Patent ID: 12225432

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implantable medical devices are devices that include one or more components permanently or temporarily implanted within the body of a recipient. It is common for implantable medical devices to also include, or operate in conjunction with, one or more external components/devices. In general, an external component provides functionality (e.g., processing capabilities, battery charging, etc.) that ensures proper operation of the associated implantable components. As a result, the external component is typically worn or carried by the recipient and can be taken to any of a number of different places, such as school, work, sporting events, etc. This need to keep the external component with the recipient results in an increased risk that the external component will be lost, stolen, or otherwise misplaced.

Attempts have been made to assist users with locating lost, stolen, or misplaced electronic devices. However, these conventional techniques are unsatisfactory for a number of reasons. In particular, certain conventional techniques require the user to make difficult decisions and/or to interpret non-intuitive location data. With these conventional techniques, if the user makes an incorrect decision, or incorrectly interprets the location data, then the user can have considerable difficultly locating the misplaced device. Other conventional techniques rely primarily on satellite positioning systems to provide a user with an indication of a general/vague (i.e., relatively large area in which the misplaced device may be located. The United States NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, for example, broadcast their signals in space with a global average user range error (URE) of ≤7.8 meters (25.6 feet), with 95% probability. However, the actual accuracy of the GPS signals at a receiving device depends on additional factors, including satellite geometry, signal blockage, atmospheric conditions, and receiver design features/quality. For example, GPS-enabled devices can generate location information which is typically accurate to within 4.9 meters (16 feet) radius under open sky, but this accuracy decreases near buildings, bridges, and trees, or when the GPS-enabled device is located indoors. As such, using a GPS approach, the user can be positioned in the general vicinity of a misplaced device, but still have considerable difficulty in actually locating the device within the general vicinity, particularly if the lost device is located inside a building and/or when the GPS provided location is inaccurate by 15 feet, 20 feet, or even 25 feet.

Presented herein are techniques for locating a misplaced primary wireless device (i.e., a device that is configured to transmit a wireless signal) within a spatial region without the above and other issues associated with conventional techniques. In particular, the techniques presented herein use a secondary wireless device to collect a plurality of “multivariate wireless data points” within the spatial region. Each multivariate wireless data point comprises at least one measured characteristic (e.g., signal strength) of a direct wireless link between the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device, coupled with the position of the secondary wireless device and the orientation of the secondary wireless device when the at least one characteristic of the direct wireless link is measured. An artificially intelligent search algorithm analyzes the plurality of multivariate wireless data points to estimate the location of the wireless device. Directional instructions that specifically guide the user to the estimated location of the primary wireless device are generated and provided to the user. As such, the techniques presented herein are superior to conventional device techniques in that the user is provided with a precise location of a primary electronic wireless device and is guided to the precise location (e.g., within one hundred (100) centimeters, fifty (50) centimeters, or less) without the need for the user to interpret any location data. As described further below, the accuracy of the techniques presented herein may vary depending on the specific algorithm used and the parameters thereof (e.g., the number of particles used in a particle filter), but the techniques presented herein may be used both outdoors and indoors (or other situations where GPS is unavailable and/or unreliable).

As described further below, certain embodiments use a combination of location information sources to accommodate situations in which the user may be positioned a significant distance from the electronic wireless device or within a close proximity to the external wireless device.

Merely for ease of illustration, the techniques presented herein are primarily described with reference to locating a specific primary wireless device, namely the external component of an implantable medical device and, more particularly, the external component of a cochlear implant. However, it is to be appreciated that the techniques presented herein may be used to locate a number of different types of wireless devices. For example, the techniques presented herein could be implemented in systems comprising other partially or fully implantable medical devices, including other auditory prostheses (e.g., auditory brainstem stimulators, electro-acoustic hearing prostheses, middle ear prostheses, direct cochlear stimulators, bimodal hearing prostheses, etc.), pain relief implants, pacemakers, etc. In other examples, the techniques presented herein could be implemented to locate consumer wireless devices (e.g., smart phones, smart watches, tablet computers, etc.).

In addition, also merely for ease of illustration, the techniques presented herein are primarily described with reference to locating the external component of the cochlear implant with a specific secondary wireless device, namely a mobile phone. However, it is to be appreciated that the techniques presented herein may be used with other types of secondary wireless devices, such as tablet computers, laptop computers, etc.

Shown inFIGS.1A,1B, and1Cis an exemplary cochlear implant system101configured to execute the techniques presented herein. More particularly,FIG.1Ais a schematic diagram of the exemplary cochlear implant system101comprising a cochlear implant100and a mobile computing device103.FIG.1Bis a block diagram illustrating one example arrangement of the cochlear implant100, whileFIG.1Cis a block diagram illustrating one example arrangement of the mobile computing device103. For ease of illustration,FIGS.1A and1Bwill be described together, followed by a description ofFIG.1C.

The cochlear implant100comprises an external component102and an internal/implantable component104. The external component102is configured to be directly or indirectly attached to the body of the recipient and typically comprises an external coil106and, generally, a magnet (not shown inFIG.1) fixed relative to the external coil106. The external component102also comprises one or more input elements/devices113for receiving input signals at a sound processing unit112. In this example, the one or more one or more input devices113include sound input devices108(e.g., microphones positioned by auricle110of the recipient, telecoils, etc.) configured to capture/receive input signals, one or more auxiliary input devices109(e.g., audio ports, such as a Direct Audio Input (DAI), data ports, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, cable port, etc.), and a wireless transmitter/receiver (transceiver)111, each located in, on, or near the sound processing unit112.

