Automated Bulbar Function Quantification Using Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating andofacial dexterity and bulbar function are subjective, leading to inconsistent diagnoses and a lack of objective quantification, making it difficult to detect and monitor dysfunction effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses sensors to capture data from subjects performing tasks related to bulbar function, with a processor analyzing the data to identify key events and calculate a functional quantification of bulbar function, providing an objective and reliable measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated sensor-based quantification is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single sensor array to capture multiple types of data simultaneously (acoustic signals from speech, respiratory patterns, and orofacial movements) to assess comprehensive bulbar function, eliminating the need for multiple separate testing devices and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective manual evaluation by speech-language pathologists with automated sensor-based detection and algorithmic analysis, substituting human judgment with objective electronic measurement and computational processing
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive variable analysis is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the complex task of bulbar function assessment into distinct measurable components: acoustic variables from speech production, respiratory variables from breathing patterns, and orofacial movement variables, allowing each to be analyzed separately and integrated into a comprehensive evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational algorithms and data processing intermediaries that automatically analyze multiple variables and synthesize them into a unified quantification of bulbar function, removing the need for clinicians to manually integrate complex multidimensional data
Data Source
AI summary
System, method and media for quantifying bulbar function of a subject. At a high level, embodiments of the invention measure and quantify bulbar function of a test subject based on video data, audio data, or other sensor data of a subject performing a test of bulbar function, such as speech, swallowing, and orofacial movements. This sensor data is then analyzed to identify key events such as syllable enunciations. Based on one or more characteristics of these key events (such as, for example, their rate, count, assessed accuracy, or trends over time), the bulbar function of the subject can accurately, reliably, and objectively be quantified.