Light-Based Audiometer Communication System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audiometry systems face limitations with wired connections and radio-frequency (RF) communication, including high latency, interference susceptibility, and security concerns, which restrict mobility and accuracy in hearing tests.
Innovation Solution
A light-based communication system between audiometer and transducer devices, utilizing digital signal processing, baseband processing, and light-based transceivers to transmit and receive stimulus and patient response signals, enabling wireless communication with reduced latency and enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used for audiometry systems, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device mobility and user flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an optical communication system using light-based transceivers. This substitution maintains signal transmission reliability through direct line-of-sight optical links while eliminating the physical constraints of cables, thereby improving device mobility and user flexibility during audiometry testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light-based transceivers as intermediary devices that convert electrical audio signals into optical signals for transmission and back into electrical signals for processing. This intermediary optical communication layer provides reliable signal transmission without the physical constraints of wired connections, enabling both reliability and mobility.
2Ease of operation
If radio-frequency communication is used for wireless audiometry, then device mobility is improved, but latency and interference susceptibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radio-frequency electromagnetic communication with optical communication using light-based transceivers. Optical signals travel faster and experience less processing delay compared to RF systems, thereby reducing communication latency while maintaining wireless mobility. The direct optical link eliminates the need for complex RF modulation and demodulation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of communication from radio-frequency electromagnetic waves to optical frequencies. This parameter change enables faster signal transmission and reduced latency, as optical communication operates at higher frequencies with shorter wavelengths, allowing for more rapid data exchange between the audiometer and transducers.
3Ease of operation
If radio-frequency communication is used, then wireless capability is improved, but security and interference resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio-frequency wireless communication with optical wireless communication using light-based transceivers. Optical signals are confined to direct line-of-sight paths and do not penetrate walls or obstacles, providing inherent security and resistance to interference from other RF devices. This substitution maintains wireless capability while eliminating the harmful effects of RF interference and security vulnerabilities.
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 light-based system provides wireless audiometry with low latency and improved security, allowing for more flexible and accurate hearing tests without the constraints of wired or RF systems.
Implementation Method 1
Light-based communication systems enables wireless communication while addressing the shortcomings of RF by having superior time performance (less latency) and greater security, as electromagnetic radiation within the IR, visible, and ultraviolet spectra generally does not penetrate walls
Implementation Method 2
an audiometer digital signal processing (DSP) unit configured to: generate stimulus signals responsive to a user input signal, and convert the stimulus signals to a plurality of stimulus data packets
Implementation Method 3
an audiometer baseband processing unit positioned in communication with the audiometer DSP unit and configured to convert the stimulus data packets to a plurality of stimulus audiometer frames
Implementation Method 4
a transducer light-based transceiver positionable within a field of view of the audiometer light-based transceiver, the transducer light-based transceiver configured to receive the plurality of stimulus audiometer frames from the audiometer light-based transceiver
Implementation Method 5
a transducer processor unit positioned in communication with the transducer baseband processing unit and configured to convert the plurality of extracted stimulus data packets into a patient stimulus signal, and an audio speaker positioned in communication with the transducer processor unit and configured to generate a sound responsive to the patient stimulus signal
Data Source
AI summary
An audiometer system including an audiometer device that includes an audiometer digital signal processing (DSP) unit, an audiometer baseband processing unit positioned, and an audiometer light-based transceiver. The system further includes a transducer including a transducer light-based transceiver in optical communication with the audiometer light-based transceiver, a transducer baseband processing unit, a transducer processor unit, and an audio speaker.