Biological interface systems with controlled device selector and related methods

• US 20060049957A1
• Filed: 08/11/2005
• Published: 03/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/13/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Braingate Co., LLC
• Original Assignee: Braingate Co., LLC
• Inventors: Serruya, Mijail D., Flaherty, J. Christopher, Donoghue, John P., Surgenor, Timothy R.
• Application Number:
  US11/201,287
• Publication Number:
  US 20060049957A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/825.190
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0219 of externally powered implanted units
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0271 using a remote monitoring unit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0017 transmitting optical signals transmission by light H04B10/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/24 Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/291 for electroencephalography [EEG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/293 Invasive
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/369 Electroencephalography [EEG] devices for psychotechnics A61B5/16
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/389 Electromyography [EMG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/398 Electrooculography [EOG], e.g. detecting nystagmus; Electroretinography [ERG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36003 of motor muscles, e.g. for walking assistance
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36082 Cognitive or psychiatric applications, e.g. dementia or Alzheimer's disease
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/361 Phantom sensations, e.g. tinnitus
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 21/00 Teaching, or communicating with, the blind, deaf or mute audible presentation of material to be studied G09B5/04; devices or methods for replacing direct visual or auditory perception by another kind of perception A61F9/08, A61F11/04; audible indication of meter readings or of colour G01D7/12; watches for blind persons G04B25/02; speech analysis, speech recognition G10L; sound-recording or reproducing, per se G11B
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/40 for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation

Abstract

Various embodiments of a biological interface system and their related methods are disclosed. A biological interface system may include a sensor including a plurality of electrodes configured to detect multicellular signals emanating from one or more living cells of a patient and a processing unit configured to receive the multicellular signals from the sensor and to process the multicellular signals to produce processed signals. The system may also include a plurality of controlled devices each configured to receive the processed signals. The plurality of controlled devices include at least a first controlled device and a second controlled device. The system may include a selector module usable by an operator and being configured to select which of the first and second controlled devices is to be controlled by the processed signals.

Claims

1. A biological interface system comprising:

a sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to detect multicellular signals emanating from one or more living dells of a patient;

a processing unit configured to receive the multicellular signals from the sensor and to process the multicellular signals to produce processed signals;

a plurality of controlled devices each configured to receive the processed signals, the plurality of controlled devices comprising at least a first controlled device and a second controlled device; and

a selector module usable by an operator and being configured to select which of the first and second controlled devices is to be controlled by the processed signals.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processed signals are transmitted by the selector module to the first and second controlled devices.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module transmits a selection signal to a separate processing unit component, the selection signal identifying which of the first and second controlled devices is to be controlled by the processed signals.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the selection signal includes a unique identifier for the device to be selected.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the processing unit transmits the processed signals to the plurality of controlled devices.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the selector module transmits processed signals to at least one of the first and second controlled devices.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the first and second controlled devices are controlled simultaneously.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module is configured to select both the first and second controlled devices, such that the processed signals control both the first and second controlled devices simultaneously.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the processed signals controlling the first controlled device are different from the processed signals controlling the second controlled device,

10. The system of claim 1, wherein selecting which of the first and second controlled devices is to be controlled is controlled by a unique identifier contained in the processed signals that is linked to the controlled device to be selected.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein only the selected controlled device is controlled by the processed signals while both the first and second controlled devices receive the processed signals.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module comprises an output element.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the output element comprises a visual display.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the visual display comprises a screen and a tactile interface through which data are entered.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the visual display comprises selectable icons representing the first controlled device and the second controlled device.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the output element comprises a transducer.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the transducer comprises one or more of:

an audio transducer, a tactile transducer, a visual transducer, a video display, and an olfactory transducer.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module comprises an input element.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the input element is used to select which of the first and second controlled devices is to be controlled.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the input element comprises one or more of:

a keyboard, a keypad, a data entry mechanical switch or button, a mouse, a digitizing tablet, and a touch screen.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein the input element comprises one or more of:

a sip and puff device;

an eye gaze device;

a hand joystick;

a tongue joystick;

a muscle joystick;

an electromyogram-activated switch; and

an electro-oculogram-activated switch.

