AU2007202714B2 - Password protection for cochlear implant - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s) MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH Invention Title: Password protection for cochlear implant The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: -2 Password Protection for Cochlear Implant Cross Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority from United States 5 provisional patent application serial number 60/813,094 filed June 13, 2006, entitled "Password Protection for Cochlear Implant," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. Technical Field 10 The present invention relates to implants, and more particularly, to password protection for an implant such as a cochlear implant. Background Art 15 Cochlear implants and other inner ear prostheses are one option to help profoundly deaf or severely hearing impaired persons. Unlike conventional hearing aids that just apply an amplified and modified sound signal, a cochlear implant is based on direct electrical stimulation 20 of the acoustic nerve. Typically, a cochlear implant stimulates neural structures in the inner ear electrically in such a way that hearing impressions most similar to normal hearing are obtained. 25 More particularly, a normal ear transmits sounds as shown in Fig. 1 through the outer ear 101 to the eardrum 102, which moves the bones of the middle ear 103, which in turn excites the cochlea 104. The cochlea 104 includes an upper channel known as the scala vestibuli 105 and a lower 30 channel known as the scala tympani 106, which are connected by the cochlear duct 107. In response to N \Melbourne\CassPatenI\72000-72999\P72272 AU\Specis\P72272 AU GH Speci as filed DOC 13/06107 -3 received sounds transmitted by the middle ear 103, the fluid filled scala vestibuli 105 and scala tympani 106 function as a transducer to transmit waves to generate electric pulses that are transmitted to the cochlear nerve 5 113, and ultimately to the brain. Some persons have partial or full loss of normal sensorineural hearing. Cochlear implant systems have been developed to overcome this by directly stimulating the 10 user's cochlea 104. A typical cochlear prosthesis essentially includes two parts: the speech processor and the implanted stimulator 108. The speech processor (not shown in Fig. 1) typically includes a microphone, a power supply (batteries) for the overall system and a processor 15 that is used to perform signal processing of the acoustic signal to extract the stimulation parameters. In state-of the art prostheses, the speech processor is a behind-the ear (BTE-) device. The implanted stimulator generates the stimulation patterns and conducts them to the nerve tissue 20 by means of an electrode array 110 which usually is positioned in the scala tympani in the inner ear. The connection between speech processor and stimulator is usually established by means of a radio frequency (RF-) link. Note that via the RF-link both stimulation energy 25 and stimulation information are conveyed. Typically, digital data transfer protocols employing bit rates of some hundreds of kBit/s are used. One example of a standard stimulation strategy for 30 cochlear implants is called "Continuous-Interleaved Sampling strategy" (CIS), which was developed by B. Wilson (see, for example, Wilson BS, Finley CC, Lawson DT, Wolford RD, Eddington DK, Rabinowitz WM, "Better speech N \Melbourne\Caes\Patent\72000-72)99\P72272 AU\Specis\P72272 AU GH Spcci as filed DOC 13/06/07 - 4 recognition with cochlear implants," Nature, vol. 352, 236-238, July 1991, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). 5 A problem associated with a cochlear prosthesis that includes an external speech processor and an implanted stimulator is the possibility of interchanging an external speech processor of one cochlear implant with that of another. For example, this may occur with young cochlear 10 implant users at school. Since the settings of the cochlear implants of two different users are typically different, various problems may arise in the cochlear implant and/or with the user(s). Summary of the Invention 15 In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cochlear implant system, the system comprising: a speech processor for converting an incoming acoustic signal into an encoded signal, the speech 20 processor adapted for placement external to a user; a stimulation module for stimulating an electrode array as a function of the encoded signal received from the speech processor, the stimulation module adapted for placement internal the user; and 25 wherein one of the stimulation module and the speech processor includes a first password preprogrammed in non volatile memory for transmitting to the other one of the stimulation module and the speech processor, the other one of the stimulation module and the speech processor 30 including a second password preprogrammed in non-volatile memory, and wherein a match between the first password and the second password causes a first mode of operation. 