Biological interface system with automated configuration

• US 20060189900A1
• Filed: 12/30/2005
• Published: 08/24/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Braingate Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Braingate Co., LLC
• Inventors: Flaherty, J. Christopher
• Granted Patent: US 8,060,194 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/595
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0205 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/291 for electroencephalography [EEG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/293 Invasive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/50 Prostheses not implantable in the body closure means for urethra or rectum or for artificial body openings therefor A61F2/0004
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/72 Bioelectric control, e.g. myoelectric
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/741 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors or solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/701 operated by electrically controlled means, e.g. solenoids or torque motors
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/704 computer-controlled, e.g. robotic control
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/7615 Measuring means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/015 Input arrangements based on nervous system activity detection, e.g. brain waves [EEG] detection, electromyograms [EMG] detection, electrodermal response detection
• CPC Class Codes: G06N 3/061 using biological neurons, e.g. biological neurons connected to an integrated circuit

Abstract

A system and method for a biological interface system that processes multicellular signals of a patient and controls one or more devices is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that detects the multicellular signals and a processing unit for producing the control signal based on the multicellular signals. The system further includes an automated configuration routine that is used to set or modify the value of one or more system configuration parameters.

Claims

1. A biological interface system comprising:

a sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting multicellular signals emanating from one or more living cells of a patient;

a processing unit configured to receive the multicellular signals from the sensor, process the multicellular signals to produce a processed signal, and transmit the processed signal to a controlled device;

the controlled device for receiving the processed signals;

a visual display for providing visual images to the patient; and

an integrated patient training routine performed to generate one or more system configuration parameters used by the processing unit to produce the processed signal;

wherein the integrated patient training routine provides a visual representation of a human figure to the patient on the visual display, the representation including multiple human body movements provided for the patient to imagine the movement;

wherein the system is configured to store a set of multicellular signals while the patient imagines the movements.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient training routine must be performed by an operator at least one time during the use of said system.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient training routine is completed without the need for an operator of the system.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient training routine is completed with an operator of the system.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the operator is the patient.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the patient is the only operator of the system needed for completion of the patient training routine.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient training routine comprises an integrated software module embedded in said system.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the software module is embedded in the processing unit.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the software module is embedded in a discrete component of said system.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the discrete component is implantable in the patient.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the discrete component is configured to be external to the patient.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the software module is embedded in a component at a location remote from the patient.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient training routine comprises a set of steps.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein each step comprises a discrete segment to be provided to the patient.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one step is advanced to a subsequent step based on the completion of one or more patient involved events.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the patient involved event is an activation of an input device by the patient.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the input device is selected from the group consisting of:

chin joystick;

eyebrow EMG switch;

EEG activated switch;

eye tracker head tracker;

neck movement switch;

shoulder movement switch;

sip-and-puff joystick controller;

speech recognition switch;

tongue switch; and

combinations thereof.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the patient involved event is the successful completion of a training task.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one step repeats if an unsuccessful attempt of the training task is completed.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein a modified step is performed if an unsuccessful attempt of the training task is completed, said modified step being different than the at least one step.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the modified step is not the subsequent step to be performed if a successful attempt of the training task is completed.

22. The system of claim 15, wherein at least one step advances due to an elapsed time count exceeding a threshold value.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the subsequent step performed is different than a step performed if the at least one step is completed successfully prior to the elapsed time count being at or above the threshold value.

24. The system of claim 15, wherein at least one step advances due to an input from an operator that is not the patient.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein said operator is at a location remote from the patient.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the operator is a clinician.

27. The system of claim 13, wherein a series of steps is repeated at least one time.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein said series of steps is repeated when a performance level is below a threshold value.

29. The system of claim 27, wherein said series of steps is repeated until a performance level is at or above a threshold value.

30. The system of claim 13, wherein the sequence of steps is impacted by input from an operator.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the sequence of steps is impacted by multiple operators.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein the operator is the patient.

33. The system of claim 13, wherein one or more steps are not used in the performance of a patient configuration routine.

34. The system of claim 13, wherein the patient training routine includes less steps when a measured patient performance level is at or above a threshold value.