22. The system of claim 18, wherein the input element comprises- a voice recognition element.

23. The system of claim 18, wherein the input element comprises a biological signal input element.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the biological signal input element is configured to receive the processed signals from the processing unit.

25. The system of claim 18, wherein the input element comprises a power connection.

26. The system of claim 25, further comprising an internal power supply, wherein the power connection is used to recharge the internal power supply.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein the power connection comprises a wireless connection.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein the power connection comprises a physical port.

29. The system of claim 18, wherein the input element comprises a physical port.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the physical port comprises a mechanical switch port.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the mechanical switch port is configured to allow connection of the selector module to one or more of:

a sip and puff device;

an eye gaze device;

a hand joystick;

a tongue joystick;

a muscle joystick;

an electromyogram-activated switch; and

an electro-oculogram-activated switch.

32. The system of claim 18, wherein the input element facilitates a connection of the selector module to a computer network.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the computer network comprises one or more of:

LAN, WAN, WIFI, and the Internet.

34. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module comprises a memory storage element.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the memory storage element is configured to store one or more integrated parameters of the system.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the stored integrated parameter is additionally stored in a separate device or component.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the integrated parameter is stored in a discrete component of the processing unit.

38. The system of claim 34, wherein the system comprises a synchronization function.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the synchronization function stores one or more integrated parameters of the system in the memory storage element of the selector module.

40. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module comprises means for providing a geographic location of the selector module.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the means for providing a geographic location is a global position system transducer.

42. The system of claim 40, wherein means for providing a geographic location is configured to provide information to one or more operators of the system.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the information is provided to the one or more operators during an alarm condition.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein one or more operators are at a location remote from the patient.

45. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module comprises communication means.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein the communication means comprises wireless communication means.

47. The system of claim 45, further comprising a second communication means.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein the second communication means comprises wireless communication means.

49. The system of claim 47, wherein the system comprises one or more redundant power supplies, and the second communication means is solely powered by at least one of the redundant power supplies.

50. The system of claim 47, wherein the second communication means generates an alert signal.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein the alert signal is transmitted to a remote location.

52. The system of claim 50, wherein the alert signal comprises information related to one or more of:

system condition;

patient condition;

patient identification;

system location; and

patient location.

53. The system of claim 50, wherein the system comprises one or more power supplies, and the alert signal is generated when the one or more power supplies enter an unacceptable power state.

54. The system of claim 50, wherein the alert signal is generated when the system enters an alarm state.

55. The system of claim 54, wherein the alarm state comprises one or more of:

power failure;

system malfunction;

controlled device malfunction;

controlled device in unacceptable orientation or position; and

unacceptable environment encountered.

56. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module comprises a second sensor.

57. The system of claim 56, wherein the second sensor comprises a tilt switch.

58. The system of claim 56, wherein the second sensor comprises a power failure sensor.

59. The system of claim 56, wherein the second sensor comprises one or more of a:

physiological sensor;

an environmental sensor;

a temperature sensor;

a strain gauge;

a position sensor;

an accelerometer;

an audio sensor; and

a visual sensor.

60. The system of claim 59, wherein the physiological sensor comprises at least one of a neural sensor, an EKG sensor, a glucose sensor, a respiratory sensor, and an activity or motion sensor.

61. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module comprises a signal processing element.

62. The system of claim 61, wherein the signal processing element comprises one or more of the following functions:

amplification, filtering, sorting, conditioning, translating, interpreting, encoding, decoding, combining, extracting, sampling, multiplexing, analog to digital converting, digital to analog converting, mathematically transforming, and processing cellular signals to generate a control signal for transmission to a controllable device.

63. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module comprises a power element.

