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WO2025078920A1 - Système et procédé pour faciliter la découverte d'un dispositif mal placé - Google Patents

Système et procédé pour faciliter la découverte d'un dispositif mal placé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025078920A1
WO2025078920A1 PCT/IB2024/059693 IB2024059693W WO2025078920A1 WO 2025078920 A1 WO2025078920 A1 WO 2025078920A1 IB 2024059693 W IB2024059693 W IB 2024059693W WO 2025078920 A1 WO2025078920 A1 WO 2025078920A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
communication
signal
communication circuitry
housing
circuitry
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/IB2024/059693
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English (en)
Inventor
Aiden TABA
Rohan Saha TURAI
Toby DIGNEY
Jan Patrick FRIEDING
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cochlear Ltd
Original Assignee
Cochlear Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cochlear Ltd filed Critical Cochlear Ltd
Publication of WO2025078920A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025078920A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
    • A61B2560/02—Operational features
    • A61B2560/0242—Operational features adapted to measure environmental factors, e.g. temperature, pollution
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/12—Audiometering
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/51—Aspects of antennas or their circuitry in or for hearing aids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/67—Implantable hearing aids or parts thereof not covered by H04R25/606

Definitions

  • the present application relates generally to systems and methods for detecting environmental characteristics or contextual information of a device.
  • Medical devices have provided a wide range of therapeutic benefits to recipients over recent decades. Medical devices can include internal or implantable components/de vices, external or wearable components/devices, or combinations thereof (e.g., a device having an external component communicating with an implantable component). Medical devices, such as traditional hearing aids, partially or fully-implantable hearing prostheses (e.g., bone conduction devices, mechanical stimulators, cochlear implants, etc.), pacemakers, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, and other medical devices, have been successful in performing lifesaving and/or lifestyle enhancement functions and/or recipient monitoring for a number of years.
  • medical devices such as traditional hearing aids, partially or fully-implantable hearing prostheses (e.g., bone conduction devices, mechanical stimulators, cochlear implants, etc.), pacemakers, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devices, and other medical devices, have been successful in performing lifesaving and/or lifestyle enhancement functions and/or recipient monitoring for a number of years.
  • implantable medical devices now often include one or more instruments, apparatus, sensors, processors, controllers or other functional mechanical or electrical components that are permanently or temporarily implanted in a recipient. These functional devices are typically used to diagnose, prevent, monitor, treat, or manage a disease/injury or symptom thereof, or to investigate, replace or modify the anatomy or a physiological process. Many of these functional devices utilize power and/or data received from external devices that are part of, or operate in conjunction with, implantable components.
  • an apparatus comprises a housing.
  • the apparatus further comprises first communication circuitry on or within the housing.
  • the first communication circuitry is configured to be in wirelessly communication with a first device separatable from the apparatus.
  • the apparatus further comprises detection circuitry on or within the housing.
  • the detection circuitry is configured to generate at least one signal indicative of at least one condition of an environment of the apparatus while the first communication circuitry is not in wireless communication with the first device.
  • the apparatus further comprises second communication circuitry on or within the housing.
  • the second communication circuitry is configured to wirelessly communicate the at least one signal to a second device separate from the apparatus.
  • an apparatus comprises a housing configured to be placed over a portion of skin of a recipient, the portion of skin overlaying an implanted device.
  • the apparatus further comprises communication circuitry on or within the housing.
  • the first communication circuitry is configured to form a wireless communication link with corresponding communication circuitry within the implanted device.
  • the apparatus further comprises at least one sensor on or within the housing. The at least one sensor is configured to generate at least one signal indicative of whether the housing is adjacent to an electrically conductive material spaced from the recipient.
  • a method comprises periodically receiving, using a computing device, a plurality of wireless signals from an external device configured to be placed on a recipient’s body such that the external device is in wireless transcutaneous communication with an internal device within the recipient’s body.
  • the plurality of wireless signals are indicative of at least one environmental condition of the external device.
  • the method further comprises causing each received wireless signal of the plurality of wireless signals to be stored and some or all previously stored wireless signals to be deleted.
  • the method further comprises, upon a predetermined time period elapsing since receiving a new wireless signal of the plurality of wireless signals, using the computing device to generate an alert signal to a user.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example cochlear implant auditory prosthesis implanted in a recipient in accordance with certain implementations described herein;
  • FIG. IB schematically illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an example transcutaneous system comprising an implantable component and an external component;
  • FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an example apparatus in accordance with certain implementations described herein;
  • FIGs. 2B and 2C schematically illustrate side cross-sectional views of an example apparatus that is in wireless communication with a first device of a transcutaneous system and that is not in wireless communication with the first device, respectively, in accordance with certain implementations described herein;
  • FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example method performed by an apparatus in accordance with certain implementations described herein;
  • FIGs. 4 A and 4B provide two example methods performed by a second device in accordance with certain implementations described herein;
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method in accordance with certain implementations described herein.
  • Certain implementations described herein provide information that can facilitate finding a misplaced (e.g., lost) external device (e.g., sound processor of an auditory prosthesis) that is configured to be in wireless communication via communication circuitry with another device implanted on, worn, or carried by a recipient.
  • the external device can comprise at least one sensor configured to detect at least one environmental condition (e.g., contextual information) of the misplaced device.
  • environmental conditions can include, but are not limited to: proximity to an electrically conductive material; proximity to a ferromagnetic material; temperature; humidity; motion; orientation; environmental light; environmental sound; characterization of the environmental sound or other condition.
  • Information regarding the environmental condition of the external device can better facilitate finding the external device than can other types of information.
  • inventions detailed herein are applicable, in at least some implementations, to any type of implantable or non-implantable stimulation and/or measurement system or device (e.g., implantable or non-implantable auditory prosthesis device or system). Implementations can include any type of medical device that can utilize the teachings detailed herein and/or variations thereof.
  • a recipient e.g., smart watch; ear bud; headphones; augmented reality (AR) glasses
  • a computing device e.g., smart device such as a smart phone or smart tablet
  • an implantable transducer assembly including but not limited to: electro-acoustic electrical/acoustic systems, cochlear implant devices, implantable hearing aid devices, middle ear implant devices, bone conduction devices (e.g., active bone conduction devices; passive bone conduction devices, percutaneous bone conduction devices; transcutaneous bone conduction devices), Direct Acoustic Cochlear Implant (DACI), middle ear transducer (MET), electro-acoustic implant devices, other types of auditory prosthesis devices, and/or combinations or variations thereof, or any other suitable hearing prosthesis system with one or more externally-worn components.
