Artificial cochlea signal synchronization device and debugging method

Abstract

The invention provides an artificial cochlea signal synchronization device and a debugging method, and the device comprises an artificial cochlea in-vitro all-in-one machine which is used for working after receiving a debugging instruction, and synchronously transmitting an optical signal; a standard implant; the separation equipment is used for detecting the induction current of the output end of the standard implant and sending a sending signal to the signal receiving synchronization equipment after detecting the current; the signal receiving synchronization equipment is used for sending a debugging instruction to the all-in-one machine, receiving an optical signal and a delivery signal and carrying out calculation processing when being in a calibration mode; and when in the debugging mode, the optical transceiver is used for sending a debugging instruction to the all-in-one machine, receiving an optical signal and sending a synchronizing signal to the medical professional detection equipment. The optical signal transmitter is additionally arranged in the artificial cochlea in-vitro all-in-one machine, then the signal synchronization device is matched, the synchronized signals are output to other medical devices for use, and the problem that the medical devices cannot be used for adjusting an existing artificial cochlea in-vitro all-in-one machine is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cochlear implants, and in particular to a device and method for wireless precise signal synchronization of an external cochlear implant integrated device. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of technology and the increase in demand for use of external cochlear implant devices (sound processors), the user usage scenarios are constantly expanding. They can even be used while swimming. The requirements for sound processors are smaller, lighter, and with a higher level of protection. In order to meet the patient's usage requirements, an integrated sound processor that omits all external ports and uses wireless methods for communication and charging has emerged. Due to the lack of ports, the integrated sound processor cannot be adjusted by wired means and can only use wireless communication. For example, the adjustment function similar to EABR, when the patient is tested, it is necessary to collect neural signals such as the user's face during stimulation, and the corresponding neural signals need to be accurately collected at the same time as the stimulation. Traditional wireless communication methods cannot accurately synchronize signals, which will cause the integrated sound processor to lose similar adjustment functions as EABR. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a cochlear implant signal synchronization device, comprising: an external cochlear implant integrated device, a separation device and a signal receiving and synchronization device; wherein,

[0004] An external cochlear implant integrated device is used to work after receiving a machine adjustment command and synchronously emit an optical signal;

[0005] The separation device includes a standard implant and a stimulation signal receiving module, and is used to passively operate when the cochlear implant is external to the integrated device, generate stimulation current, and detect whether the stimulation current reaches the stimulation signal receiving circuit module; after detecting the arrival of the stimulation current, it sends a delivery signal to the signal receiving synchronization device;

[0006] The signal receiving synchronization device, when in the calibration mode, is used to send adjustment instructions to the cochlear implant external integrated device, receive light signals and delivery signals, and calculate the time difference Td based on the time T1 of receiving the light signal and the time T2 of receiving the delivery signal; when in the adjustment mode, it is used to send adjustment instructions to the cochlear implant external integrated device, receive light signals, and send synchronization signals to the medical professional detection equipment after a delay of Td after receiving the light signal.

[0007] Optionally, the external integrated cochlear implant includes one or more laser lamp beads, which emit invisible light, and the optical signal is the invisible light emitted by the laser lamp beads.

[0008] Optionally, the separation device further includes a first USB Type-C interface, and the signal receiving synchronization device further includes a second USB Type-C interface. The first and second USB Type-C interfaces are connected by a cable and are used for the separation device to send signals to the signal receiving synchronization device.

[0009] Optionally, the signal receiving synchronization device includes a multi-channel receiving head, the shell of the signal receiving synchronization device is a rectangular box, one side of the shell is a hemispherical transparent material, and the multi-channel receiving heads are distributed on the hemispherical surface of the side.

[0010] Optionally, the signal receiving synchronization device adopts system time constraints.

[0011] Optionally, the signal receiving synchronization device is powered by a dry cell battery.

[0012] Optionally, the shell of the signal receiving synchronization device is designed to be frosted on all surfaces except the hemispherical surface, and the shell is also provided with a handle.

[0013] Optionally, the signal receiving synchronization device further includes a storage memory module, which is connected to the power consumption and wide voltage microcontroller chip to provide a memory function and a user configuration function.