The wireless transceiver111may have a number of different arrangements. In one example, the wireless transceiver111includes an integrated antenna117and may be configured to operate in accordance with the Bluetooth® or other short-range wireless technology standard that enables the sound processing unit112to wirelessly communicate with another device (i.e., receive and transmit data to/from another device via a wireless connection using, for example, 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) Ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves, 5 GHz Super high frequency (SHF) radio waves, etc.). Bluetooth® is a trademark of Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), Inc. It is to be appreciated that reference to the Bluetooth® standard is merely illustrative and that the wireless transceiver111may make use of any other wireless standard now known or later developed.

The sound processing unit112also includes, for example, at least one power source (e.g., battery)107, a radio-frequency (RF) transceiver121, and a processing module125. The processing module125may be formed by one or more processors (e.g., one or more Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), one or more uC cores, etc.), firmware, software, etc. arranged to perform operations described herein. That is, the processing module125may be implemented as firmware elements, partially or fully implemented with digital logic gates in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), partially or fully in software, etc.

In the examples ofFIGS.1A and1B, the external component102comprises a behind-the-ear (BTE) sound processing unit112configured to be attached to, and worn adjacent to, the recipient's ear and a separate coil106. However, it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with systems that include other arrangements, such as systems comprising a button sound processing unit (i.e., a component having a generally cylindrical shape and which is configured to be magnetically coupled to the recipient's head and which includes an integrated coil), a mini or micro-BTE unit, an in-the-canal unit that is configured to be located in the recipient's ear canal, a body-worn sound processing unit, etc.

Returning to the example embodiment ofFIGS.1A and1B, the implantable component104comprises an implant body (main module)114, a lead region116, and an intra-cochlear stimulating assembly118, all configured to be implanted under the skin/tissue (tissue)105of the recipient. The implant body114generally comprises a hermetically-sealed housing115in which RF interface circuitry124and a stimulator unit120are disposed. The implant body114also includes an internal/implantable coil122that is generally external to the housing115, but which is connected to the RF interface circuitry124via a hermetic feedthrough (not shown inFIG.1B).

As noted, stimulating assembly118is configured to be at least partially implanted in the recipient's cochlea137. Stimulating assembly118includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced intra-cochlear electrical stimulating contacts (electrodes)126that collectively form a contact or electrode array128for delivery of electrical stimulation (current) to the recipient's cochlea. Stimulating assembly118extends through an opening in the recipient's cochlea (e.g., cochleostomy, the round window, etc.) and has a proximal end connected to stimulator unit120via lead region116and a hermetic feedthrough (not shown inFIG.1B). Lead region116includes a plurality of conductors (wires) that electrically couple the electrodes126to the stimulator unit120.

As noted, the cochlear implant100includes the external coil106and the implantable coil122. The coils106and122are typically wire antenna coils each comprised of multiple turns of electrically insulated single-strand or multi-strand platinum or gold wire. Generally, a magnet is fixed relative to each of the external coil106and the implantable coil122. The magnets fixed relative to the external coil106and the implantable coil122facilitate the operational alignment of the external coil with the implantable coil. This operational alignment of the coils106and122enables the external component102to transmit data, as well as possibly power, to the implantable component104via a closely-coupled wireless link formed between the external coil106with the implantable coil122. In certain examples, the closely-coupled wireless link is a radio frequency (RF) link. However, various other types of energy transfer, such as infrared (IR), electromagnetic, capacitive and inductive transfer, may be used to transfer the power and/or data from an external component to an implantable component and, as such,FIG.1Billustrates only one example arrangement.

As noted above, sound processing unit112includes the processing module125configured to perform a number of operations. More specifically, the processing module125is configured to convert input audio signals into stimulation control signals136for use in stimulating a first ear of a recipient (i.e., the processing module125is configured to perform sound processing on input audio signals received at the sound processing unit112). The input audio signals that are processed and converted into stimulation control signals may be audio signals received via the sound input devices108, signals received via the auxiliary input devices109, and/or signals received via the wireless transceiver111.

In the embodiment ofFIG.1B, the stimulation control signals136are provided to the RF transceiver121, which transcutaneously transfers the stimulation control signals136(e.g., in an encoded manner) to the implantable component104via external coil106and implantable coil122. That is, the stimulation control signals136are received at the RF interface circuitry124via implantable coil122and provided to the stimulator unit120. The stimulator unit120is configured to utilize the stimulation control signals136to generate electrical stimulation signals (e.g., current signals) for delivery to the recipient's cochlea via one or more stimulating contacts126. In this way, cochlear implant100electrically stimulates the recipient's auditory nerve cells, bypassing absent or defective hair cells that normally transduce acoustic vibrations into neural activity, in a manner that causes the recipient to perceive one or more components of the input audio signals.

In addition to conversion of input audio signals into stimulation control signals136, the processing module125is also configured to cause the sound processing unit102to transmit/emit wireless signals via, for example, the wireless transceiver111. As described further below, these emitted wireless signals can be used by the mobile computing device103to determine the location of the external component102.

As noted,FIGS.1A, and1Billustrate one example arrangement for the cochlear implant100. However, it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in cochlear implants having alternative arrangements. For example, it is to be appreciated that the use of an external component is merely illustrative and that the techniques presented herein may be used in arrangements having an implanted sound processor (e.g., totally implantable cochlear implants). It is also to be appreciated that the individual components referenced herein, e.g., sound input element108and the sound processor in sound processing unit112, may be distributed across more than one tissue-stimulating prosthesis, e.g., two cochlear implants102, and indeed across more than one type of device, e.g., cochlear implant102and a consumer electronic device or a remote control of the cochlear implant102.

Also as noted above, cochlear implant system101includes a mobile computing device103. The mobile computing device103is a portable electronic component capable of storing and processing electronic data and configured to communicate with the cochlear implant100. Mobile computing device103may comprise, for example, a mobile or satellite “smart” phone, collectively and generally referred to herein simply as “mobile phones,” a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a remote control device, or another portable personal device enabled with processing and communication capabilities.