64. The system of claim 63, wherein the power element comprises a battery.

65. The system of claim 63, wherein the power element is rechargeable.

66. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to enable the operator to select which of the first and second controlled devices is to be controlled by using one or more of:

a device;

a biological signal; and

an operator action.

67. The system of claim 66, wherein the selection is accomplished by one or more neural signals or processed neural signals.

68. The system of claim 67, wherein the neural signals or processed neural signals comprise one or more of:

neuron spikes, electrocorticogram signals, local field potential signals, and electroencephalogram signals.

69. The system of claim 66 wherein the selection is accomplished by a biological signal that is not a neural signal.

70. The system of claim 69, wherein the biological signal is derived from one or more of:

eye motion, eyelid motion, facial muscle, and electromyographic activity.

71. The system of claim 66, wherein the selection is accomplished by a separate device.

72. The system of claim 71, wherein the separate device is one or more of a:

sip and puff device;

eye gaze device;

hand, tongue, or muscle joystick;

mechanical switch;

electromyogram-activated switch; and

electro-oculogram-activated switch.

73. The system of claim 66, wherein the selection is accomplished by voice activation or voice recognition.

74. The system of claim 66, wherein the operator is the patient.

75. The system of claim 66, wherein the operator comprises one or more of:

a technician;

a clinician;

a caregiver; and

a family member.

76. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module further comprises a system configuration function for configuring the system at least once during or prior to use.

77. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module comprises one or more integrated parameters used to perform a function.

78. The system of claim 77, wherein one or more integrated parameters are stored in the selector module.

79. The system of claim 77, wherein the function comprises selecting which of the controlled devices is to be controlled by the processed signals.

80. The system of claim 77, wherein a change to the one or more integrated parameters invokes a permission routine requiring approval by the operator.

81. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module is implanted in the patient.

82. The system of claim 81, wherein the selector module comprises a controlled device of the system.

83. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module further comprises an embedded identification.

84. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module further comprises a separate device control function.

85. The system of claim 84, wherein the separate device control function comprises a universal remote control.

86. The system of claim 84, wherein the separate device control function comprises control of a medical device.

87. The system of claim 86, wherein the medical device comprises one or more of:

a diagnostic device;

a therapeutic device;

a restorative device; and

an implanted device.

88. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module is configured to perform a system diagnostic function.

89. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module is configured to perform a patient diagnostic function.

90. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module is configured to function as one or more of:

personal data assistant;

phone;

cellular phone;

pager;

calculator;

electronic game;

glucometer;

computer;

device remote control;

universal remote control; and

environmental control device.

91. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module is configured to provide feedback to the patient or operator.

92. The system of claim 91, wherein the feedback is used during control of one or more controlled devices.

93. The system of claim 91, wherein the feedback comprises audio feedback.

94. The system of claim 91, wherein the feedback is used during a system configuration.

95. The system of claim 91, wherein the feedback is used during a patient training.

96. The system of claim 95, wherein the feedback comprises one or more of:

an audio transducer;

a tactile transducer;

a visual transducer; and

an olfactory transducer.

97. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module is configured to alert the patient or the operator.

98. The system of claim 97, wherein the alert is accomplished over the Internet.

99. The system of claim 97, wherein the alert is accomplished with wireless transmission.

100. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module further comprises an interrogation function.

101. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module further comprises an information retrieval function.

102. The system of claim 1, further comprising a third controlled device.

103. The system of claim 102, wherein the selector module is configured to select at least one of the first, second, and third controlled devices to be controlled by the processed signals.

104. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module further comprises a computer network connection.

105. The system of claim 104, wherein the computer network connection comprises one or more of:

LAN, WAN, WIFI, and the Internet.

106. The system of claim 104, wherein the computer network connection enables the selector module to be accessible from a remote device.

107. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module is incorporated into two or more discrete components.

108. The system of claim 1, wherein the selector module is at a location remote from the patient when at least one of the first and second controlled device is selected to be controlled.

109. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a neural interface system.

110. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a brain machine interface.

111. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to perform a therapeutic function.

