Ear-Worn Microphone Arrays for Airway Obstruction Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pathology detection devices are specialized for specific conditions and lack versatility, making them costly and impractical for continuous monitoring of various pathologies, particularly airway obstructions like obstructive sleep apnea.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing ear-worn devices with microphone arrays to detect soundwaves, analyze their location and attributes, and employ algorithms and models to identify and treat airway obstructions and other pathologies, integrating with respiratory therapy devices for personalized treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated hardware devices are used for detecting specific pathologies, then detection precision for that pathology is improved, but device versatility and adaptability to other pathologies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single ear-worn device with microphone arrays that can detect multiple types of pathologies (OSA, COPD, asthma, pneumonia, COVID-19, tuberculosis, meningitis, encephalitis, stroke, heart attack, cancer) rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each condition. The device uses universal acoustic sensing capabilities combined with machine learning algorithms to identify different pathology patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming raw acoustic signals into processed features through machine learning models. The system detects different pathologies by analyzing changes in acoustic parameters (frequency, amplitude, temporal patterns) and uses machine learning to interpret these parameter variations as indicators of different disease states.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated hardware devices are used for specific pathology detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device cost and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces cost and improves accessibility by creating a single multi-functional ear-worn device that replaces the need for multiple expensive dedicated devices. The universal design allows one device to serve multiple detection functions, making the technology more affordable and accessible to patients and healthcare systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by using machine learning models that can replicate and recognize pathology patterns from acoustic signals. The trained models enable the device to accurately detect various pathologies without requiring complex hardware for each specific condition, thereby reducing overall system cost.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional monitoring solutions are used, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and practicality worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential monitoring function from complex conventional systems by using a simple ear-worn device with microphone arrays. The device captures acoustic signals that naturally occur during breathing and sleeping, eliminating the need for complex sensors, actuators, and multiple subsystems required by traditional monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with acoustic field-based detection. Instead of using mechanical sensors to directly measure physiological parameters, the system uses acoustic microphones to capture sound waves and processes these signals through machine learning algorithms to identify pathologies, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 cost-effective, continuous monitoring and treatment of a range of pathologies, including airway obstructions, by leveraging ear-worn devices with integrated sensors and algorithms, enhancing patient care and therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
two or more microphone arrays in an earbud may receive a soundwave, where at least a portion of the soundwave is received via an ear canal of a body
Data Source
AI summary
Two or more microphone arrays in an ear-worn device may receive a soundwave, where at least a portion of the soundwave is received via an ear canal of a body. A processor of the ear-worn device may determine, based on the soundwave, a location of an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) event in an airway of the body.