Patent Application
20250073478
The disclosure relates to wireless power transfer systems, and more particularly to wireless power transfer for implantable medical devices.
Medical devices may be external or implanted and may be used to monitor patient signals such as cardiac activity, biological impedance and to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to patients via various tissue sites to treat a variety of symptoms or conditions such as chronic pain, tremor, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, urinary or fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, obesity, or gastroparesis and other conditions. In some examples, medical devices may include a rechargeable electrical power source, or may be powered directly by transmitting energy through tissue.
In general, the disclosure describes a user interface for a power transfer device configured to wirelessly transfer transcutaneous power to an implantable medical device. The user interface may enable a user to start and stop power transfer, e.g., to recharge a battery on the implantable medical device. In some examples, the user interface may present the user a display that indicates whether the power transfer device is performing open or closed loop recharging, indicate and control therapy delivery status of the implantable medical device and indicate both the power transfer device battery level and/or indicate the battery level for the implantable medical device. The user interface may communicate with the user with a set of indicator lights that may flash, pulse and change color as needed.
In one example, this disclosure describes a power transmitting device configured to wirelessly transfer power to a power receiving device, the power transmitting device comprising a user interface including: a control configured to receive user input; and a set of indicator lights configured to output information regarding communication status and wireless power transfer status: circuitry configured to: wirelessly communicate with the power receiving device; and wirelessly output power to the power receiving device; processing circuitry operably coupled to a memory, the processing circuitry configured to: determine one or more operational states, wherein the one or more operational states comprise at least one of: that the circuitry has not established a communication link with the power receiving device: or that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above a threshold; selectively control based on the operational state, the set of indicator lights to perform an action, wherein the action is selected from a group consisting of: controlling at least two indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to alternately flash: controlling the set of indicator lights to pulse by increasing a brightness of one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights followed by decreasing the brightness of the one or more indicator lights controlling one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to indicator lights to output a first color, or a second color; and controlling the set of indicator lights to output a spinning pattern.
In another example, this disclosure describes a system comprises a power receiving device; power transmitting device configured to wirelessly transfer power to a power receiving device, the power transmitting device includes a user interface including: a control configured to receive user input; and a set of indicator lights configured to output information regarding communication status and wireless power transfer status; circuitry configured to: wirelessly communicate with the power receiving device; and wirelessly output power to the power receiving device: processing circuitry operably coupled to a memory, the processing circuitry configured to: determine one or more operational states, wherein the one or more operational states comprise at least one of: that the circuitry has not established a communication link with the power receiving device, or that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above a threshold; selectively control the set of indicator lights based on the operational state, the set of indicator lights to perform an action, wherein the action is selected from a group consisting of: controlling at least two indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to alternately flash: controlling the set of indicator lights to pulse by increasing a brightness of one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights followed by decreasing the brightness of the one or more indicator lights; controlling one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to indicator lights to output a first color, or a second color; and controlling the set of indicator lights to output a spinning pattern.
In another example, this disclosure describes a method includes determining, by processing circuitry of a power transmitting device, one or more operational states of the power transmitting device, wherein the operational states comprise at least one of: circuitry of the power transmitting device has established a communication link with a power receiving device, wherein the power receiving device is an implantable medical device: or the power receiving device is receiving wireless power; selectively controlling, by the processing circuitry, a set of indicator lights based on the determined operational state, wherein the set of indicator lights is configured to output information regarding communication status and wireless power transfer status of the power transmitting device and wherein controlling the set of indicator lights consists of: controlling at least two indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to alternately flash; controlling the set of indicator lights to pulse by increasing a brightness of one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights followed by decreasing the brightness of the one or more indicator lights; controlling one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to indicator lights to output a first color, or a second color; and controlling the set of indicator lights to output a spinning pattern.
The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
The disclosure describes a user interface for a power transfer device configured to wirelessly transfer transcutaneous power to an implantable medical device. The user interface may include a control configured to receive user input, such as a power button with indicator lights that is configured to enable a user to start and stop power transfer, e.g., to recharge a battery on the implantable medical device. In some examples, the user interface may present the user a display that indicates whether the power transfer device is performing open or closed loop recharging, indicate and control therapy delivery status of the implantable medical device and indicate both the power transfer device battery level, and/or indicate the battery level for the implantable medical device. The user interface may communicate with the user via a set of indicator lights that may flash, pulse, and/or change color as needed. For example, one or more indicator lights may output a blue color when indicating the battery level of the power transfer device and a green color when indicating the battery level of the implantable medical device. In some examples, the power transfer device may communicate with an external computing device, e.g., a portable computer, a personal handset, e.g., a smart phone or a tablet computer or similar device, which may provide additional input and output functions.
In long term or chronic uses, implantable medical devices may include a rechargeable power source (e.g., one or more capacitors or batteries) that extends the operational life of the medical device to weeks, months, or even years over a non-rechargeable device. When the energy stored in the rechargeable power source has been depleted, the patient may use an external charging device to recharge the power source. In the example of an implantable medical device, the rechargeable power source is implanted in the patient and the charging device, e.g., power transfer device, is external of the patient. This charging process may be referred to as transcutaneous charging.
In some examples, transcutaneous charging may be performed via inductive coupling between a primary coil in the charging device and a secondary coil in the implantable medical device. An electrical current applied to the primary coil generates a magnetic field, and when the primary coil is aligned to the secondary coil, the magnetic field induces an electrical current in the secondary coil within the patient. A charging circuit within the implantable medical device then applies current from the secondary coil to charge the rechargeable power source within the implantable medical device. With transcutaneous transfer via inductive coils, the external charging device does not need to physically connect with the rechargeable power source for charging to occur. In some examples, the system may determine when a power transmitting and receiving system is in an inefficient position, which may cause a thermal response that less desirable than a more efficient position. The system may adjust power settings and/or provide feedback to a user to readjust to a more efficient position.
External computing device 110 includes one or more antenna, such as antenna 26. External computing device 110 may be used to program or adjust settings of IMD 10 and may also recharge an electrical energy storage device, such as a battery, of IMD 10. External computing device 110 may also communicate with servers 112. In other examples, an external computing device separate from external computing device 110 may communicate with IMD 10 to adjust therapy and/or sensing parameters, download recorded data, and so on.
