A Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Audio Processing Performance Testing System

Abstract

This utility model discloses a cochlear implant sound processor audio processing performance testing system. The system comprises a host computer, a signal processing unit, and a testing fixture containing a standard implant and a sound processor. The sound processor receives sound signals and wirelessly couples with the standard implant. The signal processing unit includes a switch array and a main controller. The control signal output terminal of the main controller is connected to the switch array and is used to send a channel selection control signal to the switch array. The electrodes of the standard implant are connected to the switch array to form a signal output channel, which is connected to the signal acquisition terminal of the main controller. The main controller is signal-connected to the host computer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cochlear implant testing technology, and in particular to a cochlear implant sound processor audio processing performance testing system. Background Technology

[0002] Cochlear implants are the only effective method and device for restoring hearing in patients with severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss. A cochlear implant device mainly consists of a sound processor, a battery, and an implant itself. With the rapid development of cochlear implants in recent years, hundreds of thousands of hearing-impaired individuals worldwide have regained their hearing. In China, approximately 5 million people with hearing loss can benefit from cochlear implants. The sound processing performance of the cochlear implant's sound processor is particularly important. Companies must thoroughly test and evaluate the sound processing performance of the cochlear implant during product design, and also conduct factory inspections of the sound processing performance during product manufacturing. Currently, traditional testing methods rely on operators manually switching between 22 electrode channels, requiring reconfiguration of the oscilloscope probe and excitation signal source each time. A single test can only collect data from a single electrode, and completing the full channel test requires repeating the operation 22 times, resulting in low testing efficiency, poor data consistency, and a lack of efficient and stable testing systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention provides a cochlear implant sound processor audio processing performance testing system, which mainly solves the technical problems existing in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model embodiment is implemented as follows: A cochlear implant sound processor audio processing performance testing system, the testing system including a host computer, a signal processing unit, and a testing fixture containing a standard implant and a sound processor, the sound processor receiving sound signals and wirelessly coupling with the standard implant, the signal processing unit including a switch array and a main controller, the control signal output terminal of the main controller being connected to the switch array for sending a channel selection control signal to the switch array, the electrodes of the standard implant being connected to the switch array to form a signal output channel, the signal output channel being connected to the signal acquisition terminal of the main controller, and the main controller being signal-connected to the host computer.

[0005] Optionally, the signal processing unit further includes a load array, the electrodes of the standard implant being electrically connected to the load array, and the load array containing multiple load elements.

[0006] Optionally, the electrodes of the standard implant include a reference electrode MP1, a common electrode MP2, and stimulation electrodes E1-E22, which are connected to the load element.

[0007] Optionally, the switch array includes multiple electronic switches, each stimulation electrode is connected to a load element, each load element is connected to an electronic switch, and the electronic switches are connected to the signal acquisition terminal of the main controller.

[0008] Optionally, the load element connected to the reference electrode MP1 and the common electrode MP2 is connected to a common port.

[0009] Optionally, the testing fixture is set inside a soundproof box, which is equipped with a clamp for holding the sound processor. The audio signal input terminal of the soundproof box is connected to an audiometer, and the audiometer is connected to the host computer.

[0010] Optionally, the signal processing unit includes a slave controller, the master controller is connected to the slave controller, and the slave controller is connected to the host computer.

[0011] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: through the coordinated design of the switch array and the main controller in the signal processing unit, the stimulation electrode channel of the standard implant can be flexibly selected according to the test requirements. The main controller selects and controls the corresponding electronic switch by sending the channel selection control signal, so as to test the frequency corresponding to each electrode of the sound processing, covering the frequency response range of the sound processor from 100Hz to 8000Hz. This avoids the tedious operation of manually switching electrodes one by one in the traditional test method, greatly improves the test efficiency through automated channel selection, and ensures that the signal acquisition process of each electrode channel is independent and controllable. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of an audio processing performance testing system for a cochlear implant sound processor provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a circuit connection diagram of the test system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a system block diagram of the test system provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0015] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0016] 1. Host computer; 2. Signal processing unit; 3. Test fixture; 301. Standard implant; 302. Sound processor; 4. Soundproof box; 5. Audiometer; 6. Oscilloscope. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model belongs. The terminology used in this specification of this utility model is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the utility model. In the following description, the expression "some embodiments" refers to a subset of all possible embodiments; however, it should be understood that "some embodiments" can be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments and can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0018] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with the present invention.

[0019] It should be understood that this invention can be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, providing these embodiments will make the disclosure thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this invention to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is intended only to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. When used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “compose” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, identify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. When used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0020] It should also be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0021] To fully understand this utility model, a detailed structure will be presented in the following description to illustrate the technical solution proposed by this utility model. Optional embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, this utility model may have other embodiments.

