Review of Brain-Machine Interfaces Used in Neural Prosthetics with New Perspective on Somatosensory Feedback through Method of Signal Breakdown

Abstract

The brain-machine interface (BMI) used in neural prosthetics involves recording signals from neuron populations, decoding those signals using mathematical modeling algorithms, and translating the intended action into physical limb movement. Recently, somatosensory feedback has become the focus of many research groups given its ability in increased neural control by the patient and to provide a more natural sensation for the prosthetics. This process involves recording data from force sensitive locations on the prosthetics and encoding these signals to be sent to the brain in the form of electrical stimulation. Tactile sensation has been achieved through peripheral nerve stimulation and direct stimulation of the somatosensory cortex using intracortical microstimulation (ICMS). The initial focus of this paper is to review these principles and link them to modern day applications such as restoring limb use to those who lack such control. With regard to how far the research has come, a new perspective for the signal breakdown concludes the paper, offering ideas for more real somatosensory feedback using ICMS to stimulate particular sensations by differentiating touch sensors and filtering data based on unique frequencies.

Functional Frequency Discrimination From Cortical Somatosensory Stimulation in Humans

“…Although stimulation of peripheral nerves can potentially reproduce somatosensation (Raspopovic et al, 2014; Tan et al, 2014), to fully restore function in stroke patients or paralyzed individuals, cortical stimulation would be required. However, somatosensory BCI is at an early stage with limited work establishing the basic utility (Flesher et al, 2016; Armenta Salas et al, 2018; Lee et al, 2018), functionality (Baumgartner et al, 1991; Tan et al, 2014; Collins et al, 2017), and modalities (Raspopovic et al, 2014; Tan et al, 2014; Vidal et al, 2016; Collins et al, 2017; Armenta Salas et al, 2018; Lee et al, 2018).…”

Technological Advances in Prosthesis Design and Rehabilitation Following Upper Extremity Limb Loss

“…Stimulation of the somatosensory cortex with intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) is also under study. ICMS has the potential to convey multiple types of somatosensory information and may hold the key to overcoming limitations of peripheral nerve stimulation [59,60].…”

A survey on what Australians with upper limb difference want in a prosthesis: justification for using soft robotics and additive manufacturing for customized prosthetic hands

“…In addition, due to this feature not being readily available there is a lack of familiarity/knowledge of its potential capacity with some participants responding they were "not really sure" or "literally have no clue" with what sensations would be most important to them. Although there has been extensive research on sensory feedback techniques [39,40,41,42,43], they have not made it to marketplace yet. There is still therefore a great need for a simple, yet practical and effective sensory feedback method.…”