The example of
Device 10 may be positioned adjacent to the region defined by flexor digitorum longus and soleus in which tibial nerve 102 is contained and implanted adjacent and proximal to a fascia layer. One or more electrodes of device 10 may face toward tibial nerve 102. Though not shown in
IMD 10 may be constructed of any polymer, metal, or composite material sufficient to house the components of IMD 10. In this example, IMD 10 may be constructed with a biocompatible housing, such as titanium or stainless steel, or a polymeric material such as silicone or polyurethane, and surgically implanted at a site in patient near the tibial nerve, in some examples, while in other examples, implanted near the pelvis, abdomen, or buttocks. The housing of IMD 10 may be configured to provide a hermetic seal for components, such as a rechargeable power source. In addition, the housing of IMD 10 may be selected of a material that facilitates receiving energy to charge the rechargeable power source.
Optional testing of neurostimulation device 10 may be performed to determine if device 10 has been properly positioned in proximity to tibial nerve 102 to elicit a desired response from an applied electrical stimulation. In an example, device 10 is controlled by an external programmer to deliver test stimulation, and one or more indicative responses are monitored, such as toe flexion from simulation of the tibial motor neurons controlling the flexor hallucis brevis or flexor digitorum brevis, or a tingling sensation in the heel or sole of the foot excluding the medial arch. If such testing does not elicit appropriate motor or sensory responses, the practitioner may reposition device 10 and retest.
Once a practitioner has determined device 10 is properly positioned to provide an appropriate patient response to delivered stimulation therapy, the housing of device can be secured in place if needed. Such anchoring means may be optional as the natural shape of the region in which device 10 is implanted, and the shape of device 10 itself may have good compatibility with the surrounding tissue thus preventing device 10 from shifting or rolling after implantation. In some examples, leadless neurostimulation device 10 may further include one or more suture points to help secure device 10 to fascia or other parts of the patient. In some examples, a suture anchor may be included, such as at the distal end of the housing of device 10.
An advantage of the devices and methods described herein can be improved patient safety and therapy efficacy after implant. In contrast to other approaches, leadless neurostimulation device 10 may not require the patient's fascia layer near the implant site to be disturbed which may reduce risks affiliated with alternative procedures. Further, device 10 is a unitary structure and may be hermetically sealed.
During operation, an electrical stimulation signal may be transmitted between one or more electrodes through the fascia layer. The electrical signal may be used to stimulate tibial nerve 102 which may be useful in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms of urinary urgency, urinary frequency and/or urge incontinence, fecal incontinence, pain or other symptoms.
In some examples, disease, age, and injury may impair physiological functions of a patient. In one example, bladder dysfunction, such as overactive bladder, urgency, or urinary incontinence, is a problem that may afflict people of all ages, genders, and races. Various muscles, nerves, organs, and conduits within the pelvic floor cooperate to collect, store and release urine. A variety of disorders may compromise urinary tract performance, and contribute to an overactive bladder, urgency, or urinary incontinence that interferes with normal physiological function. System 100 may help relieve some symptoms of some disorders.
Urinary incontinence may include urge incontinence and stress incontinence. In some examples, urge incontinence may be caused by disorders of peripheral or central nervous systems that control bladder micturition reflexes. Some patients may also suffer from nerve disorders that prevent proper triggering and operation of the bladder, sphincter muscles or nerve disorders that lead to overactive bladder activities or urge incontinence. In some cases, urinary incontinence may be attributed to improper sphincter function, either in the internal urinary sphincter or external urinary sphincter.
One type of therapy for treating bladder dysfunction includes delivery of electrical stimulation to a target tissue site within a patient to cause a therapeutic effect during delivery of the electrical stimulation. For example, delivery of electrical stimulation from IMD 10 to a target therapy site, e.g., a tissue site that delivers stimulation to modulate activity of a tibial nerve, spinal nerve (e.g., a sacral nerve), a pudendal nerve, dorsal genital nerve, an inferior rectal nerve, a perineal nerve, or branches of any of the aforementioned nerves, may provide a therapeutic effect for bladder dysfunction, such as a desired reduction in frequency of bladder contractions. In some cases, electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve may modulate afferent nerve activities to restore urinary function.
Bladder dysfunction generally refers to a condition of improper functioning of the bladder or urinary tract, and may include, for example, an overactive bladder, urgency, or urinary incontinence. Overactive bladder (OAB) is a patient condition that may include symptoms, such as urgency, with or without urinary incontinence. Urgency is a sudden, compelling urge to urinate, and may often, though not always, be associated with urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence refers to a condition of involuntary loss of urine, and may include urge incontinence, stress incontinence, or both stress and urge incontinence, which may be referred to as mixed urinary incontinence. As used in this disclosure, the term “urinary incontinence” includes disorders in which urination occurs when not desired, such as stress or urge incontinence. Other bladder dysfunctions may include disorders such as non-obstructive urinary retention.
In some examples, the techniques described in this disclosure are directed to delivery of neurostimulation therapy in a non-continuous manner which may include on-cycles and off-cycles. For example, an IMD may deliver neurostimulation therapy for a specified period of time followed by a specified period of time when the IMD does not deliver neurostimulation (e.g., withholds delivery of neurostimulation). A period during which stimulation is delivered (an on-cycle) may include on and off periods (e.g., a duty cycle or bursts of pulses) with short inter-pulse durations of time when pulses are not delivered.
The rechargeable power source of IMD 10 may include one or more capacitors, batteries, or other components (e.g., chemical or electrical energy storage devices). Example batteries may include lithium-based batteries, nickel metal-hydride batteries, or other materials. The rechargeable power source may be replenished, refilled, or otherwise capable of increasing the amount of energy stored after energy has been depleted. The energy received from secondary coil 16 may be conditioned and/or transformed by a charging circuit. The charging circuit may then send an electrical signal used to charge the rechargeable power source when the power source is fully depleted or only partially depleted.
External computing device 110 may be used to recharge the rechargeable power source within IMD 10 implanted in the patient. External computing device 110 may be a hand-held device, a portable device, or a stationary charging system. External computing device 110 may also be referred to as charging device 110 in this disclosure. External computing device 110 may include components necessary to charge IMD 10 through tissue of the patient. External computing device 110 may include an internal energy transfer coil 28 and external energy transfer coil 26, also referred to as primary coil 26 or primary coil 28. In other examples, external computing device may only include internal primary coil 28 and omit the use of external primary coil 26, or only include external primary coil 26 and omit the use of internal primary coil 28. External computing device 110 may include a housing to enclose operational components such as a processor, memory, user interface, telemetry module, power source, and charging circuit configured to transmit energy to secondary coil 16 via energy transfer coil 26 and/or 28. Although a user may control the recharging process with a user interface of external computing device 110, external computing device 110 may alternatively be controlled by another device, e.g., an external programmer, a computing device of servers 112 such as a tablet computer, laptop or other similar computing device. The second external computing device of servers 112 may include a computing device with a touch-screen user interface. In other examples, external computing device 110 may be integrated with an external programmer, such as a patient programmer carried by the patient.
