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Title: System And Method For Managing Game-Playing Experiences

Technical Field and Background:
Human beings naturally enjoy interacting in social groups, mutually sharing their knowledge and experience, as well as exhibiting competitive behaviour in order to define a hierarchy of respect within the social groups. Such interaction occurs in many different contexts, amongst which are included competitive sports and competitive games, including electronic games requiring player skill and aptitude. Within a given social group, it is not sufficient for a given individual merely to try to assert their position within a given hierarchy of the given social group, but requires evidence of a given degree of skill in playing games having been achieved. Similar parallels are to be found in physical sports by awarding of medals in recognition of independently-verified performance having been achieved, for example Olympic gold medals. Electronic games are susceptible to being played within social groups, either with multiple users playing temporally simultaneously or by multiple users playing at mutually different times and then comparing their attained results, for example highest achieved scores, when playing the electronic games. However, merely comparing attained scores is not regarded socially as being most exciting, whereas highlights of game-playing resulting in highest achieved scores being achieved both proves attainment of the highest scores, as well as being inspiration to other players for improving their skills and game playing technique. In practice, considerable time is potentially expended playing electronic games, such that recording such game-playing experiences results in considerable recorded content, which, for example, needs to be edited to filter out therefrom game playing highlights which might be of interest and inspiration to other players of the game. At present, facilities for providing such identification of highlights are not sufficiently well developed. In U.S. Pat. No. 81,387,104B, there is described a system and method for creating, editing, and sharing video content pertaining to video game events. The method results in a relatively limited amount of metadata associated with video content pertaining to video game events being generated for enabling the events to be edited and shared with other users. For example, one set of metadata is generated which describes a game-playing encounter, instead of a stream of metadata events; the set of metadata allows mapping of metadata events directly to a timeline through one or more timestamps included in the set of metadata, thereby enabling features beneficial to implementing automated editing of recorded video content to identify interesting moments within the recorded video content based in the set of metadata. Thus, summarizing above, sharing game-playing experiences of an original player as multiple linked streams of video content, audio content and game data enables other players to replay and thereby appreciate the original player's game-playing experiences. For contemporary electronic games, it takes a long time to replay gaming-experiences for many such games, resulting in recorded game-playing experiences of long viewing duration. Moreover, a problem encountered in practice is that it is difficult and time-consuming for a given player to edit his/her game-playing experience to include only certain types of events, for example based upon their potential interest or appeal to other players to whom the game-playing experience is to be presented. Moreover, it is also difficult for other players replaying game-playing experiences of other players to discover relevant game-playing experiences, or sub-parts thereof, by reviewing algebraic or social recommendations that are imprecise or difficult to interpret. Furthermore, contemporary searching for interesting game-playing experiences is difficult because game-playing experiences can only be searched using text descriptions entered manually by a given player desirable to appreciate other players' experiences. Additionally, even if the aforesaid difficulties are overcome, it is difficult to navigate within a given game-playing experience identified by aforementioned searching, to find interesting parts to watch.

Invention Disclosure:
A system for managing game-playing experiences includes one or more game-playing devices provided with communication interfaces for exchanging game-playing experiences therebetween. Each device includes computing hardware coupled to a graphical interface for presenting an interactive game thereupon. The computing hardware is operable to execute one or more game software products recorded on machine-readable data storage media for generating the interactive game. The one or more game software products include a game experience software module (GESW) for generating metadata concurrently with recording the game-playing experience substantially as presented via the graphical interface which enables the recorded game-playing experience to be subsequently managed prior to communication for distribution for viewing. Optionally, the metadata includes one or more metadata events which are searchable when subsequently viewing the game-playing experience.

1. A system for managing game-playing experiences, comprising:
a game playing device configured to execute an interactive computer game, record an execution of the computer game and record an image of a user of the game playing device during execution of the computer game, the recorded execution of the computer game and image of the user during execution of the computer game comprising a gameplay experience;
another game playing device configured to record a gameplay experience;
a communication interface for exchanging game-playing experiences between the game playing devices;
the game playing devices comprising computing hardware coupled to a graphical interface for presenting the interactive computer game thereupon, and wherein the computing hardware is configured to execute a game software product recorded on machine-readable data storage;
the one or more game software products include a game experience software module (GESW) for generating metadata concurrently with recording the game-playing experience substantially as presented via the graphical interface which enables the recorded game-playing experience to be subsequently managed prior to communication for distribution for viewing.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metadata is generated by the user or generated automatically by the game experience software module.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the metadata is recording during execution of the interactive computer game.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the metadata includes timestamps for synchronizing with timestamps included in the recorded game-playing experience.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the metadata is configured to describe a corresponding game-playing experience; edit the game-playing experience; annotate the game-playing experience; highlight the game-playing experience; to execute searches; navigate contents of the game-playing experience; share the game-playing experience; describe the user through his gameplay in one or multiple games; and recommend to a user interesting other users or game-play experiences that are relevant based on the metadata collected about users and game-play experiences and correlations between them.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metadata is linked to the user that generated the game-playing experience and an interactive game from which the metadata was recorded.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the game experience software module includes computer executable instructions, that when executed by the computing hardware are configured to:
record multiple streams of data corresponding to the game playing experience comprising a video content corresponding to the game playing experience, an audio content corresponding to the game playing experience, a video content of the user captured using a camera recording device during execution of the interactive computer game, screen shots of the execution of the interactive game including graphical user interface elements, and a stream of metadata events corresponding to the game playing experience.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metadata includes one or more metadata events which are searchable when subsequently searching for gameplay experiences and while viewing the game-playing experience.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication interfaces are configured to communicate the recorded game-playing experience via a database arrangement for selective distribution therefrom to viewers.

10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the database arrangement is configured to generate one or more social groups of users and related properties for selective distribution of game-playing experiences therebetween.

11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the devices are implemented using at least one of: smart telephones, pad computers, tablet computers, lap-top computers, personal computers, game-playing consoles.

12. A method of managing game-playing experiences in a system, wherein the system includes one or more game-playing devices provided with communication interfaces for exchanging game-playing experiences therebetween, wherein each device includes computing hardware coupled to a graphical interface for presenting an interactive game thereupon, and wherein the computing hardware is configured to execute one or more game software products including a game experience software module recorded on machine-readable data storage media for generating the interactive game, wherein the method comprises:
recording an execution of the computer game and an image of a user of the game playing device during execution of the computer game on a recording device of the game playing device, the recorded execution of the computer game and image of the user during execution of the computer game comprising a gameplay experience;
using the game experience software module to generate metadata concurrently with recording the game-playing experience substantially as presented via the graphical interface for enabling the recorded game-playing experience to be subsequently managed prior to communication for distribution for viewing.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising arranging for the metadata to include timestamps for synchronizing with timestamps included in the recorded game-playing experience.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, comprising arranging for the metadata to include one or more metadata events which are searchable when subsequently searching for gameplay experiences and while viewing the game-playing experience.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, comprising generating one or more metadata events automatically by the game experience software module (GESW).

16. A method as claimed in claim 12, comprising operating the communication interfaces to communicate recorded game-playing experiences via a database arrangement for selective distribution therefrom to viewers.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, comprising operating the database arrangement to generate one or more social groups of users and related properties for selective distribution of game-playing experiences therebetween.

18. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the devices comprise one or more of smart telephones, pad computers, tablet computers, lap-top computers, personal computers or game-playing consoles.

19. A software product (GESW) recorded on machine-readable data storage media, wherein the software product is executable upon computing hardware for implementing a method as claimed in claim 12.

20. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising filtering and editing the recorded game-play experience prior to broadcasting the recording game-play experience to others by splitting the recorded game-playing experience into segments, where each segment is associated with a metadata event, the metadata event defining a starting point and an ending point of the segment and an annotation of the segment.

21. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising:
record multiple streams of linked data corresponding to the game playing experience, the multiple streams of linked data comprising a video content corresponding to the game playing experience, an audio content corresponding to the game playing experience, a video content of the user captured using a camera recording device during execution of the interactive computer game, and screen shots of the execution of the interactive game including graphical user interface elements; and
recording a stream of metadata events corresponding to the game playing experience concurrently with the recording of the multiple streams of linked data.

1. A system for managing game-playing experiences, comprising:
a game playing device configured to execute an interactive computer game, record an execution of the computer game and record an image of a user of the game playing device during execution of the computer game, the recorded execution of the computer game and image of the user during execution of the computer game comprising a gameplay experience;
another game playing device configured to record a gameplay experience;
a communication interface for exchanging game-playing experiences between the game playing devices;
the game playing devices comprising computing hardware coupled to a graphical interface for presenting the interactive computer game thereupon, and wherein the computing hardware is configured to execute a game software product recorded on machine-readable data storage;
the one or more game software products include a game experience software module (GESW) for generating metadata concurrently with recording the game-playing experience substantially as presented via the graphical interface which enables the recorded game-playing experience to be subsequently managed prior to communication for distribution for viewing.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metadata is generated by the user or generated automatically by the game experience software module.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the metadata is recording during execution of the interactive computer game.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the metadata includes timestamps for synchronizing with timestamps included in the recorded game-playing experience.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the metadata is configured to describe a corresponding game-playing experience; edit the game-playing experience; annotate the game-playing experience; highlight the game-playing experience; to execute searches; navigate contents of the game-playing experience; share the game-playing experience; describe the user through his gameplay in one or multiple games; and recommend to a user interesting other users or game-play experiences that are relevant based on the metadata collected about users and game-play experiences and correlations between them.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metadata is linked to the user that generated the game-playing experience and an interactive game from which the metadata was recorded.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the game experience software module includes computer executable instructions, that when executed by the computing hardware are configured to:
record multiple streams of data corresponding to the game playing experience comprising a video content corresponding to the game playing experience, an audio content corresponding to the game playing experience, a video content of the user captured using a camera recording device during execution of the interactive computer game, screen shots of the execution of the interactive game including graphical user interface elements, and a stream of metadata events corresponding to the game playing experience.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metadata includes one or more metadata events which are searchable when subsequently searching for gameplay experiences and while viewing the game-playing experience.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication interfaces are configured to communicate the recorded game-playing experience via a database arrangement for selective distribution therefrom to viewers.

10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the database arrangement is configured to generate one or more social groups of users and related properties for selective distribution of game-playing experiences therebetween.

11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the devices are implemented using at least one of: smart telephones, pad computers, tablet computers, lap-top computers, personal computers, game-playing consoles.

12. A method of managing game-playing experiences in a system, wherein the system includes one or more game-playing devices provided with communication interfaces for exchanging game-playing experiences therebetween, wherein each device includes computing hardware coupled to a graphical interface for presenting an interactive game thereupon, and wherein the computing hardware is configured to execute one or more game software products including a game experience software module recorded on machine-readable data storage media for generating the interactive game, wherein the method comprises:
recording an execution of the computer game and an image of a user of the game playing device during execution of the computer game on a recording device of the game playing device, the recorded execution of the computer game and image of the user during execution of the computer game comprising a gameplay experience;
using the game experience software module to generate metadata concurrently with recording the game-playing experience substantially as presented via the graphical interface for enabling the recorded game-playing experience to be subsequently managed prior to communication for distribution for viewing.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising arranging for the metadata to include timestamps for synchronizing with timestamps included in the recorded game-playing experience.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, comprising arranging for the metadata to include one or more metadata events which are searchable when subsequently searching for gameplay experiences and while viewing the game-playing experience.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, comprising generating one or more metadata events automatically by the game experience software module (GESW).

16. A method as claimed in claim 12, comprising operating the communication interfaces to communicate recorded game-playing experiences via a database arrangement for selective distribution therefrom to viewers.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, comprising operating the database arrangement to generate one or more social groups of users and related properties for selective distribution of game-playing experiences therebetween.

18. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the devices comprise one or more of smart telephones, pad computers, tablet computers, lap-top computers, personal computers or game-playing consoles.

19. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising filtering and editing the recorded game-play experience prior to broadcasting the recording game-play experience to others by splitting the recorded game-playing experience into segments, where each segment is associated with a metadata event, the metadata event defining a starting point and an ending point of the segment and an annotation of the segment.

20. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising:
record multiple streams of linked data corresponding to the game playing experience, the multiple streams of linked data comprising a video content corresponding to the game playing experience, an audio content corresponding to the game playing experience, a video content of the user captured using a camera recording device during execution of the interactive computer game, and screen shots of the execution of the interactive game including graphical user interface elements; and
recording a stream of metadata events corresponding to the game playing experience concurrently with the recording of the multiple streams of linked data.

21. A software product (GESW) recorded on a non-transitory machine-readable data storage media, wherein the software product is executable upon computing hardware for managing game-playing experiences in a system,
wherein the system includes one or more game-playing devices provided with communication interfaces for exchanging game-playing experiences therebetween,
wherein each device includes computing hardware coupled to a graphical interface for presenting an interactive game thereupon, and
wherein the computing hardware is configured to execute one or more game software products including a game experience software module recorded on machine-readable data storage media for generating the interactive game, by:
recording an execution of the computer game and an image of a user of the game playing device during execution of the computer game on a recording device of the game playing device, the recorded execution of the computer game and image of the user during execution of the computer game comprising a gameplay experience;
using the game experience software module to generate metadata concurrently with recording the game-playing experience substantially as presented via the graphical interface for enabling the recorded game-playing experience to be subsequently managed prior to communication for distribution for viewing.