  • Implementations can include any type of auditory prosthesis that can utilize the teachings detailed herein and/or variations thereof. In some implementations, the teachings detailed herein and/or variations thereof can be utilized in other types of prostheses beyond auditory prostheses.
  • certain other implementations are compatible in the context of other types of sensory prosthesis systems that are configured to evoke other types of neural or sensory (e.g., sight, tactile, smell, taste) percepts are compatible with certain implementations described herein, including but are not limited to: vestibular devices (e.g., vestibular implants), visual devices (e.g., bionic eyes), visual prostheses (e.g., retinal implants), somatosensory implants, and chemosensory implants.
  • vestibular devices e.g., vestibular implants
  • visual devices e.g., bionic eyes
  • visual prostheses e.g., retinal implants
  • somatosensory implants e.g., somatosensory implants
  • chemosensory implants chemosensory implants
  • Certain other implementations are compatible with other types of medical devices that can utilize the teachings detailed herein and/or variations thereof to provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits to recipients, patients, or other users (e.g., epilepsy monitoring systems; pain control systems; bladder control systems; sleep apnea control systems; neurostimulators; pacemakers; other medical implants comprising an implanted power source).
  • epilepsy monitoring systems e.g., epilepsy monitoring systems; pain control systems; bladder control systems; sleep apnea control systems; neurostimulators; pacemakers; other medical implants comprising an implanted power source.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example cochlear implant auditory prosthesis 100 implanted in a recipient in accordance with certain implementations described herein.
  • the example auditory prosthesis 100 is shown in FIG. 1A as comprising an implanted stimulator unit 120 and a microphone assembly 124 that is external to the recipient (e.g., a partially implantable cochlear implant).
  • An example auditory prosthesis 100 e.g., a mostly implantable cochlear implant
  • the example cochlear implant auditory prosthesis 100 of FIG. 1 A can be in conjunction with a reservoir of liquid medicament.
  • the recipient has an outer ear 101, a middle ear 105, and an inner ear 107.
  • the outer ear 101 comprises an auricle 110 and an ear canal 102.
  • An acoustic pressure or sound wave 103 is collected by the auricle 110 and is channeled into and through the ear canal 102.
  • a tympanic membrane 104 Disposed across the distal end of the ear canal 102 is a tympanic membrane 104 which vibrates in response to the sound wave 103.
  • This vibration is coupled to oval window or fenestra ovalis 112 through three bones of middle ear 105, collectively referred to as the ossicles 106 and comprising the malleus 108, the incus 109, and the stapes 111.
  • the bones 108, 109, and 111 of the middle ear 105 serve to filter and amplify the sound wave 103, causing the oval window 112 to articulate, or vibrate in response to vibration of the tympanic membrane 104.
  • This vibration sets up waves of fluid motion of the perilymph within cochlea 140.
  • Such fluid motion activates tiny hair cells (not shown) inside the cochlea 140. Activation of the hair cells causes appropriate nerve impulses to be generated and transferred through the spiral ganglion cells (not shown) and auditory nerve 114 to the brain (also not shown) where they are perceived as sound.
  • the example auditory prosthesis 100 comprises one or more components which are temporarily or permanently implanted in the recipient.
  • the example auditory prosthesis 100 is shown in FIG. 1A with an external component 142 which is directly or indirectly attached to the recipient’s body, and an internal component 144 which is temporarily or permanently implanted in the recipient (e.g., positioned in a recess of the temporal bone adjacent auricle 110 of the recipient).
  • the external component 142 typically comprises one or more sound input elements (e.g., an external microphone 124) for detecting sound, a sound processing unit 126 (e.g., disposed in a Behind-The-Ear unit), a power source (not shown), and an external transmitter unit 128.
  • the external transmitter unit 128 comprises an external coil 130 (e.g., a wire antenna coil comprising multiple turns of electrically insulated single-strand or multi-strand platinum or gold wire) and, preferably, a magnet (not shown) secured directly or indirectly to the external coil 130.
  • the external coil 130 of the external transmitter unit 128 is part of an inductive radio frequency (RF) communication link with the internal component 144.
  • the sound processing unit 126 processes the output of the microphone 124 that is positioned externally to the recipient’s body, in the depicted implementation, by the recipient’s auricle 110.
  • the sound processing unit 126 processes the output of the microphone 124 and generates encoded signals, sometimes referred to herein as encoded data signals, which are provided to the external transmitter unit 128 (e.g., via a cable).
  • the sound processing unit 126 can utilize digital processing techniques to provide frequency shaping, amplification, compression, and other signal conditioning, including conditioning based on recipient-specific fitting parameters.
  • the power source of the external component 142 is configured to provide power to the auditory prosthesis 100, where the auditory prosthesis 100 includes a battery (e.g., located in the internal component 144, or disposed in a separate implanted location) that is recharged by the power provided from the external component 142 (e.g., via a transcutaneous energy transfer link).
  • the transcutaneous energy transfer link is used to transfer power and/or data to the internal component 144 of the auditory prosthesis 100.
  • Various types of energy transfer such as infrared (IR), electromagnetic, capacitive, and inductive transfer, may be used to transfer the power and/or data from the external component 142 to the internal component 144.
  • IR infrared
  • electromagnetic electromagnetic
  • capacitive capacitive transfer
  • the internal component 144 comprises an internal receiver unit 132, a stimulator unit 120, and an elongate electrode assembly 118.
  • the internal receiver unit 132 and the stimulator unit 120 are hermetically sealed within a biocompatible housing.
  • the internal receiver unit 132 comprises an internal coil 136 (e.g., a wire antenna coil comprising multiple turns of electrically insulated single-strand or multistrand platinum or gold wire), and preferably, a magnet (also not shown) fixed relative to the internal coil 136.
  • the internal receiver unit 132 and the stimulator unit 120 are hermetically sealed within a biocompatible housing, sometimes collectively referred to as a stimulator/receiver unit.
  • the internal coil 136 receives power and/or data signals from the external coil 130 via a transcutaneous energy transfer link (e.g., an inductive RF link).
  • the stimulator unit 120 generates electrical stimulation signals based on the data signals, and the stimulation signals are delivered to the recipient via the elongate electrode assembly 118.
  • the elongate electrode assembly 118 has a proximal end connected to the stimulator unit 120, and a distal end implanted in the cochlea 140.
  • the electrode assembly 118 extends from the stimulator unit 120 to the cochlea 140 through the mastoid bone 119.
  • the electrode assembly 118 may be implanted at least in the basal region 116, and sometimes further.
