Acoustic Lung Imaging via Microphone Array for Targeted Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing lung function and monitoring the effectiveness of therapies for lung diseases are limited by the need for cumbersome equipment, subjective assessments, and inability to provide frequent, localized, and equipment-to-patient monitoring of lung health.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an array of microphones positioned on a garment or vest to capture and process acoustic signals from the lungs, generating images of lung function through signal processing and interpolation, allowing for real-time monitoring and comparison of lung health changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional imaging techniques (x-ray, CT, MRI) are used to visualize lung pathology, then imaging quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but equipment complexity and patient convenience deteriorate due to cumbersome equipment and requirement to remove clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (x-ray, CT, MRI equipment) with acoustic sensors and signal processing. Acoustic sensors capture lung sounds and vibrations, which are then processed to generate functional images of lung health, eliminating the need for bulky imaging machinery while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates functional copies of lung imaging using acoustic signals rather than direct anatomical imaging. By capturing and processing acoustic emissions from the lungs, the system generates images that represent lung function and pathology without requiring physical proximity to or contact with the patient's body
2Ease of operation
If Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is used to provide portable imaging, then patient mobility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement to remove clothing and attach electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from complex electrode systems and implements it through simple acoustic sensors. By removing electrodes and clothing requirements entirely, the system retains portability while dramatically simplifying the patient interface - sensors can be placed on or near the patient without skin contact
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic sensors passively capture lung sounds and vibrations without requiring active patient participation or complex setup. The system self-registers by listening to natural lung acoustics, eliminating the need for technician-assisted electrode placement and patient cooperation in complex positioning procedures
3Ease of operation
If Vibration Response Imaging (VRI) is used for portable lung imaging, then patient accessibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement to attach multiple sensors to patient skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor attachment systems with acoustic sensing. Instead of mechanically coupling sensors to the patient's skin through adhesives or straps, the system uses acoustic sensors that detect lung sounds and vibrations through air transmission, eliminating all mechanical attachment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic sensors serve multiple functions - capturing lung sounds, vibrations, and acoustic emissions simultaneously - without requiring different sensors or attachment methods for each function. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single, simple sensor platform that listens to all acoustic phenomena from the lungs
4Measurement precision
If HFCWO therapy is interrupted to gather lung images for targeted therapy, then therapy optimization is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to interruption of continuous therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous lung imaging throughout the HFCWO therapy process. Acoustic sensors continuously capture lung sounds and vibrations, allowing real-time monitoring of lung function and mucus clearance without interrupting the oscillation therapy. This continuous data stream enables dynamic adjustment of therapy parameters while maintaining uninterrupted treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously analyzing acoustic signals during HFCWO therapy. The processed acoustic images provide immediate information about lung response to therapy, allowing automated or manual adjustment of oscillation parameters to optimize mucus clearance while maintaining continuous therapy delivery
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 frequent, non-invasive, and localized assessment of lung function, reducing the need for traditional imaging equipment and providing caregivers with regional information for tailored therapies, thus improving patient outcomes and reducing therapy time.
Implementation Method 1
positioning an array of microphones adjacent on a patient... collecting a signal from each of the microphones
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a system and a method of assessing the lungs of a patient using acoustic mapping to provide an image of the lung function and modifying therapy applied based on the information gathered.