FIG.1Cis a block diagram of an illustrative arrangement for mobile computing device103, referred to as a mobile phone103. It is to be appreciated thatFIG.1Cis merely illustrative of one arrangement for a mobile computing device configured to execute techniques for described herein.

Mobile phone103comprises an antenna136and a telecommunications interface138that are configured for communication on a wireless communication network for telephony services (e.g., a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, code division multiple access (CDMA) network, time division multiple access (TDMA), or other kinds of networks). As shown inFIG.1C, mobile phone103also includes a wireless transceiver140that may have a number of different arrangements. In one example, the wireless transceiver140includes an integrated antenna141and may be configured to operate in accordance with the Bluetooth® or other short-range wireless technology standard that enables the mobile phone103to wirelessly communicate with another device (i.e., receive and transmit data to/from another device via a wireless connection using, for example, 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) Ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves, 5 GHz Super high frequency (SHF) radio waves, etc.). It is to be appreciated that reference to the Bluetooth® standard is merely illustrative and that the wireless transceiver140may make use of any other wireless standard now known or later developed.

Mobile phone103also comprises one or more orientation sensors142(e.g., one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, etc.), an audio port144, one or more sound input elements, such as a microphone146, a speaker148, a display screen150, a subscriber identity module or subscriber identification module (SIM) card152, a battery154, a user interface156, a satellite positioning system receiver/chip149(e.g., GPS receiver), a processor158, and a memory160that comprises wireless device locator logic162.

The display screen150is an output device, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), for presentation of visual information to the user. The user interface156may take many different forms and may include, for example, a keypad, keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, display screen, etc. In one specific example, the display screen150and user interface156are combined to form a touch screen. More specifically, touch sensors or touch panels have become a popular type of user interface and are used in many types of devices. Touch panels recognize a touch input of a user and obtain the location of the touch to effect a selected operation. A touch panel may be positioned in front of a display screen, or may be integrated with a display screen. Such configurations, allow the user to intuitively connect a pressure point of the touch panel with a corresponding point on the display screen, thereby creating an active connection with the screen. In certain embodiments, display screen150is used to provide information to locate external component102, as described further below.

Memory160may comprise read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media devices, optical storage media devices, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, or other physical/tangible memory storage devices. The processor158is, for example, a microprocessor or microcontroller that executes instructions for the wireless device locator logic162. Thus, in general, the memory160may comprise one or more tangible (non-transitory) computer readable storage media (e.g., a memory device) encoded with software comprising computer executable instructions and when the software is executed (by the processor158) it is operable to perform all or part of the device location techniques in accordance with presented herein. That is, the wireless device locator logic162, when executed by processor158is a program/application configured to perform or enable one or more of operations described herein to locate another device, such as external component102of cochlear implant100. As described further below, in certain embodiments, the wireless device locator logic162may include an artificially intelligent search algorithm that can be implemented to estimate a location of the external component102and to generate instructions at the mobile phone103guiding the user towards the estimated location of the external component.

As noted above, in the example ofFIGS.1A-1C, the external component102is worn by the recipient and provides processing functions for the cochlear implant100. As such, the external component102is typically taken to any of a number of different places (e.g., school, work, etc.) and there is a possibility that the recipient (or other individual) could misplace the external component102. Presented herein are techniques to automatically determine a precise/specific location of the external component102using the mobile phone103when the mobile phone is connected to the external component102via a direct wireless communications link (direct wireless link), such as via a Bluetooth® link. In operation, the user of the mobile phone103is instructed on where and how to move throughout the search process so that the precise location of the external component102can be determined without the need for the user to interpret location data.

An example device search process in accordance with embodiments presented herein, sometimes referred to herein as a “primary wireless device search process,” is described below with reference toFIGS.2A,2B, and2C. More specifically,FIGS.2A,2B, and2Care simplified schematic diagram illustrating a spatial area/region165(e.g., a room, home, apartment, office, park, etc.) in which a user166, mobile phone103, and external component102are all positioned/situated. However, at least initially, the exact location of the external component102within the spatial region165is unknown to the mobile phone103and to the user166.

The mobile phone103and the external component102are within the “same” spatial region when the two devices are sufficiently close enough together so as to be connected by a direct wireless communications link. As used herein, a “direct wireless communications link” or “direct wireless link” is a short-range wireless connection formed directly between two devices that are in the same physical proximity. Once example of a direct wireless link is a Bluetooth® link. InFIGS.2A-2C, the direct wireless link is represented by wireless signal lines170and, as such, is sometimes referred to as direct wireless link170.

FIGS.2A-2Cillustrate an example in which the spatial region165is a room that includes several obstructions in the form of a table167and a bed168. However, it is to be appreciated that the arrangement ofFIGS.2A-2Cis illustrative and that the techniques presented herein may be implemented in any spatial region in which the mobile phone103and the external component102are connected with one another via the direct wireless link170.

In certain examples, a search situation may arise when the user misplaces his/her external component102, but knows it is nearby (within range of the direct wireless link170). That is, the user166(and thus the mobile phone103) may both be initially located in the spatial region165. However, in other examples the user166may not be located in the spatial region165when it is determined that the external component102has been misplaced. That is, the external component102may have been misplaced beyond the range of the direct wireless link170. In general, the primary wireless device search process presented herein is not initiated until the mobile phone103(secondary wireless device) is brought in close enough proximity of the external component102(primary wireless device) so that the mobile phone103is connected to the external component102via the direct wireless link170. In certain such examples, a so-called “preliminary device search process” may be initiated to guide the user166to the spatial region165.

One example preliminary device search process may make use of a satellite navigation/positioning system to determine the general/approximate location of the external component102. Satellite positioning systems are known in the art and are not described in detail herein. However, it is to be appreciated that embodiments presented herein may make use of any of a number of different satellite positioning systems, such as the United States NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS), the Russian Globalnaya navigatsionnaya sputnikovaya sistema (GLONASS), the Galileo global navigation system, the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), the Compass global navigation system, the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), etc.). For ease of illustration, embodiments will be described herein with specific reference to the GPS.

