System and method with backup communication link

Abstract

An implant system includes an implantable component and an outer component. The implant system switches communication between the implantable component and the external component from the first communication link to a second communication link in response to detecting that interference in the first communication link is above a threshold. The implant system switches communication between the implantable component and the external component from the second communication link back to the first communication link in response to detecting that interference in the first communication link is below a threshold.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 434,859, filed on December 22, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical field

[0003] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for transmitting signals between components via a backup link. Background art

[0004] In recent decades, medical devices have provided a wide range of therapeutic benefits to recipients. Medical devices can include internal or implantable components / devices, external or wearable components / devices, or combinations thereof (e.g., a device having an external component that communicates with an implantable component). Medical devices, such as traditional hearing aids, partial or fully implantable hearing prostheses (e.g., bone - conduction devices, mechanical stimulators, cochlear implants, etc.), pacemakers, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, and other medical devices, have been successful for many years in performing life - saving and / or lifestyle - improving functions and / or recipient monitoring.

[0005] Over the years, the types of medical devices and the range of functions performed by them have increased. For example, many medical devices sometimes referred to as "implantable medical devices" now typically include one or more instruments, devices, sensors, processors, controllers, or other functional mechanical or electrical components that are permanently or temporarily implanted in a recipient. These functional devices are typically used for diagnosing, preventing, monitoring, treating, or managing diseases / injuries or their symptoms, or for researching, replacing, or modifying anatomical structures or physiological processes. Many of these functional devices utilize power and / or data received from an external device that is part of or operates in conjunction with the implantable component. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a medical device system includes a first component, wherein the medical device system switches communication between the first component and a second component of the medical device system from a first communication link to a second communication link in response to an error in the first communication link.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an implant system includes an external component, wherein the implant system switches communication between the external component and an implantable component of the implant system from a first communication link to a second communication link in response to interference in the first communication link.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method includes: communicating between an external component of an implant system and an implantable component of the implant system via a first signal transmission link; and in response to detecting interference in the first signal transmission link, communicating between the external component and the implantable component via a second signal transmission link.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to detect when an error rate of bits transmitted between an external component of an implant system and an implantable component of the implant system via a first link reaches a threshold; and in response to the error rate reaching the threshold, cause a signal to be transmitted between the external component and the implantable component via a second link.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an implant system includes: an external component including a first antenna and a second antenna and a first transceiver and a second transceiver; and an implantable component including a third antenna and a fourth antenna and a third transceiver and a fourth transceiver. The implant system transmits the first signal between the implantable component and the external component via the first transceiver, the first antenna, the third antenna, and the third transceiver in response to interference in the first signal being less than a threshold. The implant system transmits a second signal between the implantable component and the external component via the second transceiver, the second antenna, the fourth antenna, and the fourth transceiver in response to the interference in the first signal being greater than the threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an auditory prosthesis that may include one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0012] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 details of an example of an auditory prosthesis having a primary link and a backup link for transmitting signals between an external component and an implantable component of the auditory prosthesis.

[0013] Figure 3A is a flowchart showing an example of operations that may be performed using the primary link and the backup link to manage communication between an external component and an implantable component of an implant system.

[0014] Figure 3B shows an example of Figure 3A operations that may be performed as an alternative to a subset of the operations of

[0015] Figure 4FIG. is a schematic diagram showing an example of a suitable computing system that can perform any of the operations or functions disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] For ease of description only, the techniques presented herein are mainly described herein with reference to an illustrative medical device (i.e., a cochlear implant system). However, it should be understood that the techniques presented herein can also be used with a variety of other medical devices that can benefit from the teachings used herein while providing a wide range of therapeutic benefits to recipients, patients, or other users. For example, any of the techniques described herein for one type of hearing prosthesis (e.g., a cochlear implant system) corresponds to the disclosure of another embodiment of using such teachings with another hearing prosthesis and also using such teachings with other electroacoustic auditory prostheses (e.g., auditory brain stimulators), etc., the other hearing prosthesis including bone conduction devices (transcutaneous, active transcutaneous, and / or passive transcutaneous), middle ear auditory prostheses, direct acoustic stimulators. The techniques presented herein can also be used with vestibular devices (e.g., vestibular implants), visual devices (i.e., bionic eyes), sensors, pacemakers, drug delivery systems, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, catheters, seizure devices (e.g., devices for monitoring and / or treating seizure events), sleep apnea devices, electroporation devices, etc. The techniques presented herein can also be implemented in dedicated tinnitus treatment devices and tinnitus treatment device systems.

[0017] Although the teachings detailed herein are mainly described with respect to hearing prostheses, in accordance with the above, it should be noted that any disclosure herein regarding a hearing prosthesis corresponds to the disclosure of another embodiment of utilizing the associated teachings with respect to any other prosthesis mentioned herein, whether it is a hearing prosthesis or a sensory prosthesis, such as a retinal prosthesis. In this regard, unless explicitly indicated and / or unless the art is unable to achieve this situation, any disclosure herein regarding inducing hearing perception corresponds to the disclosure of inducing other types of neural perception (e.g., visual / vision perception, tactile perception, olfactory perception, or taste perception) in other embodiments. Any disclosure herein of a device, system, and / or method for or resulting in the ultimate stimulation of the auditory nerve corresponds to the disclosure of a similar stimulation of the optic nerve using similar components, methods, and systems.

