Modular Wireless Auditory Test Instrument with Intelligent Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auditory test instruments are bulky, limiting their portability and requiring a fixed location for operation, which restricts their use in multiple testing facilities and outside environments, and lack integrated patient and office management tools.
Innovation Solution
A portable, wireless auditory test device with a modular diagnostic subsystem, intelligent probes, and a wireless networking system that allows for data communication and management of patient and office data, enabling testing anywhere and facilitating connectivity with other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If auditory test instruments are designed with integrated display, printer, and network connection capabilities, then the instrument functionality and test capabilities are improved, but the instrument size and weight increase, reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display, printer, and network connection functions from the main instrument body, placing them in separate external devices. The auditory test instrument communicates with these external devices via wireless connection, allowing the instrument to maintain full functionality while significantly reducing its size and weight for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument uses a universal wireless communication interface that can connect to various external devices (display devices, printers, network systems) without requiring integrated components for each function. This multi-functional approach allows the instrument to access diverse capabilities through wireless connections rather than physical integration.
2Productivity
If multiple auditory test instruments are deployed across different examination rooms, then patient screening capacity is improved, but the cost and complexity of maintaining multiple instruments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates a universal wireless communication system that can connect to various external devices including displays, printers, and network systems. This allows a single instrument to serve multiple examination rooms by connecting to local external devices in each room, eliminating the need for separate integrated systems in each location and reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the instrument is designed to be portable and wireless, then mobility and flexibility are improved, but the power supply requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power-intensive functions (display, printer, network communication) from the portable instrument body and places them in external devices that have their own power supplies. This allows the instrument to maintain portability with minimal power consumption while still accessing full functionality through wireless connections to externally powered devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing various auditory tests utilizing a hand-held, portable, wireless testing device is provided. Within the device is a diagnostic subsystem used to implement and analyze selected tests. Attached to the device, either directly or via a flexible cable, are one or more probes. A processor, storage means, input means and display means are included, thus allowing the device to process and store instructions as well as process, store and display data. A wireless networking subsystem is included, enabling the device to communicate with other, similarly enabled, systems and devices within the device's communication range. Due to the inclusion of the wireless networking subsystem, the device can be configured to allow the user to transmit and/or print data, connect to a network, obtain device configuration updates, and send and receive patient and office updates.