Control Bionics NEURONODE PL-27-1000 User manual

NeuroNode
USER GUIDE
Client Support
USA: [phone]
AUS: [phone]

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20220225

Catalog Number: 27-3500
User Guide, Revision J
Address comments, questions, or requests pertaining to this manual to:
Control Bionics US: [phone]
745 Center Street, Suite 303 US Toll-free: [phone]
Milford, Ohio 45150 US Fax: [phone]
www.controlbionics.com AUS: [phone]
[e-mail]
The NeuroNode is listed and registered with the FDA as a Powered Communication System and
a Powered Environmental Control System and certified by the Australian Government Depart-
ment of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Copyright 2006 - 2022 Control Bionics Inc. All Rights Reserved.
NeuroEDUCATOR® and NeuroNode® are trademarks of Control Bionics Inc.
Anatomic images©CLIPAREA l Custom media/Shutterstock.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Product design and specifications may be changed without notice.
Patents Pending.

Catalog Number: 27-3500
User Guide, Revision J
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio
exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne
doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage
radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionne-
ment.

Intended Purpose: NeuroNode is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device intended
to provide noninvasive, electromyographic (EMG)-mediated computer access, communication, and environ-
mental control capability for users with impaired speech and/or motor function. Other user actions and
gestures (e.g. touch, visual, movement) can complement this EMG-based computer control.
NeuroNode is non-sterile and reusable, and is intended to be used continuously for up to 24 hours in contact
with the user’s intact muscle-contacting skin surface.
It is intended that either users themselves (depending upon the extent of their communication or mobility
limitations) or their caregivers fit the NeuroNode to the user and place the electrode sensors on the user’s skin.
It is intended that during routine use, the NeuroNode electrode sensors are placed over target muscles that
meet two criteria:
• The target muscle responds, at least minimally, to a command for contraction; and
• The target muscle returns to a resting state in order to differentiate one activation from another.
Indications: NeuroNode uses the body’s bioelectrical EMG signals to control a computer and/or
generate speech.
NeuroNode is comprised of AAC technology that is easy to use and is indicated for users suffering from
diseases or conditions which limit their motor functions and communication abilities such as ALS (Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease), MND (Motor Neuron Disease), SCI (Spinal Cord Injury),
or cerebral palsy.
Contraindications: NeuroNode is not indicated to be a life-supporting device or the user’s sole means of
communication. An alternative communication method should be available at all times. The NeuroNode is not
indicated to be the user's sole means of environmental control or computer-controlled mobility. Use of the
NeuroNode for these purposes must be performed under supervision.
Warnings and Precautions
Battery Handling: When the NeuroNode battery is nearing the end of its useful charge, the NeuroNode will
pulse yellow. The NeuroNode should be placed on the charger and recharged at this point.
Unless the NeuroNode is already charged within 10% of its capacity, the red charger light should illuminate
when the NeuroNode is placed on the charger. The red charger light will turn off once the NeuroNode is fully
charged.
Environment: Do not allow a conductive object to touch the battery contacts on the bottom of the
NeuroNode.
Warnings in this document are indicated with this symbol:
Adherence to the noted warnings will promote safe and efficacious use of the NeuroNode.
Precautions in this document are indicated with this symbol:
An understanding of the noted precautions will enhance the usefulness of the NeuroNode.

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Contents
1.0 Welcome to NeuroNode..............................................................................
2.0 Overview of NeuroNode..............................................................................
2.1 Overview of Accessories..................................................................
3.0 Getting Started..............................................................................................
3.1 NeuroNode EMG Placement..........................................................
3.1.1 Connecting to the NeuroNode Using EMG....................
3.2 NeuroNode 3D Spatial Control.......................................................
3.2.1 Connecting to the NeuroNode Using 3D Spatial..........
3.2.2 Advanced Menu..............................................................
3.2.3 Spatial Settings...............................................................
3.3 Connecting the NeuroNode..........................................................
3.4 Establishing a Good Signal.............................................................
3.4.1 Signal Indicator................................................................
3.4.2 Battery Management Signal Indicator.............................
4.0 A NeuroNode Session.................................................................................
4.1 Charging the Battery.......................................................................
4.2 EMG Electrode Options..................................................................
4.3 NeuroNode Controller Application.................................................
4.3.1 Graph Menu...................................................................
4.3.2 Home Menu...................................................................
4.3.3 Graph Settings...............................................................
4.3.4 Advanced Settings.........................................................
Switch Filtering ..........................................................
Advanced Switching ..................................................
5.0 Session Management and Troubleshooting ...............................................
5.1 NeuroNode Power Cycle Guide...................................................
5.2 Putting the NeuroNode in Standby Mode....................................
5.3 Resuming a NeuroNode Session..................................................
5.4 NeuroNode Reset + Re-pair Guide..............................................
5.5 Saving and Managing Profiles .......................................................
5.6 Auto Calibration ............................................................................
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PAGE 2 | CONTENTS