35. The system of claim 13, wherein the patient training routine includes more steps when a measured patient performance level is below a threshold value.

36. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one step is reduced in duration when a measured patient performance level is at or above a threshold value.

37. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one step is extended in duration when a measured patient performance level is below a threshold value.

38. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient training routine includes a first part and a second part.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the patient training routine includes a third part, and an analysis of the performance in the first part determines whether a subsequent step to be performed is from the second part or the third part.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the analysis includes an analysis of one or more of the following:

number of cells processed;

number of neural spikes recorded;

modulation rate data; and

controlled device control data.

41. The system of claim 39, wherein a version of the patient training part following the first patient training part is selected by the patient.

42. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient training routine adapts from a first patient training event to a second patient training event.

43. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient training routine adapts within a single patient training routine.

44. The system of claim 1, wherein the system configuration parameters include a selection of cells whose signals are processed by the processing unit.

45. The system of claim 1, wherein the system configuration parameters include one or more criteria used to select cells whose signals are to be processed by the processing unit.

46. The system of claim 1, wherein the system configuration parameters include a signal processing parameter.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the signal processing parameter is a coefficient of a signal processing function selected from the group consisting of:

amplification;

filtering;

sorting;

conditioning;

translating;

interpreting;

encoding;

decoding;

combining;

extracting;

sampling;

multiplexing;

analog to digital converting;

digital to analog converting;

mathematically transforming; and

combinations thereof.

48. The system of claim 1, wherein the system configuration parameters include a control signal transfer function parameter.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein the transfer function parameter is a transfer function coefficient.

50. The system of claim 48, wherein the transfer function parameters include the selection of one or more of:

algorithm;

methodology;

mathematical equation; and

combinations thereof.

51. The system of claim 1, wherein the system configuration parameters include a calibration parameter.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the calibration parameter is the calibration frequency.

53. The system of claim 1, wherein the system configuration parameters include a controlled device parameter.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the controlled device parameter is a parameter determining a boundary limit of a controlled device parameter.

55. The system of claim 1, wherein a system configuration parameter is selected from the group consisting of:

acceptable frequency range of cellular activity;

cellular signal amplitude threshold value;

selection of electrodes to include;

selection of cellular signals to include;

type of frequency analysis;

power spectral density;

instruction information to patient;

imagined movement instruction;

type, mode or configuration of feedback during provision of processed signal to patient;

calibration parameter;

calibration duration;

calibration frequency;

controlled device parameter;

controlled device mode;

alarm or alert threshold value;

success threshold value; and

combinations thereof.

56. The system of claim 1, wherein a system configuration parameter is stored within at least one discrete component of the system.

57. The system of claim 1, wherein a system configuration parameter is a spike sorting parameter.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein the spike sorting parameter is an amplitude threshold parameter.

59. The system of claim 1, wherein a system configuration parameter is a signal processing parameter.

60. The system of claim 59, wherein the signal processing parameter is selected from the group consisting of:

sampling rate by signal;

sampling rate by group of signals;

amplification by signal;

amplification by group of signals;

filter parameter by signal;

filter parameter by group of signals;

sorting variable;

conditioning variable;

translating variable;

interpreting variable;

encoding variable;

decoding variable;

extracting variable;

mathematical transformation variable;

signal to noise ratio variable;

frequency of signal variable;

amplitude of signal variable;

neuron firing rate variable;

standard deviation in neuron firing rate variable;

modulation of neuron firing rate variable; and

combinations thereof.

61. The system of claim 1, wherein a system configuration parameter is a signal selection parameter.

62. The system of claim 61, wherein the signal selection parameter is selected from the group consisting of:

electrode selection variable;

cellular signal selection variable;

neuron spike selection variable;

electrocorticogram signal selection variable;

local field potential selection variable;

electroencephalogram signal selection variable; and

combinations thereof.

