Bioacoustic Sensor Active Noise Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bioacoustic sensors face challenges in distinguishing physiological sounds from ambient noise, particularly in high-noise environments, leading to reduced signal-to-noise ratios and inaccurate measurements.

Innovation Solution

The bioacoustic sensor system employs a feedback loop with an actuator coupled to the transducer and a reference sensor to generate a control signal that counteracts unwanted noise vibrations, using adaptive filtering to improve the signal-to-noise ratio by physically deforming the transducer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional electronic bioacoustic sensors are used to detect acoustic vibrations, then physiological sounds can be detected, but the signal-to-noise ratio is reduced due to ambient noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidambient noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses reference sensors to capture ambient noise and converts this harmful factor into a beneficial control signal. The noise captured by reference sensors is processed to generate anti-noise signals that actively cancel unwanted vibrations at the transducer, transforming the harmful ambient noise into a useful feedback mechanism for noise cancellation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback loop where reference sensors continuously monitor ambient noise, the processor analyzes this noise characteristics, and generates control signals sent to actuators that adjust transducer deformation in real-time. This closed-loop feedback system dynamically adapts to changing noise conditions to maintain optimal signal-to-noise ratio.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If multiple acoustic sensing elements are used to reduce noise, then noise cancellation can be achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise reduction capabilityVSAvoidnumber of sensing elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the reference sensors serve multiple functions: they detect ambient noise levels, provide feedback for adaptive filtering, and enable real-time noise cancellation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated noise cancellation components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving effective noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple reference sensors, processes this information through adaptive filtering algorithms, and generates unified control signals for the actuators. This intermediary processing layer integrates the functionality of multiple sensing elements without requiring direct complex interconnections between them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If downstream processing is used to reduce noise, then some noise cancellation is possible, but insufficient when physiologic sounds are masked by high levels of noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise reduction effectivenessVSAvoidaccuracy in high-noise environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using reference sensors to capture and process noise characteristics before the noise can mask the physiological sounds. The adaptive filtering and control signals are generated in advance and applied at the transducer level, preventing noise from overwhelming the signal rather than attempting to clean it after contamination occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical noise isolation methods with an electronic/active approach. Instead of relying solely on physical barriers or passive acoustic design, the system uses electronic sensors, signal processing, and active actuators to dynamically cancel noise, providing superior performance in high-noise environments where mechanical solutions fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 significantly enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, enabling accurate sound detection even in extreme noise conditions, such as emergency or combat medicine scenarios, by actively canceling noise at the transducer level.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator then physically deforms the transducer to counteract the effect of unwanted vibrations (i.e., noise), based at least partially on one or more components of the control signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration cancellation: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a transducer configured to generate a signal in response to deformation by impinging acoustic vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic vibration detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS9462994B2Bioacoustic sensor with active noise correction

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A bioacoustic sensor assembly is described including a transducer generating an acoustic signal and an actuator configured to deform a portion of the transducer to increase a signal-to-noise ratio of the acoustic signal. The disclosure also provides methods and systems for reducing the impact of noise vibrations at the transducer.