  • the electrode assembly 118 may extend towards apical end of cochlea 140, referred to as cochlea apex 134.
  • the electrode assembly 118 may be inserted into the cochlea 140 via a cochleostomy 122.
  • a cochleostomy may be formed through the round window 121, the oval window 112, the promontory 123, or through an apical turn 147 of the cochlea 140.
  • the elongate electrode assembly 118 comprises a longitudinally aligned and distally extending array 146 of electrodes or contacts 148, sometimes referred to as electrode or contact array 146 herein, disposed along a length thereof.
  • electrode or contact array 146 can be disposed on the electrode assembly 118, in most practical applications, the electrode array 146 is integrated into the electrode assembly 118 (e.g., the electrode array 146 is disposed in the electrode assembly 118).
  • the stimulator unit 120 generates stimulation signals which are applied by the electrodes 148 to the cochlea 140, thereby stimulating the auditory nerve 114.
  • FIG. 1 A schematically illustrates an auditory prosthesis 100 utilizing an external component 142 comprising an external microphone 124, an external sound processing unit 126, and an external power source
  • an external component 142 comprising an external microphone 124, an external sound processing unit 126, and an external power source
  • one or more of the microphone 124, sound processing unit 126, and power source are implantable on or within the recipient (e.g., within the internal component 144).
  • the auditory prosthesis 100 can have one or more of the microphone 124, sound processing unit 126, and power source encapsulated within a biocompatible assembly located subcutaneously, or most components of the cochlear implant (e.g., excluding the microphone, which can be an in-the- ear-canal microphone) implantable on or within the recipient, and can be referred to as a mostly implantable cochlear implant (“MICI”).
  • the microphone 124 can comprise an in-the-ear-canal microphone.
  • the microphone 124 can comprise a subcutaneously implantable microphone assembly configured to respond to auditory signals (e.g., sound; pressure variations in an audible frequency range) by generating output signals (e.g., electrical signals; optical signals; electromagnetic signals) indicative of the auditory signals received by the microphone 124, and these output signals are used by the auditory prosthesis 100 to generate stimulation signals which are provided to the recipient’s auditory system.
  • the diaphragm of the implantable microphone assembly can be configured to provide higher sensitivity than the diaphragms of external non-implantable microphone assemblies.
  • the diaphragm of an implantable microphone assembly can be configured to be more robust and/or larger than diaphragms for external non-implantable microphone assemblies.
  • FIG. IB schematically illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an example transcutaneous system 200 comprising an implantable component 210 and an external component 220.
  • the transcutaneous system 200 can comprise an auditory prosthesis system in which the implantable component 210 comprises one or more active elements (e.g., stimulator unit 120; vibrating actuator; not shown in FIG. IB) configured to deliver stimuli (e.g., stimulation signals) to the recipient’s body and/or to detect an attribute or condition of the recipient’s body.
  • active elements e.g., stimulator unit 120; vibrating actuator; not shown in FIG. IB
  • stimuli e.g., stimulation signals
  • the implantable component 210 comprises at least one implantable housing 212 configured to be positioned beneath tissue of the recipient’s body.
  • the at least one implantable housing 212 is beneath the skin 230, fat 232, and/or muscular 234 layers and above a bone 236 (e.g., skull) in a portion of the recipient’s body (e.g., the head).
  • a bone 236 e.g., skull
  • the at least one implantable housing 212 contains at least one internal communication coil 214 (e.g., a planar electrically conductive wire with multiple windings) and at least one internal magnetic (e.g., ferromagnetic; ferrimagnetic; permanent magnet) material 216 (e.g., disk; plate) positioned within a region at least partially bounded by the at least one internal communication coil 214.
  • the at least one internal magnetic material 216 can comprise a diamagnetic magnet configured to be compatible with magnetic resonance imaging of the recipient.
  • the at least one internal magnetic material 216 is configured to establish a magnetic attraction between the external component 220 and the implantable component 210 sufficient to hold the external component 220 against an outer surface of the skin 230.
  • the at least one implantable housing 212 can comprise a first portion configured to contain the at least one internal communication coil 214 and the at least one internal magnetic material 216 and a second portion configured to contain the one or more active elements, or the at least one implantable housing 212 can comprise a single housing portion configured to contain the at least one internal communication coil, the at least one internal magnetic material 216, and the one or more active elements.
  • the external component 220 comprises an external housing 222 configured to be positioned on an outer surface of the skin 230 and contains at least one external communication coil 224 (e.g., a planar electrically conductive wire with multiple windings) and at least one external magnetic (e.g., ferromagnetic; ferrimagnetic; permanent magnet) material 226 (e.g., disk; plate) positioned within a region at least partially bounded by the at least one external communication coil 224.
  • the at least one external magnetic material 226 is configured to establish a magnetic attraction between the external component 220 and the implantable component 210 sufficient to hold the external component 220 against the outer surface of the skin 230.
  • the at least one external magnetic material 226 is positioned as close as possible to the outer surface of the recipient’s skin 230 (e.g., as close as possible to a surface of the external housing 222 that contacts the recipient’s skin 230), thereby minimizing the distance between the at least one external magnetic material 226 and the at least one internal magnetic material 216.
  • the at least one external communication coil 224 is configured to be in wireless electrical communication (e.g., via a radio-frequency or RF link) with the at least one internal communication coil 214 when the external component 220 is positioned on the skin 230 of the recipient above the internal component 210 (e.g., the external component 220 being held in place by the magnetic attraction between the at least one internal magnetic material 216 and the at least one external magnetic material 226).
  • the at least one external communication coil 224 can be inductively coupled with the at least one internal communication coil 214 and configured to wirelessly transmit electrical power to the at least one internal communication coil 214 and/or configured to wirelessly transmit information (e.g., data signals; control signals) to and/or to wirelessly receive information from the at least one internal communication coil 214.
  • information e.g., data signals; control signals
  • FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an example apparatus 300 in accordance with certain implementations described herein.
  • FIGs. 2B and 2C schematically illustrate side cross-sectional views of an example apparatus 300 that is in wireless communication with a first device 400 of a transcutaneous system 200 and that is not in wireless communication with the first device 400, respectively, in accordance with certain implementations described herein.
  • the apparatus 300 comprises a housing 310, first communication circuitry 320 on or within the housing 310, detection circuitry 330 on or within the housing 310, and second communication circuitry 340 on or within the housing 310.
  • the housing 310 can be configured to be worn or carried by a recipient.
  • the first communication circuitry 320 is configured to be in wireless communication with a first device 400 separatable from the apparatus 300 (e.g., spaced from the housing 310).
