Acoustic Analysis for Glottal Closure Insufficiency Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing glottal closure insufficiency in vocal folds during phonation are invasive, costly, and lack accuracy, as they rely on subjective and objective assessments that fail to adequately evaluate vocal fold closure quality.
Innovation Solution
A computerized acoustic analysis system that measures phonation settling time, slope-at-stabilization, and area-of-stability from the fundamental frequency curve during sustained vowel phonation, using empirical findings and mathematical modeling based on myoelastic-aerodynamic theory and modern control theory to objectively assess glottal closure insufficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional invasive methods (video-endoscopy, laryngoscopy) are used to assess glottal closure insufficiency, then direct visualization of vocal fold closure is achieved, but the procedure becomes costly, invasive, and subjectively limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical examination methods (video-endoscopy, laryngoscopy) with non-invasive acoustic analysis. The system uses a microphone to capture voice samples and processes the acoustic signal to objectively measure glottal closure insufficiency parameters, eliminating the need for physical intrusion into the vocal tract while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic analysis as an intermediary between the vocal fold closure process and the diagnostic assessment. Instead of directly visualizing the vocal folds through invasive means, the system measures the acoustic consequences of glottal closure (fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer, harmonics) which serve as indirect but reliable indicators of closure quality
2Ease of operation
If subjective and objective traditional assessments are used, then evaluation procedures are established, but they fail to adequately evaluate vocal fold closure quality and lack accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the evaluation from subjective clinical judgment to objective quantitative measurement by changing the parameters used for assessment. Instead of relying on clinician subjectivity or traditional objective measures, the system uses acoustic parameters (fundamental frequency contours, jitter, shimmer, harmonic-to-noise ratio) that provide precise, measurable data about vocal fold closure dynamics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an automated feedback mechanism where the acoustic analysis system continuously processes voice samples and provides objective feedback on glottal closure insufficiency. The system compares measured acoustic parameters against established criteria to determine the presence and severity of GCI, providing consistent, repeatable assessments that improve upon traditional methods
3Object-affected harmful factors
If acoustic analysis parameters (fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer) are measured, then non-invasive assessment is achieved, but the complexity of data processing and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex acoustic analysis process into distinct functional modules: voice sample capture, fundamental frequency extraction, jitter measurement, shimmer measurement, and harmonic-to-noise ratio calculation. Each module processes a specific aspect of the acoustic signal independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and easier to implement while maintaining comprehensive assessment capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprising at least one hardware processor and a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions, the program instructions executable by the at least one hardware processor to: receive a voice recording comprising a phonation by a subject, analyze said voice recording to calculate a fundamental frequency contour curve of said phonation, measure at least one of (i) a time period from a start of said phonation until said contour curve reaches a settled level, (ii) a slope of said contour curve during said time period, and (iii) an area under said contour curve during said time period, and determine a glottal closure insufficiency in said subject based, at least in part, on said measuring.