Portable Device Diagnostics for Auditory Prostheses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of auditory prostheses, such as bone conduction devices, face challenges in testing these devices without specialized equipment, which can be inaccessible to non-clinicians, potentially leading to undetected issues with device functionality.
Innovation Solution
A portable device, such as a smartphone or tablet, is utilized to perform diagnostic tests on medical devices like bone conduction devices, allowing users to ensure proper functioning without needing specialized equipment. This involves using the device's components to administer tests, collect results, and analyze them, providing instructions for remedying any issues found.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized equipment is used for device testing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring specialized technicians
Solution Approach 1:
A portable computing device serves as an intermediary between the user and the medical device, containing processors and memory that execute diagnostic software to test the medical device's functionality. This mediator enables non-specialized users to perform accurate diagnostics without direct access to specialized testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex specialized testing equipment with a portable computing device that uses software-based diagnostics. The processor executes diagnostic routines that substitute for traditional mechanical or electronic testing apparatus, making precise device testing accessible through a user-friendly interface.
2Reliability
If specialized equipment is required for diagnostics, then reliability of testing is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The portable computing device performs multiple functions: it executes diagnostic software, interfaces with the medical device, processes test results, and provides user guidance. This universal device replaces multiple specialized testing tools, maintaining reliability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to perform self-diagnostic testing of the medical device using the portable computing device. The device automatically executes diagnostic routines, collects results, and provides guidance, allowing users to service and test their own devices without requiring external specialized equipment or technicians.
3Measurement precision
If specialized technicians are used for device testing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to scheduling appointments and visiting clinics
Solution Approach 1:
Users can independently perform diagnostic testing on their medical devices using the portable computing device at any convenient location and time. This eliminates the need to schedule appointments or travel to clinics, allowing immediate self-testing while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through software-based evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic software is pre-loaded and configured in the portable computing device, ready to execute immediately. Test protocols and evaluation criteria are prepared in advance in the device's memory, enabling users to conduct comprehensive diagnostics without requiring real-time technician intervention or preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses may be used to test devices using a portable device. A portable device is a tablet computer, a smart phone, or other type of device. In embodiments, the different components of the portable device are utilized to perform tests on a medical device such as a hearing prosthesis or other type of medical device. For example, portable device components such as accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, microphones, speakers, etc. are used to provide testing stimuli and/or record the responses from the hearing prosthesis to the testing stimuli. The portable device is used to generate testing stimulus and record the response from the device being tested using the various components of the portable device. Analysis of the output of the medical device can be performed to determine a remedy to improve operation of the device.