Medical device diagnostics using a portable device

Systems, methods, and apparatuses may be used to test devices using a portable device. A portable device is a tablet computer, a smart phone, or other type of device. In embodiments, the different components of the portable device are utilized to perform tests on a medical device such as a hearing prosthesis or other type of medical device. For example, portable device components such as accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, microphones, speakers, etc. are used to provide testing stimuli and/or record the responses from the hearing prosthesis to the testing stimuli. The portable device is used to generate testing stimulus and record the response from the device being tested using the various components of the portable device. Analysis of the output of the medical device can be performed to determine a remedy to improve operation of the device.

BACKGROUND

Auditory prostheses, such as bone conduction devices, convert a received sound into vibrations. The vibrations are transferred through teeth and/or bone to the cochlea, causing generation of nerve impulses, which result in the perception of the received sound. Bone conduction devices are suitable to treat a variety of types of hearing loss and may be suitable for individuals who cannot derive sufficient benefit from acoustic hearing aids, cochlear implants, etc., or for individuals who suffer from stuttering problems. Bone conduction devices may be coupled to a user using a direct percutaneous implant and abutment, or using transcutaneous solutions, which can contain an active or passive implant component, or other mechanisms to transmit sound vibrations through the skull bones, such as through vibrating the ear canal walls or the teeth. In many cases, it is useful to test such a device to ensure it is working properly. It is with respect to this general environment that embodiments of the present technology have been contemplated.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses that are used to test medical devices, for example, bone conduction devices or other hearing aids or devices, using a portable device. A portable device is a tablet computer, a smart phone, or other type of device that is commonly used. In embodiments, the components of the portable device are utilized to test a medical device. This allows a recipient or user of a device to perform diagnostic tests on a device to ensure it is working correctly without having to use specialized equipment that may only be available to a clinician or a device manufacturer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems and methods disclosed herein provide a method that can be performed by a portable device, such as, but not limited to, a smartphone or a tablet, that performs diagnostic testing on a medical device, such as a hearing prosthesis or other device that requires diagnostic testing. This allows a device recipient or user to quickly ensure that her device is properly working without having to obtain specialized equipment or visit a specialized technician. If problems are detected based upon the diagnostic testing, the methods disclosed herein provide for displaying instructions regarding remedies to correct problems with the device or optimize the device settings.

While the technologies disclosed herein have particular application in the bone conduction devices depicted inFIGS. 1-3, it will be appreciated that the systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed can be employed to perform device diagnostics on other types of hearing prostheses. For example, the embodiments disclosed herein can be used to perform diagnostics on components of traditional hearing aids, hearing prostheses, active transcutaneous bone conduction devices, passive transcutaneous devices, middle ear devices, tooth-anchored hearing devices, etc. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced to perform diagnostics on medical devices other than hearing prostheses, or may be used in conjunction with devices that treat conditions independent of hearing loss, such as tinnitus. Accordingly, the technologies disclosed herein will be described generally in the context of medical devices. Certain aspects of the technology however, for example, the fixtures identified inFIGS. 4-4Care described in the context of bone conduction devices.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a percutaneous bone conduction device100positioned behind outer ear101of the recipient and comprises a sound input element126to receive sound signals107. The sound input element126can be a microphone, telecoil or similar. In the present example, sound input element126may be located, for example, on or in bone conduction device100, or on a cable extending from bone conduction device100. Also, bone conduction device100comprises a sound processor (not shown), a vibrating actuator (e.g., electromagnetic, piezo electric, electrostrictive, etc.), and/or various other operational components.

More particularly, sound input device126converts received sound signals into electrical signals. These electrical signals are processed by the sound processor. The sound processor generates control signals that cause the actuator to vibrate. In other words, the actuator converts the electrical signals into mechanical force to impart vibrations to skull bone136of the recipient.

Bone conduction device100further includes coupling apparatus140to attach bone conduction device100to the recipient. In the example ofFIG. 1, coupling apparatus140is attached to an anchor system (not shown) implanted in the recipient. An exemplary anchor system (also referred to as a fixation system) may include a percutaneous abutment fixed to the recipient's skull bone136. The abutment extends from skull bone136through muscle134, fat128and skin132so that coupling apparatus140may be attached thereto. Such a percutaneous abutment provides an attachment location for coupling apparatus140that facilitates efficient transmission of mechanical force.