External computing device 110 and IMD 10 may utilize any wireless power transfer techniques that are capable of recharging the power source of IMD 10 when IMD 10 is implanted within the patient. In some examples, system 10 may utilize inductive coupling between primary coils (e.g., energy transfer coil 28) and secondary coils (e.g., secondary coil 16) of external computing device 110 and IMD 10. In inductive coupling, energy transfer coil 28 is placed near implanted IMD 10 such that energy transfer coil 28 is aligned with secondary coil 16 of IMD 10. External computing device 110 may then generate an electrical current in energy transfer coil 28 based on a selected power level for charging the rechargeable power source of IMD 10. When the primary and secondary coils are aligned, the electrical current in the primary coil may magnetically induce an electrical current in secondary coil 16 within IMD 10. Since the secondary coil is associated with and electrically coupled to the rechargeable power source, the induced electrical current may be used to increase the voltage, or charge level, of the rechargeable power source. Although inductive coupling is generally described herein, any type of wireless energy transfer may be used to transfer energy between external computing device 110 and IMD 10.
Energy transfer coils 26 and 28 may include a wound wire (e.g., a coil) (not shown in
Either primary coil 26 and/or 28 of system 100 may include a heat sink device (not shown in
As noted above, in this disclosure external computing device 110 may also be referred to as recharger 110. Recharger 110 may include a user interface to receive control inputs from a user, such as the patient, medical professional or other caregiver. The user interface of recharger 110 may also provide information to a user. For example, recharger 110 may include a control configured to receive user input (not shown in
The processing circuitry determine whether IMD 10 and recharger 110 have established a communication link e.g., via communication circuitry. In response to the processing circuitry determining that recharger 110 and IMD 10 have not established a communication link, the processing circuitry may cause at least two indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to alternately flash. Recharger 110 may still wirelessly transfer power to IMD 10, but alternately flashing indicator lights may signify that recharger 110 is operating in open loop charging mode.
Processing circuitry of recharger 110 may further determine whether IMD 10 is receiving wireless power. In response to determining that IMD 10 has good power coupling, such as receiving an amount of wireless power above a power threshold, the processing circuitry may cause the set of indicator lights to pulse. In this disclosure, a “flashing” light means when an indicator light turns on and off with little or no perceptible time between the on and off state. An “occulting” light is similar to a flashing light, except that an occulting light may be ON longer than it is OFF, where for a flashing light, the light may be OFF longer than it is ON. In contrast, a pulse, or pulsing light may be described as one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights that increases in brightness followed by a decrease in brightness. In other words, for a pulsing light, there may be a perceptible time between the OFF and the ON state. Said another way, a pulsing light may appear to fade ON and OFF, where for flashing or occulting patterns the transition between on and off may appear to be more abrupt. In this disclosure, “perceptible time” may indicate a duration that a human may detect.
In some examples, such as for indicator lights that are light emitting diodes (LED), each indicator light may receive a time varying current, such as a pulse width modulated (PWM) current, rather than a constant current when ON and no current when OFF. The processing circuitry may cause an indicator light to receive a PWM current with frequencies ranging for example from 60 Hz to several kHz. Though the indicator light is actually flashing, the light may appear to be ON, i.e., this flashing may not perceptible because of the persistence of vision for the human eye. For a flashing or occulting pattern, the processing circuitry may cause a PWM current to start and stop as needed for the desired pattern. For a pulsing light, processing circuitry may vary the duty cycle of the PWM current so indicator light appears to fade ON and OFF with a perceptible increase in brightness followed by a decrease in brightness. In some examples the changes in the duty cycle of PWM current may follow a logarithmic pattern to provide the pulsing light, because of the way the human eye perceives changes in brightness. In some examples, the set of indicator lights may include one or more RGB (Red-Green-Blue) LEDs, which may be configured to output many different colors based on the processing circuitry controlling combinations of red-blue-green color intensity
The processing circuitry may further control the indicator lights to display how efficiently that recharger 110 is transferring power to IMD 10, e.g., a power coupling level (e.g., poor, good, excellent, and so on). In some examples, the processing circuitry may adjust the rate of pulsing of the indicator lights to indicate the coupling level. For example, the indicator lights may pulse once per second, once over a two second duration, once over a four second duration, and so on. In some examples, the pulse may have a longer duty cycle, e.g., remain lit for most of the duration. In other examples, the pulse may have a shorter duty cycle and remain lit for only a portion of the duration.
The processing circuitry may alternatively cause the indicator lights to output a series of pulses over a duration. For example, four pulses every N seconds; three pulses every N seconds, one pulse every N seconds, and so on. These are just some possible examples of indicator light output. The processing circuitry may be configured to output other types of flashing patterns, pulsing patterns or combinations of patterns.
To determine whether IMD 10 has good power coupling and is receiving wireless power, a variety of system metrics are available to external computing device 110 based on computations of power and heat done by processing circuitry of external computing device 110, as well as from metrics communicated to the recharger from IMD 10. These metrics may include but are not limited to battery current measured by IMD 10, power transfer efficiency and so on. Efficiency may be measured by IMD 10 and communicated to external computing device 110 and may be an indicator of when the recharger primary coil 28 is concentric with secondary coil 16. A concentric relative position of primary coil 28, or 26, and secondary coil 16 may be in positions with the lowest overall transient thermal response. In some examples, the energy transfer in concentric positions may be higher and the battery of IMD 10 may charge faster. In some relative positions, the time to charge may be longer so the overall thermal dose may be worse than for shorter and quicker charging periods that result from a more efficient coupling.
External computing device 110 may receive wireless communication from IMD 10 that include the amount of power delivered to the electrical energy storage device of IMD 10, which may be referred to as closed loop charging. In other words, system 10 may measure efficiency, such as IMD efficiency, to determine whether the relative position of primary coil 26 and secondary coil 16 may be in a less desirable relative position. Processing circuitry of system 100, e.g., processing circuitry of recharger 110, processing circuitry of servers 112, and/or processing circuitry of IMD 10, may calculate any of the values described herein.
