Cepstrum-Based Acoustic Detection for Respiratory Conduit Obstructions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory treatment apparatuses lack effective methods for automated detection of conduit obstructions, accessory recognition, and user authentication, which are crucial for ensuring proper operation and safety.

Innovation Solution

Implementing acoustic detection through cepstrum analysis using sound sensors and processors to detect conduit obstructions, identify accessories, and authenticate users by analyzing sound patterns, allowing for automated control and safety features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If acoustic detection with cepstrum analysis is implemented, then detection capability for obstructions and accessories is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstruction detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with acoustic field-based detection. By using sound sensors to capture acoustic signatures and applying cepstrum analysis, the system detects obstructions and accessories through acoustic properties rather than mechanical means, simplifying the physical hardware while maintaining high detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the detection approach by changing from direct physical measurement to acoustic parameter analysis. By capturing sound waves and analyzing their spectral characteristics through cepstrum transformation, the system converts physical obstruction states into detectable acoustic parameter variations, enabling sophisticated detection with relatively simple sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple detection functions are integrated, then system functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection function versatilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal acoustic detection platform that performs multiple functions through a single integrated system. The sound sensor and cepstrum analysis processor can detect obstructions, identify accessories, and provide respiratory monitoring, allowing one system to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining ease of use through automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automated detection and analysis without requiring user intervention. The processor automatically captures acoustic signals, applies cepstrum analysis, and interprets results for multiple detection purposes, making the complex multi-functional system operate as simply as a basic monitoring device while providing advanced capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables automated detection of conduit obstructions, accurate identification of accessories, and secure user authentication, enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of respiratory treatment devices.

Implementation Method 1

determining with a sound sensor a measure of sound of a flow generator within a respiratory treatment conduit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Implementation Method 2

calculating a Fourier transform from data samples representing the measure of sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFourier transform:

Implementation Method 3

calculating a logarithm of the transformed data samples representing the measure of sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLogarithmic transformation:

Implementation Method 4

calculating an inverse transform of the logarithm of the transformed data samples representing the measure of sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInverse Fourier transform:

Data Source

PatentEP4241673B1Acoustic detection for respiratory treatment apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 RESMED PTY LTD
  • EP4241673B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4241673B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4241673B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A respiratory treatment apparatus which comprises a sound sensor adapted for coupling with a respiratory conduit to generate a measure of sound from the conduit, the sound being generated noise of a flow generator; and a processor configured to analyze data samples of the measure of sound from the sound sensor by comparison of them with previously stored data samples representing a template, the processor being further configured to detect a system or patient characteristic from the comparison.