Implantable Device Identification for Cochlear Implant Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bilateral cochlear implantation, there is a risk of incorrectly swapping external speech processor devices due to their identical appearance, leading to reduced speech perception and potential pain, especially in young, elderly, or visually impaired individuals, as the incorrect mapping of electrical stimulation can occur.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an external device that determines the identity of the implanted device before transmitting stimulation, using corresponding sets of operating parameters specific to each ear, ensuring correct stimulation instructions are delivered regardless of device placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If identical speech processor devices are used for both ears, then device consistency and ease of manufacture are improved, but the risk of incorrect device swapping increases leading to reduced speech perception and potential pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an identification system as an intermediary between the speech processor and implant. Each implant has a unique identifier that the speech processor detects and uses to select the appropriate mapping parameters. This intermediary identification mechanism allows identical external devices to be manufactured while ensuring correct pairing through automatic identification and parameter selection.
2Measurement precision
If individualized mapping parameters are used for each implant, then speech perception quality is improved, but the complexity of device management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic identification and parameter selection. When a speech processor is placed on an implant, it automatically detects the implant's unique identifier, retrieves the corresponding individualized mapping parameters, and configures itself without requiring manual intervention. This maintains high stimulation precision while eliminating the complexity of manual parameter management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the speech processor continuously communicates with the implant to verify identification and parameter correctness. The system receives feedback from the implant about its identity and operational status, and adjusts parameters accordingly, ensuring precise stimulation while simplifying user interaction through automatic adaptation.
3Ease of operation
If manual device selection is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the risk of human error increases especially in visually impaired or elderly users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical selection with an automatic electronic identification system. Instead of relying on users to manually select or match devices based on visual or tactile cues, the system uses automatic detection of unique identifiers and electronic retrieval of corresponding parameters. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining device simplicity, as users simply place the speech processor on the implant without any selection steps.
Data Source
AI summary
Controlling the interaction between an external device and an implanted device, including a method of controlling interaction between an external device and an implanted device, the method including at least the steps of: establishing communications between the implanted device and the external device; the external device determining an identification of the implant and comparing the identification with identifications in a stored list; if the device matches one of said identifications, then using a corresponding set of operating parameters to interact with said implant; and otherwise, not interacting with said device.