Processing circuitry 30 of IMD 14 may include one or more processors, such as one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as any combinations of such components. IMD 14 may include a memory 32, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, comprising executable instructions for causing the processing circuitry 30 to perform the actions attributed to this circuitry. Moreover, although processing circuitry 30, therapy and sensing circuitry 34, recharge circuitry 38, telemetry circuitry 36, and temperature sensor 39 are described as separate modules, in some examples, some combination of processing circuitry 30, therapy and sensing circuitry 34, recharge circuitry 38, telemetry circuitry 36 and temperature sensor 39 are functionally integrated. In some examples, processing circuitry 30, therapy and sensing circuitry 34, recharge circuitry 38, telemetry circuitry 36, and temperature sensor 39 correspond to individual hardware units, such as ASICs, DSPs. FPGAs, or other hardware units. In this disclosure, therapy, and sensing circuitry 34 may be referred to as therapy circuitry 34, for simplicity.
Memory 32 may store therapy programs or other instructions that specify therapy parameter values for the therapy provided by therapy circuitry 34 and IMD 14. In some examples, memory 32 may also store temperature data from temperature sensor 39, instructions for recharging rechargeable power source 18, thresholds, instructions for communication between IMD 14 and an external computing device, or any other instructions required to perform tasks attributed to IMD 14. Memory 32 may be configured to store instructions for communication with and/or controlling one or more temperature sensors of temperature sensor 39. In various examples, memory 32 stores information related to determining the temperature of housing 19 and/or exterior surface(s) of housing 19 of IMD 14 based on temperatures sensed by one or more temperature sensors, such as temperature sensor 39, located within IMD 14.
For example, memory 32 may store programming settings such as electrical stimulation therapy output magnitude, pulse width, and so on. Memory 32 may determine whether a sensed bioelectrical signal is valid, such as and ECAP or other signal in response to an output electrical stimulation therapy event. Memory 32 may store programming instructions that when executed by processing circuitry 30 cause processing circuitry 30 to cause electrical stimulation circuitry therapy circuitry 34 to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to a target nerve of a patient.
Therapy and sensing circuitry 34 may generate and deliver electrical stimulation under the control of processing circuitry 30. In some examples, processing circuitry 30 controls therapy circuitry 34 by accessing memory 32 to selectively access and load at least one of the stimulation programs to therapy circuitry 34. For example, in operation, processing circuitry 30 may access memory 32 to load one of the stimulation programs to therapy circuitry 34. In such examples, relevant stimulation parameters may include a voltage amplitude, a current amplitude, a pulse rate, a pulse width, a duty cycle, or the combination of electrodes 17A, 17B. 17C, and 17D (collectively “electrodes 17”) that therapy circuitry 34 may use to deliver the electrical stimulation signal as well as sense biological signals. In other examples, IMD 14 may have more or fewer electrodes than the four shown in the example of
In some examples, one or more electrodes connected to therapy circuitry 34 may connect to one or more sensing electrodes, e.g., attached to housing of IMD 14. In some examples the electrodes may be configured to detect the evoked motor response caused by the electrical stimulation therapy event, or other bioelectrical signals such as ECAPs, impedance and so on.
IMD 14 also includes components to receive power to recharge rechargeable power source 18 when rechargeable power source 18 has been at least partially depleted. As shown in
Secondary coil 16 may include a coil of wire or other device capable of inductive coupling with a primary coil disposed external to patient 12. Although secondary coil 16 is illustrated as a simple loop of in
Recharge circuitry 38 may include one or more circuits that process, filter, convert and/or transform the electrical signal induced in the secondary coil to an electrical signal capable of recharging rechargeable power source 18. For example, in alternating current induction, recharge circuitry 38 may include a half-wave rectifier circuit and/or a full-wave rectifier circuit configured to convert alternating current from the induction to a direct current for rechargeable power source 18. The full-wave rectifier circuit may be more efficient at converting the induced energy for rechargeable power source 18. However, a half-wave rectifier circuit may be used to store energy in rechargeable power source 18 at a slower rate. In some examples, recharge circuitry 38 may include both a full-wave rectifier circuit and a half-wave rectifier circuit such that recharge circuitry 38 may switch between each circuit to control the charging rate of rechargeable power source 18 and temperature of IMD 14.
Rechargeable power source 18 may include one or more capacitors, batteries, and/or other energy storage devices. Rechargeable power source 18 may deliver operating power to the components of IMD 14. In some examples, rechargeable power source 18 may include a power generation circuit to produce the operating power. Rechargeable power source 18 may be configured to operate through many discharge and recharge cycles. Rechargeable power source 18 may also be configured to provide operational power to IMD 14 during the recharge process. In some examples, rechargeable power source 18 may be constructed with materials to reduce the amount of heat generated during charging. In other examples, IMD 14 may be constructed of materials and/or using structures that may help dissipate generated heat at rechargeable power source 18, recharge circuitry 38, and/or secondary coil 16 over a larger surface area of the housing of IMD 14.
Although rechargeable power source 18, recharge circuitry 38, and secondary coil 16 are shown as contained within the housing of IMD 14, in alternative implementations, at least one of these components may be disposed outside of the housing. For example, in some implementations, secondary coil 16 may be disposed outside of the housing of IMD 14 to facilitate better coupling between secondary coil 16 and the primary coil of external charging device. In other examples, power source 18 may be a primary power cell and IMD 14 may not include recharge circuitry 38 and recharge coil 16.
Processing circuitry 30 may also control the exchange of information with an external computing device using telemetry circuitry 36. Telemetry circuitry 36 may be configured for wireless communication using radio frequency protocols, such as BLUETOOTH, or similar RF protocols, as well as using inductive communication protocols. Telemetry circuitry 36 may include one or more antennas 37 configured to communicate with external charging device, for example. Processing circuitry 30 may transmit operational information and receive therapy programs or therapy parameter adjustments via telemetry circuitry 36. Also, in some examples, IMD 14 may communicate with other implanted devices, such as stimulators, control devices, or sensors, via telemetry circuitry 36. In addition, telemetry circuitry 36 may be configured to control the exchange of information related to sensed and/or determined temperature data, for example temperatures sensed by and/or determined from temperatures sensed using temperature sensor 39. In some examples, telemetry circuitry 36 may communicate using inductive communication, and in other examples, telemetry circuitry 36 may communicate using RF frequencies separate from the frequencies used for inductive charging.
In some examples, processing circuitry 30 may transmit additional information to external charging device related to the operation of rechargeable power source 18. For example, processing circuitry 30 may use telemetry circuitry 36 to transmit indications that rechargeable power source 18 is completely charged, rechargeable power source 18 is fully discharged, the amount of charging current output by recharge circuitry 38 e.g., to power source 18, or any other charge status of rechargeable power source 18. In some examples, processing circuitry 30 may use telemetry circuitry 36 to transmit instructions to external charging device, including instructions regarding further control of the charging session, for example instructions to lower the power level or to terminate the charging session, based on the determined temperature of the housing/external surface 19 of the IMD.
