Auditory Pulse Interval Representation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for audibly representing physiological parameters, such as heart-rate, suffer from inaccuracies and significant time delays due to sampling and averaging processes, leading to increased complexity and manufacturing costs, which is disadvantageous in time-critical situations and portable applications.
Innovation Solution
A system that directly converts the pulse interval of a rhythmical parameter into an audible signal without sampling or averaging, using a rhythmical pulse detector and audio signal generator to produce an instantaneous and accurate representation of the parameter, utilizing a digital or analogue encoding scheme to determine the audio frequency, pitch, or other characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sampling and averaging processes are used to generate audible representation of physiological parameters, then the representation is smoothed and noise is reduced, but significant time delays occur and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential pulse interval information from the physiological signal, eliminating the need for sampling and averaging processes. By taking out only the critical timing data between pulses and directly converting it to audible frequency, the system achieves instantaneous representation without the time delays and accuracy losses inherent in traditional smoothing methods.
2Measurement precision
If sampling and averaging processes are used to establish the value for audible representation, then data processing is performed, but circuit complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic data processing systems with a direct frequency conversion mechanism. Instead of using samplers, integrators, and microprocessors to process physiological data, the system directly transduces pulse interval timing into audible frequency through a simplified circuit that eliminates multiple processing stages, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If traditional sampling systems are used, then audible representation is generated, but the system is bulky and unsuitable for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential timing information from physiological signals and directly converts it to audible form, eliminating the need for bulky processing components. By removing sampling circuits, averaging processors, and large displays, the system achieves a compact, portable design that maintains operational simplicity while enabling accurate real-time monitoring.
4Reliability
If sampling and data accumulation arrangements are used, then the parameter value is established, but manufacturing costs and risk of component failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic data accumulation and processing systems with a direct frequency transduction mechanism. By eliminating samplers, integrators, memory elements, and microprocessors, the system reduces the number of potential failure points and simplifies manufacturing while improving reliability through fewer components that require calibration and maintenance.
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
This approach reduces the delay in generating the audible representation to virtually instantaneous, providing a faithful and accurate signal, thus improving accuracy and reducing system complexity, making it suitable for time-critical applications and portable use.
Implementation Method 1
a rhythmical pulse detector for detecting the pulse interval of the rhythmical parameter and an audio signal generator for converting the detected pulse interval into an audible signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An auditory representation method is used to generate an audible signal which characterizes the instantaneous value of a rhythmical parameter such as the pulse of a human patient. A periodic signal (15) from a sensor (10) is standardized by a pulse detector (20) to generate a shaped pulse sequence (25) which is inputted to a pulse interval decoder (30). The pulse interval decoder (30) generates a pulse interval length signal (35) which represents the current pulse interval length at any one time. An audio signal generator (40) then produces an audible signal having characteristics such as frequency (pitch) which characterize the current pulse interval length. A system and device for carrying out the method are also described.