[0014] Optionally, the output interface and the extension cord head connecting the signal receiving synchronization device and the medical device are specially plugged in in a fool-proof manner.

[0015] The present invention also provides a cochlear implant tuning method using the above cochlear implant signal synchronization device, comprising the steps of:

[0016] The standard implant is connected to the cochlear implant external integrated device, and the separation device is connected to the signal receiving synchronization device;

[0017] The signal receiving synchronization device sends a test command to the cochlear implant external integrated device;

[0018] The cochlear implant's external integrated device processes the command and works while emitting a light signal;

[0019] The standard implant works and outputs stimulation current;

[0020] The signal receiving synchronization device receives the optical signal and records the time T1 when the optical signal is received;

[0021] The separation device detects the stimulation current output and sends a delivery signal to the signal receiving synchronization device when the current is detected;

[0022] The time when the optical signal is received is recorded as T1, the time when the delivery signal is received is recorded as T2, and the time difference Td is calculated;

[0023] Remove the external cochlear implant and the separation device, have the user wear the external cochlear implant, and connect the signal receiving and synchronization device to the professional medical detection equipment;

[0024] The signal receiving synchronization device sends a test command to the cochlear implant external integrated device;

[0025] The cochlear implant's external integrated device processes the command and works while emitting a light signal;

[0026] The signal receiving synchronization device receives the optical signal and sends the signal to the medical professional detection equipment after a delay of Td.

[0027] This invention adds an optical signal transmitter to the cochlear implant's integrated external device, paired with a signal synchronization device, to output the synchronized signal to other medical devices. This calibrated-and-used system achieves precise signal synchronization during operation, overcoming environmental influences. The calibration device, acting as a detection device, overcomes errors caused by system inconsistencies. This design offers strong anti-interference capabilities while retaining the integrated device's tuning capabilities, achieving the same functionality as traditional wired sound processors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the external cochlear implant and the optical signal transmitter of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the separation device in the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of the signal receiving synchronization device in the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the steps of calibration and adjustment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the separation device and the signal receiving synchronization device during calibration in the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of steps in performing calibration according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram of steps in performing calibration according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 Flowchart of the wireless adjustment method of the cochlear implant in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, so that the advantages and features of the present invention can be more easily understood by those skilled in the art, thereby making a clearer and more precise definition of the scope of protection of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described in the present invention are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] It should be noted that, in the present invention, professional medical detection equipment is an existing technology well known to those skilled in the art, and is not used as a technical feature to solve technical problems in the present invention.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, based on the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, a cochlear implant signal synchronization device is provided, which consists of four parts: an external integrated machine including an optical signal transmitter, a standard implant, a separation device, and a signal synchronization device.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 1 In this embodiment, the external all-in-one cochlear implant, that is, the sound processor can be a redesigned external all-in-one cochlear implant 100 with a built-in optical signal transmitter 101; since this type of all-in-one device needs to meet functions such as waterproofing during design, the difficulty and cost of maintenance will be very high, and the waterproofing function will be lost after maintenance, so in this embodiment, this type of all-in-one device has a built-in optical signal transmitter 101, and the optical signal transmitter 101 is 3 laser lamp beads. As long as one laser lamp bead can work, the normal operation of the cochlear implant synchronization device can be guaranteed, reducing the possibility of maintenance. In other embodiments, only one laser lamp bead can be set, or more laser lamp beads can be set to reduce the possible chance of maintenance.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 2 The separation device 200 includes a standard implant 201 and a stimulation signal receiving circuit module 210. The stimulation signal receiving circuit module 210 includes a first communication module, which is connected to the interface 211. The standard implant 201 can be replaced with an implant consistent with the user to reduce errors; the standard implant 201 is connected to the stimulation signal receiving circuit module 210. The stimulation signal receiving circuit module 210 receives the stimulation signal of the standard implant 201 and amplifies it and transmits it to the signal synchronization device through the first communication module. The first communication module can send signals via cables or wirelessly.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 3The signal receiving synchronization device 300 includes a circuit system 301 and a rectangular shell 302. The circuit system 301 is arranged in the rectangular shell 302, and includes a low-power, wide-voltage microcontrol system, a second communication module and a wireless module; a side of the rectangular shell 302 is provided with a receiving window 303 made of a hemispherical transparent material, and a multi-channel receiving head 307 is provided on the receiving window 303, and the multi-channel receiving head 307 is connected to the circuit system 301; a battery compartment 304 and an interface 305 are also provided on the rectangular shell 302, and the interface 305 is connected to the circuit system 301.