Title: Electromyographic Lead Positioning And Stimulation Titration In A Nerve Stimulation System For Treatment Of Overactive Bladder

Technical Field and Background:
Treatments with implantable neurostimulation systems have become increasingly common in recent years. While such systems have shown promise in treating a number of conditions, effectiveness of treatment may vary considerably between patients. A number of factors may lead to the very different outcomes that patients experience, and viability of treatment can be difficult to determine before implantation. For example, stimulation systems often make use of an array of electrodes to treat one or more target nerve structures. The electrodes are often mounted together on a multi-electrode lead, and the lead implanted in tissue of the patient at a position that is intended to result in electrical coupling of the electrode to the target nerve structure, typically with at least a portion of the coupling being provided via intermediate tissues. Other approaches may also be employed, for example, with one or more electrodes attached to the skin overlying the target nerve structures, implanted in cuffs around a target nerve, or the like. Regardless, the physician will typically seek to establish an appropriate treatment protocol by varying the electrical stimulation that is applied to the electrodes. Current stimulation electrode placement/implantation techniques and known treatment setting techniques suffer from significant disadvantages. The nerve tissue structures of different patients can be quite different, with the locations and branching of nerves that perform specific functions and/or enervate specific organs being challenging to accurately predict or identify. The electrical properties of the tissue structures surrounding a target nerve structure may also be quite different among different patients, and the neural response to stimulation may be markedly dissimilar, with an electrical stimulation pulse pattern, pulse width, frequency, and/or amplitude that is effective to affect a body function of one patient and potentially imposing significant discomfort or pain, or having limited effect, on another patient. Even in patients where implantation of a neurostimulation system provides effective treatment, frequent adjustments and changes to the stimulation protocol are often required before a suitable treatment program can be determined, often involving repeated office visits and significant discomfort for the patient before efficacy is achieved. While a number of complex and sophisticated lead structures and stimulation setting protocols have been implemented to seek to overcome these challenges, the variability in lead placement results, the clinician time to establish suitable stimulation signals, and the discomfort (and in cases the significant pain) that is imposed on the patient remain less than ideal. In addition, the lifetime and battery life of such devices is relatively short, such that implanted systems are routinely replaced every few years, which requires additional surgeries, patient discomfort, and significant costs to healthcare systems. Furthermore, since the morphology of the nerve structures vary considerably between patients, placement and alignment of neurostimulation leads relative the targeted nerve structures can be difficult to control, which can lead to inconsistent placement, unpredictable results and widely varying patient outcomes. For these reasons, neurostimulation leads typically include multiple electrodes with the hope that at least one electrode or a pair of electrodes will be disposed in a location suitable for delivering neurostimulation. One drawback with this approach is that repeated office visits may be required to determine the appropriate electrodes to use and/or to arrive at a neurostimulation program that delivers effective treatment. Often, the number of usable neurostimulation programs may be limited by imprecise lead placement. The tremendous benefits of these neural stimulation therapies have not yet been fully realized. Therefore, it is desirable to provide improved neurostimulation methods, systems and devices, as well as methods for implanting and configuring such neurostimulation systems for a particular patient or condition being treated. It would be particularly helpful to provide such systems and methods so as to improve ease of use by the physician in positioning and configuring the system, as well as improve patient comfort and alleviation of symptoms for the patient.

Invention Disclosure:
The present invention provides improved methods for positioning of an implantable lead in a patient with an integrated EMG and stimulation clinician programmer. The integrated clinician programmer is coupled to the implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four electrodes, and to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The method comprises delivering a test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead. Test stimulations are delivered at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each of the four electrodes of the implantable lead. A stimulation-induced EMG motor response is recorded with the integrated clinician programmer for each test stimulation on each electrode of the implantable lead via the at least one pair of EMG sensing electrodes so as to facilitate initial positioning of the implantable lead at a target stimulation region.

1. A method for improved positioning of an implantable neurostimulation lead in a patient with clinician programmer coupled to the implantable lead for treatment of bladder and/or bowel dysfunction, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four neurostimulation electrodes, and at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient, the method comprising:
delivering a first test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead, wherein the principal electrode is selected from the at least four neurostimulation electrodes of the implantable lead;
delivering another test stimulation at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each remaining electrode for the at least four electrodes of the implantable lead from the clinician programmer;
receiving, with the clinician programmer, EMG information based on recording a stimulation-induced EMG motor response for each test stimulation on each electrode of the implantable lead via the at least one EMG sensing electrode so as to provide improved lateral and/or axial resolution of the at least four electrodes relative to a target nerve for positioning of the implantable lead at a target stimulation region along the target nerve for treatment of bladder and/or bowel dysfunction;
outputting feedback on a graphical user interface of the clinician programmer, the feedback based on the EMG information associated with the first test stimulation of the principal electrode and the other test stimulations of remaining electrodes, the feedback indicating proximity of the at least four electrodes relative the target nerve so as to facilitate improved placement of the at least four electrodes along the target nerve; and repeating steps of: delivering a test stimulation to the principle electrodes and each remaining electrode at a same stimulation and period of time, receiving EMG information based on recording a stimulation-induces EMG motor response for each test stimulation, and outputting feedback on the graphical user interface of the clinician programmer based on the EMG information until the EMG information is indicative of multiple electrodes of the at least four neurostimulation electrodes being within the target stimulation region along the target nerve.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
selecting a principal electrode based on a user input received via the graphical user interface of the clinician programmer.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
automatically adjusting the stimulation amplitude level of the test stimulation for the principal electrode until a desired stimulation-induced motor response is detected by use of EMG and received by the clinician programmer.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein automatically adjusting comprises increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.05 mA for a test stimulation less than or equal to 1 mA.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein automatically adjusting comprises any of:
increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.05 mA for a test stimulation less than or equal to 1 mA;
increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.1 mA for a test stimulation more than or equal to 1 mA and less than or equal to 2 mA;
increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.2 mA for a test stimulation more than or equal to 2 mA and less than or equal to 3 mA; and
increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.25 mA for a test stimulation more than or equal to 3 mA.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a user input related to adjustment of the stimulation amplitude level of the test stimulation for the principal electrode in increments in a range from 0.05 mA to 0.25 mA to achieve a desired stimulation-induced motor response indicated via an EMG and shown on a graphical user interface of the clinician programmer.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the period of time is such that a sweeping cycle of the implantable lead is completed in 5 seconds or less.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
calculating an EMG response value for each test stimulation delivered at a given stimulation amplitude level to each electrode based on a maximum EMG response amplitude associated with each electrode.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
calculating an EMG response value for each test stimulation delivered at a given stimulation amplitude level to each electrode based on a maximum EMG response amplitude associated with each electrode which is normalized relative to an EMG response amplitude associated with the principal electrode.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the visual feedback is based at least in part on the EMG response value associated with each electrode and indicates to a user on how to laterally or axially position the implantable lead at the target stimulation region via a graphical user interface of the clinician programmer.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising calculating a relative distance or position of each electrode to the target stimulation region based on the EMG response value associated with each electrode.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
repeating the delivering test stimulations to each of the at least four electrodes of the implantable lead and recording steps after lead re-positioning to confirm the calculated EMG response value for each electrode are within a desired value range, or to confirm the maximum EMG response amplitude for each electrode are within a desired response range and the associated stimulation amplitude for each electrode is within a desired stimulation range.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the lead is inserted through a foramen of a sacrum of the patient and positioned in proximity of a sacral nerve root of the patient so as to treat bladder and/or bowel related dysfunction of the patient.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a visual image of the recorded stimulation-induced motor response during each test stimulation on a graphical user interface of the clinician programmer, wherein the visual image includes a waveform comprising a compound muscle action potential (CMAP).

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
validating lead placement by testing for a stimulation amplitude threshold for each electrode.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
receiving a user input related to an adjustment of the stimulation amplitude threshold of the test stimulation for each electrode in increments in a range from 0.05 mA to 0.25 mA to achieve a desired stimulation-induced motor response at a minimum stimulation amplitude threshold via a graphical user interface of the clinician programmer.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising displaying visual feedback to a user on the stimulation amplitude threshold for each electrode via a graphical user interface of the clinician programmer, wherein the visual feedback comprises color coding from at least three contrasting colors.