Processing circuitry 30 may also transmit information to external charging device that indicates any problems or errors with rechargeable power source 18 that may prevent rechargeable power source 18 from providing operational power to the components of IMD 14. In various examples, processing circuitry 30 may receive, through telemetry circuitry 36, instructions for algorithms, including formulas and/or values for constants to be used in the formulas, that may be used to determine the temperature of the housing 19 and/or exterior surface(s) of housing 19 of IMD 14 based on temperatures sensed by temperature sensor 39 located within IMD 14 during and after a recharging session performed on rechargeable power source 18.
In some examples, separate charging wand 26 may facilitate positioning of coil 48 over coil 16 of IMD 14. In some examples, charging circuitry 68 and/or coil 28 may be integrated within housing 24 in other examples, as described above in relation to
External charging device 22 may also include one or more temperature sensors, illustrated as temperature sensor 59, similar to temperature sensor 39 of
In general, external charging device 22 comprises any suitable arrangement of hardware, alone or in combination with software and/or firmware, to perform the techniques ascribed to external charging device 22, and processing circuitry 50, user interface 54, telemetry circuitry 56, and charging circuitry 58 of external charging device 22, and/or any equivalents thereof. In various examples, external charging device 22 may include one or more processors, such as one or more microprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as any combinations of such components. External charging device 22 also, in various examples, may include a memory 52, such as RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, comprising executable instructions for causing the one or more processors to perform the actions attributed to them. Moreover, although processing circuitry 50, telemetry circuitry 56, charging circuitry 58, and temperature sensor 59 are described as separate modules, in some examples, processing circuitry 50, telemetry circuitry 56, charging circuitry 58, and/or temperature sensor 59 are functionally integrated. In some examples, processing circuitry 50, telemetry circuitry 56, charging circuitry 58, and/or temperature sensor 59 correspond to individual hardware units, such as ASICs, DSPs, FPGAs, or other hardware units.
Memory 52 may store instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry 50, cause processing circuitry 50 and external charging device 22 to provide the functionality ascribed to external charging device 22 throughout this disclosure, and/or any equivalents thereof. For example, memory 52 may include instructions that cause processing circuitry 50 to control the power level used to charge IMD 14 in response to the determined temperatures for the housing/external surface(s) of IMD 14, as communicated from IMD 14, or instructions for any other functionality. Memory 52 may include a record of selected power levels, sensed temperatures, determined temperatures, or any other data related to charging rechargeable power source 18, described above in relation to
Processing circuitry 50 may, when requested, transmit any stored data in memory 52 to another computing device for review or further processing, such as to server 112 depicted in
User interface 54 may include buttons, such as control 62 or a keypad, lights, such as indicator lights 64, a speaker for voice commands, a display, such as a liquid crystal (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED), or cathode ray tube (CRT). In some examples, the display may be a touch screen. Control 62 may be implemented as any type of component that may receive user input and provide an indication of the user input to processing circuitry 50. As described above in relation to
User interface 54 may also receive user input via user interface 54. The input may be, for example, in the form of pressing a button on a keypad or selecting an icon from a touch screen. The input may change programmed settings, start or stop therapy, request starting or stopping a recharge session, a desired level of charging, or one or more statistics related to charging rechargeable power source 18 (e.g., the cumulative thermal dose). In this manner, user interface 54 may allow the user to view information related to the operation of IMD 14. For example, control 62 may provide an input to processing circuitry 50 to cause processing circuitry 50 to start or stop delivery of wireless power to the power receiving device, e.g., IMD 10 described above in relation to
Charging circuitry 58 may include one or more circuits that generate an electrical signal, and an electrical current, within primary coil 48. Charging circuitry 58 may generate an alternating current of specified amplitude and frequency in some examples. In other examples, charging circuitry 58 may generate a direct current. In any case, charging circuitry 58 may be capable of generating electrical signals, and subsequent magnetic fields, to transmit various levels of power to IMD 14. In this manner, charging circuitry 58 may be configured to charge rechargeable power source 18 of IMD 14 with the selected power level.
Power source 60 may deliver operating power to the components of external charging device 22. Power source 60 may also deliver the operating power to drive primary coil 48 during the charging process. Power source 60 may include a battery and a power generation circuit to produce the operating power. In some examples, a battery of power source 60 may be rechargeable to allow extended portable operation. In other examples, power source 60 may draw power from a wired voltage source such as a consumer or commercial power outlet.
Telemetry circuitry 56 supports wireless communication between IMD 14 and external charging device 22 under the control of processing circuitry 50. Telemetry circuitry 56 may also be configured to communicate with another computing device via wireless communication techniques, or direct communication through a wired connection. In some examples, telemetry circuitry 56 may be substantially similar to telemetry circuitry 36 of IMD 14 described herein, providing wireless communication via an RF or proximal inductive medium. In some examples, telemetry circuitry 56 may include an antenna 57, which may take on a variety of forms, such as an internal or external antenna. Although telemetry modules 56 and 36 may each include dedicated antennas for communications between these devices, telemetry modules 56 and 36 may instead, or additionally, be configured to utilize inductive coupling from coils 16 and 48 to transfer data.
Examples of local wireless communication techniques that may be employed to facilitate communication between external charging device 22 and IMD 14 include radio frequency and/or inductive communication according to any of a variety of standard or proprietary telemetry protocols, or according to other telemetry protocols such as the IEEE 802.11x or Bluetooth specification sets. In this manner, other external devices may be capable of communicating with external charging device 22 without needing to establish a secure wireless connection.
In operation, processing circuitry 50, and or secondary processing circuitry 40, may control one or more sets of indicator lights 64 to provide information to a user about communication, charging efficiency, therapy status of the IMD and so on. For example, processing circuitry 50 may determine whether communication circuitry, e.g., telemetry circuitry 56, has established a communication link with the power receiving device, IMD 10 depicted in
As shown above in table 1, processing circuitry 50 may also determine whether the power receiving device is receiving wireless power, e.g., via charging circuitry 68 and coil 28, or charging circuitry 58 and coil 48. Responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above a threshold, processing circuitry 50 may cause the set of indicator lights to pulse. As noted above in the description of
As described above in relation to
Memory 52 may store several power coupling thresholds. A calculated power transfer metric (e.g., efficiency, magnitude of current, etc.) below a first threshold may indicate poor coupling. A power transfer metric above the first threshold but less than a second threshold may indicate “good” coupling. A power transfer metric above the second threshold but less than a third threshold may indicate “excellent” coupling, and so on. In some examples, responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above the first threshold and receiving wireless power below the second threshold, processing circuitry 50 may cause the set of indicator lights 62, or one or more indicator lights of indicator lights 62, to pulse with a first pulsing pattern. Similarly, responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above the second threshold, and receiving wireless power below the third threshold, processing circuitry 50 may cause the set of indicator lights 62 to pulse with a second pulsing pattern. In this disclosure, reference to actions of indicator lights 62 may include the entire set of indicator lights, one indicator light, or a portion of the indicator lights 62 pulsing, flashing, occulting, and so on in any combination.
