Swallowing Sensor Using Optical Fiber and Ear Microphone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing swallowing function, such as endoscopic and videofluoroscopic examinations, are invasive and costly, while non-invasive methods like cervical auscultation lack sensitivity and objectivity, particularly in detecting minor dysphagia.
Innovation Solution
A swallowing movement monitoring sensor with an optical fiber sheet and microphone attached to the laryngeal portion to detect shape variations and swallowing sounds, providing non-invasive and objective measurement of swallowing movements with high sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If endoscopic swallowing examination, videofluoroscopic examination, or swallowing pressure examination is used, then measurement precision and objectivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and optical examination systems (endoscopes, fluoroscopes, pressure sensors) with a simple acoustic detection system using a microphone to capture swallowing sounds, achieving comparable measurement precision through acoustic signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures acoustic copies of swallowing sounds through the microphone and ear canal, creating an audible record that preserves the essential information of swallowing movements without requiring invasive mechanical or optical probes
2Ease of operation
If repetitive saliva swallowing test, modified water swallowing test, or food test is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual recognition and palpation methods with acoustic detection, allowing simple operational procedures to achieve objective and precise measurement through microphone-based swallowing sound analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary that objectively captures swallowing information, transforming subjective visual and tactile assessments into measurable acoustic data that enhances detection sensitivity
3Ease of operation
If cervical auscultation of swallowing sound is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in distinguishing swallowing sound from other sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the ear canal as an acoustic intermediary that selectively transmits swallowing sounds while blocking external noise, and employs digital signal processing as another intermediary to filter and enhance swallowing sound signals, resolving the issue of sound distinction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual auscultation with electronic microphone-based acoustic detection and digital signal processing, automatically distinguishing swallowing sounds from other sounds through frequency and temporal analysis
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
Enables accurate, non-invasive, and objective assessment of swallowing movements, improving sensitivity and convenience in clinical use for dysphagia screening.
Implementation Method 1
uses an optical fibre to capture changes in lateral pressure due to breathing as signal light changes using microbending loss
Data Source
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AI summary
A swallowing movement monitoring sensor (1) which measures swallowing movement of a subject includes an outside shape variation sensor (5) attached to a laryngeal portion of the subject and a microphone (20) attached in an ear of the subject. The outside shape variation sensor (5) includes an optical fiber sheet. The optical fiber sheet detects variation in quantity of transmitted light based on a loss caused by a lateral pressure applied to an optical fiber from the laryngeal portion in association with variation in outside shape of the laryngeal portion involved with swallowing movement. The microphone (20) detects swallowing sound produced in the ear in association with swallowing movement.