image of microchip sensor

Technologies Available for Licensing

The University of Windsor actively supports the development of Intellectual Property and strive to benefit the University, the greater Windsor-Essex community, and the global community. We aim to create mutually beneficial agreements for both our inventors and any outside parties involved. Below is a list of some of the University of Windsor technologies available for licensing and commercialization.

To get involved, please reach out to our Research Partnerships Team.

You can also view our portfolio on IN-PART using this link: windsor.portals.in-part.com/


Health and Medical Sciences

Technology Overview 

Nitric Oxide (NO) is vital to tissue repair processes. Nitric Oxide has antibacterial and essential wound healing properties Researchers at the University of Windsor have developed two stable NO storage and delivery platforms to treat cutaneous and subcutaneous wounds. 

Gold nanoparticle composites (AuNP) + _S_-nitrosoglutathione (SNOG) = Nitric Oxide  

Nitric Oxide Releasing Bandages  

During storage of the bandages, the reaction is prevented by separation of the SNOG solution and AuNP nanocomposite by a mechano-disruptible membrane. 

Once a downward force is applied on the SNOG-storage bubble, the reaction takes place, allowing the release of NO onto the wounded skin through the gas-permeable membrane. 

Nitric Oxide 2part Cream 

During storage, the reaction is prevented by separation of AuNP-glycerol suspension and SNOG-glycerol solution via a physical barrier in a squeezable tube. Dispersion of the cream on skin results in NO release when SNOG and AuNP make contact. 

Benefits 

  • Portable system allowing for stable storage. 

  • Controlled topical delivery of NO ensures it is not degraded prior to reaching the wound  

  • Promotes healing.  

  • Easy to use and apply (even in remote locations); convenient for hard to heal wounds. 

  • Can be used for various treatment systems (creams, ointments, wound dressings). 

  • No medical skills required.  

  • Reduce costs associated with chronic wound management.  

Applications 

  • NO releasing bandages targeted for slow, sustained release to modulate inflammation and new blood vessel formation and accelerate wound closure. 

  • 2-part cream targeted to yield rapid and large amounts of NO for bacteriostatic/wound cleaning applications. 

  • Treatment of chronic wounds such as ulcers associated with diabetes mellitus and venous insufficiency and bed sores. 

Background 

Conventional methods for dental implant placement rely on freehand positioning based on subjective data such as visual examination by the professional. Other methods involve cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for planning the implant placement followed by fabrication of a personalized surgical guide using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing-based techniques. Customized surgical guides are custom, costly, one-time-use devices that require considerable time to develop; may be difficult to position in tight places; and not patient-friendly. Incorrect localization and angulation during dental implant procedures can result in patient complications both during and after the procedure  

Technology Overview 

A novel method and an ultrasonic apparatus for real-time dental implant positioning. The system locates the dental implant drill bit relative to placed reference points common and merged with the (CBCT) images to guide the drill to the planned entry point and angular trajectory, enabling accurate drilling and implant placement 

Benefits

  • Provides immediately available electronic surgical guides which reducing overall cost and time associated with the procedure 

  • Reduces the risk of incorrect implantation positioning that could lead to patient complications  

Applications 

This technology can potentially be applied to other areas of dental care such as measuring gingiva, measuring enamel thickness, and periodontal pocket depth.

Background 

Medical percussion is a diagnostic method based on tapping body parts with fingers and listening to the produced sounds. It can be used to detect internal anomalies when no sophisticated equipment is available. However, the knowledge and experience of a trained MD is required for reliable diagnostic by this classical version of percussion.  

Technology Overview 

Researchers at the University of Windsor are working to develop a method based on the analysis of the waveform and spectral parameters of the percussion sounds and of the vibrations of the chest wall, in response to percussion. They have developed a prototype of a handheld device that is used to tap the patient’s body, record the response, analyze the data and provide on-site diagnostic capabilities. 

