Neck-Mounted Sensor for Voiceless Alaryngeal Speech Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current voice control systems in medical settings face challenges such as language misunderstandings and indistinct enunciation, particularly during procedures where multiple personnel are involved, leading to potential miscommunication and errors.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes voiceless alaryngeal speech vibrations sensed by a neck-mounted sensor, processed to generate control signals for medical equipment, allowing operators to perform specific actions without vocal commands, with confirmation queries displayed on a screen to ensure accurate operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice control systems are used in medical settings, then operator control capability is improved, but language misunderstandings and indistinct enunciation cause miscommunication and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic voice recognition with an electromechanical system that detects electrical signals from neck muscle movements. The sensor detects electromechanical activity in the neck muscles, which is then processed to generate control signals, substituting the acoustic field with an electromechanical detection system to eliminate language-related errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromechanical sensor system between the operator's intent and the equipment control. The sensor acts as a mediator that translates subtle neck muscle movements into control commands, providing a reliable intermediate step that avoids direct voice communication and its associated misunderstandings
2Ease of operation
If voice commands are used for equipment control, then hands-free operation is achieved, but language barriers and enunciation issues lead to potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes acoustic signal detection with electromechanical sensor detection. Instead of relying on voice commands that can be misunderstood, the system detects electrical signals from neck muscle movements, providing a more accurate and unambiguous control mechanism that maintains hands-free operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from acoustic properties of voice to electromechanical properties of muscle movement. This parameter change allows for more precise detection of operator intent, as electromechanical signals from muscles provide clearer, more distinct patterns than variations in voice enunciation
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
Enhances communication and reduces errors by enabling precise control of medical equipment using voiceless alaryngeal speech vibrations, improving operational accuracy and minimizing misunderstandings during complex procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor, configured to be fixed to a neck of an operator of equipment in a location suitable for sensing a voiceless alaryngeal speech vibration generated by the operator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Apparatus, including a sensor which is configured to be fixed to a neck of an operator of equipment in a location suitable for sensing a voiceless alaryngeal speech vibration generated by the operator during operation of the equipment, The apparatus further includes a processor which is configured to receive and process a signal output by the sensor so as to measure the voiceless alaryngeal speech vibration and so as to generate a control signal for the equipment responsively to the measured voiceless alaryngeal speech vibration.