18. A method for improved positioning of an implantable neurostimulation lead in a patient with an integrated electromyography (EMG) and stimulation clinician programmer coupled to the implantable lead for treatment of bladder and/or bowel dysfunction, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four neurostimulation electrodes, and the integrated clinician programmer is further coupled to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient, the method comprising:
delivering a first test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead, wherein the principal electrode is selected from the at least four neurostimulation electrodes of the implantable lead;
delivering another test stimulation at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each remaining electrode of the at least four electrodes of the implantable lead from the integrated clinician programmer;
recording via EMG a stimulation-induced motor response with the integrated clinician programmer for each test stimulation on each electrode of the implantable lead via the at least one EMG sensing electrode so as to provide improved lateral and/or axial resolution of the at least four electrodes relative a target nerve for positioning of the implantable lead at a target stimulation region along the target nerve for treatment of bladder and/or bowel dysfunction;
outputting feedback on a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer, the feedback based on the EMG information associated with the first test stimulation of the principal electrode and the other test stimulations of remaining electrodes, the feedback indicating proximity of the at least four electrodes relative the target nerve so as to facilitate improved placement of the at least four electrodes along the target nerve; and repeating steps of: delivering a test stimulation to the principle electrode and each remaining electrode at a same stimulation and period of time, recoding via EMG a stimulation-induces motor response for each test stimulation, and outputting feedback on the graphical user interface of the clinician programmer based on the EMG recordings until the EMG recording are indicative of multiple electrodes of the at least four neurostimulation electrodes being in the target stimulation region along the target nerve the second occurrence of.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
selecting a principal electrode based on a user input received via the graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
automatically adjusting the stimulation amplitude level of the test stimulation for the principal electrode until a desired stimulation-induced motor response is detected.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein automatically adjusting comprises any of: increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.05 mA for a test stimulation less than or equal to 1 mA; increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.1 mA for a test stimulation more than or equal to 1 mA and less than or equal to 2 mA; increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.2 mA for a test stimulation more than or equal to 2 mA and less than or equal to 3 mA; increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.25 mA for a test stimulation more than or equal to 3 mA; or any combination thereof.

22. The method of claim 18, further comprising receiving a user input related to adjustment of the stimulation amplitude level of the test stimulation for the principal electrode in increments in a range from 0.05 mA to 0.25 mA to achieve a desired stimulation-induced EMG motor response via a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein the period of time is such that a sweeping cycle of the implantable lead is completed in 5 seconds or less.

24. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
calculating an EMG response value for each test stimulation delivered at a given stimulation amplitude level to each electrode based on a maximum EMG response amplitude associated with each electrode, or
calculating an EMG response value for each test stimulation delivered at a given stimulation amplitude level to each electrode based on a maximum EMG response amplitude associated with each electrode which is normalized relative to an EMG response amplitude associated with the principal electrode.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the visual feedback is based at least in part on the EMG response value associated with each electrode and indicates to a user on how to laterally or axially position the implantable lead at the target stimulation region via a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising calculating a relative distance or position of each electrode to the target stimulation region based on the EMG response value associated with each electrode.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising:
repeating the delivering test stimulations to each of the at least four electrodes of the implantable lead and recording steps after lead re-positioning to confirm the calculated EMG response value for each electrode are within a desired value range, or to confirm the maximum EMG response amplitude for each electrode are within a desired response range and the associated stimulation amplitude for each electrode is within a desired stimulation range.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising displaying a visual image of the recorded stimulation-induced EMG motor response during each test stimulation on a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer, wherein the visual image includes a waveform comprising a compound muscle action potential (CMAP).

29. The method of claim 18, wherein the least one EMG sensing electrode comprises one or more EMG sensing electrode patches that are minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface of the patient.

30. The method of claim 18, wherein the feedback of the proximity of the at least four electrodes relative the target nerve is based on a single sweep of the single test stimulation at the same stimulation amplitude level through each of the at least four neurostimulation electrodes.

1. A method for improved positioning of an implantable neurostimulation lead in a patient with an integrated electromyography (EMG) and stimulation clinician programmer coupled to the implantable lead for treatment of overactive bladder and/or fecal incontinence, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four neurostimulation electrodes and the integrated clinician programmer is further coupled to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient, the method comprising:
delivering a single test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead, wherein the principal electrode is selected from the at least four neurostimulation electrodes of the implantable lead;
delivering a single test stimulations at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each remaining electrode of the at least four electrodes of the implantable lead; and
recording a stimulation-induced EMG motor response with the integrated clinician programmer for each test stimulation on each electrode of the implantable lead via the at least one EMG sensing electrode so as to facilitate positioning of the implantable lead at a target stimulation region for treatment of overactive bladder and/or fecal incontinence.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
selecting a principal electrode based on a user input received via a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
automatically adjusting the stimulation amplitude level of the test stimulation for the principal electrode until a desired stimulation-induced EMG motor response is detected.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein automatically adjusting comprises increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.05 mA for a test stimulation less than or equal to 1 mA.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein automatically adjusting comprises any of:
increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.1 mA for a test stimulation more than or equal to 1 mA and less than or equal to 2 mA;
increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.2 mA for a test stimulation more than or equal to 2 mA and less than or equal to 3 mA; or
increasing the stimulation amplitude in increments of 0.25 mA for a test stimulation more than or equal to 3 mA.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a user input related to adjustment of the stimulation amplitude level of the test stimulation for the principal electrode in increments in a range from about 0.05 mA to about 0.25 mA to achieve a desired stimulation-induced EMG motor response via a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the period of time comprises about 1 second such that a sweeping cycle of the implantable lead is completed in less than or equal to about 5 seconds.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
calculating an EMG response value for each test stimulation delivered at a given stimulation amplitude level to each electrode based on a maximum EMG response amplitude associated with each electrode.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
calculating an EMG response value for each test stimulation delivered at a given stimulation amplitude level to each electrode based on a maximum EMG response amplitude associated with each electrode which is normalized relative to an EMG response amplitude associated with the principal electrode.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the EMG response value associated with each electrode provides visual feedback to a user on how to laterally or axially position the implantable lead at the target stimulation region via a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising calculating a relative distance or position of each electrode to the target stimulation region based on the EMG response value associated with each electrode.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
repeating the delivering test stimulations to each of the four electrodes of the implantable lead and recording steps after lead re-positioning to confirm the calculated EMG response value for each electrode are within a desired value range, or to confirm the maximum EMG response amplitude for each electrode are within a desired response range and the associated simulation amplitude for each electrode is within a desired stimulation range.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the lead is inserted through a foramen of a sacrum of the patient and positioned in proximity of a sacral nerve root of the patient so at to treat overactive bladder or bladder related dysfunction of the patient.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a visual image of the recorded stimulation-induced EMG motor response during each test stimulation on a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer, wherein the visual image includes a waveform comprising a compound muscle action potential (CMAP).

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
validating lead placement by testing for a stimulation amplitude threshold for each electrode.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
receiving a user input related to an adjustment of the stimulation amplitude threshold of the test stimulation for each electrode in increments in a range from about 0.05 mA to about 0.25 mA to achieve a desired stimulation-induced EMG motor response at a minimum stimulation amplitude threshold via a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising displaying visual feedback to a user on the stimulation amplitude threshold for each electrode via a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer, wherein the visual feedback comprises color coding from at least three contrasting colors.