Benefits 

  • Automatically detect pulmonary and abdominal injuries as quickly and early as possible in the field. 

Applications 

  • Rapid and on-site identification of lung traumas by emergency crews, military medics, and first responders, with potentially life-saving impacts. 

  • Technology can apply to both veterinary and human applications.

Background 

Normal tissues have an ordered vasculature system resembling a tree-like branching pattern while tumour vasculature networks are chaotic and random, lacking an ordered branching pattern. The interstitial fluid contains water, dissolved solutes and proteins and bathes the outside of the blood vessels. Elevated tumour interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP) is a physiological parameter characteristic of aggressive tumours. The TIFP is elevated because of abnormal structure and function of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels (structures that carry fluid away from tissues), increased fluid accumulation, and leaky vessel structure. TIFP has the potential to predict tumour response to non-surgical cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. As novel cancer therapies are developed, there is a need for an effective and early predictor of tumour response. Despite the predictive value of TIFP, current techniques to measure this parameter are limited to invasive, point measurements. 

Technology Overview

A quantitative, non-invasive means to measure TIFP to predict tumour response to therapy. It utilizes a mathematical model to reflect the formation and distribution of TIFP. This is a simple measurement of the rate of fluid flux away from the tumour is used as a measure of the relative tumour pressure above that of normal tissue. A contrast agent is a substance used to enhance the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in medical imaging. Because tumour vasculature is leaky and there is a pressure gradient between tumour and surrounding normal tissue, a contrast agent can be injected to distinguish tumour from surrounding normal tissue. A dynamic measure of contrast agent streaming away from a central mass may provide a measure of fluid flow and consequently TIFP. Kinetic MRI, CT or ultrasound images can thus be used to yield a non-invasive measure of TIFP. 

Background

Transgenic mice (DNA from another organism is introduced into the mouse genome) have become powerful tools for modelling genetic disorders, understanding embryonic development and evaluating therapeutics. MMTV is a milk-transmitted, infectious, cancer-inducing retrovirus that primarily infects cells of the mammary gland, integrating into the mammary epithelial cell genome as the virus replicates. Spy1 is a protein required for normal progression through the G1/S phase of the cell cycle. Spy1 is expressed naturally at high levels in the growing mammary gland and abnormal over-expression of Spy1 results in precocious mammary development and eventual tumourigenesis. Uncontrolled cell growth is a hallmark of cancer; elevated Spy1 protein levels have been implicated in cancer and are attributed to overriding the DNA damage response and enhancing cell growth. 

Technology Overview 

This mouse model uses the MMTV promoter to control the over-expression of Spy1 to study its’ role in tumorigenesis. Understanding how Spy1 levels are regulated is essential in resolving how it contributes to normal and abnormal growth processes A tumour cell line can be produced from this model, either directly from the animal or from cells containing the fragment sequence. 

Further Details 

Spy1 can bind activator proteins (Cdks) to promote progression through the cell cycle. Spy1 can degrade inhibitors of the cell cycle (p27 protein) through direct binding. Spy1 protein levels are tightly regulated throughout development. High Spy1 protein levels are found in different breast cancers compared to normal tissue. The model system which will constitutively overexpress Spy1 under the control of the MMTV promoter System is hormonally responsive & most likely to be induced at puberty. MMTV-Spy1 mouse model was generated on 2 different strains of mice: C57BL6/J B6CBAF1/J. MMTV-SV40-SPY1A mice did not develop tumours spontaneously but showed some abnormalities in mammary gland histology. 

 Applications

This model can be used to study cancer at different developmental stages, to screen anti-cancer drug candidates, study environmental effects on cancer development. 