[0018] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic diagram showing an example of an auditory prosthesis 100 that can include one or more embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 1The auditory prosthesis 100 is an example of a cochlear implant system (e.g., a mostly implantable cochlear implant system or MICI) that includes an external component 102 and an internal / implantable component 104. The external component 102 is positioned by the recipient's auricle 105 and is configured to be attached to and worn adjacent to the recipient's ear. However, the external component 102 can have other arrangements, such as an off-ear (OTE) processing unit (e.g., a component configured to be magnetically coupled to the recipient's head), an in-the-ear canal unit configured to be located in the recipient's ear canal 106, and the like.

[0019] The implantable component 104 includes an implant body 120, a lead region 116, and an elongated intracochlear stimulation assembly 118, all of which are configured to be implanted beneath the recipient's skin / tissue 115. The implant body 120 includes an airtight sealed housing that houses various components, examples of which are disclosed in further detail herein Figure 2 The housing of the implant body 120 operates as a protective barrier between the components within the housing of the implant body 120 and the recipient's tissue and body fluids.

[0020] The stimulation assembly 118 is configured to be at least partially implanted within the recipient's cochlea 122. The stimulation assembly 118 includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced intracochlear electrical stimulation contacts (electrodes) 126 that together form a contact or electrode array 128 for delivering electrical stimulation (current) to the recipient's cochlea 122. The stimulation assembly 118 extends through an opening (e.g., a cochleostomy, round window, etc.) in the recipient's cochlea and has a proximal end that is connected to a stimulator unit within the implant body 120 via the lead region 116 and an airtight feedthrough ( Figure 1 not shown). The lead region 116 includes a plurality of conductors (wires) that electrically couple the electrodes 126 to the stimulator unit.

[0021] It may be desirable for an implant system such as the auditory prosthesis 100 to use a low-power link to transmit signals between the external and implantable components of the implant system in order to reduce the power consumption of the implant system and extend battery life. A magnetic induction link is generally a very low-power link that can be used by the implant system for wireless transmission of signals such as audio signals indicative of audio data. For example, Figure 1 the auditory prosthesis 100 can use a magnetic induction link to transmit audio signals from the external component 102 to the implantable component 104.

[0022] Although magnetic induction links are generally very low-power links, magnetic induction links have some disadvantages that may make these links more vulnerable to interference (e.g., electromagnetic interference). For example, the receivers in magnetic induction links are designed to be extremely sensitive in order to detect low-power signals from the transmitter. Additionally, the transmitting and receiving antennas in magnetic induction links are aligned as closely as possible in order to ensure signal quality. Due to the characteristics of the magnetic field used to transmit data, magnetic induction links tend to be short-range links. Moreover, the frequencies used to transmit data in magnetic induction links often are the same as or similar to the frequencies used by many other commercial applications, such as anti-theft scanners, short-wave radio communications, aircraft communications, etc. All of these factors may cause magnetic induction links to be more vulnerable to interference than is desired for many types of implant systems.

[0023] External interference may interrupt signal transmission in the magnetic induction link in the implant system, which may in turn interrupt the normal operation of the implant system and have a negative impact on the recipient's experience of using the implant system. In any case, the recipient of a cochlear implant system typically relies on the cochlear implant system to provide continuous audio communication. Therefore, audio loss between the external component and the implantable component of the cochlear implant system due to interference is considered unacceptable, even if the audio loss occurs infrequently. Audio loss in the cochlear implant system may seriously undermine the recipient's expectations of the operation and reliability of the cochlear implant system.

[0024] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, an implant system includes a primary link that is used as a primary means for transmitting signals between an external component and an implantable component of the implant system. For example, the primary link can be a low-power link such as a magnetic induction link, and the implant system preferentially uses it for signal transmission between the external component and the implantable component to reduce power consumption. The implant system also includes a backup link that is used as an auxiliary means for transmitting signals between the external component and the implantable component of the implant system. The implant system, for example, uses a processor to monitor interference (e.g., error rate) in the communication through the primary link. If the implant system determines that the interference in the primary link reaches or exceeds a threshold (e.g., which indicates the possibility of audio loss), the implant system switches the communication between the implantable component and the external component from the primary link to the backup link. While the primary link is experiencing interference, the backup link can provide continuous (e.g., no audio loss) communication between the external component and the implantable component. The implant system switches the communication between the implantable component and the external component back to the primary link in response to the interference in the primary link dropping below the threshold. The implant system can be any type of implant system, including, for example, any type of cochlear implant system, bone conduction device, middle ear auditory prosthesis, direct acoustic stimulator, auditory brain stimulator, retinal prosthesis, or any other type of prosthesis. Additional details of exemplary embodiments are disclosed below herein.

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing details of an example of a medical device system 200 having a primary link and a backup link for transmitting signals between an external component and an implantable component. The medical device system 200 can be any type of medical device or implant system, such as an auditory prosthesis (e.g., Figure 1 auditory prosthesis 100), retinal prosthesis, vestibular device, seizure device, sleep apnea device, tinnitus treatment device, pacemaker, drug delivery system, defibrillator, functional electrical stimulation device, catheter, electroporation device, etc. As Figure 2As shown, the medical device system 200 includes an external component 242, an implantable component 244, and a charger component 202. The implantable component 244 may include a power link antenna 221, a power link transceiver 224, and a power management unit 229 that may be located, for example, in an implant body of a prosthesis (e.g., the implant body 120 of the auditory prosthesis 100). The charger component 202 may be externally applied to a recipient to provide power to the implantable component 244 via a short-range power link. For example, the charger component 202 may be applied on the skin / tissue 246 of the recipient (e.g., above the implant body 120) to transmit power to the power management unit 229 via the power link antenna 221 and the power link transceiver 224 (e.g., via capacitive and / or inductive power transfer). The power management unit 229 may include, for example, a battery that is charged by the power received from the charger component 202 via the power link antenna 221 and the power link transceiver 224.

