Speaking Without Vocal Folds Using Machine-Learning-Assisted Wearable Sensing-Actuation Systems (Case No. 2024-087)
UCLA researchers led by Professor Jun Chen have created a lightweight, waterproof system proficient in generating speech without the use of vocal folds through lip-synching or regular speech. The device measures just 1.2 inches across, weighs 7.2 grams, has mechanical properties that mimic skin, and has high stretchability to ensure adhesion to the skin. The sensing component effectively captures extrinsic muscle movement across all three dimensions and converts them into high-fidelity electrical signals. These signals are converted to speech with the assistance of machine learning with an accuracy of 95%. This innovative device facilitates the restoration of voice function and increases the quality of life in patients with vocal fold dysfunction.
A Wearable On-Eyelid Sensor Network for Vestibular-Ocular Reflex Assessment (Case No. 2023-166)
Professor Jun Chen and his colleagues have developed a non-invasive sensor for vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) assessment. It is the first comprehensive and wearable eye tracking system providing high-fidelity and multi-indicator monitoring. The sensor is equipped with an ultrathin structure (~80 μm) and human skin-like mechanical softness (tens of kPa to ~1 MPa), featuring self-powered, waterproof, biocompatible and high-sensitive properties. This meticulously designed sensor array demonstrates a groundbreaking approach to diagnosing vestibular disorders by continuously tracking eye movements. It offers a quantitative analysis of spatiotemporal eye movement data, including velocity, frequency, and intensity. This innovation effectively addresses the limitations inherent in the existing VOR assessment system. Furthermore, the envisioned on-eyelid sensor network will pave the way for in-home VOR testing, data-driven diagnosis, telehealth monitoring, research into VR/AR devices, and various related domains reliant on the real-time capture of eye-generated signals.
A Self-Powered Bioelectronic Stent Sensor for Postoperative Blood Flow Rate Monitoring (Case No. 2022-276)
Professor Jun Chen, his team of researchers in the Department of Bioengineering, and his collaborator from the Department of Neurology and the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry of UCLA have developed a self-powered, bioelectronic stent sensor capable of real-time monitoring of blood flow following stent procedures. Using the principles of the giant magnetoelastic effect in soft polymer systems, this miniaturized sensor is biocompatible and offers accurate and real-time postoperative blood flow rate monitoring. This new technology is fundamentally different from previous sensing devices of its kind. It eliminates the need for external radiofrequency excitation which can lead to inaccurate readings due to positional variations between the sensing device and external radiofrequency source. The system is also inherently waterproof, avoiding the pitfalls of bulky and rigid encapsulation systems of previous sensors, which would largely undermine the device sensitivity. The sensor is also integrated into commercially available stents allowing for traditional displacement/implantations methods to be used. Most importantly, it does not compromise the expanding functionality of the conventional metal stent or promote occlusion.
Discovering Giant Magnetoelastic Effect in a Soft Body for Electricity Generation (Case No. 2021-231)
UCLA researchers have developed a wearable generator in the form of a membrane that conforms to human skin and efficiently harnesses energy from biomechanical motion. The device utilizes a soft magnetoelastic generator (MEG) and shows ultralow impedance and high current density. This results in a 10,000-fold improvement over conventional soft piezoelectric and triboelectric generators. It does not require encapsulation to protect against moisture and sweat because the device is intrinsically stable in wet environments. In addition, the device is biocompatible, making it a suitable power source for sensors implanted in the human body. This innovation could provide a valuable new method to supply power to Internet of Things (IoT) devices in a practical and stable manner.
A Fully Integrated Stretchable Sensor Array for Wearable Sign Language Translation to Voice (Case No. 2020-480)
UCLA researchers in the Department of Bioengineering have developed an integrated stretchable sensor array (ISSA) system for real-time translation of sign language into voice. Sensors are integrated into the fingers of a glove and the analog signals generated by each finger are processed into digital signals which are subsequently translated to voice. The ISSA system has been successfully prototyped and used to demonstrate the 660 sign language gestures recognition patterns based on American Sign Language, with a recognition rate of 98.63% and a rapid translation of <1 second.
Intelligent Flexible Spinal Cord Stimulators For Pain And Trauma Management Through Neuromodulation (Case No. 2018-385) Professor Iyer and coworkers have developed a novel SCS device that is small, flexible, and can autonomously adjust stimulation patterns for maximum efficacy. The SCS chip can be easily manufactured using microfabrication technology with a high density of electrodes (>1000 cm-2), significantly more than existing systems (32 cm-2). Batteries can be embedded onto the device, eliminating the need for leads and wires. Additionally, on-chip machine learning enables the optimization of stimulation patterns based on individual patient and posture for efficacious pain management.
High Performance Thin Films from Solution Processible Two-Dimensional Nanoplates (Case No. 2015-175)
UCLA researchers in the departments of Chemistry and Materials Science have recently developed a novel material based on semiconducting nanoplates for use in flexible, printed electronics. Researchers started by carefully growing two-dimensional nanoplates and then suspending them in solution to make colloidal ink. The nanoplate ink can be directly printed onto plastic substrates, while the colloidal nature of the ink reduces clumping and allows for uniform deposition. The resulting thin film is highly conductive due to the high surface area connectivity that results from the stacked nanoplates. The nanostructure additionally allows for the greater mechanical compliance needed in flexible applications. The nanoplate ink allows for highly conductive thin films to be directly printed onto flexible plastic substrates. Patent: 10,319,589