.
Methods and apparatus according to the invention incorporate implantable
batteries to power the in-vivo module allowing for transcutaneous
bidirectional communication of low voltage (e.g. on the order of 5 volts)
encoded signals as stimuli commands and neural responses, in a robust,
low-error rate, communication channel with minimal effects to the
subjects' skin. |