63. The system of claim 1, wherein a system configuration parameter is a controlled device parameter.

64. The system of claim 63, wherein the controlled device parameter is selected from the group consisting of:

allowed devices that the patient can control;

unique ID for device;

a handshaking protocol;

parameter indicating partial control of a multi-function device;

movement parameter of device;

a position, velocity, acceleration, torque, direction and/or momentum variable of a device;

a maximum velocity parameter;

a power parameter;

a therapeutic device parameter;

dose amount;

time for start of dose;

rate of dose;

duty cycle of dose;

amount of energy;

stimulation energy;

mechanical time constant variable;

electrical time constant variable; and

combinations thereof.

65. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more system configuration parameters are selected from the group consisting of:

a list of permissions for specific operator or operator types;

operator usernames;

operator passwords;

on or off variables;

system reset parameters;

maximum on time of system parameters and allowable times of day for system use by the patient.

66. The system of claim 1, wherein a system configuration parameter is a calibration parameter.

67. The system of claim 66, wherein the calibration parameter is selected from the group consisting of:

electrode selection;

cellular signal selection;

neuron spike selection;

electrocorticogram signal selection;

local field potential signal selection;

electroencephalogram signal selection;

sampling rate by signal;

sampling rate by group of signals;

amplification by signal;

amplification by group of signals;

filter parameters by signal and filter parameters by group of signals;

patient activity during calibration;

target number of signals required;

patient disease state;

patient condition;

patient age;

other patient parameters; and

combinations thereof.

68. The system of claim 1, wherein a system configuration parameter is a system performance criteria.

69. The system of claim 68, wherein the system performance criteria is selected from the group consisting of:

target number of signals required;

patient disease state;

patient condition;

patient age; and

other patient parameters.

70. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more system configuration parameters is selected from the group consisting of:

algorithm selection parameter;

group of mathematical algorithms parameter;

information upload command;

information download command;

alarm, warning or alert parameter;

criteria to determine adequate performance of system;

failure threshold parameter; and

combinations thereof.

71. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual representation includes a photographic series of images of a human being.

72. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual representation is an animated series of images of a human being.

73. The system of claim 1, further comprising audible information provided coincident with the visual representation.

74. The system of claim 73, wherein the audible information includes spoken words.

75. The system of claim 74, further comprising a language selection routine, said routine used to select the language for the spoken words.

76. The system of claim 1, wherein the gender of the human figure is adjustable.

77. The system of claim 76, wherein the gender is adjustable by the patient.

78. The system of claim 1, wherein the relative age of the human figure is adjustable.

79. The system of claim 78, wherein the relative age is adjustable by a non-patient operator of the system.

80. The system of claim 1, wherein the body movements include a selectable left body side version and a selectable right body side version.

81. The system of claim 80, wherein the version is selectable by the patient.

82. The system of claim 1, wherein the body movements include multiple versions corresponding to different limbs performing the movements.

83. The system of claim 82, wherein the version is selectable by the patient.

84. The system of claim 1, further comprising electronic memory, said system storing said set of multicellular signals in said electronic memory.

85. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient training routine provides a stimulus to the patient.

86. The system of claim 85, wherein the stimulus is a time varying stimulus.

87. The system of claim 85, wherein the stimulus is a second visual representation.

88. The system of claim 85, wherein a form of the stimulus is selected from the group consisting of:

visual;

tactile;

auditory;

olfactory;

gustatory;

electrical stimulation; and

combinations thereof.

89. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one system configuration parameter is confirmed for modification by an operator utilizing a permission routine of the system.

90. The system of claim 89, wherein the permission routine requires an operator to utilize one or more of:

a password;

a user ID;

a specific Internet IP address;

a mechanical key;

an electronic key;

an electromechanical key.

91. The system of claim 89, wherein the operator is the patient.

92. The system of claim 91, wherein the parameter modification is confirmed utilizing a device selected from the group consisting of:

chin joystick;

eyebrow EMG switch;

EEG activated switch;

eye tracker;

head tracker;

neck movement switch;

shoulder movement switch;

sip-and-puff joystick controller;

speech recognition switch;

tongue switch; and

combinations thereof.

93. The system of claim 1, further comprising a patient input device for performing a function selected from the group consisting of:

performing a selection;

confirming a command;

confirming a modification of a system parameter;

modifying the state of the system;

performing a system reset; and

combinations thereof.