Background 

Transgenic mice, whereby DNA from another organism is introduced into the mouse genome, have become powerful tools for modelling genetic disorders, understanding embryonic development and evaluating therapeutics. Tetracycline-Controlled Transcriptional Activation is a method of inducible gene expression where transcription is reversibly turned on or off in the presence of the antibiotic tetracycline or one of its derivatives, namely doxycycline (DOX). Tetracycline-responsive promoter element (TRE) transcriptionally regulates the expression of a target gene (Spy1 in this model). Spy1 is a protein required for normal progression through the G1/S phase of the cell cycle. Uncontrolled cell growth is a hallmark of cancer; elevated Spy1 protein levels have been implicated in cancer and are attributed to overriding the DNA damage response and enhancing cell growth 

Technology Overview 

The mouse model uses the pTRE-Tight response plasmid to control the expression of Spy1 (Spy1-pTRE). Mouse model Spy1-pTRE is an inducible Tet-On system, with a transcription of the TRE-regulated target gene (Spy1) stimulated by rtTA only in the presence of DOX 

Further Details 

Spy1 can bind activator proteins (Cdks) to promote progression through the cell cycle. Spy1 can degrade inhibitors of the cell cycle (p27 protein) through direct binding. High Spy1 protein levels are found in different breast cancers compared to normal tissue. High Spy1 protein levels are found in high-grade glioma. Analysis of RNA levels (qRT-PCR) shows Spy1Aels levels are elevated in the mammary glands of female MTB-Spy1 mice compared to controls. Analysis of RNA levels (qRT-PCR) shows elevated Spy1Aels levels in the inguinal glands of Spy1-pTRE and MTB-Spy1 mice compared to MMTV-rtTA. 

Benefits 

  • This transgenic mouse model provides germ and somatic cells with an endogenous Spy1A-pTRE-Tight gene sequence 

  • This animal model may be used to study cancer development where the animal is selected to express the Spy1A gene and is monitored for cancer development when administered with DOX 

  • A tumour cell line can be produced from this model, either directly from the animal or from cells containing the fragment sequence 

Applications 

This model can be used to: 

  • study cancer at different developmental stages 

  • screen anti-cancer drug candidates 

  • study environmental effects on cancer development  

Background

Disulfide bonds are common motifs in proteins and are especially crucial in biologically-active peptides used as therapeutics and diagnostics, such as insulin and conotoxins. Accurate disulfide bond formation between two specific cysteine residues within peptides is critical for getting the correct 3-dimensional structure. Current chemical syntheses of a peptide with multiple cysteines require expensive complex multi-step protocols resulting in undesired non-specific disulfide bonds, low yields, and difficult purification.

Technology Overview

This technology overcomes these challenges using thermally-labile cysteine protecting groups incorporated as tailored pairs that cleave at controlled temperature thresholds to form accurate multiple disulfide bonds in a specific order during solid-phase peptide synthesis. The gradual heating of peptide in suspension to the respective “threshold temperatures” causing the specific cysteine-residue pair end caps to fall off allowing the formation of a disulfide bond at the desired temperature while other remaining sets of protected cysteine residues can remain bonded at that temperature. The temperature is then increased to the “second threshold temperature” to cleave the next set of end-cap pair and so forth, resulting in controlled cysteine bonds and functional three-dimensional peptide structure. Cleavage of the protecting groups is monitored by adsorption spectroscopy; a technique often used to monitor other aspects of peptide chemistry. The inventors have established a library of thermally-labile protecting groups and have demonstrated their use in relevant peptides.

Benefits

  • Ability to form multiple disulfide bonds in a peptide - ability to form 5+ bonds compared to a maximum of 3 bonds capability with current methods
  • One-pot synthesis minimizing transfers, manipulations, and operations
  • Rapid synthesis –1-1.5 days versus 7 days duration with current methods
  • Increased yield – 2-5 times more yield compared to current methods
  • Easy integration into peptide synthesizers - just 1 step required compared to 3 with current methods

Background

Ionic liquids are a drug delivery system that works to improve the colloidal stability of nanoparticles. Some of the competitors to ionic liquids in the antimicrobial space include metal/metal oxide nanoparticles and peptides. Multidrug-resistant infections can be treated using ionic liquids which have antibacterial properties and can therefore replace conventional antibiotics in these situations. Furthermore, there are many strategies that use ionic liquids in preclinical development.