2515190_1 (CHMatters) 5/01/11 - 5 In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of controlling a cochlear implant system, the implant system including a speech 5 processor adapted for placement external to the system, the speech processor for converting an incoming acoustic signal into an encoded signal, the implant system further including a stimulation module adapted for placement internal the user, the stimulation module for stimulating 10 an array of electrodes as a function of the encoded signal received from the speech processor, the method comprising: transmitting a first password from one of the speech processor and the stimulation module to the other one of the speech processor and the stimulation module, the first 15 password preprogrammed in non-volatile memory in said one of the speech processor and the stimulation module; comparing the first password with a second password at the other one of the speech processor and the stimulation module, the second password preprogrammed in 20 non-volatile memory in the other one of the speech processor and the stimulation module; and entering a first mode of operation if there is a match between the first password and the second password. 25 In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cochlear implant system, the system comprising: an external portion adapted for placement external to the user; 30 an implantable portion adapted for placement internal the user; and means for transmitting a first password from one of the external portion and the implantable portion to the 2515190_1 (GHMatters) 5/01/11 - 6 other one of the external portion and the implantable portion, the first password preprogrammed in non-volatile memory in said one of the external portion and the implantable portion; 5 means for comparing the first password with a second password at the other one of the external portion and the implantable portion, the second password preprogrammed in non-volatile memory in the other one of the external portion and the implantable portion; 10 means for entering a first mode of operation if there is a match between the first password and the second password. In accordance with related embodiments of the invention, 15 at least one of the internal portion and the external portion may include a memory device for storing the first and/or password. A programmer device may be capable of interfacing with at least one of the internal portion and the external portion to initialize the first and/or second 20 password. At least one of the internal portion and the external portion may include a user interface for entering the first and/or second password, along with power and/or other data. 25 In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the first mode may permit functionality associated with at least one of the external portion and the internal portion. The system may further include means for entering a second mode with decreased functionality if the 30 first password and the second password do not match. The implant may be a cochlear implant. The external portion may include a first coil, the internal portion may includes a second coil, with the first coil adapted to be 2515190_1 (GHMatters) 5/01/11 electromagnetically coupled with the second coil to transfer at least one of power and data. One of the 2515190 1 (GHMatters) 5/01/11 - 8 internal portion and the external portion may transmit the first password to the other one of the internal portion and the external portion via the first and second coils. Brief Description of the Drawings 5 The foregoing features of the invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 10 Fig. 1 shows the ear structure of a human ear and a typical cochlear implant system; and Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a cochlear implant system with password protection, in accordance with an embodiment 15 of the invention. Detailed Description of Specific Emrbodiments In illustrative embodiments of the invention, an implant system, such as cochlear implant system, includes an external portion and an internal portion. A password is 20 transmitted between the external portion and the internal portion, which if verified places the implant in a first mode of operation. Details are discussed below. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a cochlear implant system 25 that includes password protection, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The cochlear system includes an external portion 201, which may be for example, a speech processor 201 as described above. The speech processor 201 may include, without limitation, a power 30 supply and an RF transmitter/coil 205. An implanted signal processor and/or stimulator 202 (for clarity, N \Melboume\Cases\Patent\72000-72909\P72272 AL\SpesP72272 AU GH Speci .s filed DOC 13/06/07 -9 hereinafter stimulator 202), also described above, may receive power and/or modulated data transmitted by the transmitter coil 205 to receiver coil 206. Magnets 207 may aid in positioning coils 205 and 206 adjacent each other. 5 In various embodiments, the external portion 201 may communicate with a fully implantable cochlear implant. In exemplary embodiments, the speech processor 201 may include a first password 204, and the stimulator 202 may 10 include a second password 203. The passwords may be stored for example, in a memory device, such as a ROM or programmable memory. A programming device (not shown) may be used to interfacing with the speech processor 201 and/or the stimulator 202 so as to initialize the 15 associated passwords. In various embodiments, the speech processor 201 and/or the stimulator may includes a user interface, such as a dip switch or thumbwheel, for entering their associated passwords. In still other embodiments, the passwords may be set in the factory, and 20 may not be capable of being changed thereafter. Upon a triggering event, such as, without limitation, turning on the speech processor 201 and/or placing the speech processor 201 adjacent the stimulator 202, the 25 speech processor 201 transmits the first password to the stimulator 202 via coils 207 and 208. Upon verifying that the first password matches the second password, the