Remote Audiologist Control System for Hearing Tests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audiology systems face delays and inconveniences as remote audiologists need to rely on local Virtual-Health Practitioners to control testing devices, which are typically independent and require in-person monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A remote telehealth hearing test system that allows audiologists to control and view hearing tests remotely through a network, using a system comprising a VHP device, test device, audio mixer, and audiologist device, enabling seamless communication and control of audio channels across distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote audiologist uses a local VHP to control a testing device, then the audiologist can perform remote examinations, but there is delay and inconvenience due to the VHP needing to manually control the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the remote audiologist and the local testing device. This control system receives commands from the audiologist's device, transmits them to the testing device, and manages the audio signal routing automatically, eliminating the need for manual VHP intervention and reducing time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system (where a VHP physically operates the testing device) with an automated electronic control system. The control system uses digital signal processing and automated audio routing to substitute for manual operations, enabling remote control without time delay.
2Reliability
If the testing device is controlled locally by a VHP, then the device can be monitored in person, but the audiologist experiences inconvenience and loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the testing device status and audio signal quality. This feedback loop ensures reliable operation while simultaneously providing the remote audiologist with full control capabilities through the network connection, eliminating the trade-off between local monitoring and remote control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the testing device, routes audio signals, monitors device status, and communicates with the remote audiologist. This multi-functionality consolidates what previously required separate manual operations into a single integrated system, providing both reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the audiologist controls the testing device remotely, then convenience is improved, but audio signal routing and mixing become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves as an intermediary that handles the complex audio signal routing and mixing automatically. It receives audio signals from multiple sources (testing device, VHP device, audio mixer), processes them according to pre-configured paths, and delivers the appropriate signals to the audiologist's device without requiring the audiologist to manually manage the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary configuration of audio routing paths before the remote examination begins. Audio channels and mixing parameters are pre-established through the control system, so that when the audiologist initiates a test, the complex signal routing is already in place and automatically executed without requiring real-time manual adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for facilitating an auditory exam of a patient can comprise auditorily coupling an audiologist device in a remote location to test headphones and virtual health practitioner headphones through a test device. The systems and methods can include switching, via an A/B switch device, between the examination mode and a pre-examination mode and vice versa.