Technology Overview

The inventors have created a technology that can be used as a sanitizer in the healthcare and agriculture industries due to its bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. The technology is composed of an ionic liquid that has a nanocomposite suspended in it which contains copper ions. This technology has a very high potency and a broad spectrum of anti-bacterial properties which allows it to compete in the market with a greater advantage over its competitors.

Benefits

  • Rapid and cost-effective manufacturing.
  • Addresses the need in the market for effective sanitizers.
  • Combines two known market components.
  • Does not have strict regulatory requirements.
  • Effective against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
  • Sanitation costs can be reduced as the technology is effective at ultra-high dilution.

Background

To maximize the therapeutic effect of drugs, optimizing their release rate is essential. Optimal drug delivery systems can be developed by using a host material that can alter the drug release rate. Former studies consist of biodegradable organic polymers infused with drug molecules. These techniques may suffer from suboptimal control of their drug release rate along with low drug loadings. Appropriate drug-release material can improve the poor solubility and non-ideal drug-release kinetics that many pharmaceuticals currently suffer from. Some of the challenges associated with maximizing the therapeutic effect of pharmaceuticals are solubility, controlled release, and the uptake of pharmaceuticals. 

Technology Overview

To solve the problems associated with maximizing the therapeutic effect of drugs, the inventors have created a technology that controls the release rates of pharmaceuticals. This allows them to optimize their uptake in the body and improve the therapeutic effect of the pharmaceutical. The technology consists of a pharmaceutical compound coordinated to the central atom or ion and at least one multitopic ligand. Furthermore, this technology can be applied to any system of drug administration such as orally taken medications or medical implants to distribute pharmaceuticals at the site of action.

Benefits

  • Maximizes the therapeutic effect of pharmaceuticals by optimizing their release rates.
  • Leads to fewer doses of medication given.
  • Improved patient compliance and reduced side effects.
  • Increased drug loadings. 
  • Increased drug bioavailability.
  • Extended drug release and improved drug absorption.
  • Formed with biocompatible components which helps reduce an immunogenic response.
  • Propriety solid-state materials discovery process.
  • High-throughput X-ray diffraction screening for new solid materials.

Background

Crown ethers can form highly stable complexes with metal ions and are flexible organic compounds that have high cationic binding affinity. Traditional crown ethers are cyclic polyethers that contain repeating ethyleneoxy chains (-CH2-CH2-O-) with various cavity sizes in the ring. These compounds can be used in several different manners such as chemosensors, drug delivery, chemical catalysis, and solvent extraction. Currently, the synthesis of crown ethers is solution-based, which requires soaking components in high dilutions and refluxing for a few days. This method also requires hot solvent washes, cold titration, or separation processes for post-synthetic purification.

Technology Overview

The inventors have created a novel technology for synthesizing crown ethers using solid-phase synthesis which has many advantages over current strategies. Solid-phase synthesis anchors the material to a solid polymeric support which removes the potential for intermolecular interactions. It is easy to clean the solid‑supported resin material by rinsing the additional reagent or solvent away which also eliminates the need to separate the product from the reagents. There is no requirement for any additional purification as the final crown ether product can be removed from the resin as a clean product. This technology allows the synthesis of complex crown ethers that were not previously made on large scales due to polymerization.

Benefits

  • Solves many limitations of solution-based synthesis of crown ethers and other macrocyclic compounds. 
  • Removes the need for post-synthetic purification.
  • Requires little to no modification of the reaction conditions.
  • Provides the ability to run reactions at higher concentrations.
  • Able to access synthesis of more complex macrocyclic compounds at larger scales.