[0026] In Figure 2 the example of, the implantable component 244 further includes a primary link antenna 222, a backup link antenna 223, a primary link transceiver 225, a backup link transceiver 226, a processing module 227, and a stimulator unit 228, each of which may be, for example, within the implant body of the prosthesis (e.g., the implant body 120). The power management unit 229 may supply power to each of the electrical components in the implantable component 244, the electrical components including the antennas 221-223, the transceivers 224-226, the processing module 227, and the stimulator unit 228. In an embodiment where the medical device system 200 is the auditory prosthesis 100, the implantable component 244 is the implantable component 104, and the external component 242 is the external component 102. In these embodiments, the implantable component 104 / 244 further includes a lead region 116 and a stimulation assembly 118 that includes electrical stimulation contacts (electrodes) 126 that together form a contact array 128, and the lead region 116 is coupled to the stimulator unit 228.

[0027] As Figure 2As shown, the external component 242 includes a primary link transceiver 211, a secondary link transceiver 212, a primary link antenna 213, a secondary link antenna 214, a processing module 215, one or more input devices 216, and a power management unit 217. The power management unit 217 can supply power to each of the electrical components in the external component 242, and the electrical components include the primary link transceiver 211, the secondary link transceiver 212, the primary link antenna 213, the secondary link antenna 214, the processing module 215, and one or more input devices 216. The one or more input devices 216 can include a sound input device (e.g., a microphone, a pickup coil, etc. positioned by the recipient's auricle 105) configured to capture / receive an input signal from outside the medical device system 200, one or more auxiliary input devices (e.g., an audio port such as a direct audio input (DAI), a data port such as a universal serial bus (USB) port, a cable port, etc.), and / or a wireless transmitter / receiver (transceiver).

[0028] The primary link antennas 213 and 222, the primary link transceivers 211 and 225, the secondary link antennas 214 and 223, the secondary link transceivers 212 and 226, the input device 216, and the processing modules 215 and 217 can be provided in any type of medical device, and the any type of medical device is, for example, an auditory prosthesis, a retinal prosthesis, a sensory prosthesis, a vestibular device, a seizure device, a sleep apnea device, a tinnitus treatment device, a pacemaker, a drug delivery system, a defibrillator, a functional electrical stimulation device, a catheter, an electroporation device, etc. Each of the processing module 215 in the external component 242 and the processing module 227 in the implantable component 244 can perform one or more processing functions of any type of medical device. In an auditory prosthesis such as the auditory prosthesis 100, the processing modules 215 and 217 can include multiple elements, such as an environment classifier, a sound processor, and / or an individualized own voice detector. Each of the environment classifier, the sound processor, and the individualized own voice detector in one or both of the processing module 215 and / or 227 can be implemented by one or more processor circuits (e.g., one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more processing cores, one or more processing integrated circuits, etc.), firmware, software, etc. arranged to perform the operations described herein. That is, the environment classifier, the sound processor, and the individualized own voice detector can each be implemented as a firmware element, partially or fully implemented with digital logic gates in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), partially or fully implemented in software, etc.

[0029] Figure 2The medical device system 200 includes a primary link and a backup link for transmitting signals between an external component 242 and an implantable component 244. The signals transmitted through the primary link and the backup link can indicate, for example, audio data, stimulation data for stimulating the recipient's auditory nerve (also referred to herein as auditory stimulation data), other types of data, control codes, control information, software vision data for a vision device (e.g., for a retinal prosthesis), tactile data for a tactile prosthesis, olfactory data for an olfactory prosthesis, gustatory data for a gustatory prosthesis, other types of sensory data, and electrical stimulation data for other types of electrical stimulation devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, seizure devices, sleep apnea devices, electroporation devices, etc.). The medical device system 200 uses the primary link as the main link for transmitting signals between the external component 242 and the implantable component 244. For example, the primary link can be a wireless low-power communication link, and the medical device system 200 preferentially uses it for signal transmission between the external component and the implantable component to reduce power consumption in both the external component and the implantable component.

[0030] The primary link includes antennas and transceivers in each of the external component and the implantable component, shown in Figure 2 as primary link transceiver 211, primary link antenna 213, primary link antenna 222, and primary link transceiver 225. As a non-limiting specific example, the primary link can include a wireless near-field magnetic induction communication system that transmits communication through a low-power magnetic field between antennas 213 and 222. According to this example, each of antennas 213 and 222 can include one or more magnetic induction coils that modulate and demodulate information in a carrier signal transmitted using the magnetic field.

