Equal loudness contour with channel specific map laws
AssigneeMED-EL Elektromedizinische Geraete GmbH
InventorsMathias Kals, Peter Schleich, Dirk Meister
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Abstract
A method is described for generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array. An acoustic audio signal is processed to generate band pass signals each representing an associated band of audio frequencies. Stimulation information is extracted from the band pass signals to generate stimulation event signals defining electrode stimulation signals. The stimulation event signals are mapped according to independent channel-specific loudness functions to produce a set of electrode stimulation signals within channel-specific minimum and maximum threshold levels. The electrode stimulation signals are developed into a set of output electrode pulses to the electrodes in the implanted electrode array.
Claims18
A method of generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array, the method comprising:
- processing an acoustic audio signal to generate a plurality of band pass signals each representing an associated band of audio frequencies;
- extracting stimulation information from the band pass signals to generate a set of stimulation event signals defining electrode stimulation signals;
- mapping the stimulation event signals according to independent channel-specific loudness functions based on ISO normal hearing contours to produce a set of electrode stimulation signals within channel-specific minimum and maximum threshold levels;
- and
- developing the electrode stimulation signals into a set of output electrode pulses to the electrodes in the implanted electrode array.
A computer program product implemented in a computer readable storage medium for generating electrode stimulation signals for a plurality of stimulation electrodes in an implanted electrode array, the product comprising:
- program code for processing an acoustic audio signal to generate a plurality of band pass signals each representing an associated band of audio frequencies;
- program code for extracting stimulation information from the band pass signals to generate a set of stimulation event signals defining electrode stimulation signals;
- program code for mapping the stimulation event signals according to independent channel-specific loudness functions based on ISO normal hearing contours to produce a set of electrode stimulation signals within channel-specific minimum and maximum threshold levels;
- and
- program code for developing the electrode stimulation signals into a set of output electrode pulses to the electrodes in the implanted electrode array.
A system for generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array, the system comprising:
- means for processing an acoustic audio signal to generate a plurality of band pass signals each representing an associated band of audio frequencies;
- means for extracting stimulation information from the band pass signals to generate a set of stimulation event signals defining electrode stimulation signals;
- means for mapping the stimulation event signals according to independent channel-specific loudness functions based on ISO normal hearing contours to produce a set of electrode stimulation signals within channel-specific minimum and maximum threshold levels;
- and
- means for developing the electrode stimulation signals into a set of output electrode pulses to the electrodes in the implanted electrode array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.