{
  "patent_number": "US 8156057",
  "country": "US",
  "title": "How Nanoparticles Form Adaptive Neural Network Connections",
  "original_title": "Adaptive neural network utilizing nanotechnology-based components",
  "summary": "This patent describes how to build and strengthen a physical neural network using tiny nanoparticles suspended in a liquid, where electric fields make the connections learn and adapt.",
  "what_it_does": "This patent outlines methods for creating and modifying a physical neural network, called an electromechanical neural network. It uses many tiny nanoparticles floating in a non-conductive liquid, positioned between 'pre-synaptic' and 'post-synaptic' electrodes (Claim 1). When one neuron fires, it increases the voltage at its pre-synaptic electrode. A special 'refractory pulse' then decreases the voltage at the post-synaptic electrode, increasing the voltage difference across the connection (Claim 1). This increased electric field, especially when applied at a higher frequency, causes the nanoparticles to align better, making the connection stronger and reducing its electrical resistance (Claim 2). The network can adapt by summing signals, comparing them to a threshold, and then grounding the post-synaptic junction during a pulse to further increase the local electric field and strengthen the active connections (Claim 4).",
  "what_it_does_not_cover": [
    "Does not cover neural networks implemented purely in software on traditional digital processors, as it specifies 'electromechanical' components and 'nanoconnections'.",
    "Does not cover physical neural networks that use different materials or mechanisms to form and strengthen connections, such as optical switches or fixed-wire connections without nanoparticles.",
    "Does not cover adaptive neural networks where connection strength is modified without an increase in the local electric field or the physical alignment of nanoparticles.",
    "Does not cover neural networks that do not utilize a 'refractory pulse' mechanism to specifically adjust synaptic strength as described in Claim 1.",
    "Does not cover networks where the connections are not formed from nanoparticles disposed within a dielectric solution."
  ],
  "filed": "2008-04-10",
  "granted": "2012-04-10",
  "expires": "2028-04-10",
  "status": "active",
  "holder": "Knowmtech",
  "holder_url": "https://patentbrief.org/company/knowmtech",
  "inventors": [
    {
      "name": "Alex Nugent",
      "url": "https://patentbrief.org/inventor/alex-nugent"
    }
  ],
  "times_cited": 12,
  "tags": [
    "semiconductors",
    "ai_ml",
    "materials",
    "consumer_electronics",
    "telecommunications"
  ],
  "abstract": "Methods and systems for modifying at least one synapse of a physicallelectromechanical neural network. A physical/electromechanical neural network implemented as an adaptive neural network can be provided, which includes one or more neurons and one or more synapses thereof, wherein the neurons and synapses are formed from a plurality of nanoparticles disposed within a dielectric solution in association with one or more pre-synaptic electrodes and one or more post-synaptic electrodes and an applied electric field. At least one pulse can be generated from one or more of the neurons to one or more of the pre-synaptic electrodes of a succeeding neuron and one or more post-synaptic electrodes of one or more of the neurons of the physical/electromechanical neural network, thereby strengthening at least one nanoparticle of a plurality of nanoparticles disposed within the dielectric solution and at least one synapse thereof.",
  "url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8156057/adaptive-neural-network-utilizing-nanotechnology-based-components",
  "markdown_url": "https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8156057/adaptive-neural-network-utilizing-nanotechnology-based-components/md",
  "google_patents_url": "https://patents.google.com/patent/US8156057",
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}