Auditory Prosthesis Power Adjustment via Acoustic Signal Prediction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable auditory prostheses face power intermittencies due to imbalances between power supplied and load demand, leading to inefficiencies and potential over-voltage issues, which existing transcutaneous power transfer methods struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves measuring characteristics of acoustic signals to predict power demand and dynamically adjusting configuration parameters, such as RF signal amplitude and frame rate, to optimize energy transmission to the internal unit, ensuring efficient power consumption and avoiding over-voltage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power in the RF signal is increased to avoid underpowering the implanted unit, then sufficient energy margin is maintained, but excessive power consumption and over-voltage conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power level of the RF signal based on real-time measurement of the acoustic signal characteristics. The speech processor continuously monitors the acoustic signal and modifies the RF power transmission accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic power control to match actual demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the power amplifier's output is monitored and the RF signal power is adjusted based on the measured acoustic signal characteristics. This closed-loop control ensures power is transmitted at the appropriate level to prevent both underpowering and over-voltage conditions.
2Reliability
If power level parameters are set high to ensure sufficient power supply, then implant operation is maintained, but power wastage and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the power level parameter of the RF signal dynamically based on the characteristics of the acoustic signal being processed. By adjusting this critical parameter in response to actual processing needs, the system avoids both power deficiency and excessive power consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the continuous operation of auditory prostheses by matching power supply with demand, reducing the risk of intermittencies and improving battery life by optimizing power usage based on sound intensity and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The radio-frequency (RF) signal sent to the implanted unit transfers energy that is used to power the implanted unit
Implementation Method 2
this transfer of power is generally performed transcutaneously since percutaneous leads may cause discomfort to and may be a potential source of infection
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are techniques for adjusting one or more configuration parameters of an auditory prosthesis based on at least a predicted power demand in an internal unit/component of the auditory prosthesis. The auditory prosthesis may be configured to measure one or more characteristics of an acoustic/sound signal received by the auditory prosthesis and adjust one or more configuration parameters of the auditory prosthesis based at least a predicted power demand in the internal unit derived from the one or more measured characteristics of the acoustic signal.