In some examples, processing circuitry 50 may determine a therapy delivery state of the implantable medical device. A patient, or caregiver, may turn on or off the therapy delivery. e.g., electrical stimulation pulses, drug delivery etc. using an external computing device, such as a programmer, tablet computer and so on. Responsive to determining that the therapy delivery state is ON, processing circuitry 50 of recharger 22 may cause the indicator lights to output a first color, such as green, blue, amber, some other color or combination of colors. Responsive to determining that the therapy delivery state is OFF, cause the indicator lights to output a second color. In other examples, processing circuitry 50 may cause one or more indicator lights to flash or pulse in a predefined pattern based on the therapy delivery state.
In some examples, processing circuitry 50 may control haptic output circuitry 72 to provide a tactile sensation above the patient's perception level. For example, haptic output circuitry may vibrate or provide some similar tactile sensation. In some examples processing circuitry 50 may control haptic output circuitry to vibrate at a constant level for a specified duration, may output a pattern of vibration, or some similar haptic feedback for the patient. In some examples, the haptic feedback may indicate poor coupling, and the haptic feedback may fade as the coupling improves. e.g., the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above the first threshold. In this manner, the patient may receive feedback without the need to view user interface 54 of external charging device 22, or the user interface of some other device, e.g., a smart phone, tablet and so on.
In some examples, processing circuitry 50 may also output an audio tone, pattern, and so on via audio output circuitry 70. In some examples, the audio pattern may be selectable by a user, such as the patient, based on the type of information that processing circuitry 50 is programmed to output. Some examples of patterns may include a warble tone, a distinctive musical sequence (e.g., shave and a haircut, Smoke on the Water intro, etc.) and so on. For example, responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above the first threshold and receiving wireless power below a second threshold, processing circuitry 50 may cause audio circuitry to output an audible alert with a first audible pattern. Processing circuitry 50 may cause audio output circuitry 70 to output other audio tones, patterns and so on for any of the conditions or states described herein, e.g., therapy on or off, and so on.
External computing device 110, in the example of
As described above in relation to
Processing circuitry of recharger 110 may determine whether communication circuitry, e.g., telemeter circuitry 56 depicted in
In some examples recharger 110 may still transcutaneously transfer power to the power receiving device without establishing communication with the power receiving device. In other words recharger 110 may operate in an open loop charging mode. Recharger 110 may indicate open loop charging by changing the pattern of the alternating indicator lights to pulsing and/or by changing the color of the indicator lights. For example, responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above a threshold, the processing circuitry may cause indicator lights 412 and 420 to alternately pulse, as noted above in table 1.
The processing circuitry may display closed loop charging, such as when communication circuitry establishes a communication link, by one or more indicator lights pulsing. In some examples, all the indicator lights that illuminate button 402 may pulse to signify closed loop charging. e.g., above a predetermined threshold. For both open loop and closed loop charging, changes in the pulsing pattern or color may indicate different coupling levels, as described above in relation to
Responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving power below the threshold, e.g., poor coupling, the processing circuitry may cause the set of indicator lights to output a spinning pattern. For example, light 420 may turn on and begin to fade off, followed by light 422 increasing in brightness, then beginning to fade off, followed by light 424 increasing in brightness, then beginning to fade off, and so on, which may give the impression that the set of indicator lights is spinning around button 402.
The processing circuitry may also determine a therapy delivery state of the implantable medical device during recharging. In some examples, responsive to determining that the therapy delivery state is ON, the processing circuitry may cause the indicator lights to output a first color, such as green, blue, and so on. The color may be independent of the coupling state and communication state. For example, responsive to determining that the therapy delivery state is OFF, and that the implantable medical device is receiving wireless power above a threshold, the processing circuitry may cause the indicator lights to output a second color, e.g., amber, orange, or some other color in a pulsing pattern. The pulsing pattern may indicate the coupling level, as described above in relation to
Battery indicator 430 may include a second set of indicator lights 432-440, which are separate from the indicator lights that illuminate button 402. The second set of indicator lights 432-440 may provide an indication of a charge level for a first electrical storage unit, such as a battery of the power transmitting device, recharger 110. For example, the processing circuitry may signify a full charge of the battery for recharger 110 by lighting all of lights 440, 438, 436, 434 and 432. In some examples, while connected to dock 450, and connected to line power 452, the second set of indicator lights 432-440 may light in a flashing or occulting pattern to indicate that recharger 110 is being charge.
At a different time the second set of indicator lights 432-440 may provide an indication of a charge level for the electrical storage unit, e.g., the battery of the power receiving device, for example, IMD 10 depicted in
In some examples, indicator lights 432-440 may indicate the charge level for the power receiving device battery with a first color, e.g., orange, amber and so on, and indicate the charge level for recharger 110 with a second color, e.g., green, blue and so on. In some examples, the second set of indicator lights 432-440 may provide the indication of the charge for the first electrical storage unit of the power transmitting device when the power transmitting device is electrically connected to dock 450 at a first time. The second set of indicator lights of battery indicator 430 may signify the charge for the battery of the power receiving device when recharger 110 is disconnected from the wired power transfer device. In some examples, one or more of indicator lights 432-440 may display the battery of recharger 110 does not have enough energy to charge IMD 10. For example, the lowest battery bar, light 440, may be amber, red or some other color, when recharger 110 is connected to dock 450, but there is not enough energy to charge the IMD 10. In other examples, the lowest battery bar, e.g., light 440, or light 440 in combination with other lights on battery indicator 430 when in an open loop charging session and when in a closed loop charging session. For example, light 440 may be colored amber when in open loop recharge mode (no telemetry with the IMD 10) and a different color when in closed loop recharge mode. In other examples, one or more of indicator lights 432-440 may flash, pulse or otherwise indicate a difference between open loop and closed loop charging.
The user interface of the external computing device 110 may have advantages over other types of user interfaces. By using only a few indicator lights, and taking advantage of the various colors, flashing, pulsing and other patterns described above, may provide a user a convenient way to receive feedback for positioning for efficient power transfer. In addition, the user may be able to quickly determine the status of the IMD, e.g., therapy ON or therapy OFF, communication status, battery charge level, and so on.
