Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Remote Program Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for loading sound processing programs onto cochlear implant sound processors are inconvenient, costly, and time-consuming, especially when processors are lost, damaged, or need updating, requiring clinical or manufacturing intervention.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for remote loading of sound processing programs onto cochlear implant sound processors, enabling communication between the sound processor and a remote computing system to transfer and store programs via a network, allowing for seamless updates and replacements without physical presence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional clinical or manufacturing settings are used to load sound processing programs onto sound processors, then program loading can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient when processors are lost, damaged, or need updating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to load sound processing programVSAvoidconvenience of program loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote computing system as an intermediary between the sound processor and the user. This intermediary system communicates with the sound processor via telemetry communication, enabling program loading without requiring physical presence in clinical or manufacturing settings. The remote system acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the user's device and the sound processor, resolving the contradiction by making the process both faster and more convenient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical process of program loading (which requires physical connection in clinical settings) with a wireless telemetry-based electronic transfer system. Instead of physically connecting devices in a clinic, the system uses electromagnetic communication to transfer programs remotely, thereby reducing time loss and improving operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional in-person clinical appointments are required for program loading, then accurate programming can be achieved, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of sound processing programVSAvoidtime for clinical appointment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the sound processor to autonomously communicate with a remote computing system to load programs without requiring in-person clinical intervention. The system performs self-service program loading through wireless telemetry, maintaining reliability by using validated programming methods while eliminating the need for time-consuming in-person appointments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A remote computing system serves as an intermediary that maintains programming accuracy without requiring physical presence. This intermediary can validate and transfer programs remotely, ensuring reliability while significantly reducing the time loss associated with in-person clinical appointments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If replacement sound processors are ordered through conventional channels, then functional replacement can be achieved, but the process is inconvenient and delays restoration of hearing function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoration of hearing functionVSAvoiddowntime for sound processor replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary action by allowing sound processing programs to be transferred and prepared in advance through remote communication. When a sound processor needs replacement, the new processor can be pre-programmed remotely, and the transfer can be initiated immediately upon receipt, minimizing downtime and quickly restoring hearing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical process of physical device replacement with a wireless telemetry-based system. This substitution allows for immediate program transfer to replacement processors without the delays of conventional ordering and setup processes, thereby reducing downtime while maintaining reliable hearing function restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11889269B2Systems and methods for remote loading of a sound processing program onto a sound processor included within a cochlear implant system

Publication Date: 2024.01.30 ADVANCED BIONICS AG

AI summary

A cochlear implant system includes a cochlear implant configured to be implanted within a patient and a sound processor communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant. The sound processor detects a unique identifier of the cochlear implant and establishes, by way of a network, an active network link with a remote computing system located remotely from the cochlear implant system. The sound processor transmits the unique identifier of the cochlear implant to the remote computing system over the active network link and, in response, receives data representative of a sound processing program associated with the cochlear implant from the remote computing system over the active network link. The sound processor stores the received data representative of the sound processing program on a local storage facility associated with the sound processor. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.