Ear Canal Acoustic State Estimation for Vocal Tract Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for estimating the states of the vocal and respiratory tracts are cumbersome due to the need for large-scale ultrasonic imaging devices and time-consuming image processing.
Innovation Solution
A state estimation apparatus and method that generates acoustic characteristic information using a first acoustic signal output to the ear canal and a second acoustic signal produced by the first signal echoing inside the body, allowing for easy estimation of the vocal and respiratory tract states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic imaging devices and image processing are used to estimate respiratory tract states, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasonic imaging system with an acoustic measurement system that uses sound waves to estimate respiratory tract states. Instead of using ultrasonic imaging devices with complex transducers and image processing hardware, the invention uses acoustic signals passed through the respiratory tract and analyzes the transmission characteristics to infer tract state, thereby substituting a complex mechanical imaging system with a simpler acoustic measurement system while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an acoustic model that copies the functional information of the respiratory tract without requiring direct imaging. By analyzing how acoustic signals propagate through the tract and comparing against pre-established acoustic models of different tract states, the system infers the actual state without needing to physically image or directly measure the tract geometry, thus obtaining measurement precision through model-based inference rather than direct imaging
2Measurement precision
If transverse-section ultrasonic images are captured and processed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming ultrasonic image capture and processing with rapid acoustic signal transmission and analysis. Acoustic signals can be transmitted through the respiratory tract and analyzed in real-time or near real-time, eliminating the need for sequential image acquisition and complex image processing algorithms, thus dramatically reducing diagnosis time while maintaining state estimation accuracy through acoustic characteristic analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing acoustic models for various respiratory tract states before actual measurement. During diagnosis, the system only needs to compare real-time acoustic measurements against these pre-computed models to quickly determine the current tract state, eliminating the need for real-time image processing and enabling rapid diagnosis through pattern matching rather than computation-intensive analysis
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 quick and easy estimation of vocal and respiratory tract states without the need for large-scale systems, facilitating prompt detection of phonation and respiratory abnormalities.
Implementation Method 1
a second acoustic signal produced by the first acoustic signal echoing inside the body
Data Source
AI summary
A state estimation apparatus 1 includes: a generation unit 2 configured to generate acoustic characteristic information indicating an acoustic characteristic using a first acoustic signal output to the ear canal and a second acoustic signal produced by the first acoustic signal echoing inside the body; and an estimation unit 3 configured to estimate the state of the vocal tract and the state of the respiratory tract using the acoustic characteristic information.