A functional block diagram of one example of a bone conduction device200is shown inFIG. 2. Sound207is received by sound input element202. In some arrangements, sound input element202is a microphone configured to receive sound207, and to convert sound207into electrical signal222. Alternatively, sound207is received by sound input element202as an electrical signal.

As shown inFIG. 2, transducer206receives adjusted electrical signal224and generates a mechanical output force in the form of vibrations that is delivered to the skull of the recipient via anchor system208, which is coupled to bone conduction device200. Delivery of this output force causes motion or vibration of the recipient's skull, thereby activating the hair cells in the recipient's cochlea (not shown) via cochlea fluid motion.

FIG. 2also illustrates power module210. Power module210provides electrical power to one or more components of bone conduction device200. For ease of illustration, power module210has been shown connected only to user interface module212and electronics module204. However, it should be appreciated that power module210may be used to supply power to any electrically powered circuits/components of bone conduction device200.

User interface module212, which is included in bone conduction device200, allows the recipient to interact with bone conduction device200. For example, user interface module212may allow the recipient to adjust the volume, alter the speech processing strategies, power on/off the device, etc. In the example ofFIG. 2, user interface module212communicates with electronics module204via signal line228.

Bone conduction device200may further include external interface module that may be used to connect electronics module204to an external device, such as a fitting system. Using external interface module214, the external device, may obtain information from the bone conduction device200(e.g., the current parameters, data, alarms, etc.) and/or modify the parameters of the bone conduction device200used in processing received sounds and/or performing other functions.

In the example ofFIG. 2, sound input element202, electronics module204, transducer206, power module210, user interface module212, and external interface module have been shown as integrated in a single housing, referred to as housing225. However, it should be appreciated that in certain examples, one or more of the illustrated components may be housed in separate or different housings. Similarly, it should also be appreciated that in such examples, direct connections between the various modules and devices are not necessary and that the components may communicate, for example, via wireless connections.

FIG. 3depicts an example of a transcutaneous bone conduction device300that includes an external device340and an implantable component350. The transcutaneous bone conduction device300ofFIG. 3is a passive transcutaneous bone conduction device in that a vibrating actuator342is located in the external device340. Vibrating actuator342is located in housing344of the external component, and is coupled to plate346. Plate346may be in the form of a permanent magnet and/or in another form that generates and/or is reactive to a magnetic field, or otherwise permits the establishment of magnetic attraction between the external device340and the implantable component350sufficient to hold the external device340against the skin of the recipient.

In one example, the vibrating actuator342is a device that converts electrical signals into vibration. In operation, sound input element126converts sound into electrical signals. Specifically, the transcutaneous bone conduction device300provides these electrical signals to vibrating actuator342, or to a sound processor (not shown) that processes the electrical signals, and then provides those processed signals to vibrating actuator342. The vibrating actuator342converts the electrical signals (processed or unprocessed) into vibrations. Because vibrating actuator342is mechanically coupled to plate346, the vibrations are transferred from the vibrating actuator342to plate346. Implanted plate assembly352is part of the implantable component350, and is made of a ferromagnetic material that may be in the form of a permanent magnet, that generates and/or is reactive to a magnetic field, or otherwise permits the establishment of a magnetic attraction between the external device340and the implantable component350sufficient to hold the external device340against the skin of the recipient. Accordingly, vibrations produced by the vibrating actuator342of the external device340are transferred from plate346across the skin to plate355of plate assembly352. This may be accomplished as a result of mechanical conduction of the vibrations through the skin, resulting from the external device340being in direct contact with the skin and/or from the magnetic field between the two plates. These vibrations are transferred without penetrating the skin with a solid object such as an abutment as detailed above with respect to a percutaneous bone conduction device.

As may be seen, the implanted plate assembly352is substantially rigidly attached to bone fixture246B in this example. As indicated above, any other bone fixture may be used instead of bone fixture246B in this and other examples. In this regard, implantable plate assembly352includes through hole354that is contoured to the outer contours of the bone fixture246B. This through hole354thus forms a bone fixture interface section that is contoured to the exposed section of the bone fixture246B. In an example, the sections are sized and dimensioned such that at least a slip fit or an interference fit exists with respect to the sections. Plate screw356is used to secure plate assembly352to bone fixture246B. As can be seen inFIG. 3, the head of the plate screw356is larger than the hole through the implantable plate assembly352, and thus the plate screw356positively retains the implantable plate assembly352to the bone fixture246B. The portions of plate screw356that interface with the bone fixture246B substantially correspond to an abutment screw detailed in greater detail below, thus permitting plate screw356to readily fit into an existing bone fixture used in a percutaneous bone conduction device. In an example, plate screw356is configured so that the same tools and procedures that are used to install and/or remove an abutment screw (described below) from bone fixture246B can be used to install and/or remove plate screw356from the bone fixture246B.