For example, the user166could open a GPS search application on the mobile phone103that previously saved the approximate location of the lost external component102. Using the GPS search application, the user166moves to the GPS determined approximate location of the external component102. At this point, the mobile phone103and the external component102are likely positioned in the same spatial region165such that the mobile phone103is able to wirelessly connect to the external component102. As such, the user166now knows the external component102is located nearby, but does not know the exact location of the external component102within the spatial region165.

Once the mobile phone103and the external component102are positioned in the same spatial region165(i.e., are sufficiently close enough together so as to be connected by the direct wireless link170), the primary wireless device search process is initiated at the mobile phone103. In certain embodiments, the primary wireless device search process can be initiated in response to a user input (e.g., touch input, voice input, etc.) at the mobile phone103. In other embodiments, the device location process can be initiated automatically by the mobile phone103upon detection of one or more search initiation/trigger conditions indicating that the external component102has been misplaced. A variety of search trigger conditions may be used to automatically initiate the device location process. For example, since the mobile phone103and external component102are connected by the direct wireless link170, in certain examples the external component102may send a message to the mobile phone103indicating that the external component102is misplaced. The external component102may send such a message when, for example, the external coil106has been disconnected from the implantable coil122for a predetermined period of time (e.g., for more than five (5) minutes) and the power source107is not being recharged. In another example, the external component102may begin receiving unusual audio due to, for example, being on the ground instead of on a user's head. The detection of such information may cause the external component102to send a message to the mobile phone103indicating that the external component102is misplaced. It is to be appreciated that the above examples are merely illustrative.

In certain embodiments, aspects of the primary wireless device search process are implemented through execution of the wireless device locator logic162by the processor158of the mobile phone103. As described elsewhere herein, the wireless device locator logic162is an artificially intelligent application configured to determine the location of external component102and then to guide the user166towards the location of the external component102. However, as described further below, it is to be appreciated that certain aspects of the primary wireless device search process may be performed at other devices and, as such, the examples ofFIGS.2A-2Care illustrative.

FIG.2Aillustrates the spatial region165at the initiation/beginning of the device location process, whileFIGS.2B and2Cillustrate subsequent stages of the device location process. More specifically,FIG.2Billustrates a stage in which the mobile phone103(i.e., the wireless device locator logic162) collects/obtains a plurality of “multivariate wireless data points” associated with the direct wireless link170between the external component102and the mobile phone103. As used herein, a “multivariate wireless data point” is the value of at least one characteristics of the direct wireless link170, such as the wireless signal strength, at a given point in space and orientation. Stated differently, a multivariate wireless data point includes at least three (3) pieces of data, including: (1) at least one measured characteristic (e.g., signal strength) of the direct wireless link170, (2) an indication or value of the specific spatial point at which the at least one characteristic is measured (e.g., the XYZ location of the mobile phone103when the signal strength is measured), and (3) an indication or value the orientation of the mobile phone103when the at least one characteristics is measured. Although each multivariate wireless data point includes these three pieces of data, is to be appreciated that a multivariate wireless data point may also include other types of data that are relevant to the search process. For example, multivariate wireless data points may also include: data related to brightness and hue of light detected by the mobile phone103(particularly useful if the lost processor has a bright torch or similar thereon); image/video data captured by a camera of the mobile phone103(e.g., used in conjunction with accelerometer (position/movement) and gyroscope (rotation) data to orient the phone in a three-dimensional space or used for image recognition to locate landmarks, addresses, the lost processor, etc.); audio data captured by sound inputs of the mobile phone103(useful if lost device is emitting sound); acceleration/velocity information regarding movement of the mobile phone103(e.g., more acceleration decreases accuracy of location measurement); GPS location of phone mobile phone103; data sent from the external component102to the phone over the direct wireless link170, etc. It is to be appreciated that these examples are merely illustrative and that a variety of other types of data, including some detailed further below, could also be included in the multivariate wireless data points presented herein.

As described further below, the elements of the multivariate wireless data points (e.g., at least the signal characteristics, measuring device (mobile phone) position, and measuring device orientation) are collectively analyzed to estimate the location of the external component102. The orientation of the mobile phone103, in particular, is measured and analyzed because the value of the measured signal characteristics (e.g., signal strength) of the direct wireless link170could be affected by the orientation of the mobile phone103at the time of measurement. As such, due to the need to precisely locate the external component102, the determined orientation of the mobile phone103is analyzed simultaneously with the measured direct wireless link characteristics and positions of the mobile phone.

To gather the plurality of multivariate wireless data points, the mobile phone103(i.e., the wireless device locator logic162) instructs the user166to move around the spatial region165with the mobile phone103. Movement of the user166in response to instructions provided at/by the mobile phone103is generally represented inFIG.2Bby arrow172. Further details of the instructions provided by the mobile phone103are provided below with reference toFIG.3B.

As the user moves around the spatial region165in response to the instructions provided at/by the mobile phone103, the mobile phone103periodically or continuously records its position, orientation, and characteristics of the direct wireless link170. Each recording generates one of the multivariate wireless data points. The mobile phone103may make use of any or all available sensors, such as the camera145, the one or more orientation sensors142(e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, etc.), GPS receiver149, wireless transceiver140(e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®), and/or other sensors to record the position and orientation. The wireless signal characteristics are recorded using the appropriate antenna (e.g., antenna141) for the direct wireless link (e.g., 2.4 GHz antenna for Bluetooth®) as well as any other appropriate sensors. Each recording of wireless signal characteristics is paired with the device's position and orientation at the time those signal characteristics were recorded to form the multivariate wireless data points.