When the relative position of the recharger coil and the secondary coil of the IMD is such that power is being transferred with good coupling, e.g., above a threshold as described above in relation to
One or more of indicator lights 432-440 on battery indicator 430 may output an indication that the IMD is ON (508, 512, 528 and 532), or the IMD is OFF (510, 514, 530 and 534). In some examples indicator lights 432-440 on battery indicator 430 may be illuminated in a first color, e.g., green, when the IMD is ON and delivering therapy. The indicator lights may be illuminated in a second color, e.g., orange, as shown in the example of
Similarly, when the external computing device delivers wireless electrical energy, but is unable to communicate with the IMD, one or more of indicator light 410-424 on button 402 may be illuminated with a second color, e.g., orange, as shown in the example of
As described above in relation to
As noted above, the example of
While charging the IMD, and not connected 602 to a wired power transfer device, e.g., wired power transfer device 450 described above in relation to
In the example in which the external computing device, e.g., external computing device 110 is not in communication with IMD 10 as described above in relation to
When the external computing device is able to establish communication with the IMD, the one or more of indicator lights may output a different color, e.g., blue, green and so on (608, 610). As the IMD battery charges, additional indicator lights may illuminate until the IMD battery is fully charged 610.
When connected to the wired power transfer device, e.g., on the dock 604 and charging the internal battery of the external computing device, the battery indicator may output the status of internal battery of the external computing device. For example, when the battery level is low, e.g., below a threshold charging level, the battery indicator may illuminate one or more of the indicator lights 612 with one color, e.g., amber, yellow, red and so on. In some examples, when the internal battery charging level is too low to deliver a complete charge to an IMD, the processing circuitry of the external computing device may cause the indicator lights to output an indication of low power 612.
While charging, and the processing circuitry of the external computing device determines that the battery charge level is above a predetermined threshold, e.g., enough power to recharge an IMD, the processing circuitry may cause one or more indicator lights to change to a different color, e.g., green, blue, and so on to indicate a partial charge 614. When fully charged 616, the indicator lights may all be illuminated. In some examples, the fully charged color 616, may be the same as the color for partial charge 614.
Responsive to determining that the communication circuitry, e.g., telemetry circuitry 56 depicted in
The processing circuitry of the wireless power transfer device may further, determine whether the power receiving device is receiving wireless power (94). Responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above a threshold, the processing circuitry may cause the set of indicator lights 410-424 of button 402 to pulse (96). As described above in relation to
In one or more examples, the functions described above may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, the various components of
Computer-readable media, e.g., memory 32 and memory 52 depicted in
The term “non-transitory” may indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in RAM or cache). By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media, may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), a floppy disk, a cassette, magnetic media, optical media, or other computer readable media. In some examples, an article of manufacture may include one or more computer-readable storage media.
Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if instructions are transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. It should be understood, however, that computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carrier waves, signals, or other transient media, but are instead directed to non-transient, tangible storage media. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.
Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more DSPs, general purpose microprocessors, ASICs, FPGAs, or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Accordingly, the term “processor,” as used herein, may refer to any of the foregoing structure or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.
The techniques of this disclosure may be implemented in a wide variety of devices or apparatuses, including, an integrated circuit (IC) or a set of ICs (e.g., a chip set). Various components, modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of devices configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but do not necessarily require realization by different hardware units. Rather, as described above, various units may be combined in a hardware unit or provided by a collection of interoperative hardware units, including one or more processors as described above, in conjunction with suitable software and/or firmware.
The techniques of this disclosure may also be described in the following examples.
Example 1: A power transmitting device configured to wirelessly transfer power to a power receiving device, the power transmitting device comprises a user interface including: a control configured to receive user input; and a set of indicator lights configured to output information regarding communication status and wireless power transfer status: circuitry configured to: wirelessly communicate with the power receiving device; and wirelessly output power to the power receiving device; processing circuitry operably coupled to a memory, the processing circuitry configured to: determine one or more operational states, wherein the one or more operational states comprise at least one of: that the circuitry has not established a communication link with the power receiving device: that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above a threshold selectively control the set of indicator lights based on the operational state, wherein to control the set of indicator lights consists of: control at least two indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to alternately flash; control the set of indicator lights to pulse by increasing a brightness of one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights followed by decreasing the brightness of the one or more indicator lights control one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to indicator lights to output a first color, or a second color, and control the set of indicator lights to output a spinning pattern.
Example 2: The power transmitting device of example 1, wherein responsive to determining that the circuitry has not established the communication link, the processing circuitry is configured to control at least two indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to alternately flash.
Example 3: The power transmitting device of any of examples 1 and 2, wherein the control of the user interface comprises at least one of: a button, a switch, and a knob; wherein the indicator lights are configured to illuminate the control.
Example 4: The power transmitting device of any of examples 1 through 3, wherein the operational state comprises a therapy delivery state of the implantable medical device, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: responsive to determining that the therapy delivery state is ON, control the indicator lights to output the first color, and responsive to determining that the therapy delivery state is OFF, control the indicator lights to output the second color.
Example 5: The power transmitting device of any of examples 1 through 4, wherein the one or more operational states comprise that the power receiving device is receiving power below the threshold; wherein responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving power below the threshold, the processing circuitry is configured to control the set of indicator lights to output the spinning pattern.
Example 6: The power transmitting device of any of examples 1 through 5, wherein the threshold is a first threshold, and wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above the first threshold and receiving wireless power below a second threshold, cause the set of indicator lights to pulse with a first pulsing pattern, and responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above the second threshold, and receiving wireless power below a third threshold, cause the set of indicator lights to pulse with a second pulsing pattern.
Example 7: The power transmitting device any of examples 1 through 6, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to, responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above the first threshold and receiving wireless power below a second threshold, cause audio circuitry to output an audible alert with a first audible pattern.
Example 8: The power transmitting device of any of examples 1 through 7, wherein the set of indicator lights configured to illuminate the control is a first set of indicator lights, the power transmitting device further includes an indication of a charge level for a first electrical storage unit of the power transmitting device at a first time; and an indication of a charge level for a second electrical storage unit of the power receiving device at a second time.
Example 9: The power transmitting device any of examples 1 through 8, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause an indicator light of the second set of indicators lights to output an indication that the first electrical storage unit for the power transmitting device has insufficient electrical energy available to deliver wireless power to the power receiving device.
Example 10: The power transmitting device of any of examples 1 through 9, wherein, responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above the threshold, the processing circuitry is configured to control the set of indicator lights to pulse.