FIG. 4is an embodiment of a portable device400that can be used to perform diagnostic tests on a medical device. In embodiments, a portable device400can be a smartphone, a tablet computing device, a laptop computing device, or other type of portable computing device, as will be described in more detail inFIGS. 6 and 7. In embodiments, the various components of the portable device400can be utilized to perform a diagnostics test by administering one or more tests, collecting test results from a medical device, and analyzing the testing results to produce and/or present diagnostic results. One or more diagnostics tests can be administered by the portable device400by using one of the portable device's output components. For example, the portable device400can play a test sound using a loudspeaker, display a test or testing instructions using a display, or communicate directly with the medical device being tested using a Bluetooth connection, a radio frequency (“RF”) signal, or other means of communication. The portable device400can collect test results from a medical device using various input components that are part of the portable device400. For example, the portable device400can record output from a medical device using a microphone400a, magnetometer, accelerometer, gyroscope, camera, touch-sensitive screen, or other component. In embodiments, the portable device400can also collect data by communicating directly from a medical device via a Bluetooth connection, RF signal, or other means of communication.

Upon collecting the testing results, the portable device400can analyze the results of the tests. In one embodiment, the analysis may be performed locally by evaluating the testing data using a combination of software and/or hardware on the portable device400. In another embodiment, the portable device400can transmit the test results to another device or system for analysis. In such embodiments, the portable device400can communicate with a remote device, such as, but not limited to, a server over a network. Example networks that may be used to facilitate the communication can be a local area network (“LAN”), wide area network (“WAN”), a cellular network, a plain old telephone service (“POTS”) network, the Internet, or any other type of network capable of facilitating the communication of data between multiple devices. In such embodiments, a remote device may perform analysis on the test data and return results of the analysis to the portable device400via the network. Upon analyzing the results, either locally on the portable device400or by a remote device, results of the testing can be generated. The results can include test results, suggestions for fixing an identified problem with the medical device, instruction on how to service and/or tune the medical device, instructions on performing maintenance on the medical device, or any other type of results. The instructions can be provided to a user via one or more of the portable device's400output components. For example, the testing results and/or additional information can be displayed on the portable device's400display, audibly played using a loudspeaker, or otherwise provided to another device for presentation or storage.

FIGS. 4A-4Cdepict various embodiments of fixtures that may be used to in conjunction with a portable device400and a medical device404. In these figures, the medical404device is a bone conduction device.FIG. 4Adepicts a fixture402that may be employed with the portable device400to perform diagnostics testing on a bone conduction device404. Fixture402is an apparatus that can be coupled to the portable device400. In the illustrated embodiment, fixture402is coupled to the portable device400by fitting over the edge of the portable device400. In embodiments, fixture402includes a substantially U-shaped channel adapted to receive at least a portion of an edge of the portable device400. Fixture400can also include a cover for covering a component of the portable device400, such as a microphone on the portable device400. InFIG. 4A, the entire fixture402covers the entire portion of the portable device400where the microphone is located. Accordingly, a discrete cover is not necessarily required. In certain embodiments, however, the cover may be a projection that extends from a portion of the fixture402. Covering the device microphone blocks out ambient noise that may interfere with the collection of test results while still allowing the microphone to receive the vibrational output of the bone conduction device404. Fixture402may cover the microphone of the portable device400to block external sound from being received by the microphone; however, the vibrations generated by the device400will still be transmitted through the fixture402and casing of the portable device404and be picked up by the microphone.

In other embodiments, fixture402can be coupled to the portable device via other means, such as by a clamping mechanism, an adhesive, etc. Fixture402may be used to secure a medical device. Securement can include inserting a portion of the device404into an opening defined by the fixture402. Especially in the context of a bone conduction device, securing the device404provides for better testing and better collection of the testing results. For example, since the output of the bone conduction device404is a mechanical output (i.e., vibrations), fixture402provides that the device404will remain secured relative to the portable device400while it is generating mechanical output. In embodiments, fixture402can also be designed to secure device404to an optimal location for testing by the portable device400.