  • the detection circuitry 330 is configured to generate at least one signal 332 indicative of at least one condition of an environment 302 of the apparatus 300 (e.g., an environment in which the housing 310 resides) while the first communication circuitry 320 is not in wireless communication with the first device 400.
  • the second communication circuitry 340 is configured to wirelessly communicate the at least one signal 332 to a second device 500 separate from the apparatus 300.
  • the apparatus 300 comprises an external portion (e.g., external component 220; see, e.g., FIG. IB) of a transcutaneous system 200
  • the first device 400 comprises an internal portion (e.g., implantable component 210; see, e.g., FIG. IB) of the transcutaneous system 200, with the external portion configured to be in wireless, transcutaneous communication with the implantable portion
  • the second device 500 comprises a computing device (e.g., s smart device such as a smart phone or smart tablet; notebook or laptop computer) configured to monitor operation of the external portion and/or the internal portion of the transcutaneous system 200.
  • a computing device e.g., s smart device such as a smart phone or smart tablet; notebook or laptop computer
  • the apparatus 300 comprises an auxiliary device (e.g., smart watch; ear bud; headphones; AR glasses) configured to be worn and/or carried by the recipient
  • the first device 400 comprises a first computing device (e.g., smart device such as a smart phone or smart tablet; notebook or laptop computer) in proximity to the recipient (e.g., worn and/or carried by the recipient), with the auxiliary device in wireless communication with the first computing device
  • the second device 500 comprises a second computing device (e.g., smart device such as a smart phone or smart tablet; notebook or laptop computer) configured to monitor operation of the auxiliary device and/or the first computing device.
  • the first device 400 and the second device 500 are the same device, while in certain other such implementations, the first device 400 and the second device 500 are separate devices (e.g., the second device 500 separate from the first device 400).
  • the apparatus 300 comprises a tracking device (e.g., tag) configured to be connected to the first device 400
  • the first device 400 comprises an item of value (e.g., automobile; computer hardware; handbag or the like)
  • the second device 500 comprises a second computing device configured to monitor the connection between the apparatus 300 and the first device 400.
  • the apparatus 300 can be reversibly removed from the recipient and/or the first device 400 (e.g., intentionally by the recipient; unintentionally through accident or outside forces) and the apparatus 300 can potentially become misplaced (e.g., lost) while the apparatus 300 is separated from the recipient and/or the first device 400.
  • the apparatus 300 and/or the second device 500 of certain implementations described herein are configured to provide a user (e.g., the recipient, a parent of the recipient, a caregiver of the recipient, technical services staff) with information (e.g., alert; environmental condition information; contextual information) that the user can use to facilitate finding the misplaced apparatus 300 (e.g., so the apparatus 300 can be subsequently replaced onto the recipient and/or the first device 400).
  • information e.g., alert; environmental condition information; contextual information
  • This information can supplement other information, such as approximate distance information derived from a Bluetooth-based distance approximator/estimator (e.g., received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values from Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) functionality).
  • RSSI received signal strength indicator
  • BLE Bluetooth Low Energy
  • the inclusion of environmental condition information can mitigate financial, emotional, and/or physical distress experienced by the recipient due to the misplaced apparatus 300.
  • the housing 310 is configured to hermetically seal the first communication circuitry 320, the detection circuitry 330, and/or the second communication circuitry 340 from the environment 302 surrounding the housing 310.
  • the housing 310 of certain implementations is configured to be placed over a portion of skin 230 overlaying the implanted first device 400.
  • the housing 310 can comprise at least one biocompatible material (e.g., skin-friendly) that is substantially transparent to the electromagnetic or magnetic fields generated by the first and/or second communication circuitry 320, 340 such that the housing 310 does not substantially interfere with the transmission of power via magnetic induction between the apparatus 300 and the first device 400 and/or the transmission of the at least one signal 332 from the apparatus 300 to the second device 500.
  • the housing 310 can have a width (e.g., along a lateral direction substantially parallel to the recipient’s skin 230) less than or equal to 40 millimeters (e.g., in a range of 15 millimeters to 35 millimeters; in a range of 25 millimeters to 35 millimeters; in a range of less than 30 millimeters; in a range of 15 millimeters to 30 millimeters).
  • a width e.g., along a lateral direction substantially parallel to the recipient’s skin 230
  • 40 millimeters e.g., in a range of 15 millimeters to 35 millimeters; in a range of 25 millimeters to 35 millimeters; in a range of less than 30 millimeters; in a range of 15 millimeters to 30 millimeters.
  • the housing 310 can have a thickness (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the recipient’s skin 230), the thickness less than or equal to 10 millimeters (e.g., in a range of less than or equal to 7 millimeters, in a range of less than or equal to 6 millimeters; in a range of less than or equal to 5 millimeters).
  • a thickness e.g., substantially perpendicular to the recipient’s skin 230
  • the thickness less than or equal to 10 millimeters (e.g., in a range of less than or equal to 7 millimeters, in a range of less than or equal to 6 millimeters; in a range of less than or equal to 5 millimeters).
  • the first communication circuitry 320 comprises at least one coil having multiple turns of electrically insulated single-strand or multi-strand copper wire (e.g., a planar electrically conductive wire with multiple windings having a substantially circular, rectangular, spiral, or oval shape or other shape) or copper traces on epoxy of a printed circuit board.
  • electrically insulated single-strand or multi-strand copper wire e.g., a planar electrically conductive wire with multiple windings having a substantially circular, rectangular, spiral, or oval shape or other shape
  • copper traces on epoxy of a printed circuit board.
  • the coil of the first communication circuitry 320 can have a diameter, length, and/or width (e.g., configured to be positioned along a lateral direction substantially parallel to the recipient’s skin 230) less than or equal to 40 millimeters (e.g., in a range of 15 millimeters to 35 millimeters; in a range of 25 millimeters to 35 millimeters; in a range of less than 30 millimeters; in a range of 15 millimeters to 30 millimeters).
  • a diameter, length, and/or width e.g., configured to be positioned along a lateral direction substantially parallel to the recipient’s skin 230
  • 40 millimeters e.g., in a range of 15 millimeters to 35 millimeters; in a range of 25 millimeters to 35 millimeters; in a range of less than 30 millimeters; in a range of 15 millimeters to 30 millimeters.
  • the first communication circuitry 320 is configured to form a wireless communication link with corresponding communication circuitry within the first device 400.
  • the apparatus 300 is configured to be held in place by at least one protrusion or other structure of the housing 310.