[0031] The backup link in the medical device system 200 also includes antennas and transceivers in each of the external component and the implantable component, in Figure 2are shown as standby link transceiver 212, standby link antenna 214, standby link antenna 223, and standby link transceiver 226. If the interference in the primary link reaches or exceeds a threshold indicating that the primary link may experience, for example, audio loss, the medical device system 200 uses the standby link as an auxiliary link for transmitting signals between the external component 242 and the implantable component 244. As a non-limiting example, the standby link may be a radio frequency (RF) link that transmits RF signals (RF electromagnetic waves) between antennas 214 and 223. The standby link may transmit and receive signals at any frequency as long as the interference in one link does not interfere with the other link. The frequency bands of the primary link and the standby link should preferably be appropriately spaced apart to avoid interference in one link from interfering with the other link. As a specific example, the standby link may transmit and receive RF carrier signals in the 400 megahertz (MHz), 900 MHz, or 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency bands.

[0032] Additional details of the exemplary communication between the external component 242 and the implantable component 244 of the medical device system 200 are now described. The input device 216 may receive input signals (e.g., audio input signals) from one or more external sources and provide the input signals to the processing module 215 in the external component 242. The processing module 215 is configured to process the input signals received from the input device 216 to generate output signals. For example, the processing module 215 (e.g., one or more processing elements implementing firmware, software, etc.) may be configured to perform one or more sound processing functions (e.g., using an environment classifier, a sound processor, and / or an individualized own voice detector) on the input audio signals received from the input device 216 to generate output audio signals. In Figure 2 an embodiment, the processing module 215 provides the output signals to the processing module 227 in the implantable component 244 via one or both of the primary link and / or the standby link (e.g., in an encoded manner), which will be described in more detail below.

[0033] The processing module 227 receives the output signals (e.g., output audio signals) generated by the processing module 215 and transmits them via one or both of the primary link and / or the standby link. The processing module 227 may perform one or more processing functions on the input signals received from the processing module 215 (e.g., sound processing functions using an environment classifier, a sound processor, and / or an individualized own voice detector) to generate stimulation control signals for stimulating the recipient. In other words, the processing module 227 (e.g., one or more processing elements implementing firmware, software, etc.) is configured to convert the output signals of the processing module 215 into stimulation control signals representing electrical stimulation to be delivered to the recipient (e.g., the cochlea of the recipient in an auditory prosthesis).

[0034] The processing module 227 provides a stimulation control signal to the stimulator unit 228. The stimulator unit 228 is configured to generate an output stimulation signal (e.g., a current signal) for delivery to a recipient using the stimulation control signal. For example, the stimulator unit 228 may use the stimulation control signal to generate an electrical stimulation signal for stimulating one or more of the stimulation contacts 126 in the contact array 128 in the auditory prosthesis 100. In this way, the auditory prosthesis 100 electrically stimulates the recipient's auditory nerve cells in a manner that enables the recipient to perceive one or more components of the input audio signal, thereby bypassing missing or defective hair cells that normally convert acoustic vibrations into neural activity.

[0035] In some embodiments, the stimulator unit 228 may be configured to receive a signal from the recipient and provide the signal received from the recipient to the processing module 227. For example, in the auditory prosthesis 100, the stimulator unit 228 may be configured to receive a signal from one or more of the stimulation contacts 126 in the contact array 128 (e.g., in response to a signal from the auditory nerve or from one or more of the other stimulation contacts 126) and provide the signal received from one or more of the stimulation contacts 126 to the processing module 227. The processing module 227 may perform one or more processing functions on the signal received from the stimulator unit 228 to generate an output signal provided to the processing module 215 in the external component 242 via one or both of the primary link and / or the backup link for one or more additional processing functions. Thus, the primary link and the backup link are bidirectional links, as indicated by the bidirectional arrows connecting the processing modules 215 and 227 via the primary link and the backup link. Although in other embodiments, the primary link and the backup link may be unidirectional links. Although some embodiments are disclosed herein in the context of the medical device system 200, Figure 2 the primary link and the backup link shown can be used in any type of implant system, including for example any type of cochlear implant system, bone conduction device, middle ear auditory prosthesis, direct acoustic stimulator, auditory brain stimulator, retinal prosthesis, or any other type of prosthesis.

[0036] Figure 3A is a flowchart showing an example of operations that can be performed using the primary link and the backup link to manage communication between the external component and the implantable component of an implant system. Figures 3A - 3B The operations of Figure 2 are disclosed primarily in the context of the exemplary medical device system 200 of Figures 3A - 3Boperation, said medical device or implant system of any type including, for example, any type of cochlear implant system, bone conduction device, middle ear auditory prosthesis, direct acoustic stimulator, auditory brain stimulator, retinal prosthesis, sensory prosthesis or any other type of prosthesis.

[0037] In operation 301, the medical device system initiates communication between the external component and the implantable component via the primary link. For example, the medical device system 200 may, in operation 301, initiate communication between the external component 242 and the implantable component 244 via the primary link components, including via the primary link transceiver 211, the primary link antenna 213, the primary link antenna 222, and the primary link transceiver 225. In operation 302, the medical device system initiates communication between the external component and the implantable component via the backup link. For example, the medical device system 200 may, in operation 302, initiate communication between the external component 242 and the implantable component 244 via the backup link components, including via the backup link transceiver 212, the backup link antenna 214, the backup link antenna 223, and the backup link transceiver 226. For example, prior to starting full communication via the respective link, each of operations 301 and 302 may include an automated handshake process for establishing communication via the respective link. The handshake process may include, for example, exchanging signals indicating communication protocols or parameters between the transceivers and antennas of the external component and the implantable component in each of the primary link and the backup link. Operations 301 and 302 may be performed in parallel (e.g., simultaneously) or serially.