FIG. 4Bis yet another embodiment of a fixture406that is used to secure a device404to a portable device400. The fixture404includes a plurality of clips or straps406a, which may be elastic or rigid. The straps406aare coupled at a microphone cover406b, which also serves as a mounting base for the bone conduction device404. In embodiments, fixture406can also be clipped or otherwise secured to the portable device400to optimize placement of the device404for testing. In alternate embodiments, fixture406includes a clamp adapted to secure the fixture to the portable device400.

FIG. 4Cis an alternate embodiment of a fixture408that is used to secure a device404to a portable device400for testing. In the illustrated embodiment, fixture408is a rigid plastic test rod. In the illustrated embodiment, fixture408is adhered to the display400bof the portable device400rather than fitting over the edge or clipping to the portable device400. In embodiments, fixture408can simply rest on the portable device400. Here, however, the contacting surface of the fixture408can be secured to the display400bof the portable device400using a releasable adhesive. Prior to use, the releasable adhesive is covered by a contact pad that may be removed to expose the adhesive. The contact pad410may then be utilized to cover the microphone400aduring testing. A device interface412(in this case, an upper surface of the fixture404) can also define a receiver or opening414for receiving a portion of the device404. The receiver414can be fitted for a specific type of device. For example, the receiver414may be an abutment fitted to receive a portion of the device404, such as, but not limited to, the implant of a bone conduction device. In embodiments where the fixture408is placed on the portable device400, the portable device400provides a graphical indication416on its display400bto identify a location that the fixture408should be placed. In embodiments, the graphical indication416identifies an area that provides for optimal testing results. As such, the location of the graphical indication416can depend on the location and/or capabilities of the portable device components. The placement of graphical indication416can vary depending on the type of portable device400. Alternatively, a suction element may be used in lieu of an adhesive.

WhileFIGS. 4A-4Cprovide specific examples of different fixtures that may be used to secure a device to a portable device for testing, other types of fixtures may be employed to secure a medical device to a portable device without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, any type of fitting comprising a body with an interface for a medical device may be used. In embodiments, the body of the fixture comprises a vibration-conductive material that can be used to transmit mechanical output from, e.g., a bone conduction device, to the one or more components of the portable device.

Having described the various embodiments of fixtures that can be used with a portable device to perform diagnostic testing, the disclosure will now describe embodiments of methods that can be executed by the portable device to performing diagnostic testing.FIG. 5is an embodiment of a method500to perform diagnostic testing on a device such as a hearing prosthesis or other medical device. The method500can be performed by a portable device, a portable device in combination with one or more remote devices, or by one or more general computing devices. The operations described in the method500may be performed by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. In one embodiment, the operations described with respect to the method500are completely performed by the portable device. In other embodiments, the operations described as part of method500are performed by multiple devices communicating over a network. For example, some of the operations of method500can be performed by a portable device while other operations are performed by a remote device communicating with the portable device via a network. In embodiments, testing stimuli is provided using various components of a portable device. For example, testing stimuli can be provided by a speaker, head set, inbuilt generator, audio cable, and/or wireless interface of the portable device. In embodiments, components of the portable device are also used to record the response to the testing stimulus of the device being tested. For example, a gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer, microphone and/or microphone can be employed to record responses to the testing stimuli.

The method500begins with the optional operation of displaying a location for placement of a fixture and/or device for testing. For example, in embodiments where a fixture is used to place a medical device on a portable device, such as fixture408illustrated inFIG. 4C, the portable device can display an area in which to place the fixture to perform the testing, for example, on the display screen. In embodiments, the area displayed is determined based upon the characteristics of the portable device. For example, the displayed area can be determined based upon the location of various different components of the portable device performing the test, the capabilities of the portable device performing the test, or based upon various other characteristics of the portable device. Flow continues to optional operation504, where a determination is made as to whether the device is correctly placed on the portable device for testing. In one embodiment, a magnetometer that is part of the portable device can be used to detect the placement of the device and ensure it is placed in the correct location. In another embodiment, other components, such as a gyroscope or touch screen can detect whether the device is correctly placed for testing. Additionally, or alternatively, the portable device can confirm placement by querying the medical device or user for acknowledgement that the medical device is ready to test, without specifically identifying a precise location.