  • the housing 310 can have a hook-shaped portion configured to hold the apparatus 300 behind the recipient’s ear with the first communication circuitry 320 positioned to wirelessly communicate electrical power, data, and/or control signals transcutaneously to the at least one internal communication coil 214 of the first device 400 (e.g., via a radio-frequency or RF link).
  • the apparatus 300 can further comprise at least one external magnetic element 350 (e.g., disk or plate comprising a ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or permanent magnetic material; magnetic material 226 of FIG. IB) positioned on or within the housing 310 (e.g., positioned within a region at least partially bounded by the first communication circuit 320).
  • at least one external magnetic element 350 e.g., disk or plate comprising a ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or permanent magnetic material; magnetic material 226 of FIG. IB
  • the at least one external magnetic element 350 can be configured to establish an attractive magnetic force with at least one implanted magnetic element (e.g., disk or plate comprising a ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or permanent magnetic material; magnetic material 216 of FIG. IB).
  • implanted magnetic element e.g., disk or plate comprising a ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or permanent magnetic material; magnetic material 216 of FIG. IB.
  • the attractive magnetic force can be sufficiently strong to hold the apparatus 300 (e.g., housing 310) on the recipient’s body (e.g., against the outer surface of the skin 230) with the first communication circuitry 320 sufficiently aligned with the corresponding communication circuitry (e.g., at least one internal communication coil 214) of the first device 400 to be in wireless communication with the corresponding communication circuitry within the first device 400 (e.g., to form the wireless communication link via magnetic induction) between the first communication circuitry 320 and the communication circuitry of the first device 400.
  • the apparatus 300 e.g., housing 310) on the recipient’s body
  • the first communication circuitry 320 sufficiently aligned with the corresponding communication circuitry (e.g., at least one internal communication coil 214) of the first device 400 to be in wireless communication with the corresponding communication circuitry within the first device 400 (e.g., to form the wireless communication link via magnetic induction) between the first communication circuitry 320 and the communication circuitry of the first device 400.
  • the second communication circuitry 340 comprises at least one antenna on or within the housing 310, the at least one antenna configured to wirelessly receive and/or transmit data signals (e.g., the at least one signal 332) and/or control signals.
  • the at least one antenna can be configured to transmit the at least one signal 332 to the second device 500.
  • the antenna can be compatible with various types of wireless links to the second device 500, including but not limited to: 2.4 GHz wireless links; Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) links; medical implant communication system (MICS) bands (e.g., 401-406 MHz); short range device (SRD) bands (e.g., 863 MHz; 915 MHz).
  • BLE Bluetooth Low-Energy
  • MILS medical implant communication system
  • SRD short range device
  • the apparatus 300 can further comprise control circuitry and at least one storage device (e.g., at least one tangible or non- transitory computer readable storage medium; read only memory; random access memory; flash memory).
  • the control circuitry can comprise one or more microprocessors (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits; generalized integrated circuits programmed by software with computer executable instructions; microelectronic circuitry) and can be in operative communication with the first communication circuitry 320, the detection circuitry 330, and/or the second communication circuitry 340.
  • the at least one storage device can be configured to store information (e.g., data; commands) accessed by the one or more microprocessors during operation.
  • the at least one storage device can be encoded with software (e.g., a computer program downloaded as an application) comprising computer executable instructions for instructing the one or more microprocessors (e.g., executable data access logic, evaluation logic, and/or information outputting logic).
  • the one or more microprocessors execute the instructions of the software to provide functionality as described herein.
  • the control circuitry can be configured to wirelessly transmit power signals, data signals, and/or control signals to the first device 400 (e.g., via the first communication circuitry 320 and the corresponding communication circuitry of the first device 400).
  • control circuitry can be configured to wirelessly receive data and/or control signals from the first device 400 (e.g., via the first communication circuitry 320 and the corresponding communication circuitry of the first device 400) and/or the second device 500 (e.g., via the second communication circuitry 340).
  • the detection circuitry 340 comprises a portion of the control circuitry of the apparatus 300. In certain other implementations, the detection circuitry 340 comprises other circuitry in operative communication that is separate from, but in operative communication with, the control circuitry of the apparatus 300.
  • the detection circuitry 340 is configured to detect whether the first communication circuitry 320 is in wireless communication with the first device 400 or whether the first communication circuitry 320 is not in wireless communication with the first device 400.
  • the detection circuitry 340 can monitor data and/or control signals (e.g., handshaking signals; backchannel signals) received by the first communication circuitry 320.
  • data and/or control signals e.g., handshaking signals; backchannel signals
  • the detection circuitry 340 detects that the first communication circuitry 320 is in wireless communication with the first device 400.
  • the detection circuitry 340 detects that the first communication circuitry 320 is not in wireless communication with the first device 400.
  • the detection circuitry 340 comprises at least one sensor configured to generate sensor signals that are indicative of the at least one environmental condition of the apparatus 300 and the detection circuitry 340 is configured to wirelessly transmit at least a portion of the sensor signals as the at least one signal 332 via the second communication circuitry 340 to the second device 500.
  • the detection circuitry 340 is configured to receive the sensor signals from the at least one sensor, to evaluate the sensor signals to deduce an environmental condition of the apparatus 300, to generate a flag signal (e.g., a binary signal; a signal having a finite number of possible values) corresponding to the deduced environmental condition, and to transmit the flag signal as the at least one signal 332.
  • a flag signal e.g., a binary signal; a signal having a finite number of possible values
  • the detection circuitry 340 can access a look-up table to convert the sensor signals into the flag signal.
  • the detection circuitry 340 can activate the at least one sensor during time periods that the data and/or control signals from the first device 400 are not received by the first communication circuitry 320 (e.g., generating the at least one signal 332 upon a termination of the wireless communication link between the first communication circuitry 320 and the corresponding communication circuitry within the implanted first device 400).
  • the second device 500 can be configured to respond to the at least one signal 332 by generating at least one output signal (e.g., an audio, visual, and/or haptic signal) to the recipient, the at least one output signal indicative of the at least one environmental condition.
  • the second device 500 can be a smart device and the at least one output signal can be presented as a visual alert (e.g., images; text) on an graphical user interface (GUI) of the smart device, an audible alarm from a speaker of the smart device, and/or a haptic or tactile alarm (e.g., vibration) from an actuator of the smart device.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the second device 500 can be configured to evaluate the sensor signals to deduce an environmental condition of the apparatus 300, to generate a flag signal (e.g., using a look-up table) corresponding to the deduced environmental condition, and to generate the at least one output signal.