94. The system of claim 93, wherein the parameter is modified utilizing a device selected from the group consisting of:

chin joystick;

eyebrow EMG switch;

EEG activated switch;

eye tracker;

head tracker;

neck movement switch;

shoulder movement switch;

sip-and-puff joystick controller;

speech recognition switch;

tongue switch; and

combinations thereof.

95. A biological interface system comprising:

a sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting multicellular signals emanating from one or more living cells of a patient;

a processing unit configured to receive the multicellular signals from the sensor, process the multicellular signals to produce a processed signal, and transmit the processed signal to a controlled device;

the controlled device for receiving the processed signal;

an integrated patient training routine performed to generate one or more system configuration parameters used by the processing unit to produce the processed signal; and

a remote access routine providing data transfer means for a remote operator to send or receive data to or from the system,

wherein the system sends data to or receives data from a remote operator in the performance of the patient training routine.

96. The system of claim 95, wherein the patient training routine must be performed by an operator at least one time during the use of said system.

97. The system of claim 95, wherein the patient is unaware of the remote operator during the performance of the patient training routine.

98. The system of claim 95, wherein the patient does not communicate with the remote operator during the performance of the patient training routine.

99. The system of claim 95, wherein the data transfer means comprises wireless data transfer.

100. The system of claim 95, wherein the data transfer means comprises data transfer via a computer network.

101. The system of claim 100, wherein the computer network is the Internet.

102. The system of claim 95, wherein the patient training routine is embedded in a component of the system at location remote from the patient.

103. The system of claim 102, wherein the patient training routine is embedded in a component of the system, said component at the location of the remote operator.

104. The system of claim 95, wherein the system sends data to or receives data from a second remote operator.

105. The system of claim 104, wherein the second remote operator is at a different location than the first remote operator.

106. The system of claim 104, further comprising a second patient training routine, said second patient training utilized by the second operator.

107. The system of claim 95, wherein the patient training routine provides a visual representation of a human figure to the patient, said representation including multiple human body movements provided for the patient to imagine said movement.

108. The system of claim 107, wherein the system stores a set of multicellular signals while the patient imagines said movement.

109. The system of claim 107, wherein the visual representation includes a photographic series of images of a human being.

110. The system of claim 107, wherein the visual representation is an animated series of images of a human being.

111. The system of claim 107, further comprising audible information provided coincident with the visual representation.

112. The system of claim 111, wherein the audible information includes spoken words.

113. The system of claim 112, further comprising a language selection routine, said routine used to select the language for the spoken words.

114. The system of claim 107, wherein the gender of the human figure is adjustable.

115. The system of claim 114, wherein the gender is adjustable by the patient.

116. The system of claim 95, wherein the relative age of the human figure is adjustable.

117. The system of claim 116, wherein the relative age is adjustable by a non-patient operator of the system.

118. The system of claim 107, wherein the body movements include a selectable left body side version and a selectable right body side version.

119. The system of claim 118, wherein the version is selectable by the patient.

120. The system of claim 107, wherein the body movements include multiple versions corresponding to different limbs performing the movements.

121. The system of claim 120, wherein the version is selectable by the patient.

122. The system of claim 95, wherein the patient training routine comprises an integrated software module embedded in said system.

123. The system of claim 122, wherein the software module is embedded in the processing unit.

124. The system of claim 122, wherein the software module is embedded in a discrete component of said system.

125. The system of claim 124, wherein the discrete component is implantable in the patient.

126. The system of claim 124, wherein the discrete component is configured to be external to the patient.

127. The system of claim 122, wherein the software module is embedded in a component at a location remote from the patient.

128. The system of claim 95, wherein the patient training routine comprises a set of steps.

129. The system of claim 128, wherein each step comprises a discrete segment to be provided to the patient.

130. The system of claim 128, wherein at least one step is advanced to a subsequent step based on the completion of one or more patient involved events.

