Modified CIS Strategy Using Monophasic Pulses for Charge Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cochlear implant systems using conventional Continuous Interleaved Stimulation (CIS) strategies face inefficiencies due to the use of biphasic pulses, which result in wasted energy and reduced battery life, as they require additional pulses for charge balancing that do not contribute to loudness growth.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a modified CIS strategy that utilizes monophasic stimulation pulses with extended inter-pulse intervals and charge balancing stimulation, allowing for increased pulse width without reducing stimulation frame rate, thereby reducing power consumption and improving battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If monophasic stimulation pulses are used to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but charge imbalance accumulates requiring additional charge balancing pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing charge balancing in advance during the inter-pulse interval before the next stimulus pulse. The charge balancing current is delivered during the otherwise idle time between stimulus pulses, proactively neutralizing charge accumulation before it becomes problematic, thus enabling monophasic pulse usage without requiring additional dedicated charge balancing pulses.
2Loss of energy
If extended inter-pulse intervals are used for charge balancing, then charge balance is achieved, but stimulation frame rate may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by delivering charge balancing current periodically during the inter-pulse intervals between stimulus pulses. This rhythmic charging during natural idle periods ensures continuous charge management without adding extra time, maintaining the stimulation frame rate while achieving effective charge balance through regular periodic intervention.
3Loss of energy
If charge balancing stimulation is applied during inter-pulse interval, then charge balance is improved, but perceptible stimulation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering charge balancing current to a different electrode than the one that received the stimulus pulse. Instead of charge balancing the stimulated electrode directly (which would be perceptible), the system selects an adjacent or different electrode for charge balancing, localizing the charge management action to a non-sensory location while still achieving electrical neutrality in the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary sound processor included in a cochlear implant system may include a control facility that represents a first frequency domain signal to a patient by 1) directing a cochlear implant included in the cochlear implant system to apply, during a first stimulation frame, a first monophasic stimulation pulse representative of a first temporal portion of the first frequency domain signal that corresponds to the first stimulation frame, the first monophasic stimulation pulse having a first polarity, and 2) directing the cochlear implant to apply, during a second stimulation frame that is temporally subsequent to the first stimulation frame, a second monophasic stimulation pulse representative of a second temporal portion of the first frequency domain signal that corresponds to the second stimulation frame, the second monophasic stimulation pulse configured to at least partially charge balance the first monophasic stimulation pulse and having a second polarity opposite the first polarity.