[0043] In this embodiment, specifically, the signal receiving synchronization device 300 further includes a power supply system, and the circuit system 301 further includes a synchronization signal output module and a human-computer interaction input module connected to a low-power, wide-voltage microcontroller system.

[0044] In this embodiment, optionally, the laser lamp bead emits invisible light with a wavelength of 840 to 860 nm; correspondingly, the multi-channel receiving head 307 in the signal receiving synchronization device 300 is a central 850 nm wavelength receiving head; the use of invisible light in this band can eliminate interference from electromagnetic waves in other bands in the actual operating environment.

[0045] In this embodiment, optionally, the interface 211 is a first USB Type-C interface, the interface 305 is a second USB Type-C interface, and the first and second USB Type-C interfaces are connected by a cable, and are used for the separation device 200 to send a signal to the signal receiving synchronization device 100; the signal receiving synchronization device 100 also includes a Type-C detachable input module, which is connected to the second USB Type-C interface and the circuit system 301.

[0046] In this embodiment, optionally, the signal receiving synchronization device is powered by dry batteries, which are installed in the battery compartment 304, preferably two No. 7 batteries; using independent dry batteries for power supply can eliminate interference that may be caused by the power supply, and using No. 7 batteries can reduce the volume of the battery compartment 304, thereby controlling the volume of the rectangular shell 302, and No. 7 batteries are low in cost and easy to obtain, which improves portability while taking into account ease of use.

[0047] In this embodiment, optionally, the rectangular parallelepiped housing 302 is further provided with a handle 306 to facilitate the movement of the signal receiving synchronization device.

[0048] In this embodiment, optionally, the rectangular shell 302 is made of a frosted material, which reduces the risk of the device tipping over due to environmental factors during use.

[0049] In this embodiment, the signal receiving synchronization device 300 optionally employs a system time constraint to address uncontrollable time errors between the time the wireless signal sent by the signal synchronization receiving device is received by the integrated device. This system time constraint allows for the detection of consistent errors when using the same integrated device and synchronization equipment. This system time constraint overcomes calibration device errors and environmental interference.

[0050] In this embodiment, the signal receiving synchronization device 300 optionally further includes human-computer interaction protection, that is, after starting the test, if no operation is performed within a specified time, such as no operation within 1 minute, the signal receiving synchronization device 300 enters a standby state.

[0051] In this embodiment, optionally, the signal receiving synchronization device further includes a storage memory module, which is connected to the power-consumption and wide-voltage microcontroller chip to provide a memory function and a user configuration function, so that a user can calibrate the machine once and use it multiple times.

[0052] In this embodiment, the power supply system optionally includes human-machine interactions such as switch control, power prompt function, and device alarm.

[0053] In this embodiment, optionally, the diameter of the laser lamp bead is 3 mm, and it is set in the upper middle position so as not to interfere with the operation of the all-in-one machine, and the light emitted by the laser lamp bead is within an angle of 30°.

[0054] In this embodiment, optionally, the operating voltage of the optical signal transmitter 101 is 1.4 to 1.8 voltage, and the emitted light has a radiation intensity of 15 to 40le; this operating voltage is a commonly used operating voltage for the all-in-one machine and can be better compatible with the all-in-one machine; the radiation intensity is moderate and can be easily detected by the multi-channel detection head.

[0055] In this embodiment, optionally, the output interface and the extension cord head connecting the signal receiving synchronization device and the medical device are connected in a special anti-mismatching manner, and the special anti-mismatching manner is different from the style of other interfaces of the signal receiving synchronization device, such as the Type-B interface, which is used to clearly distinguish other interfaces to prevent incorrect connection.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] Please refer to Figure 4 , which is a logic block diagram of the present invention during the calibration step. During the calibration step, the signal receiving synchronization device 100 only has the human-computer interaction input module, low-power wide-voltage micro-control system, wireless module and multi-channel receiving head involved in the operation.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 5Figure 2 shows the positional relationship between separation device 200 and signal receiving and synchronizing device 100 during the calibration step of the present invention. The two can be connected via a data cable or wirelessly. Before performing the calibration procedure, align the cochlear implant externally, which includes the optical signal transmitter, with the implant on separation device 200. The straight-line distance between the external cochlear implant and the multi-channel receiving head should be maintained within 5 meters, and there should be no obstructions in the direct line between the optical signal transmitter and the receiving head.