Flow continues to operation506where an optional determination is made as to the type of the device being tested. For example, the method500detects the type of device at operation506. Various different types of devices can be tested using the method500, such as bone conduction devices or standard hearing aids. Additionally, other types of medical devices may be tested using the method500. Because different types of devices can require different types of testing, the method500detects the type of device before performing the test. Detection can be accomplished using a variety of different approaches. In one embodiment, the method500can automatically determine the type of device being testing using one or more components of a portable device. For example, a magnetometer can be used to detect a component of the medical device, such as a coil, and identify the type of device depending on the detected component. In another embodiment, the detection can be performed by receiving input from a user. In such an embodiment, a user interface can be displayed on the portable device screen. The user interface can receive input from a user indicating the type of device. For example, the user interface can display a list of devices and receive a selection of one of the devices from the list. In an alternate embodiment, the user interface can receive other type of input from a user, such as text or audio commands that indicate the type of device being tested.

Upon detecting the device type, flow continues to operation508where the method500receives or otherwise determines device settings. The device settings can be used to determine the type of testing to perform on the device. For hearing prostheses, for example, initial gain settings are determined along with other settings. The device settings can be received as input to a user interface. In another embodiment, the device settings can be automatically detected by communicating with the device using a wireless interface, such as a Bluetooth connection or a RF signal, or detected using one or more of the components of the portable device.

Upon receiving or otherwise determining the device settings, flow continues to operation510where a test is performed on the device. In embodiments, one or more components of the portable device capable of providing output are used to perform the test. For example, in one embodiment, the portable device speaker is used to play one or more test sounds to a hearing prosthesis. In another embodiment, the portable device can perform the test using a display, using a vibrator to provide mechanical stimulus, or by transmitting stimulus to the device via a wired or wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection or a RF signal. In embodiments, where the device being tested is a hearing prosthesis, testing stimuli such as, but not limited to, a sweeped sine stimulus, noise (e.g., white, pink, a maximum length sequence (“MLS”), etc.), single tone, impulse, music, and/or speech may be provided using a speaker, head set, inbuilt generator, audio cable, or wireless streaming component of a portable device. While specific examples of testing stimulus are provided it will appreciated that the specific examples are provided for the purpose of illustration. As noted, other types of devices may be tested using the method500that can require different types of testing stimulus. Any type of test or testing stimulus may be provided at operation510so long as the portable device has a component capable of providing the testing stimulus to a medical device that can utilize the stimulus.

In embodiments, while the testing is being performed at operation510, flow can continue to optional operation512where the method512confirms placement of the device for testing. For example, a gyroscope or magnetometer can be used to determine whether the device has moved during testing. If the device has moved, the method500can adjust the testing stimulus to reduce the displacement of the device, stop testing and instruct the user to reset the device in the testing location, and/or adjust the testing stimulus to compensate for the movement of the device.

Flow continues to operation514where the method500records testing results from the device. In embodiments, the testing results can consist of output generated by the device in response to the testing stimulus. The testing results can be recorded using one or more components of a portable device. For example, testing results can be recorded using a gyroscope, microphone, accelerometer, magnetometer, touch-sensitive display, and/or camera that are part of the portable device. In another embodiment, the testing results can be recorded by receiving input from a user or another application or hardware device that reports the output from the medical device.

Upon recording the testing results, flow continues to operation516where the testing results are analyzed. In embodiments, the testing results can be analyzed by comparing the testing results to the provided stimulus to determine whether the medical device correctly received and/or responded appropriately to the testing stimulus. For example, the analysis at operation516can include identifying similarities and differences between the testing stimulus, the received testing results, and known references (for example, previous test results, known device conditions, specifications, and/or settings). The known references can be stored in a database that is resident on the portable device or stored in a remote device that communicates with the portable device. In embodiments, the analysis of operation516produces test results. The test results, in further embodiments, can be further analyzed to determine a suggested remedy to optimize or otherwise correct medical device behavior. In further embodiments, the analysis includes comparing testing results to previous test results of the particular medical device, to test results from similar medical device, or to test results generated by similar portable devices. Comparison to other results can be made to normalize and/or otherwise adjust the testing results recorded at operation514.

