Uroflowmetry Audio Processing with Machine Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current uroflowmetry techniques face challenges in accurately measuring urine flow rates and volumes, especially in varying environments and patient-specific conditions, due to noise interference and anatomical variations, which can lead to incomplete or inaccurate diagnoses of urological disorders.

Innovation Solution

A system and method incorporating an audio device and machine learning module that processes audio data from urination, using both simulated and real urine flow data to account for background noise, patient position, and anatomical variations, and combines this with imaging and flow meter data to provide precise urine flow rate measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional uroflowmetry devices are used to measure urine flow rates, then basic flow measurement is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to noise interference and anatomical variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveurine flow rate measurement precisionVSAvoidnoise interference and anatomical variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement process into multiple independent components: audio signal processing, image analysis, and flow meter measurements. Each component processes specific aspects of urine flow independently, then their results are integrated to achieve high-precision measurement that overcomes the limitations of any single method

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs multiple measurement modalities (audio recording, imaging, flow metering) that can each independently measure urine flow characteristics. This multi-functional approach ensures accurate measurement across varying patient conditions and environments, as each modality compensates for the weaknesses of the others

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple measurement modalities (audio, imaging, flow meter) are combined to improve measurement precision, then device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveurine flow rate measurement precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges audio processing, image analysis, and flow meter measurements into a single integrated system that simultaneously captures multiple parameters of urine flow. The audio device, imaging device, and flow meter work together as one coordinated system, reducing operational complexity despite the multiple measurement modalities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically processes and integrates data from multiple sources without requiring manual intervention. The audio signals are automatically analyzed, images are automatically processed, and flow meter readings are automatically correlated with the other measurements, enabling the system to self-manage the complexity of multiple measurement modalities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3878363B1Systems and methods for uroflowmetry
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 EMANO METRICS INC
  • EP3878363B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3878363B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3878363B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A system for uroflowmetry is disclosed. The system (100) can include an audio device (110) configured to obtain audio data of urination. The system can include a machine learning module (120) with at least one processor (122) and associated memory (124), wherein the system is configured to: process the audio data of urination via a machine learning model that is trained based on simulated urine flow data and associated audio data received from a urine flow simulator (130), and real urine flow data and associated audio data received from a urine flow measuring device, and output (150) the processed audio data of urination to be used in uroflowmetry.