Cochlear Sound Processor With Separate Transcutaneous Audio Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cochlear implants face sub-optimal power delivery and data transfer delays due to the simultaneous transmission of data and power across a single RF link, which results in the filtering out of low frequency sound information essential for sound recognition and pitch understanding.
Innovation Solution
A sound processor that transmits multiple audio data signals across separate transcutaneous communication links, preserving low frequency data by generating electrical signals in specific tuned audio frequency bands and transmitting them over distinct links, along with separate power transmission to avoid delays and data filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If data and power are transmitted across a single RF link, then device complexity is reduced, but power delivery becomes sub-optimal and data transfer delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single RF link into separate communication links: one dedicated for power transmission and another for data transmission. This segmentation allows each link to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and power delivery reliability.
2Device complexity
If sound information is discretized into frequency bands and transmitted over a single link, then device complexity is reduced, but low frequency TFS information is filtered out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio signal processing into separate frequency band handlers, with dedicated pathways for low frequency TFS information and high frequency information. This allows preservation of TFS data while maintaining manageable system complexity through organized modular processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the frequency-based processing by preserving phase information in the TFS pathway. This dimensional addition allows the system to maintain both frequency organization and temporal fine structure information simultaneously.
3Reliability
If low frequency TFS information is preserved and transmitted separately, then sound quality and speech understanding improve, but device complexity and number of communication links increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates distinct processing and transmission pathways for TFS information versus other audio information. This segmentation enables improved speech understanding through TFS preservation while organizing system complexity into manageable, functionally-separated modules.
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 enhances the user's ability to understand speech in noisy environments and provides a richer sound experience by retaining temporal fine structure information, reducing transmission delays and ensuring optimal power delivery to the implant.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter coupled to the one or more electrical signal outputs for transmission of the plurality of electrical signals, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the electrical signal in the respective audio channel over a separate respective transcutaneous communication link
Data Source
AI summary
A sound processor comprises one or more electrical signal outputs configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals. The plurality of electrical signals are generated in specific tuned audio frequency bands in respective audio channels, in response to sound information received at the sound processor in the specific tuned audio frequency bands. The sound processor further comprises a transmitter coupled to the one or more electrical signal outputs for transmission of the plurality of electrical signals. The transmitter is configured to transmit the electrical signal in the respective audio channel over a separate respective transcutaneous communication link.