In embodiments, the type of testing performed varies depending on the type of device being tested. For example, when testing a bone conduction device, diagnosis of an on-board signal generator (i.e., the vibrator) can be performed by muting the medical device and ordering it to emit sinus waveforms through a predetermined frequency sequence. The sound received by the portable device will then be scanned for the frequency with the highest energy, which will correspond to the resonance frequency. Note that due to the placement of the medical device on the portable device (e.g., the point of contact with the portable device) the resonance frequency may not be the same as measured with more sophisticated equipment, but it should be consistent between measurements. If this resonance frequency should differ during later measurements, the vibrator's characteristics have changed. This change indicates that the vibrator is faulty or may fail. A magnetometer can be used to eliminate faulty placement as the source of error, since it will react to the local changes in the magnetic field introduced by magnetic materials in the device's vibrator. While a specific example of analysis for a particular type of hearing prosthesis is provided, it will be appreciated that different types of analysis may be performed, depending on the characteristics of the medical device, without departing from the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Flow continues to decision operation518where a determination is made as to whether the test should to be repeated and/or whether additional tests should be performed. For example, if the analysis of the testing results produced an incomplete diagnosis, the test can be repeated or different tests can be performed. If additional tests should be performed, flow branches YES to return to operation510. However, if the analysis resulted in a complete diagnostic test, then flow branches NO to operation520. While decision operation518is described as being performed after analysis operation516, in other embodiments the decision to perform additional tests can be made before the analysis step. For example, the testing results recorded at operation514are incomplete, the decision to perform additional tests can be made at that time rather than after operation516.

In embodiments, the decision made at operation518is based upon the type of testing being performed. For example, different tests can be performed based upon a recipient or user need. In one embodiment, a full test is performed that includes a full frequency sweep to identify the resonance peak of a hearing prosthesis. In other embodiments, a quick test is performed where a sweep around a previously measured resonance frequency is made to verify that it is still the peak. The quick test reduces measurement time and can be employed when the user does not have time to perform a full test. In embodiments, the type of test being performed (e.g., full or quick) is used in the decision operation518.

At operation520, results and suggested remedies from the analysis are presented to a device recipient or user. In one embodiment, the results are presented via the display of the portable device. In another embodiment, the results can be audibly provided using a speaker on the portable device. Alternatively or additionally, the results and suggestions can be transmitted to another device for storage and/or presentation. In other embodiments, the results include the determinations made by analyzing the testing results at operation516. The testing results provided at operation520will vary depending on the type of medical device being tested and the type of testing being performed.

The suggested remedy to correct any problems identified by analysis of the testing results can be displayed using the portable device. For example, the suggested remedy can include instructions to the user on how to adjust the medical device settings to correct problems or provide optimal performance. In another embodiment, the method500can automatically perform the suggested remedy by transmitting instructions and/or settings to the medical device via a wired or wireless connection with the medical device.

Flow continues to operation522where the results of the analysis are stored. In one embodiment, the results can be stored locally on the device or transmitted to a remote device for storage thereon. The stored results can be compared to results from later tests of the medical device. The stored results can also be analyzed to adjust testing stimulus based upon medical device performance, the performance of the portable device, or can be analyzed to otherwise identify deficiencies in the testing procedure and/or optimize the testing procedure.

While embodiments of the method500are described as consisting of a discrete number of operations in a particular order, more or fewer operations may be performed without departing from the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, the order of the operations can be adjusted without departing from the concepts described herein. Additionally, while operations of the method500have been described as being performed by particular components of a portable device, such components have been identified for illustrative purposes only. The operations described with respect to the method500may performed using components other than the exemplary components described herein.

FIG. 6illustrates components of an exemplary portable device600that may be employed as a part of a system and/or to perform the methods disclosed herein. While the portable device600is described as having specific components, other portable devices having greater or fewer components that those described with respect to the portable device600can be used. The various components of the portable device600may be hardware components, software components, or a combination of hardware and software. The components described with respect toFIG. 6may be utilized by the portable device600either individually or in combination to perform the operations described with respect to the method500.

