Cochlear Implant Virtual Channel Matrix Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cochlear implant systems lack an efficient method to determine a virtual channel matrix that optimally maps analysis channels to stimulation channels based on local neuronal survival, without requiring fine-grained frequency analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method involving measuring the amplitude growth function for each stimulation channel with different inter-phase-gaps, calculating indicators based on the slope differences, and selecting stimulation channels with the best local neural survival to create a virtual channel matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fine-grained frequency analysis is used to determine the virtual channel matrix, then the mapping precision from analysis channels to stimulation channels is improved, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for virtual channel matrix determination from the amplitude growth function measurements. Instead of performing comprehensive fine-grained frequency analysis, the system extracts slope differences at specific inter-phase-gap transitions, obtaining the necessary mapping information with reduced computational effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of amplitude growth functions at different inter-phase-gaps before final virtual channel matrix determination. These preliminary measurements provide the slope difference data needed for mapping, eliminating the need for more complex subsequent frequency analysis.
2Measurement precision
If amplitude growth function measurements are performed with multiple inter-phase-gaps, then the accuracy of local neural survival assessment is improved, but the measurement time and processing duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by measuring amplitude growth functions at only two specific inter-phase-gaps (2.1 μs and 30 μs) rather than continuously across all possible values. This partial sampling provides sufficient information to determine slope differences and assess neural survival accuracy without the time cost of exhaustive measurements.
3Reliability
If the virtual channel matrix is optimized based on local neural survival, then the effectiveness of electrical stimulation is improved, but the fitting complexity and procedure duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for virtual channel matrix optimization from traditional frequency-based metrics to slope difference indicators derived from amplitude growth functions. This parameter change simplifies the fitting procedure while maintaining stimulation effectiveness, as slope differences directly reflect local neural survival without requiring complex frequency analysis.
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 allows for improved electrical stimulation of the cochlea by optimizing the virtual channel matrix based on local neural survival, enhancing sound perception in cochlear implant patients.
Implementation Method 1
electrical stimulation pulses for the stimulation channel, where each stimulation pulse comprises a negative and positive phase separated in time by a first inter-phase-gap
Implementation Method 2
measuring an amplitude growth function for the stimulation channel in response to the electrical stimulation pulses
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and arrangements are described for developing a virtual channel matrix for mapping analysis channels to stimulation channels for a cochlear implant patient by selecting a stimulation channel and measuring the amplitude growth function for the selected stimulation channel in response to commands to the cochlear implant to apply electrical stimulation pulses for the stimulation channel, where each stimulation pulse comprises a negative and a positive phase separated in time by a first inter-phase-gap; and measuring the amplitude growth function for the selected stimulation channel in response to commands to the cochlear implant to apply electrical stimulation pulses for the stimulation channel, where each stimulation pulse comprises a negative and positive phase separated in time by a second inter-phase-gap and whereby the first and second inter-phase-gaps are different. Thereafter Determining the slopes of the measured amplitude growth functions for the stimulation channel measured with the first and second inter-phase-gaps, and calculating an indicator based at least in part on the difference of the slopes of the amplitude growth functions indicative of the local neural survival for that stimulation channel. Thereafter Repeating this process for each stimulation channel where an indicator shall be derived and selecting for the virtual channel matrix the stimulation channels with best local neural survival by optimizing a function based at least in part on the calculated indicators of the stimulation channels.