Auditory Prosthesis Sound Processor with Position Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Auditory prosthesis systems face challenges in modifying operating modes and configurations due to limited user interfaces and the inability to sense patient intent or scenarios that could improve performance and comfort without deliberate user input.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a position sensor, such as a magnetometer, accelerometer, or gyroscope, within the sound processor apparatus to detect changes in positioning and orientation, allowing a control module to infer patient intent and adjust settings automatically, such as switching modes or activating microphones, based on detected positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the sound processor apparatus includes a limited number of user interfaces due to its small size, then the device compactness is maintained, but the patient has difficulty utilizing the user interfaces to modify operating mode and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical user interfaces (buttons, switches) with motion-based control using accelerometers and gyroscopes. The sound processor detects intentional motions such as shaking, rotating, or tilting to trigger mode changes and configuration modifications, eliminating the need for physical buttons while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects patient intent through motion sensors and autonomously adjusts operating modes and configurations without requiring manual button presses. The device interprets specific motion patterns as commands and executes相应的功能 changes, making the system self-adjusting based on user behavior.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patient must manually modify operating mode and configuration, then precise control is achieved, but the system cannot sense patient intent or scenarios without deliberate user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where motion sensors continuously monitor patient movements, the control circuit analyzes these motions to detect intent patterns, and the system automatically adjusts settings in response. This closed-loop system enables the device to sense and respond to patient intent without explicit commands.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual control inputs are replaced with automatic motion-detection-based control. The accelerometer and gyroscope capture motion data, which the control circuit processes to automatically determine when mode switching or configuration changes are desired, eliminating the need for deliberate user input while maintaining precise control.
3Productivity
If conventional technologies lack the ability to sense patient intent without deliberate user input, then device simplicity is maintained, but performance optimization and comfort improvement opportunities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) serve multiple functions: detecting intentional user commands for mode switching, identifying usage scenarios (such as sleeping or exercising), triggering comfort adjustments, and optimizing performance parameters. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive system optimization without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
Enhances patient experience by improving performance and comfort without manual intervention, accommodating religious restrictions and optimizing battery life, while allowing for automatic adjustments to operating modes and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor (e.g., a magnetometer, an accelerometer, and/or a gyroscope) that detects a positioning of the sound processor apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor (e.g., a magnetometer, an accelerometer, and/or a gyroscope) that detects a positioning of the sound processor apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a position sensor (e.g., a magnetometer, an accelerometer, and/or a gyroscope) that detects a positioning of the sound processor apparatus
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An exemplary auditory prosthesis system includes a sound processor apparatus that is configured for external use by a patient and includes 1) a position sensor that detects a positioning of the sound processor apparatus and 2) a control module that is communicatively coupled to the position sensor and performs a predetermined action with respect to the auditory prosthesis system in accordance with the detected positioning of the sound processor apparatus. Corresponding auditory prosthesis systems and methods are also described.