Otoacoustic Emission Detection with Technical Distortion Subtraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting otoacoustic emissions suffer from technically induced distortions due to non-linear characteristic curves, leading to incorrect interpretation of distortion products as actual emissions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an ear probe and an evaluation device that automatically detects and reacts to technically induced distortion products, distinguishing them from physiological emissions by analyzing the recorded sound's spectrum and implementing reactions such as warning messages, re-measurement, or suppression of distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If technical components are used to generate stimulation tones and record sound, then the device can perform otoacoustic emission detection, but non-linear characteristic curves of these components generate technically induced distortion products that can be incorrectly interpreted as physiological emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using the same non-linear characteristic that generates harmful distortion products to create a reference signal. The reference signal is generated by processing the stimulation signal through a non-linear function that models the technical distortion, and this reference is then subtracted from the recorded sound to eliminate the technically induced distortion products, converting the harmful non-linearity into a useful correction mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference signal as an intermediary element that mediates between the stimulation signal and the recorded sound. This reference signal, which contains only the technically induced distortion products, acts as a mediator that can be subtracted from the total recorded sound to isolate the genuine physiological otoacoustic emissions from the technical artifacts
2Measurement precision
If the evaluation device automatically detects and reacts to technically induced distortion products, then accurate detection of physiological emissions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation device performs self-service by automatically generating the reference signal from the stimulation signal using stored non-linear characteristic data, automatically comparing the reference with the recorded sound, automatically detecting the presence of technically induced distortion products, and automatically correcting or flagging the measurement results without requiring manual intervention or complex external equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the recorded sound to detect the presence of technically induced distortion products, then using this detection information to either correct the measurement results or trigger appropriate responses. The system continuously monitors the relationship between stimulation signal and recorded sound, adjusting the evaluation based on the detected distortion levels
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
Ensures accurate detection of otoacoustic emissions by differentiating between technically induced and physiological distortions, providing reliable results and preventing misinterpretation of distortion products as actual emissions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ear probe which can be or can be inserted into the external auditory canal or can be or can be attached to the external auditory canal and with which the sound (total sound) present in the external auditory canal can be recorded
Implementation Method 2
The evaluation device belonging to the device according to the invention has the ability to automatically detect the presence and/or absence of technically induced distortion products in the recorded sound
Implementation Method 3
when the auditory system is stimulated with two stimulation tones whose frequencies are in a specific ratio to one another standing, takes place, whereupon a third vibration with a different frequency (so-called distortion product) is generated in the inner ear
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (100) has an ear probe (110) which is placed in an outer ear canal (200) for receiving sound produced in the outer ear canal. An evaluating device is provided to evaluate the sound received by the ear probe based on produced distorsive otoacoustic emissions. The evaluating device is provided to automatically detect the presence or absence of technically related distortion products recorded in the sound. An independent claim is included for a method for acquiring distorsive otoacoustic emissions produced from human ear.