[0059] Turn on the signal receiving synchronization device 100 and the all-in-one machine, control the low-power wide-voltage microcontrol system to pair with the all-in-one machine through the human-computer interaction input module, and send a test command to the all-in-one machine through the wireless module; the all-in-one machine works after receiving the test command, and controls the optical signal transmitter to emit an optical signal at the same time; the signal receiving synchronization device 100 receives the optical signal through the multi-channel receiving head, and the low-power wide-voltage microcontrol system records the time T1; the standard implant works passively after the all-in-one machine works, generates an induced current, and stimulates the signal receiving circuit module to send a delivery signal to the signal receiving synchronization device 100 after detecting the current, and the low-power wide-voltage microcontrol system records the time T2; the low-power wide-voltage microcontrol system calculates the time difference Td through the formula T2-T1=Td and records it.

[0060] Please continue to refer to Figure 4 , which is a logical block diagram of the present invention during device calibration. After the calibration step is completed, the standard implant in the separation device is disconnected from the integrated device, the separation device is removed, and the integrated device is installed for the user. The straight-line distance between the external cochlear implant integrated device and the multi-channel receiving head should be maintained within 5 meters, and there should be no obstruction between the optical signal transmitter and the receiving head.

[0061] Repeat the calibration steps and send a test command to the all-in-one device. After receiving the test command, the all-in-one device will work and drive the user's implant to work, while controlling the optical signal transmitter to emit an optical signal. The signal receiving synchronization device 100 receives the optical signal through a multi-channel receiving head, and after waiting for the time difference Td recorded in the calibration step, sends a signal to the medical device through the synchronization signal output module.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As a more feasible implementation scheme, compared with Example 2, the separation device 200 adds a first USB Type-C interface, and the signal receiving and synchronization device 100 adds a power-on and power detection module, an output display module and a second USB Type-C interface in the power system.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 6Compared with Example 2, during the calibration step, the stimulation signal receiving circuit module and the low-power wide-voltage micro-control system are connected through a double-headed Type-C cable. The power-on and power detection module in the power supply system is used to start the signal receiving synchronization device 100, provide power monitoring and transmit the monitored data to the low-power wide-voltage micro-control system. The low-power wide-voltage micro-control system calculates and organizes the data and transmits it to the output display module to display the results to the user, including but not limited to power information, time T1 and time T2, etc.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 7 Compared with Example 2, during the machine adjustment step, the low-power, wide-voltage micro-control system will also transmit the data of the synchronization signal to the output display module.

[0066] Example 4

[0067] The present invention also provides a cochlear implant adjustment method, comprising the steps of:

[0068] The standard implant is connected to the cochlear implant external integrated device, and the separation device is connected to the signal receiving synchronization device;

[0069] The signal receiving synchronization device sends a test command to the cochlear implant external integrated device;

[0070] The cochlear implant's external integrated device processes the command and works while emitting a light signal;

[0071] The standard implant works and outputs stimulation current;

[0072] Please refer to Figure 8 , the signal receiving synchronization device receives the optical signal and records the time T1 when the optical signal is received;

[0073] The separation device detects the stimulation current output and sends a delivery signal to the signal receiving synchronization device when the current is detected;

[0074] The time when the optical signal is received is recorded as T1, the time when the delivery signal is received is recorded as T2, and the time difference Td is calculated;

[0075] Remove the external cochlear implant and the separation device, have the user wear the external cochlear implant, and connect the signal receiving and synchronization device to the professional medical detection equipment;

[0076] The signal receiving synchronization device sends a test command to the cochlear implant external integrated device;

[0077] The cochlear implant's external integrated device processes the command and works while emitting a light signal;

[0078] The signal receiving synchronization device receives the optical signal and sends the signal to the medical professional detection equipment after a delay of Td.

