Acoustic Injection Monitoring via FFT Spectral Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection device monitoring systems face challenges in accurately distinguishing between successive dispensing click sounds with similar acoustic signatures, leading to inadequate tracking of injection events and adherence to therapy plans.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the recording of reference click sounds for start and end of injection events, followed by real-time analysis using a processing unit to determine match measures based on log-likelihood ratios, allowing for the identification and storage of specific injection events, even when sounds have comparable acoustic signatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic signal analysis is used to monitor injection events, then tracking of injection events can be achieved, but accurate distinction between successive dispensing click sounds with similar acoustic signatures becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the acoustic signal from time domain to frequency domain using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), converting temporal sound waveforms into spectral representations. This parameter transformation allows differentiation of click sounds based on their frequency content rather than temporal patterns, enabling accurate distinction between successive injection events with similar acoustic signatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic sound discrimination mechanisms with a computational approach using a processor that performs spectral analysis. Instead of using hardware filters or mechanical resonators to distinguish click sounds, the system uses software-based FFT algorithms to analyze frequency spectra, simplifying the physical device while maintaining high measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If spectral analysis is performed on acoustic signals to distinguish injection events, then accurate identification of successive events is possible, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs FFT analysis on short time windows of the acoustic signal as they become available, rather than waiting for the complete injection sequence. This preliminary processing of partial data allows early identification of injection events and reduces overall processing time while maintaining spectral analysis accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies FFT analysis selectively to identified click sound segments rather than processing the entire acoustic signal continuously. By focusing computational resources only on relevant time windows containing potential injection events, the system achieves accurate event identification with minimized processing time and computational overhead
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure, cost-effective, and reliable monitoring of injection processes, ensuring accurate tracking of injection events and improved patient adherence to therapy plans by effectively discriminating between sequentially occurring injection events with similar acoustic signatures.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone (41) and a processing unit (42)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3e
AI summary
The invention is concerned with a simple and reliable manner of monitoring a handling or use of an injection device for administering a medicament by way of analyzing acoustic signals from injection device, specifically in view of discriminating sequentially occurring injection events with comparable acoustic signature. The present invention concerns an electronic unit with a microphone, incorporated in the injection device, in an electronic module detachable from the injection device, or in a mobile device near the injection device, as part of a medical system for guiding patients through a single injection process and/or throughout a long-term therapy plan.