System for enhancing auditory stimulation and the like
First Claim
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1. A multi-frequency system for electrical stimulation of selected tissue groups comprising:
- (a) transmission means for transmitting a plurality of carrier signals each of which is modulated by a signal representing a band of frequencies, said transmission means including a plurality of signal processing channels corresponding to the plurality of bands of frequencies in the audio range, each signal processing channel including a band-pass filter for selecting a band of audio frequency signals, means for compressing the dynamic ranges of said audio frequency signals, means for compensating the loudness of said audio frequency signals dependent upon their frequency; and
a transmitter for modulating a carrier signal with the processed audio frequency signal;
(b) multi-channel receiver means for receiving said transmitted signals with each receiving channel responsive to one of said transmitted signals;
(c) electrode means for electrically contacting said selected tissue groups; and
(d) means connecting a signal from each of said receiving channels to said electrode means whereby said electrode means provides electrical stimulation.
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Abstract
A plurality of the carrier signals are modulated by signals in the audio frequency bands. The carrier signals are transmitted to a receiver having one or more independent channels for receiving and demodulating the transmitted signals. The detected signals are applied to electrodes on a prosthetic device implanted in the cochlea with the electrodes selectively positioned in the cochlea to stimulate regions having a desired frequency response.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A multi-frequency system for electrical stimulation of selected tissue groups comprising:
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(a) transmission means for transmitting a plurality of carrier signals each of which is modulated by a signal representing a band of frequencies, said transmission means including a plurality of signal processing channels corresponding to the plurality of bands of frequencies in the audio range, each signal processing channel including a band-pass filter for selecting a band of audio frequency signals, means for compressing the dynamic ranges of said audio frequency signals, means for compensating the loudness of said audio frequency signals dependent upon their frequency; and
a transmitter for modulating a carrier signal with the processed audio frequency signal;(b) multi-channel receiver means for receiving said transmitted signals with each receiving channel responsive to one of said transmitted signals; (c) electrode means for electrically contacting said selected tissue groups; and (d) means connecting a signal from each of said receiving channels to said electrode means whereby said electrode means provides electrical stimulation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. For use in a system for transcutaneous electrical stimulation of a selected tissue group, a signal processing device comprising:
- p1 (a) at least one signal processing channel including;
1. band-pass filtering means for passing a discrete band of frequencies through said signal processing channel, 2. means for modifying the amplitude of the filtered signals as a function of the frequency band, and 3. means for compressing the dynamic range of the filtered signals to a predetermined range; (b) means for coupling the signals to said selected tissue group. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
- p1 (a) at least one signal processing channel including;
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13. A multi-frequency system for electrical stimulation of selected tissue group comprising:
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(a) at least one signal processing channel including; 1. band-pass filtering means for passing a discrete band of frequencies through said signal processing channel, 2. means for modifying the amplitude of the filtered signals as a function of the frequency band, and p2 3. means for compressing the dynamic range of the filtered signals to a predetermined range; (b) radio-frequency transmitter means coupled to said signal processing channel for modulating an RF carrier wave by the signals emanating from said signal processing channel; (c) a radio-frequency signal receiver adapted to be implanted subcutaneously, said receiver being coupled to the output of said radio-frequency transmitter means; (d) electrode means for establishing electrical contact with said selected tissue group; and (e) means connecting said receiver to said electrode means. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification