Hearing Prosthesis Standardized Wired Interface Signal Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hearing prostheses face challenges in efficiently transmitting power and data signals between external and implanted components using standardized interfaces, which can lead to compatibility issues and limited functionality.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a wired interface module conforming to a standardized interface to receive input signals, separate power and data signals, and transfer power to an implanted unit, enabling efficient stimulation of auditory organs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a standardized wired interface is used to transmit power and data signals, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but signal separation and processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the combined power and data signal into separate transmission paths within the wired interface module. Power signals and data signals are routed through different circuitry paths, allowing independent processing and reducing interference while maintaining standardized interface compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wired interface module acts as an intermediary device that receives combined power and data signals from a standardized interface, separates them into distinct signal paths, and directs them to appropriate destinations. This mediator function simplifies the overall system architecture while handling the complexity of signal separation internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If power and data signals are transmitted through the same wired interface, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference and reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface structureVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wired interface module segments the combined signal into separate power and data pathways immediately upon reception. This physical separation prevents electromagnetic interference between power and data signals while maintaining the simplicity of using a single standardized interface connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions within the wired interface module are optimized for different signal types. Power signal processing circuits are designed with high current handling capability, while data signal processing circuits are designed with low noise and high precision characteristics, ensuring reliable transmission for each signal type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2875651B1Hearing prosthesis with a standard wire interface
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 COCHLEAR LIMITED
  • EP2875651B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2875651B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2875651B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for receiving a data signal and a power signal by a hearing prosthesis are disclosed. An input signal is received at a first unit of a hearing prosthesis. The first unit receives the input signal at a wired interface module that conforms to a standardized interface. The first unit identifies a data signal and a power signal included in the input signal. The first unit transfers at least a portion of the power signal to a second unit of the hearing prosthesis. The second unit is implanted in a body and is configured to stimulate an auditory organ, allowing a user to perceive at least a portion of a sound.