Cough Detector Using Dual-Filter Coincidence Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting coughs are often subjective, lack specificity, and fail to accurately differentiate between cough sounds and other noises or movements, making them inefficient for assessing cough severity and evaluating cough remedies.
Innovation Solution
A cough detector that uses a sensor placed over the trachea to collect both high-frequency acoustic and low-frequency mechanical signals, employing filters and a coincidence detector to identify cough events based on simultaneous signal thresholds, with optional display and data logging capabilities, and alternative embodiments using ultrasonic or electrical resistance detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is placed over the trachea to collect both high-frequency acoustic and low-frequency mechanical signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing system is divided into separate frequency filters: a high-frequency filter for acoustic signals and a low-frequency filter for mechanical signals. This segmentation allows each filter to specialize in detecting specific signal types, improving overall detection precision while making the complex system more manageable and interpretable
Solution Approach 2:
A coincidence detector acts as an intermediary element that receives signals from both the high-frequency and low-frequency filters. This mediator integrates the two separate signal streams and determines when both signals occur simultaneously, providing a reliable method to distinguish coughs from other noises or movements without requiring overly complex processing
2Productivity
If automated cough detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to inability to differentiate cough sounds from other noises
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its detection criteria by requiring simultaneous occurrence of both high-frequency acoustic signals and low-frequency mechanical signals. This dynamic requirement allows the automated system to maintain high productivity while improving reliability, as the dual-signal criterion effectively distinguishes coughs from other environmental noises or patient movements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters by monitoring two different frequency ranges simultaneously rather than relying on a single acoustic threshold. This parameter change enables the automated detection system to reliably differentiate coughs from other sounds, maintaining both productivity and reliability
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
Effectively differentiates between coughs and other noises or movements, providing an objective and accurate log of cough activity, enhancing the assessment of cough severity and evaluation of treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor placed over the trachea to collect both high-frequency acoustic and low-frequency mechanical signals
Implementation Method 2
the rapid gas movement along the tracheal walls creates substantial sheer forces, which help dislodge particles and secretions from the wall and into the air stream
Data Source
AI summary
A device for detecting and counting coughing events is provided. In one embodiment a sensor for sensing and transducing low frequency and high frequency mechanical vibrations, sends signals to a coincidence detector that determines if high and low signals coincide. In another embodiment, ultrasonic energy is introduced to the trachea and if Doppler shift in frequency is detected, association is made to a coughing event. In another embodiment a change in the impedance of the neck is considered associated with coughing event if correlated over time with a specific mechanical frequency sensed.