18. A method for improved positioning of an implantable lead in a patient in proximity of a sacral nerve root for treatment of overactive bladder and/or fecal incontinence, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four electrodes coupled to an integrated electromyography (EMG) and stimulation clinician programmer, the method comprising:
delivering a test stimulation at a plurality of stimulation amplitude levels from the integrated clinician programmer to the sacral nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead, wherein the principal electrode is selected from any of the four electrodes of the implantable lead;
delivering test stimulations at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each remaining electrode of the implantable lead; and
simultaneously recording with the integrated clinician programmer a first stimulation-induced EMG motor response associated with a big toe of the patient and a second stimulation-induced EMG motor response associated with an anal bellows of the patient for the test stimulations on each electrode of the implantable lead so as to provide for controlled positioning of the implantable lead at a target stimulation region for treatment of overactive bladder and/or fecal incontinence.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
receiving a user input related to adjustment of the stimulation amplitude level of the test stimulation for the principal electrode in proportional increments to achieve a desired stimulation-induced EMG motor response via a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer.

20. A method for positioning an implantable neurostimulation lead in a patient with an integrated electromyography (EMG) and stimulation clinician programmer for treatment of overactive bladder and/or fecal incontinence, the method comprising:
implanting a temporary or permanent lead having at least four electrodes in proximity of nerve tissue of a patient;
positioning at least one EMG sensing electrode on a skin surface or within the patient;
coupling the implantable lead to the integrated clinician programmer via a stimulation cable;
coupling the at least one EMG sensing electrode to the integrated clinician programmer;
selecting a principal electrode from any of the four electrodes of the implantable lead via a graphical user interface of the integrated clinician programmer;
stimulating the principal electrode with a single test stimulation via the integrated clinician programmer; and
displaying a record of a stimulation-induced EMG motor response, as sensed by the at least on EMG sensing electrode, on the graphical user interface to facilitate positioning of the neurostimulation lead for treatment of overactive bladder and/or fecal incontinence.


Title: Optical Receiver With Multiple Transimpedance Amplifiers

Technical Field and Background:
Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates generally to optical communication networks and, more particularly, to an optical receiver that includes multiple transimpedance amplifiers and a feedback control loop. Description of the Related Art Telecommunication, cable television and data communication systems use optical networks to rapidly convey large amounts of information between remote points. In an optical network, information is conveyed in the form of optical signals through optical fibers. Optical fibers may comprise thin strands of glass capable of communicating the signals over long distances. Optical networks often employ modulation schemes to convey information in the optical signals over the optical fibers. Such modulation schemes may include phase-shift keying (PSK), frequency-shift keying (FSK), amplitude-shift keying (ASK), pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM), and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Optical networks may also include various optical elements, such as amplifiers, dispersion compensators, multiplexer/demultiplexer filters, wavelength selective switches (WSS), optical switches, couplers, etc. to perform various operations within the network. In particular, optical networks may include optical-electrical-optical (O-E-O) regeneration at reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers (ROADMs) when the reach of an optical signal is limited in a single optical path. As data rates for optical networks continue to increase, reaching up to 1 terabit/s (1 T) and beyond, the demands on optical signal-to-noise ratios (OSNR) also increase. High-speed optical receivers might include a photo detector that senses the incoming analog optical power and converts it into electrical current. In order to convert such a small current into a large voltage, some optical receivers include a circuit commonly referred to as a transimpedance amplifier (TIA).

Invention Disclosure:
A method and system for amplifying small optical currents in an optical receiver front end system may employ multiple transimpendance amplifiers (TIAs) and feedback control loops. For example, the front end system may include a main feedback control loop (having a main TIA) and a replica feedback control loop (having a replica TIA) that, collectively, generate an optimum input common mode level for a differential amplifier operating at high data rates (e.g., speeds up to tens of gigabits per second). The replica TIA may track the noise from the power supply of the optical receiver in the substantially same manner as the main TIA. Therefore, the differential signals produced by the main control loop may not be degraded at the input to the high-speed differential amplifier. The outputs of the high-speed differential amplifier may be symmetric about the common mode level and may be suitable inputs for voltage sampling.

1. An optical receiver, comprising:
a photo detector to convert an optical signal into a first electrical current signal;
a transimpedance amplifier, included in a main feedback control loop, to:
receive, as input, the first electrical current signal; and
output a first voltage signal having a first DC component;
a replica transimpedance amplifier to:
receive, as input, a second electrical current signal; and
output a second voltage signal, wherein the first DC component of the first voltage signal and a second DC component of the second voltage signal are substantially equal; and
a first differential amplifier to:
receive, as inputs from the transimpedance amplifier and the replica transimpedance amplifier, the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal, respectively; and
output a pair of output voltage signals that are symmetric about a common mode voltage,
the main feedback control loop comprising a third differential amplifier to:
receive, as input signals, the pair of output voltage signals output by the first differential amplifier; and
amplify the received input signals.

2. The optical receiver of claim 1,
wherein the optical receiver further comprises a voltage sampler; and
wherein the pair of output voltage signals output by the first differential amplifier are inputs to the voltage sampler.

3. The optical receiver of claim 1, wherein the transimpedance amplifier and the replica transimpedance amplifier are inverter-based resistive feedback amplifiers.

4. The optical receiver of claim 1, wherein the photo detector comprises a photodiode.

5. The optical receiver of claim 1,
wherein the replica transimpedance amplifier is included in a replica feedback control loop;
wherein the replica feedback control loop further comprises a second differential amplifier to:
receive, as inputs, the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier and a reference voltage.

6. The optical receiver of claim 5, wherein the replica feedback control loop causes a common mode voltage of the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier to match the reference voltage.

7. The optical receiver of claim 5, wherein the value of the reference voltage causes the second differential amplifier to operate in a linear gain region.

8. The optical receiver of claim 5,
wherein the replica feedback control loop further comprises a transistor to operate as a switch current source; and
wherein the second electrical current signal is provided by the switch current source.

9. The optical receiver of claim 1, wherein the main feedback control loop causes a DC output of the main control loop to follow the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier.

10. A method of optical communication, the method comprising:
in a main feedback control loop:
receiving, by a transimpedance amplifier as input from a photo detector, a first electrical current signal representing an optical signal; and
outputting, by the transimpedance amplifier, a first voltage signal;
in a replica feedback control loop:
receiving, by a replica transimpedance amplifier as input, a second electrical current signal; and
outputting, by the replica transimpedance amplifier, a second voltage signal, wherein a first DC component of the first voltage signal and a second DC component of the second voltage signal are substantially equal;
receiving, by a first differential amplifier circuit as inputs from the transimpedance amplifier circuit and the replica transimpedance amplifier circuit, the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal, respectively;
outputting, by the first differential amplifier circuit, a pair of output voltage signals that are symmetric about a common mode voltage,
receiving, by a third differential amplifier as inputs, the pair of output voltage signals output by the first differential amplifier; and
causing the output of the transimpedance amplifier to follow the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
in a voltage sampler:
receiving, as input signals, the pair of output voltage signals;
sampling the input signals; and
determining, dependent on said sampling, information encoded in the optical signal.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
in the replica feedback control loop:
receiving, by a second differential amplifier as inputs, the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier and a reference voltage; and
causing a common mode voltage of the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier to match the reference voltage.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the photo detector comprises a photodiode or a phototransistor.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the transimpedance amplifier and the replica transimpedance amplifier comprise operational amplifiers.