112. The system of claim 111, wherein the therapeutic function comprises a treatment of one or more of:

obesity, an eating disorder, a neurological disorder, a psychiatric disorder, a cardiovascular disorder, an endocrine disorder, sexual dysfunction, incontinence, a hearing disorder, a visual disorder, a sleeping disorder, a movement disorder, a speech disorder, physical injury, migraine headaches, and chronic pain.

113. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to perform a patient diagnosis.

114. The system of claim 113, wherein the patient diagnosis comprises a diagnosis of one or more of:

obesity, an eating disorder, a neurological disorder, a psychiatric disorder, a cardiovascular disorder, an endocrine disorder, sexual dysfunction, incontinence, a hearing disorder, a visual disorder, sleeping disorder, a movement disorder, a speech disorder, physical injury, migraine headaches, and chronic pain.

115. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to restore a bodily function of the patient.

116. The system of claim 115, wherein the bodily function of the patient comprises one or more of vision, hearing, speech, communication, limb motion, ambulation, reaching, grasping, standing, rolling over, bowel movement, and bladder evacuation.

117. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to be turned on and off by the patient with a monitored biological signal.

118. The system of claim 117, wherein the monitored biological signal is generated by one or more of eye motion, eyelid motion, facial muscle, or other electromyographic activity.

119. The system of claim 117, wherein the monitored biological signal comprises a time code of brain activity.

120. The system of claim 1, wherein the multicellular signals emanate from the central nervous system of the patient.

121. The system of claim 1, wherein the multicellular signals emanate from a single cell of the patient.

122. The system of claim 1, wherein the multicellular signals comprise one or more of:

neuron spikes, electrocorticogram signals, local field potential signals, and electroencephalogram signals.

123. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrodes are configured to detect the multicellular signals from clusters of neurons and provide signals between single neuron and electroencephalogram recordings.

124. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to assign at least one cellular signal to a specific use.

125. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to use at least one cellular signal generated under voluntary control of a patient.

126. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient is a human being.

127. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient is one or more of:

a quadriplegic, a paraplegic, an amputee, a spinal chord injury victim, and a physically impaired person.

128. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient is healthy, and the system is not configured to provide a therapeutic or restorative function to the patient.

129. The system of claim 128, wherein the controlled device comprises a medical equipment.

130. The system of claim 129, wherein the medical equipment is configured to perform a surgical event.

131. The system of claim 128, wherein the controlled device comprises a communication device.

132. The system of claim 131, wherein the communication device is configured to transmit different pieces of information simultaneously.

133. The system of claim 128, wherein the controlled device comprises a piece of equipment with one or more controllable moving parts.

134. The system of claim 1.33, wherein the equipment is used to evacuate personnel.

135. The system of claim 133, wherein the equipment is used to diffuse a bomb.

136. The system of claim 133, wherein the equipment is used to provide a military function.

137. The system of claim 133, wherein the equipment is one or more of a:

watercraft, aircraft, land vehicle, and reconnaissance robot.

138. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlled device comprises one or more of the group consisting of:

a computer, a computer display, a mouse, a cursor, a joystick, a personal data assistant, a robot or robotic component, a computer controlled device, a teleoperated device, a communication device, a vehicle, an adjustable bed, an adjustable chair, a remote controlled device, a Functional Electrical Stimulator device, a muscle stimulator, an exoskeletal robot brace, an artificial or prosthetic limb, a vision enhancing device, a vision restoring device, a hearing enhancing device, a hearing restoring device, a movement assist device, a medical therapeutic equipment, a drug delivery apparatus, a medical diagnostic equipment, a bladder control device, a bowel control device, a human enhancement device, and a closed loop medical equipment.

139. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises at least one multi-electrode array comprising the plurality of electrodes.

140. The system of claim 139, wherein the plurality of electrodes are arranged in a ten by ten array.

141. The system of claim 139, wherein the plurality of electrodes are configured to penetrate into neural tissue of the brain to detect electric signals generated from neurons.