After the mobile phone103(i.e., the wireless device locator logic162) performs a period of data collection to obtain a plurality of multivariate wireless data points, the mobile phone103will utilize a plurality of multivariate wireless data points to either determine probable location(s) for the external component102or optimal search vector(s) to obtain additional multivariate wireless data points. That is, the mobile phone103determines whether an estimated location can be determined from the collected multivariate wireless data points, or whether additional multivariate wireless data points are needed. This decision may be a weighted decision depending on how much data has been collected, estimated location and/or size of the area in which the estimated location could be located, the proximity of the user to the estimated location area, etc.

If the mobile phone103determines that additional multivariate wireless data points are needed, the mobile phone103may determine optimal search vector(s) (i.e., the optimal position(s) and orientation(s) for further measurements) and, as such, can instruct the user to move the mobile phone103in a direction which will improve the estimation of the location of the external component. The mobile phone103continues recording position, orientation and wireless signal characteristics during this time. After another period of data collection, the mobile phone103re-evaluates whether it has sufficient data to locate the external component102. The mobile phone103will continue to collect multivariate wireless data points until a determination is made that the mobile phone103can generate an estimate of the location of the external component102(i.e., the decision on where to guide the user will be re-evaluated every iteration of the algorithm, although steps will be taken to ensure that the user is not given constantly-changing instructions).

When the mobile phone103has collected a sufficient number of multivariate wireless data points, the mobile phone103uses the collected multivariate wireless data points to estimate a probable location of the external component102. More specifically, the mobile phone103employs an artificially intelligent search algorithm (such as a particle filter algorithm) to locate the external component102. In certain embodiments, the artificially intelligent search algorithm is run on (executed by) the mobile phone103(i.e., the algorithm is part of the wireless device locator logic162). However, in other embodiments, the mobile phone103may transmit some or all of the recorded multivariate wireless data points to a different device which performs some or all of the algorithm. It is also to be appreciated that multiple devices may be used to run the algorithm.

In general, the artificially intelligent search algorithm processes the plurality of multivariate wireless data points (i.e., the paired wireless signal characteristics, position, and orientation information). By analyzing the signal characteristics at different positions and orientations, the artificially intelligent search algorithm determines an estimated spatial point at which the external component102is most likely located (i.e., the probable location of the external component).

After the artificially intelligent search algorithm has determined an estimated location for the external component102, the mobile phone103provides “directional instructions” to the user166. As described further below with reference toFIG.3C, “directional instructions” are explicit/clear directions that guide the user around the spatial region (e.g., guide the user to collect more data (not necessarily moving towards the external component) or guide the user166to the estimated location of the external component102). The instructions are generated on the fly and, in general, are intended to be intuitive to the user in that the instructions do not require the user to interpret raw or processed data (i.e., the instructions themselves are generated based on interpretations of the collected multivariate wireless data points where the interpretation is performed by the algorithm). However, as described further below, the directional instructions provided by mobile phone103to the user166can take a number of different forms, but is generally illustrated inFIG.2Cby arrow174.

As the user166moves towards the estimated location of the external component102, the mobile phone103continues capturing wireless signal characteristics, position, and orientation information. The artificially intelligent search algorithm may be periodically re-run with the new information to improve/refine the accuracy of the estimated location of the external component102. The updated estimated location is, in turn, then used to update the directional instructions guiding the user166.

When the external component102is found, the primary wireless device search process is terminated. The search process may be terminated by the user or automatically terminated by the either the external component102or the mobile phone103. For example, the external component102could automatically terminate the search process when it detects that the external coil106is connected to the implantable coil122.

As noted above, the primary wireless device search process ofFIGS.2A-2Cgenerally includes several stages/phases in which the mobile phone103provides instructions, notifications, or other search information to the user166. The search information may be communicated to the user166via one or more of visual, audible, tactile, or other types of indicators on the mobile phone103.FIGS.3A,3B, and3Cillustrate examples in which search information is provided to the user166via display screen150of the mobile phone103.

Referring first toFIG.3A, shown is a visual display180(A) that may be provided to the user166via display screen150. In this example, the mobile phone103generates and displays an augmented reality view of the spatial area165. More specifically, using input devices of the mobile phone103, such as the camera145, orientation sensors142, etc., the mobile phone103generates and displays an enhanced live direct or indirect view of the real-world environment of the spatial region165. In this example, the live direct or indirect views of the spatial region165is augmented with superimposed computer-generated search information182(A). The search information182(A) in the example ofFIG.3Ais a message stating “Device Connected,” which indicates to the user166that the mobile phone103is wirelessly connected to the external component102and, as such, the user166is located in the same spatial region165as the misplaced external component. The visual display180(A) could be displayed to the user166, for example, at the beginning of the primary wireless device search process and subsequent to a preliminary device search process, if performed.

As noted above, during the primary wireless device search process the mobile phone103can instruct the user166to move about the spatial region165. In certain examples, the user movement instructions may be directional directions (e.g., “walk forwards,” “turn left,” “turn right,” “take five steps,” etc.). In other examples, the mobile phone103may or may not specify a particular direction for the user to move, depending on, for example, the algorithm being used or other parameter.

FIG.3Billustrates an example visual display180(B) that may be provided to the user166via display screen150to instruct the user to move about the spatial region165. In this example, the visual display180(B) is an augmented reality view of the spatial area165that includes search information182(B) comprising a three-dimensional (3D) directional arrow183and text184instructing the user166to “Follow the Arrow.” In this example, during the data collection phase (i.e., while the mobile phone103obtains the multivariate wireless data points), the directional arrow183may change directions so that the user166follows a selected path through the spatial area165. It is to be appreciated that the directional arrow183is illustrative of one type of directional instructions that may be provided to the user and that other types of directional instructions may be presented using augmented reality to aid the user experience. For example, instead of the directional arrow183an augmented reality display could show a selected path for the user overlaid on the camera input with text instructing the user166to “Follow the Path” or the like.