[0038] In operation 303, the medical device system maintains the backup link in a low-power standby operation mode (also referred to as the low-power standby mode), in which communication between the external component and the implantable component is infrequent. The medical device system generates infrequent communication via the backup link between the external component and the implantable component during the low-power standby mode in operation 303 to ensure that full communication (e.g., continuous communication) can be initiated via the backup link in a short time next. The infrequent communication via the backup link may include, for example, repeating one or more functions of the automated handshake process described herein with respect to operation 302 using the backup link transceiver 212, the backup link antenna 214, the backup link antenna 223, and / or the backup link transceiver 226. The infrequent communication preferably causes the backup link to consume extremely little power (or no power) during the low-power standby mode so as not to offset the benefit of using the low-power primary link as the main means of signal transmission during normal operation mode. The infrequent communication may involve, for example, transmitting signals via the backup link at time intervals spaced apart by a sufficient time (e.g., several hundred milliseconds or one second or several seconds) so that the backup link consumes extremely little power in the low-power standby mode.

[0039] Maintaining the standby link in the low-power standby mode in operation 303 ensures that the standby link can remain established during normal mode without significant interference. For example, if the standby link is close to another device that transmits wireless signals over the same frequency band, the standby link may experience interference. For example, if the standby link experiences interference greater than a threshold level (e.g., error rate), the medical device system can switch the infrequent communication over the standby link during the low-power standby mode to a different frequency band (e.g., a different channel). As a more specific example not intended to be limiting, the medical device system can use frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) to switch the infrequent communication over the standby link during the low-power standby mode to a different channel in response to the interference. The medical device system can use FFHS to quickly change the carrier frequency used by the standby link between the center frequencies of different sub-bands within the available frequency band.

[0040] In operation 304, the medical device system transmits signals between the external component and the implantable component via the primary link during normal operation mode. For example, the medical device system 200 can transmit signals (e.g., signals indicating audio data, auditory stimulation data, software, control code, visual data for a retinal prosthesis, tactile data for a tactile prosthesis, olfactory data for an olfactory prosthesis, gustatory data for a gustatory prosthesis, sensory data for other types of sensory prostheses, electrical stimulation data for other types of electrical stimulation devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, seizure devices, sleep apnea devices, electroporation devices), other types of data or code, etc.) between the processing module 215 in the external component 242 and the processing module 227 in the implantable component 244 via the primary link components in operation 304, including via the primary link transceiver 211, the primary link antenna 213, the primary link antenna 222, and the primary link transceiver 225. The stimulation data can be provided to the implantable component in the stimulation control signal. As discussed above, Figure 2 the primary link is a bidirectional communication link. Thus, the primary link can transmit signals (e.g., indicating audio data, auditory stimulation data, etc.) from the processing module 215 to the processing module 227 for use by the stimulator unit 228 when stimulating a recipient (e.g., stimulation contact 126). The primary link can also transmit signals (e.g., indicating processed data) from the processing module 227 to the processing module 215.

[0041] In operation 305, the medical device system monitors for interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link. For example, the medical device system 200 may use one or both of processing module 215 and / or processing module 227 to monitor for interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link. In operation 305, the medical device system may monitor for interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link by, for example, monitoring the error rate of the bits transmitted over the primary link using error detection and / or error correction techniques.

[0042] In operation 305, the medical device system may compare the interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link to an interference threshold. For example, the medical device system 200 may use one or both of processing module 215 and / or processing module 227 to compare the interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link to an interference threshold. In operation 306, the medical device system determines whether the interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link is at or above the interference threshold. The medical device system may, for example, compare the error rate of the bits transmitted over the primary link to an error rate threshold and determine in operation 306 whether the monitored error rate is at or above the error rate threshold.

[0043] If in operation 306 the medical device system determines that the interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link is not at or above the interference threshold (i.e., the interference is below the interference threshold), then the medical device system continues to maintain the backup link in the low power standby mode in operation 303. The medical device system also continues to transmit signals between the external component and the implantable component over the primary link in operation 304. Additionally, the medical device system continues to monitor for interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link and compare the monitored interference to the interference threshold in operation 305.

[0044] If, in operation 306, the medical device system determines that the interference in the signal transmitted over the primary link is at or above the interference threshold, the medical device system switches communication from the primary link to the backup link. The medical device system then transmits signals between the external component and the implantable component over the backup link in operation 307. The signals transmitted over the backup link in operation 307 can indicate, for example, audio data, auditory stimulation data, visual data, tactile data, olfactory data, gustatory data, sensory data, electrical stimulation data for various types of electrical stimulation devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, seizure devices, sleep apnea devices, electroporation devices), other types of data, control codes, software codes, etc. The medical device system can switch communication from the primary link to the backup link to provide continuous transmission of signals (e.g., signals indicating audio data, auditory stimulation data, control codes, software, visual data, tactile data, olfactory data, gustatory data, sensory data, electrical stimulation data for various types of electrical stimulation devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, seizure devices, sleep apnea devices, electroporation devices), other types of data, etc.) between the external component and the implantable component while minimizing or eliminating signal transmission loss (e.g., not causing audio loss in the auditory prosthesis 100).