15. A method of designing an optical receiver, the method comprising:
designing an inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier;
designing a first differential amplifier to operate at data rates up to multiple gigabits per second;
designing a second differential amplifier to operate at data rates lower than those at which the first differential amplifier operates;
designing a third differential amplifier to operate at data rates lower than those at which the first differential amplifier operates;
designing a feedback control loop comprising the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier, the first differential amplifier, and the second differential amplifier; and
designing a replica feedback control loop comprising a replica of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier and the third differential amplifier;
wherein an output of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier and an output of the replica of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier are inputs to the first differential amplifier; and
wherein the feedback control loop is designed such that, once settled, it causes the output of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier to follow the output of the replica of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier,
the designing the replica feedback control loop comprises:
choosing a common mode selector reference voltage for input to the third differential amplifier; and
the replica feedback control loop is designed such that, once settled, it causes a common mode voltage of the output of the replica of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier to match the common mode selector reference voltage.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
determining whether the feedback control loop is stable over a wide range of processes, voltages, temperatures, and common mode selector reference voltages; and
in response to determining that the feedback control loop is not stable over a wide range of processes, voltages, temperatures, or common mode selector reference voltages, modifying the design of the feedback control loop to improve stability, wherein modifying the design comprises modifying a structure, an input, or an operating parameter of one or more of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier, the first differential amplifier, or the second differential amplifier.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
determining whether the replica feedback control loop is stable over a wide range of processes, voltages, temperatures, and common mode selector reference voltages; and
in response to determining that the replica feedback control loop is not stable over a wide range of processes, voltages, temperatures, or common mode selector reference voltages, modifying the design of the replica feedback control loop to improve stability, wherein modifying the design comprises modifying a structure, an input, or an operating parameter of one or more of the replica of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier or the third differential amplifier.

1. An optical receiver, comprising:
a photo detector to convert an optical signal into a first electrical current signal;
a transimpedance amplifier to:
receive, as input, the first electrical current signal; and
output a first voltage signal having a first DC component;
a replica transimpedance amplifier to:
receive, as input, a second electrical current signal; and
output a second voltage signal, wherein the first DC component of the first voltage signal and a second DC component of the second voltage signal are substantially equal; and
a first differential amplifier to:
receive, as inputs from the transimpedance amplifier and the replica transimpedance amplifier, the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal, respectively; and
output a pair of output voltage signals that are symmetric about a common mode voltage.

2. The optical receiver of claim 1,
wherein the optical receiver further comprises a voltage sampler; and
wherein the pair of output voltage signals output by the first differential amplifier are inputs to the voltage sampler.

3. The optical receiver of claim 1,
wherein the transimpedance amplifier and the replica transimpedance amplifier are inverter-based resistive feedback amplifiers.

4. The optical receiver of claim 1,
wherein the photo detector comprises a photodiode.

5. The optical receiver of claim 1,
wherein the replica transimpedance amplifier is included in a replica feedback control loop;
wherein the replica feedback control loop further comprises a second differential amplifier to:
receive, as inputs, the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier and a reference voltage.

6. The optical receiver of claim 5,
wherein the replica feedback control loop causes a common mode voltage of the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier to match the reference voltage.

7. The optical receiver of claim 5,
wherein the value of the reference voltage causes the second differential amplifier to operate in a linear gain region.

8. The optical receiver of claim 5,
wherein the replica feedback control loop further comprises a transistor to operate as a switch current source; and
wherein the second electrical current signal is provided by the switch current source.

9. The optical receiver of claim 1,
wherein the transimpedance amplifier is included in a main feedback control loop;
wherein the main feedback control loop further comprises a third differential amplifier to:
receive, as input signals, the pair of output voltage signals output by the first differential amplifier; and
amplify the received input signals.

10. The optical receiver of claim 9,
wherein the main feedback control loop causes a DC output of the main control loop to follow the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier.

11. A method for optical communication, the method comprising:
in a main feedback control loop:
receiving, by a transimpedance amplifier as input from a photo detector, a first electrical current signal representing an optical signal; and
outputting, by the transimpedance amplifier, a first voltage signal;
in a replica feedback control loop:
receiving, by a replica transimpedance amplifier as input, a second electrical current signal; and
outputting, by the replica transimpedance amplifier, a second voltage signal, wherein a first DC component of the first voltage signal and a second DC component of the second voltage signal are substantially equal; and
in the main feedback control loop:
receiving, by a first differential amplifier circuit as inputs from the transimpedance amplifier circuit and the replica transimpedance amplifier circuit, the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal, respectively; and
outputting, by the first differential amplifier circuit, a pair of output voltage signals that are symmetric about a common mode voltage.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
in a voltage sampler:
receiving, as input signals, the pair of output voltage signals;
sampling the input signals; and
determining, dependent on said sampling, information encoded in the optical signal.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
in the replica feedback control loop:
receiving, by a second differential amplifier as inputs, the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier and a reference voltage; and
causing a common mode voltage of the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier to match the reference voltage.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
in the main feedback control loop:
receiving, by a third differential amplifier as inputs, the pair of output voltage signals output by the first differential amplifier; and
causing the output of the transimpedance amplifier to follow the output of the replica transimpedance amplifier.

15. The method of claim 11,
wherein the photo detector comprises a photodiode or a phototransistor.

16. The method of claim 11,
wherein the transimpedance amplifier and the replica transimpedance amplifier comprise operational amplifiers.

17. A method for designing an optical receiver, the method comprising:
designing an inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier;
designing a first differential amplifier to operate at data rates up to multiple gigabits per second;
designing a second differential amplifier to operate at data rates lower than those at which the first differential amplifier operates;
designing a third differential amplifier to operate at data rates lower than those at which the first differential amplifier operates;
designing a feedback control loop comprising the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier, the first differential amplifier, and the second differential amplifier; and
designing a replica feedback control loop comprising a replica of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier and the third differential amplifier;
wherein an output of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier and an output of the replica of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier are inputs to the first differential amplifier; and
wherein the feedback control loop is designed such that, once settled, it causes the output of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier to follow the output of the replica of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier.

18. The method of claim 17,
wherein designing the replica feedback control loop comprises:
choosing a common mode selector reference voltage for input to the third differential amplifier; and
wherein the replica feedback control loop is designed such that, once settled, it causes a common mode voltage of the output of the replica of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier to match the common mode selector reference voltage.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
determining whether the feedback control loop is stable over a wide range of processes, voltages, temperatures, and common mode selector reference voltages; and
in response to determining that the feedback control loop is not stable over a wide range of processes, voltages, temperatures, or common mode selector reference voltages, modifying the design of the feedback control loop to improve stability, wherein modifying the design comprises modifying a structure, an input, or an operating parameter of one or more of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier, the first differential amplifier, or the second differential amplifier.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
determining whether the replica feedback control loop is stable over a wide range of processes, voltages, temperatures, and common mode selector reference voltages; and
in response to determining that the replica feedback control loop is not stable over a wide range of processes, voltages, temperatures, or common mode selector reference voltages, modifying the design of the replica feedback control loop to improve stability, wherein modifying the design comprises modifying a structure, an input, or an operating parameter of one or more of the replica of the inverter-based resistive feedback amplifier or the third differential amplifier.