131. The system of claim 130, wherein the patient involved event is an activation of an input device by the patient.

132. The system of claim 131, wherein the input device is selected from the group consisting of:

chin joystick;

eyebrow EMG switch;

EEG activated switch;

eye tracker head tracker;

neck movement switch;

shoulder movement switch;

sip-and-puff joystick controller;

speech recognition switch;

tongue switch; and

combinations thereof.

133. The system of claim 130, wherein the patient involved event is the successful completion of a training task.

134. The system of claim 133, wherein the at least one step repeats if an unsuccessful attempt of the training task is completed.

135. The system of claim 133, wherein a modified step is performed if an unsuccessful attempt of the training task is completed, said modified step being different than the at least one step.

136. The system of claim 135, wherein the modified step is not the subsequent step to be performed if a successful attempt of the training task is completed.

137. The system of claim 130, wherein at least one step advances due to an elapsed time count exceeding a threshold value.

138. The system of claim 137, wherein the subsequent step performed is different than a step performed if the at least one step is completed successfully prior to the elapsed time count being at or above the threshold value.

139. The system of claim 130, wherein at least one step advances due to an input from an operator that is not the patient.

140. The system of claim 139, wherein said operator is at a location remote from the patient.

141. The system of claim 140, wherein the operator is a clinician.

142. The system of claim 128, wherein a series of steps are repeated at least one time.

143. The system of claim 142, wherein said series of steps is repeated when a performance level is below a threshold value.

144. The system of claim 142, wherein said series of steps is repeated until a performance level is at or above a threshold value.

145. The system of claim 128, wherein the sequence of steps is impacted by input from an operator.

146. The system of claim 145, wherein the sequence of steps is impacted by multiple operators.

147. The system of claim 145, wherein the operator is the patient.

148. The system of claim 128, wherein one or more steps are not used in the performance of a patient configuration routine.

149. The system of claim 128, wherein the patient training routine includes less steps when a measured patient performance level is at or above a threshold value.

150. The system of claim 128, wherein the patient training routine includes more steps when a measured patient performance level is below a threshold value.

151. The system of claim 128, wherein at least one step is reduced in duration when a measured patient performance level is at or above a threshold value.

152. The system of claim 128, wherein at least one step is extended in duration when a measured patient performance level is below a threshold value.

153. The system of claim 95, wherein the patient training routine includes a first part and a second part.

154. The system of claim 153, wherein the patient training routine includes a third part, and an analysis of the performance in the first part determines whether a subsequent step to be performed is from the second part or the third part.

155. The system of claim 154, wherein the analysis includes an analysis of one or more of the following:

number of cells processed;

number of neural spikes recorded;

modulation rate data; and

controlled device control data.

156. The system of claim 154, wherein a version of the patient training part following the first patient training part is selected by the patient.

157. The system of claim 95, wherein the patient training routine adapts from a first patient training event to a second patient training event.

158. The system of claim 95, wherein the patient training routine adapts within a single patient training routine.

159. The system of claim 95, wherein at least one system configuration parameter is confirmed for modification by an operator utilizing a permission routine of the system.

160. The system of claim 159, wherein the permission routine requires an operator to utilize one or more of:

a password;

a user ID;

a specific Internet IP address;

a mechanical key;

an electronic key;

an electromechanical key.

161. The system of claim 159, wherein the operator is the patient.

162. The system of claim 161, wherein the parameter modification is confirmed utilizing a device selected from the group consisting of:

chin joystick;

eyebrow EMG switch;

EEG activated switch;

eye tracker;

head tracker;

neck movement switch;

shoulder movement switch;

sip-and-puff joystick controller;

speech recognition switch;

tongue switch; and

combinations thereof.

163. The system of claim 95, further comprising a patient input device for performing a function selected from the group consisting of:

performing a selection;

confirming a command;

confirm a modification of a system parameter;

modifying the state of the system;

performing a system reset; and

combinations thereof.

164. The system of claim 163, wherein the parameter is modified utilizing a device selected from the group consisting of:

chin joystick;

eyebrow EMG switch;

EEG activated switch;

eye tracker;

head tracker;

neck movement switch;

shoulder movement switch;

sip-and-puff joystick controller;

speech recognition switch;

tongue switch; and

combinations thereof.