  • a flag signal e.g., using a look-up table
  • the at least one environmental condition of the apparatus 300 detected by the detection circuitry 340 comprises whether the housing 310 is adjacent to an electrically conductive material 450 (e.g., a metal layer or surface) spaced from the recipient. Such information can be helpful to a recipient trying to find a misplaced apparatus 300 by informing the recipient whether the apparatus 300 is adjacent to (e.g., on; attached to) a metal layer.
  • the at least one sensor can comprise at least two electrically conductive electrodes on an outer surface of the housing 310, and the detection circuitry 340 can be configured to detect an electrical conductance between the electrically conductive electrodes.
  • the detected electrical conductance can have a first value while the housing 310 is not adjacent to the material 450 (e.g., is being worn or carried by the recipient; see, e.g., FIG. 2B) and can have a second value while the housing 310 is adjacent to the material 450 (e.g., is not worn or carried by the recipient; see, e.g., FIG. 2C), the second value different from the first value.
  • the detection circuitry 340 can be configured to generate the at least one signal 332 in response to a change of the detected electrical conductance (e.g., from the first value to the second value).
  • the detection circuitry 340 is configured to detect at least one attribute of the first communication circuitry 320 that has a first value while the housing 310 is not adjacent to the electrically conductive material 450 (e.g., is being worn or carried by the recipient; see, e.g., FIG. 2B) and that has a second value while the housing 310 is adjacent to the material 450 (e.g., is not worn or carried by the recipient; see, e.g., FIG. 2C), the second value different from the first value.
  • Such attribute changes include, but are not limited to: a quality (Q) factor change of the first communication circuitry 320; a change of electrical current flowing through the first communication circuitry 320 (e.g., electrical current losses due to eddy currents created within the electrically conductive material 450); a resonance frequency of the first communication circuitry 320.
  • the at least one sensor can comprise the first communication circuitry 320 or can be in operative communication with the first communication circuitry 320.
  • the detection circuitry 340 can be configured to generate the at least one signal 332 in response to a change of the at least one attribute of the first communication circuitry 320 (e.g., from the first value to the second value).
  • the electrically conductive material 450 can be magnetic (e.g., a ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or permanent magnetic material) and the at least one environmental condition of the apparatus 300 detected by the detection circuitry 340 comprises whether the housing 310 is adjacent (e.g., affixed) to the material 450 (e.g., whether the apparatus 300 is held on the material 450 by an attractive magnetic force generated by the at least one external magnetic element 350 and the material 450).
  • a magnetic layer e.g., a surface of an automobile; playground equipment; a household appliance such as a refrigerator or oven.
  • the at least one sensor can comprise a Hall sensor (e.g., positioned next to the at least one external magnetic element 350) configured to detect a presence and magnitude of a magnetic field (e.g., magnetic flux density).
  • the output of the Hall sensor can have a first value while the housing 310 is not adjacent to the material 450 (e.g., the at least one external magnetic element 350 and the at least one internal magnetic material 216 generate an attractive magnetic force; see, e.g., FIG. 2B) and can have a second value while the housing 310 is adjacent to the material 450 (e.g., the at least one external magnetic element 350 and the material 450 generate an attractive magnetic force; see, e.g., FIG. 2C), the second value different from the first value.
  • the detection circuitry 340 can be configured to generate the at least one signal 332 in response to a change of the Hall sensor output (e.g., from the first value to the second value).
  • the at least one environmental condition of the apparatus 300 detected by the detection circuitry 340 comprises at least one of: temperature, motion, humidity, orientation, environmental light, environmental sound, environmental sound characterization, and characterization of the temperature, motion, humidity, orientation, environmental light.
  • the at least one sensor can comprise a temperature sensor (e.g., thermistor; thermocouple) configured to generate at least one signal 332 that is indicative of a temperature of the apparatus 300. Such information can be helpful to a recipient trying to find a misplaced apparatus 300 by informing the recipient whether the apparatus 300 is outside a building or inside a building.
  • the at least one sensor can comprise an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope configured to generate at least one signal 332 that is indicative of motion and/or an orientation of the apparatus 300. Such information can be helpful to a recipient trying to find a misplaced apparatus 300 by informing the recipient whether the apparatus 300 is on or inside a moving vehicle.
  • the at least one sensor can comprise a microphone configured to generate at least one signal 332 that is indicative of sound from the environment surrounding the apparatus 300. Such information can be helpful to a recipient trying to find a misplaced apparatus 300 by providing the recipient with a recording of a sound snippet detected by the apparatus 300 at the time of detachment from the recipient or soon afterward.
  • the at least one sensor can comprise a microphone and circuitry (e.g., part of the detection circuitry 340 and/or the control circuitry) configured to characterize the sound detected by the microphone and to generate at least one signal 332 indicative of the characterization.
  • circuitry e.g., part of the detection circuitry 340 and/or the control circuitry
  • the circuitry can characterize other environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, motion, humidity, orientation, environmental light).
  • the at least one signal 332 can comprise log (e.g., time stamp) information indicative of the time at which the first communication circuitry 320 lost wireless connection with the first device 400 and/or the times at which the sensor signals were generated.
  • the apparatus 300 in which the apparatus 300 continues to access power (e.g., from an internal power source, such as a battery), the apparatus 300 can continue to generate and transmit the at least one signal 332.
  • the apparatus 300 can cease generating and transmitting the at least one signal 332 upon the apparatus 300 detecting that a wireless communication link with the second device 500 is absent (e.g., the apparatus 300 no longer in communication range of the second device 500), upon power ceasing to be accessible to the apparatus 300 (e.g., the internal battery of the apparatus 300 being depleted), and/or upon the apparatus 300 being returned to be in wireless communication with the first device 400.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example method 600 performed by an apparatus 300 in accordance with certain implementations described herein. While the method 600 is described by referring to some of the structures of FIGs. 2A and 2B, other apparatus and systems with other configurations of components can also be used to perform the method 600 in accordance with certain implementations described herein.
  • the apparatus 300 and first device 400 are in normal operation with one another.
  • the apparatus 300 wirelessly transmits power, data, and/or control signals to the first device 400 via the first communication circuitry 320 and the at least one internal communication coil 214 of the first device 400.
  • the method 600 comprises evaluating (e.g., by the apparatus 300) whether the apparatus 300 is in wireless communication with the first device 400. This evaluation can be performed by firmware of the apparatus 300. If the apparatus 300 is in wireless communication with the first device 400, the method 600 comprises continuing the normal operation of the apparatus 300 and first device 400 with one another. If the apparatus 300 is not in wireless communication with the first device 400, in an operational block 630, the method 600 comprises using the detection circuitry 340 (e.g., the at least one sensor) of the apparatus 300 to generate the at least one signal 332 indicative of at least one environmental condition of the apparatus 300.
