Cochlear Implant Processor Frame Coding Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cochlear implant systems face challenges in providing stable energy control and optimal temporal information transmission due to the reliance on fixed stimulation frame onsets, which can lead to instability in energy delivery and suboptimal pitch perception.
Innovation Solution
A cochlear implant system with a processor unit that includes a switching mechanism to toggle between fixed and variable stimulation frame onsets for frame coding stimulation pulses, based on audio components such as fundamental frequency and energy thresholds, to enhance temporal information transmission and energy stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed stimulation frame onset is used for frame coding, then stable energy control is achieved, but temporal information transmission is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic frame onset selection mechanism that switches between fixed and variable frame onsets based on signal characteristics. The processor analyzes the input signal and adapts the frame coding strategy in real-time, making the system flexible rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to use variable onsets when temporal information is critical and fixed onsets when energy stability is prioritized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of frame onset timing from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted based on signal analysis. By modifying this key parameter dynamically, the system optimizes both temporal information transmission and energy control stability depending on the acoustic environment and signal characteristics.
2Loss of information
If a variable stimulation frame onset is used for frame coding, then temporal information transmission is improved, but energy control stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the frame onset timing based on signal characteristics, using variable onsets when temporal precision is needed (such as during speech or musical passages with clear temporal structure) and switching to fixed onsets when energy stability is more important. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by contextually selecting the appropriate strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor analyzes signal characteristics and provides feedback to the frame coding mechanism, creating a closed-loop system that adjusts frame onset timing based on real-time acoustic conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that variable onsets are used only when they provide genuine temporal information benefits, maintaining energy control stability overall.
3Ease of operation
If fixed-rate charge-modulated currents are used, then electrode stimulation is simplified, but pitch perception is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic variations in the charge-modulated currents by adjusting frame onset timing, creating temporal fine structure that carries pitch information. While the basic electrode stimulation mechanism remains simple, the timing variations in frame coding add the necessary temporal cues for pitch perception without complicating the electrode interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a cochlear implant system, and more particularly, the disclosure relates to a processor unit which includes a switching mean configured to switch between using a fixed stimulation frame onset or a variable stimulation frame onset for frame coding a plurality of stimulation pulses into a one or more stimulation frames.