[0045] For example, the medical device system 200 can transmit signals (e.g., signals indicating audio data, auditory stimulation data, software, other types of sensory data, control codes, etc.) between the processing module 215 in the external component 242 and the processing module 227 in the implantable component 244 over the backup link component in operation 307, including through the backup link transceiver 212, the backup link antenna 214, the backup link antenna 223, and the backup link transceiver 226. As discussed above, the backup link can be a bi-directional link. Thus, in operation 307, the backup link can transmit signals from the processing module 215 to the processing module 227 for use by the stimulator unit 228 in stimulating the recipient. In operation 307, the backup link can also transmit signals (e.g., signals indicating processed sensory data) from the processing module 227 to the processing module 215. If interference occurs in the current channel used by the backup link, the backup link can switch from the current channel to a different channel in the available frequency band in response to detecting the interference in the current channel using FHSS.

[0046] In some embodiments, the backup link uses a greater amount of power in the medical device system (e.g., from power management units 217 and 229) than the primary link. For example, the backup link may transmit data at a higher bit rate than the primary link. Thus, while the medical device system is transmitting communications over the higher-power backup link, the medical device system attempts (e.g., in the background) to re-establish communications over the lower-power primary link at intervals in operation 308. For example, the medical device system 200 may attempt to re-establish communications over the primary link using one or more of processing module 215, primary link transceiver 211, primary link transceiver 225, and / or processing module 227. The medical device system may, for example, attempt to re-establish communications over the lower-power primary link without imposing unreasonable power consumption on the medical device system (e.g., from power management units 217 and 229). For example, the medical device system may attempt to re-establish communications over the primary link at intervals that are spaced apart in time, rather than continuously. The intervals may be, for example, infrequent regular (or irregular) time intervals (e.g., spaced 1 - 100 seconds apart).

[0047] The medical device system may, for example, attempt to re-establish communications over the primary link in operation 308 by comparing the interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link at intervals with an interference threshold, as discussed above with respect to operation 305. If in operation 306 the medical device system determines that the interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link is at or above the interference threshold, the medical device system continues to transmit signals between the external component and the implantable component over the backup link in operation 307.

[0048] If, in operation 306, the medical device system determines that the interference in the signals transmitted at a certain interval over the primary link is not at or above the interference threshold (e.g., less than the interference threshold), the medical device system switches the communication between the external component and the implantable component from the backup link to the primary link. The medical device system then returns the backup link to the low-power standby mode in operation 303, and in operation 304, the medical device system transmits signals between the external component and the implantable component again over the primary link during normal mode (indicating, for example, audio data, auditory stimulation data, visual data, tactile data, olfactory data, gustatory data, sensory data, electrical stimulation data for various types of electrical stimulation devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, seizure devices, sleep apnea devices, electroporation devices), other types of data, software, control codes, etc.). Operations 305 and 306 are also performed again to monitor the interference in the primary link. According to another embodiment, the medical device system switches the communication between the external component and the implantable component from the backup link to the primary link only when the interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link remains continuously below the interference threshold for a predetermined amount of time, rather than switching the communication back to the primary link immediately after the interference in the primary link drops below the interference threshold.

[0049] Accordingly, the medical device system switches the communication between the external component and the implantable component from the backup link back to the primary link in response to the successful reestablishment of signal transmission over the primary link (i.e., the interference in the primary link has been reduced or resolved). The medical device system can switch the communication from the backup link back to the primary link to provide continuous signal (e.g., signals indicating audio data, auditory stimulation data, visual data, other types of sensory data, other types of data, software, control codes, etc.) transmission between the external component and the implantable component with minimal or no loss of signal transmission. For example, the medical device system can switch the communication back to the primary link without experiencing audio loss.

[0050] According to an alternative embodiment, if the medical device system determines that the interference in the signals transmitted over the primary link is at or above a first interference threshold, the medical device system can transmit signals between the external component and the implantable component over both the primary link and the backup link simultaneously (e.g., signals indicating audio data, auditory stimulation data, visual data, tactile data, olfactory data, gustatory data, sensory data, electrical stimulation data for various types of electrical stimulation devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, seizure devices, sleep apnea devices, electroporation devices), other types of data, software, control codes, etc.). Figure 3B is a flowchart showing an example of operations that can be performed as an alternative to operations 305 - 306 of Figure 3A In the Figure 3B embodiment, as described herein with respect toFigure 3A Perform operations 301 - 304 and 307 - 308 as disclosed, and perform operations 311 - 315 in place of operations 305 - 306. After operation 304, the medical device system monitors interference in the signal transmitted through the primary link by comparing the interference in the signal transmitted through the primary link with a first interference threshold in operation 311. The first interference threshold can be, for example, equal to the bit error rate indicating an error in the audio data or auditory stimulus data transmitted through the primary link that has not caused audio loss in the primary link. When the error rate of the signal transmitted through the primary link is lower than a second interference threshold that is larger than the first interference threshold, the medical device system can, for example, use forward error correction (FEC) to correct errors in the signal transmitted through the primary link in operation 311.

[0051] In operation 312, the medical device system determines whether the interference in the signal transmitted through the primary link is at or greater than the first interference threshold. If in operation 312 the medical device system determines that the interference in the signal transmitted through the primary link is at or greater than the first interference threshold, the medical device system transmits signals (e.g., signals indicating audio data, auditory stimulus data, visual data, tactile data, olfactory data, gustatory data, sensory data, electrical stimulation data for various types of electrical stimulation devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, seizure devices, sleep apnea devices, electroporation devices), other types of data, software, control codes, etc.) between the external component and the implantable component through both the primary link and the backup link simultaneously in operation 313. Otherwise, the medical device system proceeds to operation 303.

