Adaptive Calibration for Subcutaneous Microphone Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subcutaneously implantable auditory prostheses face performance degradation due to changes in environmental factors such as external pressure and skin thickness, which affect the acoustic response function of the transducer, leading to reduced accuracy in sound signal processing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a motion sensor to detect vibrations and adjust the gain circuitry based on reference acoustic and vibration response functions stored in the device, allowing for adaptive calibration and noise reduction in real-time to maintain accurate sound signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If subcutaneous microphone is used in implantable auditory prosthesis, then aesthetic result and waterproof capability are improved, but acoustic response accuracy deteriorates due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the microprocessor continuously monitors the acoustic response function of the transducer and adjusts the gain circuitry parameters in response to detected changes. This closed-loop control compensates for environmental variations (pressure, skin thickness) that affect acoustic accuracy, allowing the device to maintain measurement precision while preserving the benefits of subcutaneous placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the operational parameters of the gain circuitry based on detected environmental conditions. By adjusting gain values and calibration parameters in response to measured acoustic response variations, the system adapts to changing physical conditions (pressure, skin thickness) and maintains accurate sound signal processing despite the subcutaneous location.
2Measurement precision
If adaptive calibration with motion sensor is implemented, then acoustic response accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the motion sensor serve multiple functions: it detects vibrations for calibration purposes, monitors acoustic response changes, and provides data for gain circuitry adjustment. This multi-functionality allows the additional sensor to contribute to accuracy improvement without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as it integrates into the existing processing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration using the motion sensor to detect vibrations and automatically adjust gain parameters without requiring external intervention. The microprocessor autonomously processes sensor data, compares it against reference values, and modifies circuitry parameters accordingly, enabling the device to maintain accuracy while minimizing the need for complex external calibration equipment.
3Measurement precision
If real-time noise reduction is performed using sensor signals, then sound signal processing accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous noise reduction processing where the microprocessor continuously analyzes sensor signals and transducer output signals to maintain accurate sound processing. By keeping the noise reduction function continuously active rather than intermittently, the system maintains consistent accuracy without requiring excessive processing cycles that would increase energy consumption, achieving an optimal balance through steady-state operation.
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 accuracy and reliability of auditory prostheses by compensating for environmental changes, reducing noise interference, and maintaining optimal performance across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transducer configured to respond to sound by generating transducer output signals indicative of the sound
Implementation Method 2
a motion sensor configured to respond to vibrations by generating sensor output signals indicative of the vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes at least one housing configured to be implanted within a body of a recipient, at least one acoustic transducer positioned on or within the at least one housing, at least one motion sensor positioned on or within the at least one housing, gain circuitry configured to apply a gain to transducer output signals from the at least one acoustic transducer, at least one storage device, and at least one processor operatively coupled to the at least one acoustic transducer, the at least one motion sensor, the gain circuitry, and the at least one storage device. The at least one processor is configured to adjust the gain circuitry in response to a reference acoustic sensitivity function, a reference vibration response function, the transducer output signals, and sensor output signals from the at least one motion sensor.