Architectural model of the human neuroregulator system based on Multi-Agent Systems and implementation of System-on-Chip using FPGA

Abstract

The human neuroregulator system is a complex nervous system composed of a heterogeneous group of nerve centres distributed along the spinal cord. These centres act autonomously, communicate through nerve interconnections, and govern and regulate the behaviour of human beings’ organs and systems. For over twenty years, our research group has been studying the neuroregulatory system of the lower urinary tract (LUT), which controls the organs and systems involved in the urination process. Based on the study of the behaviour and composition of the LUT, we have succeeded in isolating the centres involved in its functioning. The goal has been to understand the individual role played by each centre in order to create a general model of the neuroregulator system capable of operating at the level of the nerve centre. The model has been created and formalised based on Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) theory: each agent thus models the behaviour of a nerve centre. This latter proposal is a step forward regarding current black box models. Its fine granularity opens up the possibility of acting at the level of the centre, of particular interest to treat dysfunctions. The present study enriches this theoretical model with an architectural model that makes it suitable to implement in hardware. Based on this new model, we propose a System on Chip (SoC) design of a specific processor capable of performing a nerve centre's functions. Although this processor can be entirely configured and programmed to adjust to the functioning of the different centres, the present work aimed at facilitating the understanding and validation of the proposal. We thus focused on the Cortical-Diencephalic (CD) centre, responsible for voluntary micturition. The research adopted an original approach with the aim of creating a configurable chip, capable of developing any neuroregulatory function, implantable in the body and being able to function in a coordinated way with the biological neuroregulator system.