142. The system of claim 139, wherein the multi-electrode array comprises at least one of a recording electrode, a stimulating electrode, and an electrode having recording and stimulating capabilities.

143. The system of claim 139, wherein the multi-electrode array comprises multiple projections extending from a surface, and at least one of the multiple projections comprises at least one electrode along its length.

144. The system of claim 143, wherein at least one of the multiple projections includes no electrode.

145. The system of claim 143, wherein at least one of the multiple projections includes an anchoring member.

146. The system of claim 139, wherein the sensor further comprises a second multi-electrode array.

147. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises multiple wires or wire bundle electrodes.

148. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes of the sensor are incorporated into, one or more of:

a subdural grid, a scalp electrode, a wire electrode, and a cuff electrode.

149. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrodes comprise wires, and the sensor comprises a wire bundle.

150. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises two or more discrete components.

151. The system of claim 150, wherein each of the discrete components comprises one or more electrodes.

152. The system of claim 150, wherein each of the discrete components comprises one or more of:

a multi-electrode array;

a wire or wire bundle;

a subdural grid; and

a scalp electrode.

153. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrodes are configured to detect multicellular signals for less than twenty-four hours.

154. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrodes are configured to chronically detect multicellular signals.

155. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor further comprises a signal processing circuitry.

156. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor transmits the multicellular signals through a wireless connection.

157. The system of claim 156, wherein the sensor transmits wirelessly to a receiver mounted on the skull of the patient.

158. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor further comprises a coil for power transmission to the sensor.

159. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrodes are configured to record from clusters of neurons and output detected signals, the detected signals comprising multiple neuron signals.

160. The system of claim 159, wherein the detected signals are a measure of the local field potential response from neural activity.

161. The system of claim 159, wherein the multiple neuron signals comprise one or more of:

electrocorticogram signals, local field potentials, electroencephalogram signals, and peripheral nerve signals.

162. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of electrodes is configured to detect a plurality of neuron signals.

163. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the processing unit is physically connected to the sensor.

164. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit comprises an integrated neuron spike sorting function.

165. The system of claim 164, wherein the neuron spike sorting function classifies spikes with a minimum amplitude threshold.

166. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit comprises an element to amplify the multicellular signals.

167. The system of claim 166, wherein the signals are amplified by a gain of at least eighty.

168. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit utilizes neural net software routines to map neural signals into the processed signals for control of the controlled device.

169. The system of claim 124, wherein the specific use is determined by the patient attempting an imagined movement or state.

170. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to utilize two or more cellular signals that are mathematically combined to create the processed signals.

171. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to use a cellular signal from a neuron whose signal is separated from other nearby neurons.

172. The system of claim 171, wherein the processing unit is configured to separate signals by one or more spike discrimination methods.

173. The system of claim 172, wherein the spike discrimination method sorts spikes by a minimum amplitude threshold.

174. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to convert an analog signal that represents a cellular signal to a digital signal.

175. The system of claim 174, wherein the processing unit is configured to process a monitored biological signal and produce a second processed signal.

176. The system of claim 175, wherein the second processed signal is used to control the controlled device.

177. The system of claim 175, wherein the second processed signal is used to modify one or more parameters of the system.

178. The system of claim 175, wherein the second processed signal is used to stop control of the controlled device.

179. The system of claim 175, wherein the second processed signal is used to reset the system.

180. The system of claim 174, further comprising a permission routine, wherein the permission routine requires approval of the operator, and wherein one or more integrated parameters of the system are modified.

181. The system of claim 180, wherein the permission routine limits parameter modifications to one or more specific operators.

182. The system of claim 181, wherein the permission routine comprises a list of approved operators.

183. The system of claim 181, wherein permission to modify individual integrated parameters is linked to one or more specific operators.

184. The system of claim 181, wherein a specific operator is permitted to approve modification of a parameter within a range of values.

185. The system of claim 184, wherein the range of values is controlled by a second operator.

186. The system of claim 180, wherein the permission routine comprises multiple levels including permissions for multiple operators.

