Acoustic Mask Identification for Respiratory Therapy Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory therapy systems face challenges in accurately identifying and verifying the type and model of user interfaces, such as masks, due to user input errors, which can affect therapy delivery and parameter measurement.
Innovation Solution
The system analyzes acoustic reflections of acoustic signals to characterize and categorize user interfaces by processing acoustic data through windowing, deconvolution, and neural networks, determining features like form factor and model, and verifies the identification with a confidence score.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a menu system is used to allow users to enter user interface type information, then the system can obtain user interface identification data, but user input errors occur leading to incorrect or incomplete information
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the user interface device itself to automatically provide identification information through acoustic reflections, eliminating the need for manual user input. The device self-identifies its type and model by responding to acoustic signals with characteristic reflections that the system analyzes to determine device characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual input system (keyboard, touchscreen, or button interfaces) with an acoustic field-based identification system. Acoustic signals and their reflections are used to automatically identify the user interface device, substituting physical user interaction with wireless acoustic communication.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic analysis is used to identify user interface features, then measurement precision of user interface characteristics is improved, but device complexity increases due to acoustic processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic signal processing system serves multiple functions: it identifies user interface device type, determines conduit length, characterizes device features, and verifies device presence. By using a single acoustic analysis mechanism for multiple identification purposes, the system reduces overall complexity compared to implementing separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic signal acts as an intermediary carrier that conveys information about the user interface device without requiring direct physical contact or complex sensors. The acoustic reflections from the device and conduit contain encoded information that can be decoded to identify device characteristics, simplifying the interaction between the system and the target device.
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
Accurately identifies and verifies user interfaces, enhancing therapy control and measurement by reducing user input errors and improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
receiving generated acoustic data associated with an acoustic reflection of an acoustic signal. The acoustic reflection is indicative of, at least in part, one or more features of a user interface, a conduit, or both
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for categorizing and/or characterizing a user interface. The systems and methods include generating acoustic data associated with an acoustic reflection of an acoustic signal, the acoustic reflection being indicative of, at least in part, one or more features of a user interface coupled to a respiratory therapy device via a conduit. The systems and methods further include analyzing the generated acoustic data. The systems and methods further include categorizing and/or characterizing the user interface based, at least in part, on the analyzed acoustic data.