stimulator 202 may then enter a first mode of operation. It is to be understood that instead of the first password 30 being transmitted to the stimulator 202, the second password may be transmitted to the speech processor 201 instead, with the verification occurring in the speech processor 201. N \Mibourne\Cass\Patent\72000-72999\P72272 AU\Spei\P72272 AU GH Spei s filed DOC 13/06/07 - 10 The first mode may be an operational mode between the speech processor 201 and the stimulator 202 that permits, without limitation, full or partial cochlear implant 5 functionality. If it is determined that the first and second passwords do not match, the cochlear implant may enter a second mode where, for example, various functionality is not allowed and/or decreased. The speech processor 201 may provide an alert to the cochlear implant 10 user if the passwords do not match. The alert may occur at the speech processor 201. Such an alert may be a visual alert (e.g., a light blinking), an audio alert, and/or a vibration. Alternatively, or in combination with the alert at the speech processor 201, the implanted 15 stimulator 202 may stimulate the cochlea so as to provide an alert perceived by the user. More than one password may be used in the system. Each password may permit differing functionality. For example, 20 upon successful verification of a first password, operational functionality may be permitted such that the user's cochlea is properly stimulated. Alternatively, if a second password is transmitted and verified, a diagnostic, data accessing and/or programming mode may, 25 without limitation, be enabled. Diagnostics/data provided may check, without limitation, that the implant is functioning correctly, battery life and/or provide a serial number. The programming mode may provide various parameters, such as an amplification level. 30 The present invention may be embodied in many different forms, including, but in no way limited to, computer program logic for use with a processor (e.g., a N \1Ielboume\Cass\Patent\72000-72)999\P72272 AL\Specis\P72272 AU GH Speci as filed DOC 13'06/07 - 11 microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, or general purpose computer), programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device (e.g., a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other PLD), discrete 5 components, integrated circuitry (e.g., an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)), or any other means including any combination thereof. Computer program logic implementing all or part of the 10 functionality previously described herein may be embodied in various forms, including, but in no way limited to, a source code form, a computer executable form, and various intermediate forms (e.g., forms generated by an assembler, compiler, linker, or locator.) Source code may include a 15 series of computer program instructions implemented in any of various programming languages (e.g., an object code, an assembly language, or a high-level language such as Fortran, C, C++, JAVA, or HTML) for use with various operating systems or operating environments. The source 20 code may define and use various data structures and communication messages. The source code may be in a computer executable form (e.g., via an interpreter), or the source code may be converted (e.g., via a translator, assembler, or compiler) into a computer executable form. 25 The computer program may be fixed in any form (e.g., source code form, computer executable form, or an intermediate form) either permanently or transitorily in a tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory 30 device (e.g., a RAM, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, or Flash Programmable RAM), a magnetic memory device ( e.g., a diskette or fixed disk), an optical memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM), a PC card (e.g., PCMCIA card), or other memory N \Melbourne\Cases\Patent\72000-72999\P72272 AU\Specis\P72272 AU GH Speci as filed DOC 3/06/07 - 12 device. The computer program may be fixed in any form in a signal that is transmittable to a computer using any of various communication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analog technologies, digital technologies, 5 optical technologies, wireless technologies, networking technologies, and internetworking technologies. The computer program may be distributed in any form as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software or 10 a magnetic tape), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system (e.g., the Internet or World Wide Web.) 15 Hardware logic (including programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device) implementing all or part of the functionality previously described herein may be designed using traditional manual methods, or may be designed, captured, simulated, or documented 20 electronically using various tools, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), a hardware description language (e.g., VHDL or AHDL), or a PLD programming language (e.g., PALASM, ABEL, or CUPL.) 25 Although various exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made which will achieve some of the advantages of the invention without departing from the true scope of the 30 invention. N:\Melbourne\Cases\Patent\72000-72999\P72272.AU\SpeciB\P72272.AU GH Speci as filed.DOC 13/06/07 - 13 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as 5 "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 10 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. N \Melboume\Cases\Patent\72000-72999\P72272.AU\Specis\P72272 AU Gi Speci as iled DOC 13/06/07