165. The system of claim 95, wherein the system configuration parameters include a selection of cells whose signals are processed by the processing unit.

166. The system of claim 95, wherein the system configuration parameters include one or more criteria used to select cells whose signals are to be processed by the processing unit.

167. The system of claim 95, wherein the system configuration parameters include a signal processing parameter.

168. The system of claim 167, wherein the signal processing parameter is a coefficient of a signal processing function selected from the group consisting of:

amplification;

filtering;

sorting;

conditioning;

translating;

interpreting;

encoding;

decoding;

combining;

extracting;

sampling;

multiplexing;

analog to digital converting;

digital to analog converting;

mathematically transforming; and

combinations thereof.

169. The system of claim 95, wherein the system configuration parameters include a control signal transfer function parameter.

170. The system of claim 169, wherein the transfer function parameter is a transfer function coefficient.

171. The system of claim 169, wherein the transfer function parameters include the selection of one or more of:

algorithm;

methodology;

mathematical equation; and

combinations thereof.

172. The system of claim 95, wherein the system configuration parameters include a calibration parameter.

173. The system of claim 172, wherein the calibration parameter is the calibration frequency.

174. The system of claim 95, wherein the system configuration parameters include a controlled device parameter.

175. The system of claim 174, wherein the controlled device parameter is a parameter determining a boundary limit of a controlled device parameter.

176. The system of claim 95, wherein a system configuration parameter is selected from the group consisting of:

acceptable frequency range of cellular activity;

cellular signal amplitude threshold value;

selection of electrodes to include;

selection of cellular signals to include;

type of frequency analysis;

power spectral density;

instruction information to patient;

imagined movement instruction;

type, mode or configuration of feedback during provision of processed signal to patient;

calibration parameter;

calibration duration;

calibration frequency;

controlled device parameter;

controlled device mode;

alarm or alert threshold value;

success threshold value; and

combinations thereof.

177. The system of claim 95, wherein a system configuration parameter is stored within at least one discrete component of the system.

178. The system of claim 95, wherein a system configuration parameter is a spike sorting parameter.

179. The system of claim 178, wherein the spike sorting parameter is an amplitude threshold parameter.

180. The system of claim 95, wherein a system configuration parameter is a signal processing parameter.

181. The system of claim 180, wherein the signal processing parameter is selected from the group consisting of:

sampling rate by signal;

sampling rate by group of signals;

amplification by signal;

amplification by group of signals;

filter parameter by signal;

filter parameter by group of signals;

sorting variable;

conditioning variable;

translating variable;

interpreting variable;

encoding variable;

decoding variable;

extracting variable;

mathematical transformation variable;

signal to noise ratio variable;

frequency of signal variable;

amplitude of signal variable;

neuron firing rate variable;

standard deviation in neuron firing rate variable;

modulation of neuron firing rate variable; and

combinations thereof.

182. The system of claim 95, wherein a system configuration parameter is a signal selection parameter.

183. The system of claim 182, wherein the signal selection parameter is selected from the group consisting of:

electrode selection variable;

cellular signal selection variable;

neuron spike selection variable;

electrocorticogram signal selection variable;

local field potential selection variable;

electroencephalogram signal selection variable; and

combinations thereof.

184. The system of claim 95, wherein a system configuration parameter is a controlled device parameter.

185. The system of claim 184, wherein the controlled device parameter is selected from the group consisting of:

allowed devices that the patient can control;

unique ID for device;

a handshaking protocol;

parameter indicating partial control of a multi-function device;

movement parameter of device;

a position, velocity, acceleration, torque, direction and/or momentum variable of a device;

a maximum velocity parameter;

a power parameter;

a therapeutic device parameter;

dose amount;

time for start of dose;

rate of dose;

duty cycle of dose;

amount of energy;

stimulation energy;

mechanical time constant variable;

electrical time constant variable; and

combinations thereof.

186. The system of claim 95, wherein one or more system configuration parameters are selected from the group consisting of:

a list of permissions for specific operator or operator types;

operator usernames;

operator passwords;

on or off variables;

system reset parameters;

maximum on time of system parameters and allowable times of day for system use by the patient.