As noted above, the user166moves about the spatial region165as instructed by the mobile phone103to gather the multivariate wireless data points. When a sufficient amount of data has been collected, the mobile phone103(or other device) executes an artificially intelligent search algorithm to estimate the location of the external component102in the spatial region165using the collected multivariate wireless data points. Once this location is estimated, the mobile phone103provides the user166with additional search information indicating the estimated location of the external component102and/or directional instructions guiding the user to the estimated location.

For example,FIG.3Cillustrates an example visual display180(C) that may be provided to the user166via display screen150to identify the estimated location and to guide the user thereto. In this example, the visual display180(C) is an augmented reality view of the spatial area165that includes search information182(C) comprising a three-dimensional (3D) directional arrow185, text186instructing the user166to “Follow the Arrow,” and an indication181of the estimated location for external component102. The indication may comprise a visual or non-visual indication (e.g., sound, such as spoken voice, haptic feedback using a vibration motor, etc.) In one specific example, the indication181comprises a displayed representation of the external component102and a “sphere” or other shape surrounding the estimated location. The size, shape, color, etc. of the indication (i.e., the size of the sphere) could change (e.g., shrink, change center, etc.) as the estimated location of the external component102is updated.

Collectively, the directional arrow185, text186, and the indication181form an example of the directional instructions that are provided to the user166. In this example, as the user166moves towards the estimated location, the directional arrow185and indication181may change or adjust as the estimated location is updated (as described above), so that the user166follows a selected path, so that user avoids identified obstacles, etc. It is to be appreciated that the directional arrow185, text186, and indication181, are illustrative of one specific set of directional instructions that may be provided to the user166and that other types of directional instructions may be presented using augmented reality to aid the user experience. For example, instead of the directional arrow185, an augmented reality display could show a selected path for the user overlaid on the camera input with text instructing the user166to “Follow the Path” or the like.

As noted, in accordance with embodiments presented herein, the mobile phone102provides the user with directional instructions (e.g., arrow183and text184inFIG.3Bor directional arrow185, text186, and indication181inFIG.3C) that guide the user around the spatial region. In general, the directional instructions are intended to indicate, for example: a proximity of the estimated location of the external component102relative to the user, a direction to the estimated location of the external component102relative to the user, selected vector(s) for the user's movement, desired areas for user to move to (either possible location of device or search area for collecting data points), and/or importance of area (probability of a region containing the lost device, or usefulness of data points from that area for algorithm). These various indications can be provided to the user in a number of different manners.

As described elsewhere herein, text instructions and icons (e.g., crosses, arrows, etc.) can guide the user, either as accompanying text or superimposed on the environment. In addition, also as described elsewhere herein, the proposed path for the user to follow/traverse can be presented to the user (e.g., a line of light overlaid on the environment for the user's footsteps to follow). In a further embodiment, a spherical volume enclosing the estimated location of the external component102may be provided as a visual indication to the user (i.e., indicating the space in which the external component is believed to be located). In one example, the spherical volume visually displayed to the user may correspond to the smallest spherical volume which encloses 80% of the particles in a particle filter algorithm. As the algorithm progresses, the particles will be grouped closer together and the sphere shrinks to represent this convergence of the particles. In this example, the sphere's center could move to track the (possibly weighted) midpoint of the particles.

In another embodiment, a color indicator may be used to provide information to the user, where the color of the color indicator may change to indicate one of several things. For example, the color of the color indicator could change to indicate that the user has moved close to (or within) the estimated region containing the external component. The color of the color indicator could also change to indicate the maturity of the algorithm, after a number of cycles through the algorithm (e.g., turning green after 5 cycles) or after the algorithm predicts a particular volume with sufficient certainty (e.g., turning green after 90% of the particles fall within a volume of 1 cubic meter (m3). In other embodiments, flashing visual elements may be provided on a display to indicate similar information.

In various embodiments, the shape of the indicators could change depending on region dimensions and/or opacity/transparency and blur/diffuse effects can be used to vary importance of indicators and icons or to allow user to see “through” some visual elements.

The above examples have primarily been described with reference to use of a mobile phone103to locate the external component102. However, it is to be appreciated that the process could also operate in reverse where the external component102is used to locate the mobile phone103. In such examples, the external component102is configured to provide the user166with: (1) instructions that guide the user166about the spatial region to obtain the plurality of multivariate wireless data points and (2) instructions that guide the user166to an estimated location of the mobile phone103. The instructions may be communicated to the user166via one or more of visual, audible, tactile, or other types of indicators via the external component102. The artificially intelligent search algorithm could be run on external component102, the mobile phone103, or another device (i.e., the external component102could wirelessly send the plurality of multivariate wireless data points to the mobile phone or other device).

In another embodiment, the user could also have a tertiary device (a beacon or another phone) to coordinate the search process. In such examples, the external component102and/or the mobile phone103could share the information each of them gets from their sensors and the algorithm will use the accumulated data to help locate the external component102.

As noted above, the location of a misplaced primary wireless device, such as external component102in the above example, is estimated using a plurality of multivariate wireless data points that are processed by an artificially intelligent search algorithm. The algorithm can be referred to as being “artificially intelligent” because it analyses the multivariate wireless data points intelligently and generates decisions autonomously. In addition, training models could be used for the search algorithm and the generation of instructions.

As noted, the artificially intelligent search algorithm analyzes the multivariate wireless data points and determines a likely location for the external component. In addition, the artificially intelligent search algorithm results in the generation of instructions (based on the multivariate wireless data points) that guide the user. Other location techniques may perform some simple processing of the data before presenting it to the user (such as displaying a scale of near/far instead of raw signal strengths), but they rely on the user to interpret the location of the lost device and work out how to reach that location.