Natural Sciences and Engineering

Background 

Pressure is a parameter that is commonly monitored in many biomedical and industrial applications. With an increase in demand for conformal pressure measurements, numerous flexible sensing technologies have been developed for pressure measurements. Among others, so and flexible pressure sensors are gaining greater popularity because they can conform to the environment to be monitored and can also provide 3D sensing with higher deformability and conformability. 

Tech Overview 

This technology focuses on the fabricate and design of intrinsically flexible, stretchable and conformable pressure sensors based on capacitive measurements. The new technology is scalable, cheap, and highly sensitive, especially at high-pressure regimes. These new sensors allow for a monitoring of pressure in harsh environments and directly at the point-of-use. 

Benefits 

In contrast to previous methods to fabricate flexible and stretchable pressure sensors, the technology relies on simple, ultra-low-cost molding to pattern so materials and dielectrics. Therefore, this solution is easily scalable and considerably cheaper than the current propositions. Furthermore, these propositions can fit a wide variety of areas, especially those requiring high sensitivity at high-pressure regimes. 

Applications 

The new technology developed can find applications in multiple fields and areas of interest for commercial partners. Some examples include, but are not limited to: 

  • Biomedical - Monitoring of biological parameters, tumours growth/expansion, patient care, etc. 

  • Automotive and transport - Monitoring of pressure in harsh environments. Point-of-use monitoring of pressure in tires, treads, and other components.

Technology Overview 

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is a technology that encompasses miniaturized devices that are constructed using the techniques of microfabrication and include components of miniaturized structures, sensors, actuators, and microelectronics. A MEMS-based, high performance, 77 GHz, frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) multi-mode automotive radar. 

Specifications: 

Range: SRR 0-30 m, MRR 30-100 m, LRR 100-300 m 

Range accuracy: 0.21 m (approx. 9 inches) 

Relative velocity: ± 300 km/h (approx. 187 mph) 

Velocity resolution: 0.56 m/s (approx. 2 ft/s) 

Size: 35 x 35 x 2 mm 

Benefits 

  • Single antenna hardware provides short-range (SRR), mid-range (MRR) and long-range (LRR) coverage by dynamic integrated electronic switching 

  • Very small size and faster update rate compared to other models available to date 

  • Excellent isolation (-40dB) between the transmit and receive segments 

  • With a passive Rotman Lens, the system performs beamforming and steering without requiring electronic signal processing as necessary in all commercially available automotive radar systems to date 

  • Smallest physical size, low cost, low power required, lower integration and thermal management issues 

  • The latest design in Low-Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC), further reducing size and manufacturing costs 

  • The developed architecture and fabrication of this device is superior to the current industry-leading state-of-the-art Bosch/Infineon LRR3 in terms of performance and cost according to an industry expert 

Background 

Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) technology is the next generation of miniature transducer technology replacing piezoelectric transducers CMUT technology can place 1000+ times the transducers in the same space as piezoelectric transducer technology. Previous technologies use external digital signal processing to form and direct the ultrasonic signal and process the received signal. Cost and time delay of signal processing limits use in real-time applications. Conventionally CMUTs are deployed in a planar array requiring electronic beam steering which is costly, slow and cumbersome.  

Technology Overview 

Silicon-based CMUT system mounted on a 3D hyperbolic paraboloid electronic chip to provide passive beamforming accurately limiting beam coverage to locate objects within its formed and limited field of broadcast. The 40x40 array is designed for a frequency range of 113-167 kHz, a beam width of 20±5 degrees with a maximum sidelobe intensity of -6 dB. The array has the intrinsic property of frequency-independent broadband beamforming without any microelectronic signal processing. Designed and fabricated a discretized hyperbolic paraboloid geometry for placement of CMUT arrays with a finite number of elevations. Possible to select preferred output beam shapes. 

Benefits 

This novel non-planar arrangement of CMUT arrays is capable of real-time critical applications where conventional CMUT arrays are limited due to the time-delay of signal processing. 

  • Passive beamforming without specialized high-level calculations and without the need for any Central Processing Unit or subsequent data manipulation. 