[0052] In operation 314, the medical device system continues to monitor interference in the signal transmitted over the primary link by comparing the interference in the signal transmitted over the primary link with a second interference threshold that is greater than the first interference threshold. The first interference threshold and the second interference threshold can be, for example, thresholds indicating two different bit error rates. The second interference threshold can be set at a minimum level when FEC can no longer correct errors in the primary link. Alternatively, the second interference threshold can be set just below the minimum level at which FEC cannot correct errors in the primary link to prevent audio loss in the primary link. If in operation 315 the medical device system determines that the interference in the signal transmitted over the primary link is at or greater than the second interference threshold, then the medical device system transmits signals (e.g., signals indicating audio data, auditory stimulation data, visual data, tactile data, olfactory data, gustatory data, sensory data, electrical stimulation data for other types of electrical stimulation devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, seizure devices, sleep apnea devices, electroporation devices), other types of data, software, control codes, etc.) between the external component and the implantable component only over the backup link in operation 307. The medical device system then performs operation 308 to attempt to re-establish communication over the primary link, as described above. If in operation 315 the interference in the primary link is not at or greater than the second interference threshold, then the medical device system returns to operation 313.

[0053] Figure 4 An example of a suitable computing system 400 that can perform any of the operations or functions disclosed herein is shown. For example, computing system 400 can be used to perform any one or more of the operations disclosed herein with respect to Figures 1 - 3B any of the operations disclosed herein. Computing system 400 can be in one or both of the external component 242 and / or the implantable component 244, or external to the medical device system 200. Computing systems, environments, or configurations suitable for use with the examples disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, handheld devices, laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronics (e.g., smartphones), network computers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, tablet computers, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices, and the like. Computing system 400 can be a single virtual or physical device operating in a networked environment over a communication link to one or more remote devices. The remote devices can be auditory prostheses (e.g., auditory prosthesis 100), ultrasonic devices, pressure sensors, personal computers, servers, routers, network personal computers, peer devices, or other common network nodes.

[0054] The computing system 400 includes at least one processing unit 402 and a memory 404. The processing unit 402 includes one or more hardware or software processors (e.g., a central processing unit) that can obtain and execute instructions. The processing unit 402 can communicate with and control the execution of other components of the computing system 400. The memory 404 is one or more software-based or hardware-based computer-readable storage media operable to store information accessible by the processing unit 402.

[0055] The memory 404 can store instructions and store other data, and the instructions can be executed by the processing unit 402 to implement an application program (software) or to perform any function or operation disclosed herein. The memory 404 can be volatile memory (e.g., random access memory or RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory or ROM), or a combination thereof. The memory 404 can also include one or more removable or non-removable storage devices. The memory 404 can include transient memory and / or non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Compared with a medium that only transmits propagating electrical signals such as wires, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is a tangible computer-readable storage medium that stores data for later access. In an example, the memory 404 can include non-transitory computer-readable storage media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), flash memory, optical disc storage devices, magnetic storage devices, solid-state storage devices, or any other memory medium that can be used to store information for later access. In an example, the memory 404 encompasses a modulated data signal (e.g., a signal whose one or more characteristics are set or changed in a manner that encodes information in the signal), such as a carrier wave or other transmission mechanism, and includes any information delivery medium. By way of example and not limitation, the memory 404 can include wired media (e.g., a wired network or a direct wired connection), as well as wireless media (e.g., acoustic, radio frequency, infrared, and other wireless media) or a combination thereof.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the system 400 further includes a network adapter 406, one or more input devices 408, and one or more output devices 410. The system 400 can include other components such as a system bus, component interfaces, a graphics system, a power source (e.g., a battery), and other components.

[0057] Network adapter 406 is a component of computing system 400 that provides network access to network 412. Network adapter 406 can provide wired or wireless network access and can support one or more of a variety of communication technologies and protocols, such as Ethernet, cellular, Bluetooth, near field communication, and RF (radio frequency), among others. Network adapter 406 can include one or more antennas and associated components configured to communicate wirelessly according to one or more wireless communication technologies and protocols.

[0058] One or more input devices 408 are devices through which computing system 400 receives input from a user. One or more input devices 408 can include physically actuatable user interface elements (e.g., buttons, switches, or dials), touchscreens, keyboards, mice, pens, and voice input devices, among other input devices.

[0059] One or more output devices 410 are devices through which computing system 400 can provide output to a user. Output device 410 can include displays, speakers, printers, and other output devices.

[0060] Unless otherwise explicitly indicated, any embodiment or any feature disclosed herein can be combined with any one or more other embodiments and / or other features disclosed herein. Any embodiment or any feature disclosed herein can be explicitly excluded from use with any one or more other embodiments and / or other features disclosed herein, unless otherwise explicitly indicated. Note that any method detailed herein also corresponds to the disclosure of a device and / or system configured to perform one or more or all of the method acts associated with the device and / or system detailed herein. Note also that any disclosure of a device and / or system detailed herein corresponds to a method of manufacturing and / or using the device and / or system, including methods of using the device according to the functions detailed herein. The method can be stored as instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0061] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the examples disclosed herein. In some instances, features of the invention can be used without the corresponding use of other features described. Many modifications, substitutions, and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A medical device system, comprising: A first component, wherein the medical device system switches communication between the first component and a second component of the medical device system from the first communication link to a second communication link in response to an error in the first communication link.

2. The medical device system according to claim 1, wherein the first component is an implantable component and the second component is an external component.