In accordance with embodiments presented herein, the directional instruction generation is also artificially intelligent because it translates the output of the algorithm into an action that can easily be understood by humans. As with the search algorithm, the instruction generation engine could be designed in whole or in part through the use of a training model.

In one example, the instruction generation process would work as described below. In this example, the “instruction generation engine” refers to the part of the code (e.g., on the mobile phone) which is responsible for generating instructions, while the “search engine” in this example is the part of the code (algorithm) used to analyze the multivariate wireless data points and determine an estimated location for the external component (i.e., determine areas where the lost device might be located). In certain examples, the instruction generation engine and the search engine may form part of the “artificially intelligent search algorithm.”

First, the search engine completes a cycle, which results in the determination of one or more areas where the lost external component could be located. The completion of the first cycle also provides the mobile phone with a certain amount of information about the environment. Second, the instruction generation engine analyzes the output of the search engine to determine where the user should go (i.e., whether the user should move towards an area where the lost external component might be, or move in a way that generates more useful data, or some intermediate path that serves both purposes). This analysis is performed using a mathematical model which may be wholly or partly pre-programmed and may be wholly or partly generated through the use of a training model.

The instruction generation engine may also vary internal parameters and weightings based on the output of the search engine, and based on previous instructions. Thus, the instruction generation engine is stateful, meaning its output depends on the output of previous iterations of both the search engine and instruction generation engine, as well as the current iteration of the search engine. This means that the instruction generation engine can be consistent and provide smooth transitions between instructions instead of fluctuating wildly multiple times every second.

Next, the instruction generation engine compares the user's current location to the desired location generated above. The engine then determines the path that the user must follow to reach that location using a path-finding algorithm that may be preprogrammed or trained. The instruction generation engine translates the desired path into easily understandable directional instructions (such as an arrow, a path drawn on the screen, a text instruction, or a combination of these or similar instructions noted above) and the directional instructions are presented to the user.

One example of a search engine/algorithm that may be used in accordance with embodiments presented herein to locate a misplaced primary wireless device is a particle filter algorithm. Provided below is a simple description of one example particle filter algorithm that is provided for illustration purposes. It is to be appreciated that the algorithm used in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein not be a particle filter algorithm, or it may be a more complex particle filter algorithm than that described below.

A particle filter algorithm can be used to determine the value of one unknown variable when a related variable can be measured and the relationship between these variables is known. In this example, the unknown variable is the location of the misplaced primary wireless device and the related measured variable is the signal strength of the wireless connection to the misplaced primary wireless device. The relationship between these variables is use of the inverse square law to convert signal strength to range, along with the position and orientation of the secondary wireless device at the point a signal strength is measured. The effects of obstacles, reflections and interference may also be modelled in the relationship between signal strength and range.

Continuing with this example, a set of hypotheses are first generated for the location of the misplaced primary wireless device. These hypotheses are referred to as “particles” and, with no prior information, the initial particles are spread randomly over the entire search area. Next, the measured signal strengths are used to determine the likelihood of each particle being the correct location, depending on how close the particle is to the range represented by that measurement. This likelihood is called particle weight. Next, a new set of hypotheses is generated, with values distributed based on the particle weights from the previous iteration. This process is known as resampling. The resampled points are adjusted to compensate for the user moving between sets of measurement. Signal strength is then measured again and used to weight the resampled, adjusted particles. The process of resampling, adjusting, measuring and weighting is repeated and each iteration clusters the particles closer together, providing a better estimate of the location of the misplaced primary wireless device. When the estimate needs certain criteria, the user can be instructed to move in a certain direction. Meanwhile, the particle filter continues iterating to improve the estimate.

Typically, a particle filter algorithm is used to determine the location of a moving operator relative to a fixed beacon at a known location. However, in the above example, the particle filter is used to locate a fixed beacon relative to a moving operator. As such, the above example illustrates an inverted particle filter algorithm which is different from the typical uses of the algorithm.

It is to be appreciated that examples ofFIGS.2A-2C and3A-3Care illustrative and that a primary wireless device search process in accordance with embodiments presented herein may take other forms. For example, the example primary wireless device search process described above relies on a human actor to follow the instructions and carry the secondary wireless device. However, the human actor could be replaced by a robot for automated searching. In this case, the instructions presented to the user would be replaced with electronic signals that can be interpreted by the robot.

In another example, the artificially intelligent search algorithm could be used even when the wireless signal is intermittent (e.g., the misplaced primary wireless device wireless signal is being partially shielded by a column, a wall, a fish tank, etc.). In certain such examples, the artificially intelligent search algorithm could pair the signal loss with the position and movement patterns of the user and postulate that there is a shielding obstacle between the primary and secondary wireless devices. The artificially intelligent search algorithm could then use that postulate in the estimation of the location of the misplaced primary wireless device.

For example, the user is to the left of a wall and the wireless signal is no longer detected or very weak. As the user moves north, the wireless signal strength quickly increases (e.g., spikes up). As such, the artificially intelligent search algorithm theorizes that there is a shielding obstacle to the right of the user, and accordingly asks the user to move around the wall, look for openings in the wall (e.g., door, window, etc.). In certain arrangements, the artificially intelligent search algorithm could even ask the user whether there is a wall to the right and, based on the answer provided by the user, adjust operation of the algorithm accordingly.

In further example, a camera or other sensor of the secondary wireless device may be used to detect objects (e.g., a column, a wall, a fish tank, etc.) that could block, reflect, or otherwise affect the measured wireless signal characteristic(s). That is, the secondary wireless device could capture spatial environment information related to (affecting) the measured wireless signal characteristic(s). This spatial environment information related to the measured wireless signal characteristic(s) could be input to the artificially intelligent search algorithm and used to determine the estimated location of the primary wireless device.