The portable device600includes at least one magnetometer602, which can be used to confirm correct placement of a medical device for testing by identifying its location based upon a generated magnetic field. The magnetometer602can also be used to confirm that the device does not move during testing. In other embodiments, the magnetometer602is also used to detect device type by identifying different magnetic components of the device. The portable device600also includes at least one accelerometer604that can be used to measure vibrator-induced sound with less risk of interference than the microphone, but its relatively modest sample rate (about 100 Hz) makes it potentially less reliable for use other than as a signal strength indicator when the other properties of the received signal are already known. As such, the accelerometer604is particularly useful when used in combination with the microphone608to complement the recording of test results the medical device generates in response to the testing stimulus.

The portable device600can include at least one gyroscope606that can be used to ensure that the portable device600is placed on a flat surface for testing by measuring gravitational force (i.e., “G force”). The gyroscope606can also be used to measure accelerometer data. A microphone608can be used for high-accuracy measurement (e.g., for Fast Fourier transform (“FFT”) analysis) but it is somewhat sensitive to external noise. In that case, measurement in quiet surroundings may result in more accurate results. Alternatively, the external microphone vent can be shielded, for example, by one of the fixtures described with respect toFIGS. 4A-4C, or even by a finger of the user. Covering the microphone vent has negligible impact on the sound received through casing vibrations but almost completely removes airborne sound. The portable device600may include at least one speaker610that can be used to provide audio testing stimulus or to provide audio instructions to the user. A device display612is used to display a user interface that provides information to the user regarding placement of the device for testing, information about testing results, displaying suggested remedies, and/or otherwise displaying a user interface that the user can interact with while performing the methods disclosed herein. While specific operations and/or tasks are identified as being performed by the various components described above, additional or different tasks can be performed by each component depending on the type of testing and/or type of medical device being tested. In embodiments, portable device600also includes network connections614and general computing components618. For the sake of clarity, these components are described in more detail with respect toFIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7illustrates one example of a suitable operating environment700in which one or more of the present embodiments may be implemented. This is only one example of a suitable operating environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality. Other well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronics such as smart phones, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, smartphones, tablets, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

In its most basic configuration, operating environment700typically includes at least one processing unit702and memory704. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, memory704(storing, among other things, instructions to perform the device testing methods described herein) may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. This most basic configuration is illustrated inFIG. 7by dashed line706. Further, environment700may also include storage devices (removable,708, and/or non-removable,710) including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tape. Similarly, environment700may also have input device(s)714such as touch screens, keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input, etc. and/or output device(s)716such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. Also included in the environment may be one or more communication connections,712, such as LAN, WAN, point to point, Bluetooth, RF, etc.

In some embodiments, the components described herein comprise such modules or instructions executable by computer system700that may be stored on computer storage medium and other tangible mediums and transmitted in communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of readable media. In some embodiments, computer system700is part of a network that stores data in remote storage media for use by the computer system700.

FIG. 8is an embodiment of a network800in which the various systems and methods disclosed herein may operate. In embodiments, portable device, such as client device802, may communicate with one or more servers, such as servers804and806, via a network808. In embodiments, a client device may be a laptop, a tablet, a personal computer, a smart phone, a PDA, a netbook, or any other type of computing device, such as the portable device inFIG. 6and the computing device inFIG. 7. In embodiments, servers804and806may be any type of computing device, such as the computing device illustrated inFIG. 7. Network808may be any type of network capable of facilitating communications between the client device and one or more servers804and806. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, LANs, WANs, cellular networks, and/or the Internet.

In embodiments, the various systems and methods disclosed herein may be performed by one or more server devices. For example, in one embodiment, a single server, such as server804may be employed to perform the systems and methods disclosed herein. Portable device802may interact with server804via network808in send testing results from the device being tested for analysis or storage. In further embodiments, the portable device802may also perform functionality disclosed herein, such as by collecting and analyzing testing data.

In alternate embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein may be performed using a distributed computing network, or a cloud network. In such embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein may be performed by two or more servers, such as servers804and806. Although a particular network embodiment is disclosed herein, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods disclosed herein may be performed using other types of networks and/or network configurations.

The embodiments described herein may be employed using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware to implement and perform the systems and methods disclosed herein. Although specific devices have been recited throughout the disclosure as performing specific functions, one of skill in the art will appreciate that these devices are provided for illustrative purposes, and other devices may be employed to perform the functionality disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

This disclosure described some embodiments of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible embodiments were shown. Other aspects may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible embodiments to those skilled in the art.

Although specific embodiments were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific embodiments. One skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments or improvements that are within the scope and spirit of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative embodiments. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.