[0079] This invention cleverly addresses the difficulty of synchronizing signals between the cochlear implant and other medical devices during system setup by adding an optical signal transmitter to the integrated design and pairing it with a signal synchronization receiver. This output allows for the synchronized signal to be used with other medical devices. This calibrated-and-used system achieves precise signal synchronization during system operation, overcoming environmental influences. The calibration device acts as a detection device to mitigate system inconsistencies. This design offers strong anti-interference capabilities, retains the integrated device's tuning functions, and can achieve the same functionality as traditional wired sound processors.

[0080] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, it should be aware that all solutions obtained by equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made using the content of this specification and illustrations should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cochlear implant signal synchronization device, characterized in that: include: Cochlear implant external integrated device, separation equipment and signal receiving and synchronization equipment; among which, An external cochlear implant integrated device is used to work after receiving a machine adjustment command and synchronously emit an optical signal; The separation device includes a standard implant and a stimulation signal receiving module. The standard implant is used to work passively when the cochlear implant is working in an external integrated device to generate stimulation current. The stimulation signal receiving module is used to detect the stimulation current and send a delivery signal to the signal receiving synchronization device after detecting the arrival of the stimulation current. The signal receiving synchronization device, when in the calibration mode, is used to send adjustment instructions to the cochlear implant external integrated device, receive light signals and delivery signals, and calculate the time difference Td based on the time T1 of receiving the light signal and the time T2 of receiving the delivery signal; when in the adjustment mode, it is used to send adjustment instructions to the cochlear implant external integrated device, receive light signals, and send synchronization signals to the medical professional detection equipment after a delay of Td after receiving the light signal.

2. The cochlear implant signal synchronization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cochlear implant external integrated device includes one or more laser lamp beads, which emit invisible light, and the optical signal is the invisible light emitted by the laser lamp beads.

3. The cochlear implant signal synchronization device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The separation device further includes a first USB Type-C interface, and the signal receiving synchronization device further includes a second USB Type-C interface. The first and second USB Type-C interfaces are connected by a cable and are used for the separation device to send a signal to the signal receiving synchronization device.

4. The cochlear implant signal synchronization device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The signal receiving synchronization device includes a multi-channel receiving head. The shell of the signal receiving synchronization device is a rectangular box. One side of the shell is a hemispherical transparent material, and the multi-channel receiving heads are distributed on the hemispherical surface of the side.

5. The cochlear implant signal synchronization device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The signal receiving synchronization device adopts system time constraints.

6. The cochlear implant signal synchronization device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The signal receiving synchronization device is powered by an internal power supply.

7. The cochlear implant signal synchronization device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The shell of the signal receiving synchronization device is designed to be frosted on all surfaces except the hemispherical surface, and the shell is also provided with a handle.

8. The cochlear implant signal synchronization device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The signal receiving synchronization device further comprises a storage memory module, which is connected to the power consumption and wide voltage microcontroller chip and is used to provide a memory function and a user configuration function.

9. The cochlear implant signal synchronization device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The output interface and extension cord head connecting the signal receiving synchronization device and the medical device are specially designed for foolproof plug-in.

10. A method for adjusting a cochlear implant according to claim 1, characterized in that: Including steps: The standard implant is connected to the cochlear implant external integrated device, and the separation device is connected to the signal receiving synchronization device; The signal receiving synchronization device sends a test command to the cochlear implant external integrated device; The cochlear implant's external integrated device processes the command and works while emitting a light signal; The standard implant works and outputs stimulation current; The signal receiving synchronization device receives the optical signal and records the time T1 when the optical signal is received; The separation device detects the stimulation current output and sends a delivery signal to the signal receiving synchronization device when the current is detected; The time when the optical signal is received is recorded as T1, the time when the delivery signal is received is recorded as T2, and the time difference Td is calculated; Remove the external cochlear implant and the separation device, have the user wear the external cochlear implant, and connect the signal receiving and synchronization device to the professional medical detection equipment; The signal receiving synchronization device sends a test command to the cochlear implant external integrated device; The cochlear implant's external integrated device processes the command and works while emitting a light signal; The signal receiving synchronization device receives the optical signal and sends the signal to the medical professional detection equipment after a delay of Td.

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