Implantable Wireless Link for Isochronous Stimulation Data Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable medical device systems require non-volatile memory and an RF backchannel for storing static configuration data, limiting system design simplicity and interoperability.
Innovation Solution
Streaming static configuration data alongside dynamic stimulation data over an isochronous wireless channel, eliminating the need for non-volatile memory in the implant and enabling secure, synchronized transmission using standardized protocols like Bluetooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-volatile memory and RF backchannel are used to store static configuration data, then data storage reliability is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the static configuration data from the implantable device and stores it externally in the sound processor. Only essential dynamic stimulation data is kept in the implant, eliminating the need for non-volatile memory in the implantable component. The external sound processor serves as the storage medium, simplifying the implant's hardware while maintaining data availability through wireless transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound processor is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates dynamic stimulation data, stores static configuration data, and transmits both types of data wirelessly to the implantable device. This multi-functional approach consolidates storage and processing capabilities in the external unit, reducing the complexity of the implant while ensuring reliable data provision.
2Speed
If static configuration data is stored in the implantable device, then data access speed is improved, but manufacturing cost and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the static configuration data storage function from the implantable device and places it in the external sound processor. This extraction eliminates the need for non-volatile memory components in the implant, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs. The data is transmitted wirelessly when needed, maintaining access speed without requiring physical storage in the implant.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RF backchannel is implemented for data transmission, then communication capability is improved, but system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission of static configuration data and dynamic stimulation data into a single wireless communication channel from the sound processor to the implantable device. This merging eliminates the need for separate RF backchannel infrastructure, simplifying the system while maintaining full communication capability. The unified approach reduces complexity and power consumption compared to implementing separate communication paths.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for the transfer of isochronous stimulation data over a standardized isochronous audio or data link between components of an implantable medical device system. More specifically, as described further below, a first component is configured to generate dynamic stimulation data based on one or more received sound signals. The first component is configured to obtain static configuration data and to encode the dynamic stimulation data and the static configuration data into a series of isochronous wireless packets. The first component is configured to transmit the series of wireless packets over an isochronous wireless channel to a second component of the implantable medical device system.