Latency Measurement Device Using Separate Audio Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an effective method to accurately measure the latency between an auditory stimulus and an individual's response, which is crucial for fields like audiology and speech pathology, as existing devices fail to distinguish between stimulus and response sounds with sufficient precision.
Innovation Solution
A micro-controller based device with input transducers converting speech into electrical signals and a central processing unit using delay time counters to measure the time lapse between stimulus and response sounds, operating on separate channels to differentiate between the two.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing devices are used to measure latency between stimulus and response, then the measurement process can be performed, but the precision in distinguishing between stimulus and response sounds is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio signal processing into separate channels: one channel processes the stimulus sound while another channel processes the response sound. This segmentation allows independent processing and precise timing measurement for each sound type, resolving the inability of existing devices to reliably distinguish between stimulus and response sounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microcontroller-based system with separate input transducers and processing channels as intermediaries between the stimulus/response sounds and the measurement process. These intermediaries enable precise temporal analysis by capturing and processing signals through dedicated pathways, thereby improving both measurement precision and distinction accuracy.
2Device complexity
If a single-channel processing system is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to distinguish between stimulus and response sounds is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate processing channels for stimulus and response sounds, creating distinct signal pathways that prevent interference and enable accurate temporal measurement. This segmentation directly addresses the limitation of single-channel systems while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular 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
The device accurately measures latency by distinguishing between stimulus and response sounds, providing precise temporal analysis that can account for factors like sound travel time, enabling effective assessment of auditory perception and cognitive recognition.
Implementation Method 1
an input transducer for converting a stimulus speech sound into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
the central processing unit utilizes delay time counters to measure the length of time between signals
Data Source
AI summary
A device which uses an input of speech and measures latency between stimulus and response. The device generally includes an input transducer for converting a stimulus speech sound into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to an electric circuit. In the preferred embodiment, the electric circuit includes a central processing unit which utilizes delay time counters to measure the length of time between signals. A second input transducer is used to convert a response speech sound into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to the electric circuit. Each input transducer operates on a separate channel, so that the central processing unit may easily distinguish between stimulus sounds and response sounds.