187. The system of claim 186, wherein a first operator controls a first set of one or more integrated parameters, and a second operator controls a second set of one or more integrated parameters.

188. The system of claim 187, wherein the first set of integrated parameters comprises one or more different parameters than the second set of integrated parameters.

189. The system of claim 180, further comprising an interrogation function which interrogates the system and retrieves information stored therein.

190. The system of claim 189, wherein an analysis is performed on the retrieved information, and an output is produced, the output comprising recommendation for modifying at least one of the integrated parameters.

191. The system of claim 180, wherein prior to implementing a modification, the permission routine checks one or more of:

username, password, and IP address.

192. The system of claim 180, wherein the permission routine comprises a confirmation of modifications prior to implementing a modification.

193. The system of claim 1, further comprising an adaptive processing routine.

194. The system of claim 193, wherein the adaptive processing routine comprises changing over time the type or combination of types of signals processed.

195. The system of claim 194, wherein the types of signals processed comprise one or more of EEG signals, ECoG signals, LFP signals, and neural spikes.

196. The system of claim 1, further comprising a configuration system for calibrating the multicellular signals.

197. The system of claim 196, wherein the configuration system is configured to be activated by a biological signal.

198. The system of claim 196, wherein the configuration system comprises a set of movements for configuration.

199. The system of claim 196, wherein the configuration system comprises a video monitor.

200. The system of claim 199, wherein the configuration system comprises a set of movements for configuration, and the video monitor is configured to display a selected movement.

201. The system of claim 200, wherein the movements displayed are from the patient'"'"'s perspective.

202. The system of claim 196, wherein the configuration system is configured to correlate the selected movement with a cellular signal obtained from tracking the selected movement.

203. The system of claim 196, wherein the configuration system is configured to correlate an integrated parameter relating to the selected movement with a cellular signal obtained from tracking the selected movement.

204. The system of claim 203, wherein the integrated parameter comprises one or more of a position, a velocity, or an acceleration.

205. The system of claim 199, wherein the configuration system comprises a set of movements for configuration, and the video monitor is configured to display a simulation of a selected movement.

206. The system of claim 205, wherein the simulation of selected movement is displayed from the patient'"'"'s perspective.

207. The system of claim 1, further comprising a patient feedback module.

208. The system of claim 207, wherein the patient feedback module comprises one or more of:

an audio transducer, a tactile transducer, a visual transducer, a video display, and an olfactory transducer.

209. The system of claim 207, wherein the patient feedback module comprises a stimulator, and one or more neurons are stimulated to cause movement or sensation in a part of the patient'"'"'s body.

210. The system of claim 1, further comprising a drug delivery system, wherein the processing unit transmits a signal to the drug delivery system to deliver a therapeutic agent or drug to at least a portion of the patient'"'"'s body.

211. The system of claim 1., further comprising an embedded identification.

212. The system of claim 211, wherein the embedded identification is used to confirm compatibility of one or more discrete components of the system.

213. A method comprising:

providing a biological interface system for collecting multicellular signals emanating from one or more living cells of a patient and for transmitting processed signals to control a device, the biological interface system comprising;

a sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to detect the multicellular signals; and

a processing unit configured to receive the multicellular signals from the sensor and to process the multicellular signals to produce processed signals;

detecting the multicellular signals using the sensor;

processing the detected multicellular signals to produce processed signals;

transmitting the processed signals to at least one of a plurality of controlled devices, the controlled device being configured to receive the processed signals; and

selecting which of the plurality of controlled devices is to be controlled by the processed signals.

214. The method of claim 213, wherein the step of selecting comprises selecting at least two of the plurality of controlled devices to be controlled by the processed signals simultaneously.

215. The method of claim 213, further comprising calling a remote operator during a system alarm condition.

216. The method of claim 213, wherein the step of selecting is performed by a selector module of the biological interface system, wherein the selector module provides a function of a cellular phone.