Patent ID: 6546291
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
An apparatus for providing a wearer with information indicative of spatial orientation of a body part of said wearer, said apparatus comprising:a motion sensing system to be worn by a wearer, said motion sensing system generating a motion signal indicative of motion experienced by said body part of said wearer; a signal processor in communication with said motion sensing system for generating an estimate of said spatial orientation of said body part on the basis of said motion signal; a stimulator configured to provide a signal to a nervous system of said wearer in response to a feedback signal, said stimulator including an electrode adapted to be inserted proximate to a nerve in said wearer; and an encoder in communication with said signal processor and said electrode, said encoder configured to generate said feedback signal on the basis of said estimate of said spatial orientation and to introduce noise into said electrode, said noise being selected to enhance sensitivity of said nerve to a signal indicative of spatial orientation.