Example 11: A system comprising a power receiving device; power transmitting device configured to wirelessly transfer power to a power receiving device, the power transmitting device includes a user interface including: a control configured to receive user input, and a set of indicator lights configured to output information regarding communication status and wireless power transfer status; circuitry configured to: wirelessly communicate with the power receiving device; and wirelessly output power to the power receiving device: processing circuitry operably coupled to a memory, the processing circuitry configured to: determine one or more operational states, wherein the one or more operational states comprise at least one of: that the circuitry has not established a communication link with the power receiving device, that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above a threshold selectively control the set of indicator lights based on the operational state, wherein to control the set of indicator lights consists of: control at least two indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to alternately flash: control the set of indicator lights to pulse by increasing a brightness of one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights followed by decreasing the brightness of the one or more indicator lights control one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to indicator lights to output a first color, or a second color; and control the set of indicator lights to output a spinning pattern.
Example 12: The system of example 11, further comprising an external computing device configured to wirelessly communicate with the power transmitting device and the power receiving device, the external computing device comprising a touch-screen user interface.
Example 13: The system of any of examples 11 and 12, further comprising a wired power transfer device configured to transfer electrical power to the power transmitting device.
Example 14: The system any of examples 11 through 13, wherein the set of indicator lights is a first set of indicator lights, the power transmitting device further includes an indication of a charge level for a first electrical storage unit of the power transmitting device at a first time; and an indication of a charge level for a second electrical storage unit of the power receiving device at a second time.
Example 15: The system of examples 11 through 14, wherein the second set of indicator lights provides: the indication of the charge level for the first electrical storage unit of the power transmitting device when the power transmitting device is electrically connected to the wired power transfer device; and the indication of the charge level for the second electrical storage unit of the power receiving device when the power transmitting device is disconnected from the wired power transfer device.
Example 16: The system of any of examples 11 through 15, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cause an indicator light of the second set of indicators lights to output an indication that the first electrical storage unit for the power transmitting device has insufficient electrical energy available to deliver wireless power to the power receiving device.
Example 17: A method comprising determining, by processing circuitry of a power transmitting device, one or more operational states of the power transmitting device, wherein the operational states comprise at least one of: circuitry of the power transmitting device has established a communication link with a power receiving device, wherein the power receiving device is an implantable medical device; and the power receiving device is receiving wireless power; selectively controlling, by the processing circuitry, a set of indicator lights based on the determined operational state, wherein the set of indicator lights is configured to output information regarding communication status and wireless power transfer status of the power transmitting device and wherein controlling the set of indicator lights consists of: controlling at least two indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to alternately flash; controlling the set of indicator lights to pulse by increasing a brightness of one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights followed by decreasing the brightness of the one or more indicator lights; controlling one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to indicator lights to output a first color, or a second color; and controlling the set of indicator lights to output a spinning pattern.
Example 18: The method of example 17, wherein the operational state comprises a therapy delivery state of the implantable medical device, the method further includes wherein responsive to determining that the therapy delivery state is ON, controlling the indicator lights to output the first color; and wherein responsive to determining that the therapy delivery state is OFF, controlling the indicator lights to output the second color.
Example 19: The method of any of examples 17 and 18, wherein responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving the wireless power below a threshold, controlling the set of indicator lights to output the spinning pattern.
Example 20: The method of any of examples 17 through 19, wherein responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving the wireless power above a threshold, controlling the set of indicator lights to pulse.
Example 21: The method of examples 17 through 20, wherein the threshold is a first threshold, the method further includes responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving the wireless power above the first threshold and receiving the wireless power below a second threshold, causing the set of indicator lights to pulse with a first pulsing pattern, and responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving the wireless power above the second threshold, and receiving the wireless power below a third threshold, causing the set of indicator lights to pulse with a second pulsing pattern.
Example 22: The method of examples 17 through 21, further comprising, responsive to determining that the power receiving device is receiving the wireless power above the first threshold and receiving wireless power below a second threshold, control audio circuitry to output an audible alert with a first audible pattern.
Example 23: The method of any of examples 17 through 22, wherein responsive to determining that the circuitry has not established the communication link, controlling, by the processing circuitry at least two indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to alternately flash.
Example 24: The method of any of examples 17 through 23, wherein the operational state comprises a therapy delivery state of the implantable medical device, the method further includes responsive to determining that the therapy delivery state is ON, cause the indicator lights to output the first color, and responsive to determining that the therapy delivery state is OFF, cause the indicator lights to output the second color.
Example 25: The method of any of examples 17 through 24, wherein the power transmitting device comprises a control configured to receive user input; wherein the control comprises at least one of: a button, a switch, and a knob: wherein the indicator lights are configured to illuminate the control.
Example 26: The method of any of examples 17 through 25, wherein the set of indicator lights configured to illuminate the control is a first set of indicator lights, the power transmitting device further includes an indication of a charge level for a first electrical storage unit of the power transmitting device at a first time; and an indication of a charge level for a second electrical storage unit of the power receiving device at a second time.
Example 27: The method of examples 17 through 26, further comprising causing an indicator light of the second set of indicators lights to output an indication that the first electrical storage unit for the power transmitting device has insufficient electrical energy available to deliver wireless power to the power receiving device.
Example 28: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause processing circuitry of a computing device to control circuitry of a power transmitting device configured to wirelessly transfer power to a power receiving device, wherein the circuitry is configured to: wirelessly communicate with the power receiving device; and wirelessly output power to the power receiving device. The instructions further cause the processing circuitry to receive a user input from a control of a user interface and control a set of indicator lights on the user interface, wherein the indicator lights are configured to output information regarding communication status and wireless power transfer status. Based on the communication and wireless power transfer status, the instructions further cause the processing circuitry to determine one or more operational states, wherein the one or more operational states comprise at least one of: that the communication circuitry has not established a communication link with the power receiving device; or that the power receiving device is receiving wireless power above a threshold. Responsive to determining the operational state, the instructions cause the processing circuitry to selectively control, based on the operational state, the set of indicator lights to perform an action, wherein the action is selected from a group consisting of: control at least two indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to alternately flash; control the set of indicator lights to pulse by increasing a brightness of one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights followed by decreasing the brightness of the one or more indicator lights; control the one or more indicator lights of the set of indicator lights to output one of a first color or a second color; and control the set of indicator lights to output a spinning pattern.
Various examples of the disclosure have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/266,530, filed 7 Jan. 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2023/060208 | 1/6/2023 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63266530 | Jan 2022 | US |