Claims (14)

1. A cochlear implant system, the system comprising: a speech processor for converting an incoming 5 acoustic signal into an encoded signal, the speech processor adapted for placement external to a user; a stimulation module for stimulating an electrode array as a function of the encoded signal received from the speech processor, the stimulation module adapted for 10 placement internal the user; and wherein one of the stimulation module and the speech processor includes a first password preprogrammed in non volatile memory for transmitting to the other one of the stimulation module and the speech processor, the other one 15 of the stimulation module and the speech processor including a second password preprogrammed in non-volatile memory, and wherein a match between the first password and the second password causes a first mode of operation. 20

2. The implant system according to claim 1, wherein the first mode permits functionality associated with at least one of the speech processor and the stimulation module.

3. The implant system according to claim 1, wherein the 25 speech processor is coupled to a first coil, the stimulation module is coupled to a second coil, and the first coil is adapted to be electromagnetically coupled with the second coil to transfer at least one of power, the encoded signal, and the first password. 30

4. A method of controlling a cochlear implant system, the implant system including a speech processor adapted for placement external to the system, the speech processor for 25151901 (GHMatters) 5/01/11 - 15 converting an incoming acoustic signal into an encoded signal, the implant system further including a stimulation module adapted for placement internal the user, the stimulation module for stimulating an array of electrodes 5 as a function of the encoded signal received from the speech processor, the method comprising: transmitting a first password from one of the speech processor and the stimulation module to the other one of the speech processor and the stimulation module, the first 10 password preprogrammed in non-volatile memory in said one of the speech processor and the stimulation module; comparing the first password with a second password at the other one of the speech processor and the stimulation module, the second password preprogrammed in 15 non-volatile memory in the other one of the speech processor and the stimulation module; and entering a first mode of operation if there is a match between the first password and the second password. 20

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the first mode permits functionality associated with at least one of the stimulation module and the speech processor

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the method 25 further includes entering a second mode with decreased functionality if the first password and the second password do not match.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein the speech 30 processor is attached to a first coil, wherein the stimulation module includes a second coil, and wherein the method includes electromagnetically coupling the first 2515190_1 (GHMatters) 5/01/11 - 16 coil with the second coil to transfer power, data and the first password.

8. A cochlear implant system, the system comprising: 5 an external portion adapted for placement external to the user; an implantable portion adapted for placement internal the user; and means for transmitting a first password from one of 10 the external portion and the implantable portion to the other one of the external portion and the implantable portion, the first password preprogrammed in non-volatile memory in said one of the external portion and the implantable portion; 15 means for comparing the first password with a second password at the other one of the external portion and the implantable portion, the second password preprogrammed in non-volatile memory in the other one of the external portion and the implantable portion; 20 means for entering a first mode of operation if there is a match between the first password and the second password.

9. The implant system according to claim 8, wherein the 25 first mode permits functionality associated with at least one of the external portion and the internal portion.

10. The implant system according to claim 8, further comprising means for entering a second mode in which 30 functionality is decreased if the first password and the second password do not match. 2515190_1 (GHMatters) S/01/11 - 17

11. The implant system according to claim 8, wherein the external portion is coupled to a first coil, the internal portion is coupled to a second coil, and the first coil is adapted to be electromagnetically coupled with the second 5 coil to transfer power, data, and the first password.

12. The implant system according to claim 8, wherein the external portion includes means for converting an incoming acoustic signal into an encoded signal, and the internal 10 portion includes means for stimulating an electrode array as a function of the encoded signal.

13. The implant system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 8 to 12, and substantially as herein described 15 with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 2515190_1 (GHMatters) 5/01/11