Acoustic Sensor Array for Fetal Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fetal monitoring systems lack the ability to accurately and cost-effectively detect fetal position and movement, particularly due to limitations in spatial resolution and the need for continuous, comfortable, and easy-to-use solutions that do not rely on ultrasound or galvanic technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an acoustic sensor array positioned over the belly to receive and process acoustic signals from the fetal heartbeat, determining the center of distribution and fetal orientation and position by analyzing changes in sound patterns, allowing for continuous monitoring of fetal movement and orientation without the need for ultrasound emitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single probe is used for fetal monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of fetal position and orientation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single probe is segmented into multiple acoustic sensors arranged in an array configuration. This segmentation allows each sensor to capture acoustic signals from different spatial locations, enabling the system to determine fetal position and orientation through signal processing and comparison across multiple sensor elements, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point spatial measurement by arranging acoustic sensors in a two-dimensional array. This dimensional expansion enables the system to capture spatial distribution of acoustic signals, providing information about fetal position and orientation that cannot be obtained with a single probe, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasound technology is used for fetal monitoring, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation and comfort for prolonged usage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces ultrasound technology with acoustic sensing that detects fetal heartbeats and movements through sound waves. This substitution eliminates the need for ultrasound gel application and complex probe positioning, making the device easier to operate and more comfortable for prolonged wear while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for fetal monitoring purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic sensor array passively detects fetal signals without requiring active engagement from the user. The system automatically processes the acoustic signals to extract fetal position, orientation, and movement information, reducing the operational burden on pregnant women and improving ease of use for continuous monitoring.
3Device complexity
If manual counting of fetal movements is performed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and reliability of continuous monitoring is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and processes fetal movements through the acoustic sensor array without requiring manual intervention. The processor analyzes acoustic signals to identify movement patterns, count movements, and determine fetal position changes, providing continuous monitoring with high productivity and reliability while keeping the device relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by continuously analyzing acoustic signals and providing information about fetal activity levels, movement counts, and position changes. This automated feedback mechanism improves productivity and reliability of monitoring compared to manual methods, while the straightforward acoustic sensing approach keeps device complexity manageable.
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 accurate and automatic tracking of fetal movement and position over prolonged periods, providing detailed information on fetal behavior and orientation, which can be used to build an augmented reality model and alert for potential fetal complications.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic sensor array for positioning over the belly, each acoustic sensor of the acoustic sensor array configured to receive an acoustic signal generated by fetal heartbeat
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for monitoring the fetal position and/or orientation of the fetus of an expectant mother. An acoustic sensor array is positioned over the belly. The pattern of acoustic sensor signals is processed to determine a fetal orientation and/or to determine movement over time of the fetus.