  • the detection circuitry 340 e.g., the at least one sensor
  • the method 600 comprises transmitting (e.g., by the second communication circuitry 340 of the apparatus 300) the at least one signal 332 to an application running on the second device 500 (e.g., a “Find My Processor” application running on a smart device).
  • an application running on the second device 500 e.g., a “Find My Processor” application running on a smart device.
  • the method 600 further comprises evaluating (e.g., by the apparatus 300) whether the apparatus 300 is still in wireless communication with the second device 500. If the apparatus 300 is not in wireless communication with the second device 500, in an operational block 670, as shown in FIG. 3, the method 600 comprises continuing to try to connect to the second device 500 in the operational block 640 by transmitting the at least one signal 332 (e.g., while the first device 400 is in a “lost” state; while the second device 500 has temporarily moved out of range for wireless communication with the first device 400 but may move back in range for such wireless communications) until the apparatus 300 reaches a power limit.
  • the at least one signal 332 e.g., while the first device 400 is in a “lost” state; while the second device 500 has temporarily moved out of range for wireless communication with the first device 400 but may move back in range for such wireless communications
  • the method 600 can comprise powering down the apparatus 300 (e.g., to prevent the apparatus 300 from wasting power by transmitting signals that are not going to be received by the second device 500) in an operational block 670. If the apparatus 300 is in wireless communication with the second device 500, in an operational block 660, the method 600 further comprises evaluating (e.g., by the apparatus 300) whether the power stored by the apparatus 300 is above a predetermined threshold. If the stored power is above the predetermined threshold (e.g., the apparatus 300 has sufficient power to continue operation), the method 600 comprises returning to the operational block 620.
  • the method 600 comprises powering down the apparatus 300 (e.g., to preserve at least some stored power in the apparatus 300).
  • FIGs. 4A and 4B provide two example methods 700, 750 performed by a second device 500 in accordance with certain implementations described herein.
  • the method 700 can be performed when the at least one signal 332 is indicative of whether or not the apparatus 300 is adjacent to an electrically conductive material 450 (e.g., metal layer).
  • the method 750 can be performed when the at least one signal 332 is indicative of sound detected by a microphone of the apparatus 300 from an environment surrounding the apparatus 300. While the methods 700, 750 are described by referring to some of the structures of FIGs. 2A and 2B, other apparatus and systems with other configurations of components can also be used to perform the methods 700, 750 in accordance with certain implementations described herein.
  • the method 700 comprises receiving the at least one signal 332 from the apparatus 300 (e.g., via the second communication circuitry 340), the at least one signal 332 indicative of whether or not the apparatus 300 is adjacent to an electrically conductive material 450.
  • the method 700 further comprises providing the at least one signal 332 to an application running on the second device 500 (e.g., a “Find My Processor” application running on a smart device).
  • the method 700 further comprises generating (e.g., by the application) log and/or status entries.
  • the log and/or status entries can include time stamps and information indicative of whether or not the apparatus 300 is adjacent to the electrically conductive material 450, and can be accessible to a user to provide a user with a timeline of the environmental conditions of the apparatus 300.
  • the method 700 further comprises indicating to the user (e.g., via a push message or a GUI of the second device 500) whether or not the apparatus 300 is currently adjacent to the electrically conductive material 450.
  • the method 700 can be performed with regard to the at least one signal 332 being indicative of whether or not the apparatus 300 is affixed to a ferromagnetic material.
  • a recipient aboard a ferry can be wearing an apparatus 300 in wireless communication with an implanted device 400, and a gust of wind can cause the apparatus 300 to fall off the recipient’s body.
  • the ranging information provided by signals from a Bluetooth-based distance approximator/estimator e.g., BLE RSSI values
  • BLE RSSI values can be adversely affected in such circumstances due to the electromagnetic shielding while the signals can still effectively transmit data.
  • the apparatus 300 can detect that the apparatus 300 adhered magnetically to a metal surface (e.g., the deck of the ferry) and can transmit the corresponding signal 332 to a smart phone carried by the recipient that is running an application.
  • the application can alert the recipient to the environmental condition information and knowing that the apparatus 300 is magnetized to metal, the recipient can look along the deck to visually find the apparatus 300.
  • the method 750 comprises receiving the at least one signal 332 from the apparatus 300 (e.g., via the second communication circuitry 340), the at least one signal 332 indicative of sound detected by a microphone of the apparatus 300.
  • the method 750 further comprises providing the at least one signal 332 to an application running on the second device 500 (e.g., a “Find My Processor” application running on a smart device).
  • the method 700 further comprises characterizing (e.g., by the application) the detected sounds (e.g., characterized as being traffic sound, quiet indoor sounds, public space noise, people speaking, water waves, etc.) using commercially-available characterizing software (e.g., classifier algorithms).
  • the method 750 further comprises indicating to the user (e.g., via a push message or a GUI of the second device 500) the characterization of the detected sounds.
  • the second device 500 can use artificial intelligence to evaluate the at least one signal 332 (e.g., corresponding to multiple environmental conditions of the apparatus 300) and to generate an estimate of the type of location the apparatus 300 may be found.
  • the apparatus 300 can fall into the water, and continuous Bluetooth-based distance estimation information would likely be unavailable as the apparatus 300 sinks further into the water.
  • the apparatus 300 can detect sound during the initial time period when displaced from the recipient’s body and can transmit corresponding signals 332 to the smart phone carried by the recipient.
  • the application can playback a portion of the sound (e.g., the last 10 seconds that the apparatus 300 was off the recipient’s body but still within BLE range) and from the sound profile, the recipient can realize from these sounds that the apparatus 300 fell into the water.
  • the method 700 does not comprise characterizing the detected sound, but instead, in an operational block 792, the method 700 comprises providing (e.g., playing back) a portion of the detected sound (e.g., having a length of one to ten seconds) to the user, which can facilitate the user finding the misplaced apparatus 300.
  • a portion of the detected sound e.g., having a length of one to ten seconds
  • the method 600 uses the detection circuitry 340 to generate the at least one signal 332 upon detecting that the apparatus 300 has lost wireless communication with the first device 400.
  • the detection circuitry 340 periodically generates and transmits the at least one signal 332 to the second device 500 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 10 seconds; 30 seconds; one minute; two minutes; 5 minutes; 10 minutes).
  • the apparatus 300 can transmit a corresponding link status signal to the second device 500.