3. The medical device system according to claim 1, wherein when communication between the first component and the second component occurs via the second communication link, the medical device system attempts to re - establish communication via the first communication link.

4. The medical device system according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the medical device system switches communication between the first component and the second component from the second communication link to the first communication link in response to detecting that interference in the first communication link is below a threshold.

5. The medical device system according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the medical device system transmits communication between the first component and the second component via both the first communication link and the second communication link in response to an error rate in the first communication link increasing above a first threshold.

6. The medical device system according to claim 5, wherein the medical device system transmits data between the first component and the second component only via the second communication link in response to the error rate in the first communication link increasing above a second threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold.

7. The medical device system according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the medical device system is a cochlear implant system, wherein the cochlear implant system transmits first audio data from the second component to the first component via the first communication link in a first mode, wherein the first component includes an electrode and a stimulator unit, and the stimulator unit stimulates the electrode in response to the first audio data in the first mode, wherein the cochlear implant system transmits second audio data from the second component to the first component via the second communication link in a second mode in response to interference in the first communication link, and wherein the stimulator unit stimulates the electrode in response to the second audio data in the second mode.

8. An implant system, comprising: An external component, wherein the implant system switches communication between the external component and an implantable component of the implant system from the first communication link to a second communication link in response to interference in the first communication link.

9. The implant system according to claim 8, wherein while the first communication link transmits communication between the external component and the implantable component, the second communication link operates in a low - power standby mode.

10. The implant system according to claim 9, wherein the implant system causes communication between the external component and the implantable component at intervals via the second communication link in the low-power standby mode, which allows the second communication link to be quickly activated in response to the interference in the first communication link.

11. The implant system according to any one of claims 8 - 10, wherein the implant system transmits communication between the implantable component and the external component via both the first communication link and the second communication link in response to the interference in the first communication link increasing above a first threshold, and wherein the implant system transmits a data signal between the external component and the implantable component via only the second communication link in response to the interference in the first communication link increasing above a second threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold.

12. The implant system according to any one of claims 8 - 11, wherein the implant system monitors the interference in the first communication link when communication between the external component and the implantable component occurs via the second communication link to determine when to re-establish communication between the external component and the implantable component via the first communication link.

13. A method, comprising: communicating between an external component of an implant system and the implantable component of the implant system via a first signal transmission link; and communicating between the external component and the implantable component via a second signal transmission link in response to detecting interference in the first signal transmission link.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: monitoring the interference in the first signal transmission link while communication between the external component and the implantable component occurs via the second signal transmission link; and switching communication between the external component and the implantable component from the second signal transmission link to the first signal transmission link in response to detecting that the interference in the first signal transmission link is less than a threshold.

15. The method according to any one of claims 13 - 14, further comprising: comparing the interference in the signal transmitted between the external component and the implantable component via the first signal transmission link with a predefined value; and switching communication between the external component and the implantable component from the first signal transmission link to the second signal transmission link in response to detecting that the interference is greater than the predefined value.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 - 15, further comprising: operating the second signal transmission link in a low-power standby mode while communication between the external component and the implantable component occurs via the first signal transmission link.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein operating the second signal transmission link in the low-power standby mode further comprises transmitting, at time-spaced intervals, communication for at least one function of an automated handshaking process via the second signal transmission link.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13-17, wherein the first signal transmission link is a magnetic induction link and wherein the second signal transmission link is a radio frequency link.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computing system, cause the computing system to: detect when an error rate of bits transmitted between an external component of an implant system and an implantable component of the implant system via a first link reaches a threshold; and in response to the error rate reaching the threshold, cause a signal to be transmitted between the external component and the implantable component via a second link.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 19, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computing system to: in response to the error rate reaching the threshold, switch data transmission between a first processing module in the external component and a second processing module in the implantable component from the first link to the second link.

21. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 19-20, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computing system to: in response to interference in a first channel of a first sub-band corresponding to a frequency band, use frequency hopping to switch the signal transmitted via the second link from the first channel to a second channel of a second sub-band corresponding to the frequency band.

22. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 19-21, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computing system to: while transmitting the signal via the second link, monitor the error rate of the bits transmitted via the first link; and in response to the error rate decreasing below the threshold, switch transmission of the signal between the external component and the implantable component from the second link to the first link.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 19-22, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computing system to: while transmitting the bits via the first link, cause handshaking communication between the external component and the implantable component via the second link at time-spaced intervals.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 19-23, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause the computing system to: in response to the error rate reaching the threshold, cause a signal to be transmitted between the external component and the implantable component via both the first link and the second link; detect when the error rate of the bits transmitted between the external component and the implantable component via the first link reaches an additional threshold greater than the threshold; and In response to the error rate reaching the additional threshold, cause the data signal to be transmitted between the external component and the implantable component only through the second link.

25. An implant system, comprising: An external component, the external component including a first antenna and a second antenna, and a first transceiver and a second transceiver; And An implantable component, the implantable component including a third antenna and a fourth antenna, and a third transceiver and a fourth transceiver, wherein the implant system transmits the first signal between the implantable component and the external component through the first transceiver, the first antenna, the third antenna, and the third transceiver in response to interference in the first signal being less than a threshold, and wherein the implant system transmits a second signal between the implantable component and the external component through the second transceiver, the second antenna, the fourth antenna, and the fourth transceiver in response to the interference in the first signal being greater than the threshold.

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