187. The system of claim 95, wherein a system configuration parameter is a calibration parameter.

188. The system of claim 187, wherein the calibration parameter is selected from the group consisting of:

electrode selection;

cellular signal selection;

neuron spike selection;

electrocorticogram signal selection;

local field potential signal selection;

electroencephalogram signal selection;

sampling rate by signal;

sampling rate by group of signals;

amplification by signal;

amplification by group of signals;

filter parameters by signal and filter parameters by group of signals;

patient activity during calibration;

target number of signals required;

patient disease state;

patient condition;

patient age;

other patient parameters; and

combinations thereof.

189. The system of claim 95, wherein a system configuration parameter is a system performance criteria.

190. The system of claim 189, wherein the system performance criteria is selected from the group consisting of:

target number of signals required;

patient disease state;

patient condition;

patient age; and

other patient parameters.

191. The system of claim 95, wherein one or more system configuration parameters is selected from the group consisting of:

algorithm selection parameter;

group of mathematical algorithms parameter;

information upload command;

information download command;

alarm, warning or alert parameter;

criteria to determine adequate performance of system;

failure threshold parameter; and

combinations thereof.

192. A biological interface system comprising:

a sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting multicellular signals emanating from one or more living cells of a patient;

a processing unit configured to receive the multicellular signals from the sensor, process the multicellular signals to produce a processed signal, and transmit the processed signal to a controlled device;

the controlled device for receiving the processed signal; and

an integrated system troubleshooting routine performed to modify one or more system configuration parameters used by the processing unit to produce the processed signal, wherein the integrated system troubleshooting routine provides a visual representation of a human figure to the patient.

193. The system of claim 192, where said visual representation includes multiple human body movements.

194. The system of claim 193, wherein the multiple human body movements are provided for the patient to imagine said movement.

195. The system of claim 194, wherein the system stores a set of multicellular signals while the patient imagines said movements.

196. The system of claim 192, further comprising a remote access routine.

197. The system of claim 196, further comprising an internet connection such that a remote technician can send and/or receive data from said system.

198. The system of claim 192, wherein the visual representation includes a photographic series of images of a human being.

199. The system of claim 192, wherein the visual representation is an animated series of images of a human being.

200. A biological interface system comprising:

a sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes for detecting multicellular signals emanating from one or more living cells of a patient;

a processing unit configured to receive the multicellular signals from the sensor, process the multicellular signals to produce a processed signal, and transmit the processed signal to a controlled device;

the controlled device for receiving the processed signal;

an integrated system troubleshooting routine performed to modify one or more system configuration parameters used by the processing unit to produce the processed signal; and

a remote access routine providing data transfer means for a remote operator to send or receive data to or from said system,

wherein the system sends data to or receives data from a remote operator in the performance of the system troubleshooting routine.

201. The system of claim 200, wherein the system troubleshooting routine provides a visual representation of a human figure to the patient, said representation including multiple human body movements provided for the patient to imagine said movement.

202. The system of claim 201, wherein the system stores a set of multicellular signals while the patient imagines said movement.

203. The system of claim 201, wherein the visual representation includes a photographic series of images of a human being.

204. The system of claim 201, wherein the visual representation is an animated series of images of a human being.

205. The system of claim 200, wherein the patient is unaware of the remote operator during the performance of the system troubleshooting routine.

206. The system of claim 200, wherein the patient does not communicate with the remote operator during the performance of the system troubleshooting routine.

207. The system of claim 200, wherein the data transfer means comprises wireless data transfer.

208. The system of claim 200, wherein the data transfer means comprises data transfer via a computer network.

209. The system of claim 208, wherein the computer network is the Internet.

210. The system of claim 200, wherein the system troubleshooting routine is embedded in a component of the system at a location remote from the patient.

211. The system of claim 210, wherein the system troubleshooting routine is embedded is a component of the system at a location of the remote operator.

212. The system of claim 200, wherein the system sends data to or receives data from a second remote operator.

213. The system of claim 212, wherein the second remote operator is at a different location than the first remote operator.