  • the at least one signal 332 received by the second device 500 after the second device 500 receives the link status signal can be noted by the second device 500 as corresponding to environmental conditions of the apparatus 300 while the apparatus 300 is not worn or carried by the recipient.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method 800 performed by a second device 500 (e.g., smart phone; smart tablet; smart watch; computing device held or worn by the recipient) in accordance with certain implementations described herein. While the method 800 is described by referring to some of the structures of FIGs. 2A and 2B, other apparatus and systems with other configurations of components can also be used to perform the method 800 in accordance with certain implementations described herein.
  • a second device 500 e.g., smart phone; smart tablet; smart watch; computing device held or worn by the recipient
  • the method 800 comprises periodically receiving a plurality of wireless signals (e.g., the at least one signal 332) from an external device (e.g., apparatus 300) configured to be placed on a recipient’s body such that the external device is in wireless transcutaneous communication with an internal device (e.g., first device 400) within the recipient’s body.
  • a plurality of wireless signals e.g., the at least one signal 332
  • an external device e.g., apparatus 300
  • an internal device e.g., first device 400
  • the plurality of wireless signals are indicative of at least one environmental condition of the external device, and the at least one environmental condition can comprise at least one of: proximity of the external device to an electrically conductive material; proximity of the external device to a ferromagnetic material; temperature of the external device; humidity of the external device; motion of the external device; orientation of the external device; environmental light impinging the external device; environmental sound received by the external device; characterization of the environmental sound received by the external device; characterization of other conditions.
  • Generating and transmitting the plurality of wireless signals by the external device can be triggered upon the external device detecting that a wireless communication link is terminated between the external device and the internal device.
  • the external device can be configured to transmit the wireless signals to the external device at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 10 seconds; 30 seconds; one minute; two minutes; 5 minutes; 10 minutes) between the wireless signals.
  • the method 800 further comprises causing each received wireless signal of the plurality of wireless signals to be stored and some or all previously stored wireless signals to be deleted. For example, upon the second device 500 receiving a wireless signal of the plurality of wireless signals from the apparatus 300, the second device 500 can store the received wireless signal and can detect how much time elapses until a next wireless signal of the plurality of wireless signals is received. If the next wireless signal is received within the predetermined time interval from receiving the previously stored wireless signal, the previously stored wireless signal can be deleted and the more recently stored wireless signal can be stored. In this way, the second device 500 can store the most recently stored wireless signal that has been received within the predetermined time interval.
  • the second device 500 can store (e.g., temporarily cache) multiple received wireless signals and, upon receiving a link status signal indicative of termination of the wireless communication link between the external device and the internal device, the second device 500 can delete all the stored multiple signals except the signals that were received after the second device 500 received the link status signal.
  • causing the received wireless signals to be stored can comprise sending the received wireless signals to a remote storage device (e.g., server) via the network to be stored and causing some or all previously stored wireless signals to be deleted can comprise sending a delete command signal from the second device 500 to the remote storage device.
  • the method 800 further comprises, upon a predetermined time period elapsing since receiving a new wireless signal of the plurality of wireless signals, using the computing device to generate an alert signal to a user (e.g., the recipient, a parent of the recipient, a caregiver of the recipient, technical services staff).
  • the alert signal can comprise an audio, visual, and/or haptic signal that is configured to be communicated to the user.
  • the alert signal can comprise the at least one environmental condition corresponding to a last-stored wireless signal of the plurality of wireless signals.
  • the alert signal can further comprise a time stamp indicative of when the last-stored wireless signal of the plurality of wireless signals was received.
  • the alert signal can further comprise geolocation information indicative of a geolocation of the second device 500 when the last-stored wireless signal of the plurality of wireless signals was received.
  • geolocation e.g., global positioning system (GPS)
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by ⁇ 10 degrees, by ⁇ 5 degrees, by ⁇ 2 degrees, by ⁇ 1 degree, or by ⁇ 0.1 degree
  • the terms “generally perpendicular” and “substantially perpendicular” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly perpendicular by ⁇ 10 degrees, by ⁇ 5 degrees, by ⁇ 2 degrees, by ⁇ 1 degree, or by ⁇ 0.1 degree.
  • the ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited.
  • ordinal adjectives e.g., first, second, etc.
  • the ordinal adjective are used merely as labels to distinguish one element from another (e.g., one signal from another or one circuit from one another), and the ordinal adjective is not used to denote an order of these elements or of their use.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil qui comprend un boîtier, un premier circuit de communication sur ou à l'intérieur du boîtier, un circuit de détection sur ou à l'intérieur du boîtier et un second circuit de communication sur ou à l'intérieur du boîtier. Le premier circuit de communication est configuré pour être en communication sans fil avec un premier dispositif pouvant être séparé de l'appareil. Le circuit de détection est configuré pour générer au moins un signal indiquant au moins une condition d'un environnement de l'appareil tandis que le premier circuit de communication n'est pas en communication sans fil avec le premier dispositif. Le second circuit de communication est configuré pour communiquer sans fil le ou les signaux à un second dispositif séparé de l'appareil.
PCT/IB2024/059693 2023-10-12 2024-10-03 Système et procédé pour faciliter la découverte d'un dispositif mal placé Pending WO2025078920A1 (fr)

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US63/589,845 2023-10-12

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Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040073275A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-04-15 Maltan Albert A. Cochlear implant sound processor with permanently integrated replenishable power source
US6842647B1 (en) * 2000-10-20 2005-01-11 Advanced Bionics Corporation Implantable neural stimulator system including remote control unit for use therewith
US20050078846A1 (en) * 2003-10-13 2005-04-14 Single Peter Scott External speech processor unit for an auditory prosthesis
US20220168564A1 (en) * 2014-09-30 2022-06-02 Cochlear Limited User interfaces of a hearing device
WO2022195379A1 (fr) * 2021-03-18 2022-09-22 Cochlear Limited Réhabilitation auditive pour utilisation de téléphone

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6842647B1 (en) * 2000-10-20 2005-01-11 Advanced Bionics Corporation Implantable neural stimulator system including remote control unit for use therewith
US20040073275A1 (en) * 2002-10-11 2004-04-15 Maltan Albert A. Cochlear implant sound processor with permanently integrated replenishable power source
US20050078846A1 (en) * 2003-10-13 2005-04-14 Single Peter Scott External speech processor unit for an auditory prosthesis
US20220168564A1 (en) * 2014-09-30 2022-06-02 Cochlear Limited User interfaces of a hearing device
WO2022195379A1 (fr) * 2021-03-18 2022-09-22 Cochlear Limited Réhabilitation auditive pour utilisation de téléphone

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