In another example, the misplaced primary wireless device could have a more active role and provide the secondary wireless device with auxiliary information for use in the artificially intelligent search algorithm. For example, the misplaced primary wireless device could generate a first list of other/tertiary wireless devices that are within range of the misplaced primary wireless device and record the associated wireless signal characteristics (i.e., signal characteristics for the first set of wireless devices, as detected by the misplaced primary wireless device). The primary wireless device could provide the list of other wireless devices, and associated wireless signal characteristics, to the secondary wireless device. The secondary wireless device could similarly generate a second list of other wireless devices that are within range of the secondary wireless device and record the associated wireless signal characteristics (i.e., signal characteristics for the second set of wireless devices, as detected by the secondary wireless device). The two device lists, and associated wireless signal characteristics as determined at each of the misplaced primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device could be used in the artificially intelligent search algorithm in the estimation of a more precise location for the primary wireless device.

In another embodiment, the misplaced primary wireless device could beep or emit light pulses which could be detected by the camera of the secondary wireless device and used to help locate the primary wireless device. Those beeps or light pulses could be emitted on command, be it initiated automatically by the secondary wireless device or by the user. In still other embodiments, the secondary wireless device (or another device) may be configured to execute image recognition algorithms to generate input data for use by the artificially intelligent search algorithm.

FIG.4Ais a high-level flowchart illustrating a method187for locating a primary wireless device via (using) a secondary wireless device, in accordance with certain embodiments presented herein. Method187begins at188where a secondary wireless device disposed in the same spatial region as a primary wireless device collects a plurality of multivariate wireless data points associated with a wireless connection between the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device. At189, an artificially intelligent search algorithm analyzes the plurality of multivariate wireless data points to estimate a location of the primary wireless device within the spatial region. At190, directional instructions guiding a user to the estimated location of the primary wireless device are generated. At191, the directional instructions are provided to the user via the secondary wireless device.FIG.4Bis a detailed flowchart illustrating further details for one example implementation of method187ofFIG.4A. More specifically,FIG.4Billustrates further details of example operations performed at each of188and191ofFIG.4A.

More specifically,FIG.4Bfirst illustrates that, in this example,188(i.e., where the secondary wireless device collects a plurality of multivariate wireless data points associated with a wireless connection between the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device) includes five (5) sub-processes, labeled as192,193,194,195, and196. At192, the secondary wireless device determines whether the primary wireless device and the secondary wireless device are connected by a direct wireless link. As detailed above, this determination may be made automatically by the secondary wireless device, in response to a user input, etc. At193, the secondary wireless device provides the user with instructions to move about spatial region. At194, as the user moves about the spatial region, the secondary wireless device records characteristics of the direct wireless link (i.e., signal strength of the direct wireless link between the primary and secondary wireless devices), position, and orientation measurements at a plurality of different points in the spatial region. These measurements generate the multivariate wireless data points.

At195, a decision is made as to whether the secondary wireless device has recorded enough multivariate wireless data points to locate the primary wireless device. If the secondary wireless device has not recorded enough data points to locate the primary wireless device, the method proceeds to196where a determination is made as to selected (e.g., optimal) locations to record additional measurements (i.e., generation of optimal search vector(s) to obtain additional multivariate wireless data points). The method then returns to193where the user is instructed on how to move about the spatial region to collect the additional measurements. The steps of193,194,195, and196are repeated until a determination is made at195that secondary wireless device has recorded enough data points to locate the primary wireless device.

Once it is determined at195that the secondary wireless device has recorded enough data points to locate the primary wireless device, the method proceeds to189where, as noted above, the plurality of multivariate wireless data points are analyzed with an artificially intelligent search algorithm to estimate a location of the primary wireless device within the spatial region. The method then proceeds to190where directional instructions guiding a user to the estimated location of the primary wireless device are generated.

After the directional instructions are generated, the directional instructions are then provided to the user at191. In the example ofFIG.4B,191includes three (3) sub-processes labeled as197,198, and199.

At197, the secondary wireless device instructs the user to move towards the estimated location of the primary wireless device. At198, as the user moves towards the estimated location, the secondary wireless device continuously records characteristics of the direct wireless link, position, and orientation measurements. At199, one or more determination are made as whether or not the primary wireless device been located by the user. If, after the one or more determinations, the primary wireless device has not been located by the user, the method returns to195to gather more multivariate wireless data points and/or to re-execute the artificially intelligent search algorithm. The method ends when a determination has been made that the user has located the primary wireless device.

As noted above, presented herein are techniques for using a secondary wireless device to locate a misplaced primary wireless device within a spatial region. The techniques presented herein use the secondary wireless device to measure at least one characteristic (e.g., signal strength) of a direct wireless link between the primary wireless device and the secondary device. Each of the measured characteristics is coupled with the position of the secondary wireless device and the orientation of the secondary device when the at least one characteristic of the direct wireless link is measured. An artificially intelligent search algorithm analyzes the plurality of multivariate wireless data points to estimate the location of the wireless device. The user is then provided with specific directional instructions that guide the user to the estimated location of the primary wireless device. As such, the techniques presented herein are superior to conventional device techniques in that the user is provided with a precise location of a primary electronic wireless device and is guided to the precise location (via explicit directions) without the need for the user to interpret location data. As such, the techniques presented herein remove the cognitive load from the user, making it easier to use than existing technology. In addition, the techniques presented herein do not rely on the primary wireless device transmitting location information to the secondary wireless device nor is there a need for the last known location of the misplaced device (i.e., the techniques presented herein to not rely on previously recorded location information for the lost device).

Although embodiments have been primarily described with reference to cochlear implants, it is to be appreciated that the techniques presented herein may be implemented in other implantable medical devices, such as other types of auditory prostheses.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments presented herein are not mutually exclusive.

The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by the specific preferred embodiments herein disclosed, since these embodiments are intended as illustrations, and not limitations, of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.