  • The system is faster, less expensive, and more reliable than other scanning systems available. 

  • CMUTs are fabricated using a Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) technology and are assembled and packaged in a PGA-68 package for automotive blind spot monitoring applications. 

Applications 

  • For use in automotive sensor applications, such as in the monitoring of vehicle blind-spots, obstructions and/or in autonomous vehicle drive and/or parking applications. 

  • Sensor applications in the marine, rail and/or aircraft industries, as well as sensor applications for use in consumer and household goods. 

Background 

Creating and stacking multilayer 3D microelectronic circuit technology is advantageous as it decreases device space, decreases conductor trace length by providing shortest distance. 3D cross routing of interconnections between interoperating components providing extremely high circuit density. 3D technology increases signal propagation speed; decreased noise, and provides integrated RF shielding. It uses existing on wafer mass production nanofabrication technology and processes. 

Technology Overview 

3D integrated multilayer microelectronic circuit construct with layer by layer component heterogeneous integration. Die level electronic components are provided, integrated, connected and embedded/packaged within layers of (BCB). Controlled layer by layer variable thickness of BCB to accommodate component size and requirements. It can be adapted for vertical and/or lateral 3D integration. This technology uses proven, cost-effective, existing, nanofabrication and microelectronic technologies and equipment. It is embedded via or traces the connection to wafer-level contact pads eliminates the need for gold wire bonding or solder. It has flexible 3D design freedom; mask generated from existing component placement; continual checking and validation; unlimited layers; optimized shortest length conductors between components. It has multidirectional 3D integration (not just vertical). This technology is easily adopted since it can use existing technology and equipment in place for wafer fabrication. 

Benefits 

  • High volume 

  • Low cost 

  • Low scrap rate 

  • Production-ready 

Applications 

  • Virtually any microelectronics 

  • Cell phones 

  • Airbag systems 

  • Medical diagnostic cartridges 

  • Gaming consoles 

  • Prosthetic implants 

Technology Overview 

The MEMS Device Interface Board (DIB) test channels can operate up to 50 GHz while maintaining a high level of signal integrity. It can tolerate up to 100 nm of surface irregularity. It enables fault detection at the die level before the added expense of packaging, resulting in cost savings. This is applicable to on-wafer testing and finished packaged chip testing. It also facilitates high volume and full device testing. An exponential increase in testing capabilities over currently used technologies. 

Background 

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)  A process of layering or additive manufacturing that builds a component from thin layers by heating and extruding thermoplastic filament. Each layer is a 2D slice of a 3D component and is stacked successively to fabricate the component. Additional material is often required to generate support structures for undercuts and overhanging geometry. The support material needs to be removed once the fabrication of the component is complete. Large components need to be broken down into sub-components due to the size limitations of the building envelope (or build area). There is a need for optimization strategies to minimize material usage, build times and surface finish variations. 

Technology Overview 

Novel methodologies to facilitate fabrication using design for fused deposition modelling (DfFDM) and design for FDM assembly (DfFDMA). It uses construction geometry and/or segmentation and connectivity strategies to increase throughput and reduce fabrication costs. 

Fabricating a Vented Enclosure Cover Using Construction Geometry 

  • The cover is divided into segments, including L and R wings 

  • Two configurations are presented for L and R wings: 4 supports and 10 supports 

  • Compared build time and total material used for both configurations vs. standard 

  • Build time is reduced by 11 hours for the 10 walls per wing configuration, and 15 hours for the 4 wall per wing configuration. 

  • Increasing the build material by ~ 60% reduced the overall amount of material used by ~50% or over 620 cm3. 