[0022] Please refer to the attached document. Figures 1 to 2 This application provides a cochlear implant sound processor audio processing performance testing system. The testing system includes a host computer 1, a signal processing unit 2, and a testing fixture 3 containing a standard implant 301 and a sound processor 302. The sound processor 302 receives sound signals and is wirelessly coupled to the standard implant 301. The signal processing unit 2 includes a switch array and a main controller. The control signal output terminal of the main controller is connected to the switch array and is used to send a channel selection control signal to the switch array. The electrodes of the standard implant 301 are connected to the switch array to form a signal output channel. The signal output channel is connected to the signal acquisition terminal of the main controller. The main controller is signal-connected to the host computer 1.

[0023] Specifically, the cochlear implant sound processor audio processing performance testing system disclosed in this utility model sets the testing fixture 3 in a soundproof environment. The host computer 1 sets the sound frequency and intensity of the audio to be tested and makes the speaker emit sound. At the same time, the electrode channel of the audio to be tested is set and input to the main controller. The main controller is preferably an STM32F103 microcontroller. The sound processor 302 under test collects the sound signal and converts it into an electrical signal. After analysis and encoding, it is wirelessly transmitted to the standard implant 301 by the transmitting coil. The main controller outputs a channel selection control signal to the switch array according to the set electrode channel of the audio to be tested. The switch array is configured to select and conduct one or more specific target electrode channels according to the channel selection control signal. The standard implant 301 decodes the received signal and generates an electrical pulse signal. The electrical pulse signal is transmitted to the main controller through one or more specific target electrode channels. The main controller processes the electrical pulse signal and returns it to the host computer 1 in the form of a voltage signal.

[0024] For example, the host computer 1 sets the sound frequency of the audio to be tested to 500Hz or 1000Hz, sets the sound intensity to 70dB, and sets the electrode channels on the standard implant 301 to E11-E13. At this time, the part of the switch array connected to the electrode channels E11-E13 is turned on. The electrical pulse signal generated by the standard implant 301 after decoding the received signal is input to the main controller through the turned-on electrode channels E11-E13.

[0025] In some embodiments, the signal processing unit 2 further includes a load array, the electrodes of the standard implant 301 are electrically connected to the load array, the load array includes multiple load elements, wherein the load elements are 1kΩ resistors. By connecting the load elements with 1kΩ resistors, the electrical pulse current signal output by the electrodes of the standard implant 301 can be converted into a measurable voltage signal (V=I×R) through Ohm's law, which is convenient for acquisition and processing by the main controller and other devices. At the same time, the test benchmark is standardized by using a fixed resistance value, simulating the actual tissue impedance environment of the cochlear implant in the human body, and ensuring the consistency of signal conversion under different electrodes and test conditions.

[0026] In some embodiments, the electrodes of the standard implant 301 include a reference electrode MP1, a common electrode MP2, and stimulation electrodes E1-E22, which are connected to the load element. For example, the reference electrode MP1, the common electrode MP2, and the stimulation electrodes E1-E22 are respectively connected to the corresponding load element.

[0027] In some embodiments, the switch array includes multiple electronic switches, each stimulation electrode is connected to a load element, and each load element is connected to an electronic switch. The electronic switches are connected to the signal acquisition terminal of the main controller. For example, taking stimulation electrode E1 as an example, stimulation electrode E1 is connected to the load element and the electronic switch in sequence to form a signal output channel for electrode E1. The electronic switch is connected to the signal acquisition terminal of the main controller. When the electronic switch connected to electrode E1 is turned on, the main controller can receive the signal from motor E1.

[0028] In some embodiments, the load element connected to the reference electrode MP1 and the common electrode MP2 is connected to a common port. Its function is to provide a unified reference potential for signal acquisition, so that the output signal of the stimulation electrode can be accurately measured relative to the reference potential, ensuring the stability and consistency of the signal acquisition of each electrode. At the same time, the common connection structure of the common port simplifies the circuit connection and eliminates potential difference interference.

[0029] In some embodiments, the testing fixture 3 is housed within a soundproof enclosure 4, which contains a clamp for holding the sound processor 302. The audio signal input terminal of the soundproof enclosure 4 is connected to an audiometer 5, which is connected to a host computer 1. Specifically, the soundproof enclosure 4 has a built-in high-quality speaker, and an adapter is provided on the side of the enclosure. The adapter includes an audio interface, which is connected to the audiometer 5. The host computer 1 sets the sound frequency and intensity of the audio to be tested and outputs it to the audiometer 5. At this time, the audiometer 5 outputs a sound signal through the audio interface and plays it through the speaker. The sound processor 302 under test collects the sound signal through its built-in microphone and converts it into an electrical signal. After analysis and encoding, the signal is wirelessly transmitted to the implant via a transmitting coil. The implant decodes the received signal and generates an electrical pulse signal.

