Mastoid Ultrasound Array Mapping for Accurate Middle Ear Effusion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diagnosing middle ear effusion, such as otoscopy, tympanography, and medical imaging, are invasive, radiation-intensive, or limited by environment and size, making them unsuitable for children and prone to subjective judgment, while existing ultrasonic probes lack accuracy due to uncertain measurement positions.

Innovation Solution

An array measuring and interpretation device using a single-element ultrasonic probe attached to the mastoid surface, dividing it into multiple areas for echo signal analysis, employing probability density function parameters and machine learning to determine middle ear effusion severity and nature through weighted parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ultrasonic probes are inserted into the ear canal to detect middle ear effusion, then detection capability is improved, but invasiveness increases making it unsuitable for children

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidinvasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the mastoid process as an intermediary sound window to transmit ultrasonic waves indirectly to the middle ear, avoiding direct insertion into the ear canal. This mediator approach maintains detection capability while eliminating the invasive harm to children

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the mastoid area is used as a sound window for non-invasive measurement, then invasiveness is reduced, but measurement position uncertainty increases leading to inaccurate detection results

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinvasivenessVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the large mastoid area into multiple small array measurement areas. This segmentation allows precise positioning and systematic scanning, converting the measurement position uncertainty caused by the large mastoid area into a controlled multi-point detection process that improves overall detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point array measurement across the mastoid surface. By adding spatial dimensions and using probability density function parameters across multiple areas, the system compensates for position uncertainty and achieves more accurate detection results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If computer tomography or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging is used to detect middle ear effusion, then detection accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases and the environment becomes relatively closed causing resistance reactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex imaging systems (CT, MRI) with a simpler ultrasonic detection system. This substitution maintains sufficient detection accuracy for middle ear effusion while dramatically reducing measurement time and eliminating the need for closed environments, thereby reducing resistance reactions in children

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional ultrasonic measurement methods are used, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but subjective judgment increases reducing diagnostic reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinvasivenessVSAvoiddiagnostic reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms subjective diagnostic parameters into objective quantitative parameters by calculating probability density function parameters for each array measurement area. This parameter transformation enables automated analysis and significantly improves diagnostic reliability while maintaining non-invasive measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method provides non-invasive, accurate, and timely detection of middle ear effusion, reducing subjective judgment and improving diagnostic precision, especially in children, with the ability to assess pre- and post-surgery conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic probe, attached to a mastoid surface behind a user's ear and sending an ultrasound wave, wherein the mastoid surface is divided into a plurality of array measurement areas, and an ultrasonic echo signal is generated in each array measurement area according to the user's middle ear effusion condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic echo: Echo

Data Source

PatentUS12629129B2Array measuring method and interpretation device for ultrasonic detection of middle ear effusion

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 CHANG GUNG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an array measuring method and interpretation device for ultrasonic detection of middle ear effusion, including an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic receiver, an analog-to-digital converter, and an analysis unit. The surface of the mastoid is divided into a plurality of measurement areas, and when ultrasonic is used for non-invasive detection of middle ear effusion, linear discriminant analysis is used for pre-training to find the best detection position and weighting parameters thereof to obtain the accurate evaluation value.