PAGE 3 | WELCOME TO NEURONODE
The NeuroNode uses the body’s bioelectrical EMG (electromyography) signals
or 3D Spatial awareness to give a user complete control of a computer to
generate speech, browse the web, listen to music, and more.
It is alternative/augmentative communication (AAC) technology that is easy to
use and works for conditions like ALS, MND, SCI, or Cerebral Palsy.
The NeuroNode Controller Application, installed on the user’s iOS or
Windows device, is used to set the signaling parameters while simultaneously
graphing the user’s EMG/Spatial signals.
1.0 Welcome to NeuroNode
Theabove are trademarks of their respective companies

Charger Placement Guide
NeuroNode Standby Button
Signal Indicator
PAGE 4 | OVERVIEW OF NEURONODE
2.0 Overview of NeuroNode
Active Electrode Indicators
This user guide reflects the current configuration of the NeuroNode. Previous versions of
the NeuroNode may differ in the feature set, battery management, reset functions, and
the behavior of the indicator lights. Contact Control Bionics for more information.

What It Does
The NeuroNode is a wearable, wireless, EMG + 3D
Spatial Control device.
The Leadwires connect to the Leadwire Adapter Base
of the NeuroNode. The three Snap-leads on the other
end of the Leadwires attach to the electrodes on the
user’s skin.
The NeuroNode Charging Base and included cords
allow for hassle-free charging for up to 24 hours of
battery life.
The NeuroNode Band is an adjustable, adhesive-free
solution for placement of the NeuroNode on the user’s
skin.
A starter electrode kit is included with the NeuroNode.
This kit includes both adhesive and non-adhesive
solutions as required.
NeuroNode
NeuroNode Band Electrode Kit
Leadwire Adapter
Base
Charger Kit
PAGE 5 | OVERVIEW OF NEURONODE
2.1 Overview of Accessories
Item
NeuroNode
Leadwire Adapter Base
Charger Kit
NeuroNode Band
Electrode Kit

PAGE 6 | GETTING STARTED

3.1 NeuroNode EMG Placement
The EMG Target Muscle is chosen during the assessment but can be changed at
any point. Only one effective Target Muscle is needed to use the NeuroNode.
This muscle is chosen based on two criteria: is should respond, at least minimally,
to a command to contract it; and it should return to a resting state in a timely
manner.
The muscle does not need to function at optimal levels. The NeuroNode is
designed to respond reliably and accurately to minimal signals at the Target
Muscle site.
PAGE 7 | GETTING STARTED

PAGE 8 | GETTING STARTED
3.1.1 Connecting the NeuroNode Using EMG
Although the placement of the NeuroNode does not have to be exact, there are
some general guidelines for placing the device on the muscle site.
When using the Non-Adhesive Electrode and NeuroNode Band, or the “Triple”
adhesive electrode, the two active electrodes are located on the bottom of the
NeuroNode, as indicated by the Active Electrode Indicators on the top of the
NeuroNode. The active electrodes should be placed along the length of the
muscle chosen to generate a “Switch.”
When using “Single” electrodes and the Leadwire Adapter Base, the two active
electrodes (white snaps) should be placed along the length of the muscle chosen
to generate a “Switch.” The reference electrode (black snap) should be placed,
forming a triangle, to one side or the other of the two active electrodes.

PAGE 9 | GETTING STARTED
3.2 NeuroNode 3D Spatial Control
The NeuroNode Spatial Sensing System provides an alternative method of
Switching. In the Spatial mode, the NeuroNode is placed on some part of the
body that is registering voluntary movement. Ideally, the NeuroNode is attached
at the point of maximum deflection for a particular movement. For example, if
the movement is arm extension, the NeuroNode could be placed on the wrist.
This movement is captured instantaneously by sensors in the NeuroNode and
processed to create a graph of Activity that looks nearly identical to the EMG
graph. The Graph Settings also have the same format; the units simply change
from microvolts to “Gs”.