[0030] In some embodiments, the signal processing unit 2 includes a slave controller, the master controller is connected to the slave controller, and the slave controller is connected to the host computer 1. The slave controller is preferably a USB-to-serial chip FT232RL. The FT232RL, as a slave controller, receives the TTL / CMOS level serial port signal output by the master controller, converts it into data in USB protocol format through internal logic, and then connects to the host computer 1 through the USB interface.

[0031] See Figure 3 In some embodiments, the signal processing unit 2 includes an oscilloscope 6, which is signal-connected to the main controller, and the signal waveform is visually monitored through the oscilloscope 6.

[0032] Working principle: The cochlear implant sound processor 302 under test is mounted on a fixture on the testing fixture 3. Its built-in transmitting coil is wirelessly coupled to the receiving coil of the standard implant 301. The testing fixture 3 is placed inside a soundproof box 4. After the user sets the audio parameters such as sound frequency and sound intensity and the electrode channels on the host computer 1, a test command is issued. The audiometer 5 generates a corresponding audio signal, which is emitted by the speaker in the soundproof box 4. The microphone built into the sound processor 302 collects the signal, converts it into an electrical signal, encodes it, and then transmits it wirelessly to the standard implant 301 through the transmitting coil. The standard implant 301 decodes the signal and generates an electrical pulse signal, which is output through the electrodes. The common voltage of the standard implant 301... Each of the following electrodes is connected to a 1kΩ resistor: MP2 (reference electrode), MP1 (reference electrode), and E1-E22 (stimulation electrodes). The other end of the resistor connected to the stimulation electrode is connected to the input terminal of the electronic switch. The output terminal of the electronic switch is directly connected to the electrical signal acquisition pin of the main controller. The electronic switch is controlled by the main controller and is turned on only when the corresponding stimulation electrode signal needs to be acquired, thus realizing the channel selection function. The reference electrode MP1 and the common electrode MP2 are each connected to one end of their respective 1kΩ load resistors. The other ends of the two resistors are connected to the same common terminal node. This common terminal node is directly connected to the fixed reference potential pin of the main controller, providing a potential reference for the main controller to acquire stimulation electrode signals.

[0033] After receiving the electrode channel information from the host computer 1, the main controller turns on the electronic switch of the corresponding stimulation electrode, collects the pulse signal on the load resistor of the channel, and returns it to the host computer as a voltage signal after analysis and processing by the main controller. The host computer 1 analyzes the voltage signal V, calculates the current I using the resistor R = 1kΩ through V / R, and compares it with the current IT corresponding to the T value and the current IC corresponding to the C value in the sound processor 302. If IT ≤ I ≤ IC, the data is normal and is displayed and saved. If they do not match, they are resampled and analyzed. If all 5 tests are abnormal, the test is displayed as failed.

[0034] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the stated claims.

Claims

1. A cochlear implant sound processor audio processing performance testing system, characterized in that, The testing system includes a host computer, a signal processing unit, and a testing fixture containing a standard implant and a sound processor. The sound processor receives sound signals and wirelessly couples with the standard implant. The signal processing unit includes a switch array and a main controller. The control signal output terminal of the main controller is connected to the switch array and is used to send a channel selection control signal to the switch array. The electrodes of the standard implant are connected to the switch array to form a signal output channel. The signal output channel is connected to the signal acquisition terminal of the main controller. The main controller is signal-connected to the host computer.

2. The audio processing performance testing system for a cochlear implant sound processor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing unit further includes a load array, the electrodes of the standard implant are electrically connected to the load array, and the load array contains multiple load elements.

3. The audio processing performance testing system for a cochlear implant sound processor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrodes of the standard implant include a reference electrode MP1, a common electrode MP2, and stimulation electrodes E1-E22, which are connected to the load element.

4. The audio processing performance testing system for a cochlear implant sound processor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The switch array includes multiple electronic switches, each stimulation electrode is connected to a load element, each load element is connected to an electronic switch, and the electronic switches are connected to the signal acquisition terminal of the main controller.

5. The audio processing performance testing system for a cochlear implant sound processor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The load element connected to the reference electrode MP1 and the common electrode MP2 is connected to a common port.

6. The audio processing performance testing system for a cochlear implant sound processor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The testing fixture is set inside a soundproof box, which is equipped with a clamp for holding the sound processor. The audio signal input terminal of the soundproof box is connected to an audiometer, and the audiometer is connected to the host computer.

7. The audio processing performance testing system for a cochlear implant sound processor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing unit includes a slave controller, the master controller is connected to the slave controller, and the slave controller is connected to the host computer.

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