Audiometric Transducer Head Mount With Self-Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audiometry systems face challenges in performing binaural audiometry with air and vibration stimulation due to the need for repositioning of transducers and human intervention, leading to inaccurate results and discomfort, which are exacerbated by the occlusion effect and inconsistent calibration across different experimental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for attaching transducers to the head that allows simultaneous and secure positioning of air and vibration stimulation devices without repositioning, featuring adjustable support means for transducers and a calibration method that compensates for occlusion effects, ensuring stable and comfortable testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional audiometric transducers are used with manual calibration procedures, then calibration accuracy can be maintained, but calibration time and productivity are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-calibration by generating test signals, measuring the transducer response, and computing calibration coefficients without requiring operator intervention or reference equipment. The processor automatically adjusts the calibration state based on measured electrical characteristics, enabling the system to calibrate itself rapidly and accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an automated electrical measurement and computation system. Instead of physical adjustment and manual measurement, the system uses electrical signal generation, automated response measurement, and digital processing to achieve calibration, dramatically increasing speed while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If manual calibration procedures are used for audiometric transducers, then calibration can be performed, but the complexity of the calibration system increases due to requiring multiple components and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines signal generation, response measurement, coefficient computation, and calibration application into a single integrated calibration system. The processor unit consolidates multiple functions that would traditionally require separate equipment and procedures, simplifying the overall system while maintaining calibration reliability through automated multi-step procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to calibrate multiple types of audiometric transducers (tone generators, oscillators, speech generators) using a single unified approach. The system can perform different calibration procedures (real-ear calibration, coupler calibration, occluded-ear calibration) through the same basic hardware platform, reducing system complexity compared to having dedicated equipment for each transducer type.
3Measurement precision
If real-time calibration is implemented for audiometric transducers, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the time required for clinical procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration measurements and computations in advance during dedicated calibration periods, storing the resulting coefficients for later use. This preliminary calibration eliminates the need for repeated real-time calibration during clinical procedures, maintaining measurement accuracy while reducing procedure time. The system can quickly apply pre-computed coefficients during actual testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is designed to maintain continuous operational readiness by keeping calibration coefficients available for immediate application. Once calibrated, the system continuously uses the stored coefficients to ensure measurement accuracy throughout clinical procedures without interruption, eliminating repeated calibration cycles and minimizing time loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for fastening, to the head of a user, transducers for carrying out audiometry with air-conducted stimulation and vibratory stimulation. It comprises means (1, 10, 20, 24) for holding two audiometric transducers (21) for generating air-conducted stimulation, each thereof being positionable on one of the outer ears or in the ear canal, and at least one audiometric transducer (3, 13, 23) for generating vibratory stimulation, which is positionable in the desired stimulation region, which depends on the chosen conduction mode (for example it may be one of the mastoid processes of the skull, the forehead or a soft tissue). The present invention also relates to a method for calibrating the transducers for generating vibratory stimulation fastened to a fastening system such as described above.