Thomas Jefferson University has been in the spotlight for the announcement of an edge-cutting patent, assigned number, US20230253104A1, that may soon revolutionize the way we approach motor function rehabilitation. Named 'Cortimo Motor Function Facilitation System', the new technology promises not only to help people move again but also to shift the way we perceive disability.
The 'Cortimo' system hinges on a simple but powerful concept - letting our brains do the talking. It works by capturing signals directly from the person's brain, identifying the intended motion, and facilitating communication to carry out the action successfully.
Ordinarily, rehabilitation systems require frequent doctor's office visits so the devise can be calibrated according to patients' needs. Traditional systems also have a blind spot for secondary motion modes some patients resort to when they can't perform the primary motion. Cortimo offers a groundbreaking solution for both issues.
'Cortimo' introduces a technique referenced as 'neural graffiti'. When a person imagines or performs an action, specific brain areas light up. The innovation is in guiding the person to learn a set of imagined actions, replacing the traditional ways of triggering the devices.
But where 'Cortimo' raises the bar is its ability to extend beyond motor functions, reaching out to cognitive rehabilitation in several neurological diseases and injuries, orthopedic post-operative rehabilitation and even enhancing individual performance in non-health related settings.
The 'Cortimo' system shines even brighter with its customizable software and user interface tailored dynamically to the user's needs. Whether it is turning on lights with the shrug of a shoulder or triggering pre-programmed motions, this ground-breaking technology opens up a world of possibilities. It offers users unparalleled ease of control, making everyday tasks less daunting, and more importantly, independent.
The potential of this new technology, with its real-time feedback and adaptability, is further bolstered by the incorporation of artificial intelligence. The system constantly updates and revises its performance, ensuring optimal settings based on patient performance data.
Despite its futuristic elements, the beauty of 'Cortimo' is encapsulated in the simplicity of its design, with easy-to-understand interfaces allowing users to manage and run comprehensive sessions without advanced technical skills.
Moreover, it features a “living service” model, which means it continually responds to the user's needs and incorporates changes in their abilities. This not only makes it user-friendly but also assures individualized care where the person's needs are the priority.
Although US20230253104A1 sounds like something straight out of a science fiction movie, figures demonstrate the simplicity of the technology. The supporting diagrams show processes such as the workflow for motor function facilitation, user interfaces for the system, and the software architecture, among other things.
We must remember, however, that patents are issued for inventions, and it is unknown if and when this technology will actually be available in the market. The hope, nevertheless, is that this breakthrough will mark a milestone in the journey towards a world where every individual, irrespective of physical limitations, can lead a self-reliant and fulfilling life.