PAGE 10 | GETTING STARTED
3.2.1 Connecting the NeuroNode Using 3D Spatial Control
Three axes define movement: X, Y, and Z. The Graph Settings page allows the
contribution of each of these axes of movement to be changed in order to
magnify or diminish their importance in the calculation of “Activity.” For example,
if using “toe tap” as a Switch, and the NeuroNode is placed facing up on a shoe
or a stockinged foot (strapped in place but no electrodes required), then only the
Z axis is important in the movement. In this case, the X and Y sliders would be set
to 0%.
The Graph Settings page also allows for the X, Y, and Z activity to be graphed
along with the Spatial Activity. This visualization is useful when first determining
the percentages of the X, Y, and Z Activity sliders. Once the sliders are set, it can
be helpful to turn off the display of X, Y, and Z in order to simplify the graph and
give the user a single Activity line to track. At this point the creation of the Switch
is nearly identical to the method for switching with EMG. Simply choose Static
scaling and set Signal On and Signal Off to provide the best possible Switch. Like
an EMG Switch, the Spatial Switch should require a minimum amount of effort
while consistently filtering out activity that is not intended as a Switch.

PAGE 11 | GETTING STARTED
3.2.2 Advanced Menu
The Advanced Menu is accessed by pressing the Advanced button from the Main
Menu.
Advanced Settings:
This button navigates to a
display to set Switch
settings that are more
advanced than the
settings on the Graph
Settings display. Typically
these settings are not
changed as often.
Commands:
Touching this button will
advance to a display
where commands can be
sent directly to the
NeuroNode. The
Command display is
usually used by Control
Bionics personnel for
troubleshooting. It is rarely
if ever needed by the user.
Record Telemetry:
This on/off button sets an
option to save the last 60
seconds of telemetry
every time the Pause
button is pressed on the
Graph display.
Check for Updates:
This button serves the
same function as when the
App is launched, checking
for a newer version of the
NeuroNode Controller
App.
Beta Features:
This allows certain
just-released features to
be turned on or off.
Bluetooth Scrub:
This button provides a simple method of removing the
NeuroNode connection from the NeuroNode Controller App. Use
this button before moving the NeuroNode to a new device. After
pressing the scrub button and confirming the request, the
NeuroNode will blink blue 10 times and then transition to the
Standby mode. To finish the process, remove the NeuroNode
from the device’s Bluetooth places.

3.2.3 Spatial Settings
While the graph settings are nearly the same in the EMG mode as they are in the
Spatial mode, the Graph Settings and the Advanced Settings displays offer some
parameters that are unique to the Spatial mode.
PAGE 12 | GETTING STARTED
Switching Mode:
Checkmark “Spatial” to
use the NeuroNode in the
Spatial mode. Checkmark
“EMG” to use the
NeuroNode in the EMG
mode.
X, Y, Z Coordinates:
These on/off check marks
determine if the X, Y, and
Z activity will be graphed
along with the Spatial
Activity. This visualization
is useful when first
determining percentages
for the X, Y, and Z Activity
sliders.
Coordinate Scaling:
Three axes define
movement: X, Y, and Z.
Adjust the associated
sliders to set the
contribution of each of
these axes of movement
in order to magnify or
diminish their importance
in the calculation of
“Activity.”

3.3 Connecting the NeuroNode
The NeuroNode is shipped and ready to be paired with a device upon arrival. To
pair the NeuroNode to another device, follow these steps:
1. Ensure the NeuroNode is fully charged.
2. Power on the device and access the device’s Bluetooth Settings.
3. Ensure the device Bluetooth is turned ON.
4. In Windows, discover and pair to the NeuroNode in the Bluetooth
settings—then launch the NeuroNode Controller Application and Connect as
prompted.
PAGE 13 | GETTING STARTED

3.4 Establishing a Good Signal
Upon connecting to the NeuroNode, it is important to establish a good signal.
This will become the user’s “Switch” for selecting items and controlling the
device.
Most importantly, there should be a clear delineation between the “resting” level
and the “switching” level.
Resting Level Resting Level
Switching
Level
PAGE 14 | GETTING STARTED

3.4.1 Signal Indicator
As a stand-alone switch, the NeuroNode has built-in indicators to notify the user
at the instance of a good signal or Switch.
A green light indicates an EMG/Spatial signal was counted as a Switch.
A blinking red light indicates the NeuroNode is Bluetooth broadcasting.
Upon powering up the NeuroNode, the device will go through a launch
sequence as a series of colors: red, green, blue, and white.
3.4.2 Battery Management Signal Indicator
The NeuroNode Signal Indicator will start pulsing yellow when the battery
voltage drops below 3.5 Volts, indicating that the battery should be charged.
In Standby, a pulsing green light indicates the unit is fully (or nearly fully) charged.
A pulsing blue light indicates the unit is charged enough to use.
EMG Signal
Bluetooth Broadcasting
Low Battery
PAGE 15 | GETTING STARTED