Cognitive state machine for prosthetic systems

Abstract

A prosthetic system may use a decoder to predict an intended action, such as a reach, from processed signals generated from measured neural activity. The decoder may included a cognitive state machine, which transitions between cognitive states based on transition rules.

1 . A method comprising: 
 observing neural signals from a subject in a period in which the subject forms an intention to perform a movement;    recording a plurality of observations;    determining a plurality of underlying cognitive states in response to said observations; and    generating a cognitive state transition model including said cognitive states.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said generating comprises optimizing a mathematical model including said observations using a cost function.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said determining comprises generating a mathematical model including said observations.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said observing comprises observing spectra generated from electrical activity measured in a subject's brain.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said electrical activity comprises spike train activity.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said electrical activity comprises local field potential activity.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said observations comprise spectra.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said observations comprise functions of spectra.