Fabricating a Gear Case Using DfFDMA methodology 

  • The component is split into 3 sub-sections 

  • Sub-components are re-packaged to minimize support material 

  • Approximately 500 cm3 or 66% less support material is required for the basic support option, and 200 cm3 or 57% less support material is required for the sparse support build options  

Applications 

  • Thin shelled components where significant amounts of the support material are required  

  • Large components where segmentation may be required 

Background

It is necessary to implement greener substances such as paper for disposable printed electronics due to the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) which is advancing the incorporation of printed electronic devices to collect and communicate data. Examples of printed devices include printed antennas, sensors, and displays for applications in inventory and package tracking, antitheft and counterfeiting, food quality monitoring, and pharmaceutical dose tracking. The short lifetime of smart packaging will accelerate the production of electronic waste. To solve this problem, this technology offers a unique approach by creating a patterned relief structure using recyclable material. 

Technology Overview

The inventors have created a new patterning method for printed paper electronics that utilizes the porous structure of paper which allows them to print electronically functional inks on paper. They created a patterned relief structure in the paper by compressing the porous structure with a debossing tip, followed by selectively printing functional inks with a roller on the raised regions of the relief structure.

Benefits

  • Solves problems of the wicking of functional inks into paper substrates.
  • Simple approach.
  • Cost-effective manufacturing.
  • Reduces electronic waste by using recyclable materials such as paper.
  • Debossing in debossed contact printing is a resist-free patterning method for printed electronics that offers design flexibility for low throughput printing.

Background

Changes in biophysical movements are among the earliest vital signals for worsening health and are the most predictive of a concerning clinical outcome for patients. Among the different biophysical parameters to detect, changes in respiration and breathing rate are particularly relevant, as variations at rest almost always indicate some form of worsening pathology. Despite the fact that the breathing rate is a relatively simple phenomenon, its detection can be tedious and often requires a long monitoring period in highly specialized laboratories or is often left to the health practitioner for manual recordings. 

Technology Overview

To address the various challenges associated with monitoring breathing patterns and related biophysical patterns, the inventors have developed a multisensor wearable sensing system and method that combines one accelerometer for breathing-associated body motion sensing and one pressure sensor for breathing‑associated muscle expansion and contraction detection. The sensing platform can easily be used by people through a facile and comfortable installation on the abdomen. The technology allows for rapid, efficient, and accurate real-time monitoring of complex breathing patterns without the utilization of specialized equipment or trained personnel.

Benefits

  • Eliminates the need for specialized equipment for biophysical monitoring. 
  • Rapid and cost-effective manufacturing. 
  • Ease of sensor assembly and packaging. 
  • Robust sensitivity and sensor response time. 
  • Wired and wireless. 
  • Prolonged and remote monitoring. 
  • Small footprint, flexible, conformal fit and less intrusive for people to wear. 
  • Non-invasive monitoring system.

Background

Current research interests within the Artificial Intelligence (AI) field are hardware implementations of spiking neurons and spiking neural networks (SNNs). Spiking neuron and neuroprocessor implementations consume less power than electrical hardware systems which is advantageous for medical and information processing applications. Furthermore, spiking neuron applications associated with power consumption frequently use the simplest and least biologically detailed models. The current challenges that need to be addressed for massive and large-scale implementations of spiking neural networks are power dissipation and density.

Technology Overview

To address the challenges associated with the large-scale implementation of spiking neural networks, inventors at the University of Windsor have developed a technology that greatly reduces the power dissipation of the neuron. The proposed technology uses a sampling-based approach to reduce the power consumption. In this novel Input-DEpendent Variable Sampling (I-DEVS) method, the neuron is inactive for certain time intervals but remains unchanged. The results of this new approach consist of significant power saving with minimal hardware resource usage. This is due to considerable reductions in the switching activity. This methodology does not change the neuron’s hardware architecture, network-based modeling, learning mechanisms or the mathematical behaviour. This technology greatly reduces power consumption to 60-70% lower for digital hardware neuron implementations.

Benefits

  • Reduces power consumption.
  • Not specific to one model and can be applied to all neuron models.
  • Variability in the frequency of the sampling reduces unnecessary switching activity for low-stimulus states.
  • Behaviour of the neuron is unaltered.