Title: Solid State Power Controller For Aerospace Led Systems

Technical Field and Background:
The present disclosure relates to solid state power control systems, and more specifically, to a solid state power controller (SSPC) for aerospace light emitting diode (LED) systems. Modern aircraft lighting systems (internal and external lighting systems) are moving to LED based solutions due to the increased efficiency, reliability, and controllability of LEDs. LED lights are typically arranged in series strings of LEDs that are driven with a controlled current to ensure consistent intensity of each LED element. Traditional aircraft power systems are developed around incandescent lights driven directly from the distributed aircraft voltage. Current LED lighting systems fit into a traditional aircraft electrical power system as shown in FIG. 1 . Conventional electrical power distribution systems may include a circuit protection device 1 to disconnect a load such as, for example, LED light string 2 in case of a fault. This protection device in modern aircraft is often a solid state power controller (SSPC). Circuit protection device 1 often connects to a LED light power conversion module 3 , which controls LED light string 2 . As shown in FIG. 2 , electrical power distribution systems may include a circuit protection device 206 to disconnect the load 208 from the aircraft power 202 in case of fault. Circuit protection device 206 , found in most modern aircrafts, is often a solid state power controller (SSPC). The SSPC typically protects the aircraft wiring and electrical power system from faults in the load or load wiring by implementing I 2 t protection circuitry. Retrofitting LED lighting solutions to existing SSPCs requires additional power electronics to convert the distributed voltages into a controlled current. The addition of additional power control elements can add weight to the aircraft and may further add complexity in maintaining the various components.

Invention Disclosure:
A light emitting diode (LED) control system may include a LED control system for an aircraft. The LED control system may include an LED power controller, and a solid state power controller (SSPC) that includes a processor in communication with the LED power controller, where the LED power controller and the solid state power controller are integrated onto a single power module. The LED control system is configured to receive DC power from a power source, determine, via the processor, current flow through a series MOSFET element connecting to at least one LED, to control operational voltage across the at least one LED, and adjust, via the processor, a gate voltage of the series MOSFET element with the LED power controller.

1. A light emitting diode (LED) control system for an aircraft comprising:
an LED power controller; and
a solid state power controller (SSPC) comprising:
a processor in communication with the LED power controller, wherein the LED power controller and the SSPC are integrated onto a single power module; and
a shunt MOSFET element and an inductive element connected between a series MOSFET element and a ground;
wherein the LED control system is configured to:
receive DC power from a power source;
determine, via the processor, a current flow through the series MOSFET element connecting to at least one LED, to control operational voltage across the at least one LED; and
adjust, via the processor, a gate voltage of the series MOSFET element with the LED power controller.

2. The LED control system of claim 1, wherein the single power module is configured to operate as part of a secondary power distribution assembly (SPDA).

3. The LED control system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to pass a predetermined current through the series MOSFET element by either increasing or decreasing a total circuit impedance via the series MOSFET element.

4. The LED control system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to modulate at least one of the series MOSFET element and the shunt MOSFET element with a pulse modulation signal.

5. The LED control system of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to modulate at least one of the series MOSFET element or the shunt MOSFET element with a pulse modulation signal.

6. The LED control system of claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to pass a predetermined current to the at least one LED by pulsing either a buck current or a boost current.

7. The LED control system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to receive feedback information from the LED power controller, wherein the feedback information is indicative of a status of the at least one LED.

8. The LED control system of claim 7, wherein the status includes brightness information indicative of a relative brightness of the at least one LED.

9. The LED control system of claim 7, wherein the status includes aging data indicative of an age of the at least one LED.

10. The LED control system of claim 7, wherein the status is indicative of a health and status of the at least one LED.

11. A computer-implemented method for controlling a light emitting diode (LED) control system for an aircraft comprising:
configuring a processor in an LED power controller to be in communication with a SSPC, wherein the LED power controller and the SSPC are integrated into a single power module;
receiving, at the single power module, DC power from a power source;
determining, via the processor, current flow through a series MOSFET element connecting to at least one LED, to control operational voltage across the at least one LED; and
a shunt MOSFET element and an inductive element connected between a series MOSFET element and a ground; and
adjusting, via the processor, a gate voltage of the series MOSFET element with the LED power controller.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the single power module is configured to operate as part of a secondary power distribution assembly (SPDA).

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, comprising:
passing, via the processor, a predetermined current through the series MOSFET element by either increasing or decreasing a total circuit impedance via the series MOSFET element.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising modulating, via the processor, at least one of the series MOSFET element and the shunt MOSFET element with a pulse modulation signal.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, further comprising modulating, via the processor, at least one of the series MOSFET element or the shunt MOSFET element with a pulse modulation signal.

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising passing, via the processor, a predetermined current to the at least one LED by pulsing either a buck current or a boost current, or both of the buck current and the boost current.

17. The computer-implemented method of claim of claim 11, further comprising receiving feedback information from the LED power controller, wherein the feedback information is indicative of a status of the at least one LED.

18. The computer-implemented method of claim 17, wherein the status includes brightness information indicative of a relative brightness of the at least one LED.

19. The computer-implemented method of claim 17, wherein the status includes aging data indicative of an age of the at least one LED.

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 17, wherein status is indicative of a health and status of the at least one LED.

1. A light emitting diode (LED) control system for an aircraft comprising:
an LED power controller; and
a solid state power controller (SSPC) comprising:
a processor in communication with the LED power controller, wherein the LED power controller and the SSPC are integrated onto a single power module; and
a shunt MOSFET element and an inductive element connected between a series MOSFET element and a ground;
wherein the LED control system is configured to:
receive DC power from a power source;
determine, via the processor, a current flow through the series MOSFET element connecting to at least one LED, to control operational voltage across the at least one LED; and
adjust, via the processor, a gate voltage of the series MOSFET element with the LED power controller.

2. The LED control system of claim 1, wherein the single power module is configured to operate as part of a secondary power distribution assembly (SPDA).

3. The LED control system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to pass a predetermined current through the series MOSFET element by either increasing or decreasing a total circuit impedance via the series MOSFET element.

4. The LED control system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to modulate at least one of the series MOSFET element and the shunt MOSFET element with a pulse modulation signal.

5. The LED control system of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to pass a predetermined current to the at least one LED by pulsing either a buck current or a boost current.

6. The LED control system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to receive feedback information from the LED power controller, wherein the feedback information is indicative of a status of the at least one LED.

7. The LED control system of claim 6, wherein the status includes brightness information indicative of a relative brightness of the at least one LED.

8. The LED control system of claim 6, wherein the status includes aging data indicative of an age of the at least one LED.

9. The LED control system of claim 6, wherein the status is indicative of a health and status of the at least one LED.

10. A computer-implemented method for controlling a light emitting diode (LED) control system for an aircraft comprising:
configuring a processor in an LED power controller to be in communication with a solid state power controller (SSPC), wherein the LED power controller and the SSPC are integrated into a single power module;
receiving, at the single power module, DC power from a power source;
determining, via the processor, current flow through a series MOSFET element connecting to at least one LED, to control operational voltage across the at least one LED; and
a shunt MOSFET element and an inductive element connected between a series MOSFET element and a ground; and
adjusting, via the processor, a gate voltage of the series MOSFET element with the LED power controller.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein the single power module is configured to operate as part of a secondary power distribution assembly (SPDA).

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, comprising:
passing, via the processor, a predetermined current through the series MOSFET element by either increasing or decreasing a total circuit impedance via the series MOSFET element.

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, further comprising modulating, via the processor, at least one of the series MOSFET element and the shunt MOSFET element with a pulse modulation signal.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, further comprising passing, via the processor, a predetermined current to the at least one LED by pulsing either a buck current or a boost current, or both of the buck current and the boost current.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim of claim 10, further comprising receiving feedback information from the LED power controller, wherein the feedback information is indicative of a status of the at least one LED.

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein the status includes brightness information indicative of a relative brightness of the at least one LED.

17. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein the status includes aging data indicative of an age of the at least one LED.

18. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein status is indicative of a health and status of the at least one LED.


Title: Bicycle Battery Holder, Bicycle Battery, And Retaining Member For Bicycle Battery

Technical Field and Background:
1. Field of the Invention This invention generally relates to a bicycle battery holder, a bicycle battery, and a retaining member for a bicycle battery. 2. Background Information Recently, some bicycles include electrical components that require a power source such as a bicycle battery. Conventionally, a bicycle battery holder is mounted to the bicycle to detachably hold the bicycle battery on the bicycle. One example of a bicycle battery holder is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3,602,837.

Invention Disclosure:
A bicycle battery holder is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. The bicycle battery holder includes a first support portion and a second support portion. The first support portion is configured to support a battery at a first supporting position. The second support portion is configured to support the battery at a second supporting position, along with the first support portion. At least one of the first supporting position and the second supporting position is adjustably mounted.

1. A bicycle battery holder configured to be mounted to a bicycle, the bicycle battery holder comprising:
a first support portion configured to support a battery at a first supporting position; and
a second support portion configured to support the battery at a second supporting position, along with the first support portion,
at least one of the first supporting position and the second supporting position being adjustably mounted.

2. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
the second support portion is movable with respect to the bicycle.

3. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 2, further comprising
a moving mechanism configured to move the second support portion with respect to the first support portion.

4. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 3, wherein
the moving mechanism comprises a rail for sliding the second support portion.

5. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 4, further comprising
a securing structure selectively securing a position of the second support portion with respect to the rail.

6. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 4, wherein
the rail is configured to be detachably mounted to a bicycle frame.

7. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
the first support portion is configured to support one end of the battery, and
the second support portion is configured to support the other end of the battery.

8. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
the second support portion has one of a convex shape and a concave shape that is configured to mate with one of a protrusion and a recess of the battery having one of a convex shape and a concave shape.

9. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
the first support portion comprises a terminal that is configured to be electrically connected to the battery.

10. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
the second support portion comprises a lock mechanism that is configured to fix a position of the battery with respect to the second support portion.

11. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a retaining part configured to support the battery in a portion that is different from the first support portion or the second support portion,
the retaining part being configured to couple the first support portion and the second support portion and change in length, corresponding to changes in a distance between the first support portion and the second support portion.

12. A bicycle battery comprising:
a first portion configured to be supportable by a bicycle battery holder; and
a second portion configured to be connected to another battery in a portion besides the first portion.

13. The bicycle battery as recited in claim 12, further comprising
a first terminal provided at the first portion, which is configured to be connected to a terminal provided to one of the bicycle battery holder and a terminal of another battery.

14. The bicycle battery as recited in claim 13, wherein
the second portion includes a second terminal configured to be connected to a first terminal of another battery.

15. The bicycle battery as recited in claim 14, wherein
the first portion comprises a first fitting portion having one of a convex shape and a concave shape, and
the second portion comprises a second fitting portion having one of a convex shape and a concave shape that can be fitted with one of a protrusion and a recess of the first portion.

16. The bicycle battery as recited in claim 15, wherein
the first fitting portion is formed around the first terminal, and
the second fitting portion is formed around the second terminal.

17. The bicycle battery as recited in claim 12, wherein
one of the first portion or the second portion is configured to be connect to the other battery supply such that electric power can be supplied to an electric component of a bicycle independent from the other battery.

18. A bicycle battery retaining member used in the bicycle battery as recited in claim 12, and comprising
a plurality of attaching portions that are attachable to each of the other batteries and the bicycle battery.

1. A bicycle battery holder configured to be mounted to a bicycle, the bicycle battery holder comprising:
a first support portion configured to support a battery at a first supporting position, the first support portion configured to be detachably connected to a bicycle frame;
a second support portion configured to support the battery at a second supporting position, along with the first support portion; and
a moving mechanism having a rail, the second portion being slidably connected to the rail such that the rail is configured to enable the second portion to move with respect to the first portion.

2. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, further comprising
a securing structure selectively securing a position of the second support portion with respect to the rail.

3. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
the rail is configured to be detachably mounted to the bicycle frame.

4. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
the first support portion is configured to support one end of the battery, and
the second support portion is configured to support the other end of the battery.

5. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
the second support portion has one of a convex shape and a concave shape that is configured to mate with one of a protrusion and a recess of the battery having one of a convex shape and a concave shape.

6. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
the first support portion comprises a terminal that is configured to be electrically connected to the battery.

7. The bicycle battery holder as recited in claim 1, wherein
the second support portion comprises a lock mechanism that is configured to fix a position of the battery with respect to the second support portion.

8. A bicycle battery holder comprising:
a first support portion configured to support a battery at a first supporting position;
a second support portion configured to support the battery at a second supporting position, along with the first support portion, at least one of the first supporting position and the second supporting position being adjustably mounted; and
a retaining part configured to support the battery in a portion that is different from the first support portion or the second support portion,
the retaining part being configured to couple the first support portion and the second support portion and change in length, corresponding to changes in a distance between the first support portion and the second support portion.

9. A bicycle battery comprising:
a housing having a plurality of battery cells configured to provide electric power to an electric component of a bicycle, the housing having a first portion configured to be supportable by a bicycle battery holder and a second portion configured to be connected to another battery in a portion beside the first portion, the battery cells being configured to provide electric power to the electric component independently from another battery in a state where the another battery is connected to the second portion.

10. The bicycle battery as recited in claim 9, further comprising
a first terminal provided at the first portion, which is configured to be connected to a terminal provided to one of the bicycle battery holder and a terminal of another battery.

11. The bicycle battery as recited in claim 10, wherein
the second portion includes a second terminal configured to be connected to a first terminal of another battery.

12. The bicycle battery as recited in claim 11, wherein
the first portion comprises a first fitting portion having one of a convex shape and a concave shape, and
the second portion comprises a second fitting portion having one of a convex shape and a concave shape that can be fitted with one of a protrusion and a recess of the first portion.

13. The bicycle battery as recited in claim 12, wherein
the first fitting portion is formed around the first terminal, and
the second fitting portion is formed around the second terminal.

14. A bicycle battery retaining member used in the bicycle battery as recited in claim 9, and comprising
a plurality of attaching portions that are attachable to another battery and the bicycle battery.