Vocal Cord Signal Detection Using Near-Infrared Light Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for investigating vocal cord vibrations are costly and complex, requiring multiple devices for comprehensive analysis, and fail to provide a continuous, three-dimensional view of transient effects due to limitations in direct observation and signal processing.

Innovation Solution

A process using near-infrared (NIR) light to modulate vocal cord movements, allowing for simultaneous endoscopic examination and signal recording, where NIR light is used to generate a signal that can be separated from visual images, enabling a cost-effective and safer evaluation of vocal cord movements without interfering with optical examination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If electroglottography is used to investigate vocal cord vibrations, then continuous time-dependent records and transient effects can be obtained, but the evaluation is costly and requires separate endoscopic equipment for simultaneous optical observation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous record of vocal cord movement patternsVSAvoidseparate endoscopic equipment required

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electroglottographic measurement function with the endoscopic examination function into a single integrated device. The endoscope serves dual purposes: providing visual observation of the vocal cords and simultaneously measuring electroglottographic signals through integrated electrodes, eliminating the need for separate equipment while maintaining continuous monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The endoscope is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an optical examination tool and as a signal measurement device. The integration of electrodes within the endoscope structure enables it to perform both visual inspection and electrical impedance measurement functions, reducing overall system complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If stroboscopic processes are used for optical examination of vocal cords, then visual evaluation with high success rate is achieved, but transient effects cannot be observed and only steady-state periodic vibrations are visible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual evaluation accuracyVSAvoidtransient effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous electroglottographic monitoring that operates throughout the entire examination period, capturing vocal cord vibrations continuously rather than intermittently. This continuous measurement approach preserves transient effects and provides complete temporal information about vocal cord behavior, including non-periodic and transient phenomena that stroboscopic methods miss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of moving object

If high-speed video cameras are used to examine vocal cords, then continuous examination over time is possible, but image resolution and brightness are reduced and technical expense is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous examination capabilityVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical high-speed video camera system with an electrical measurement system (electroglottography). Instead of capturing high-speed visual images that require complex and expensive hardware, the invention uses electrical impedance measurements to detect vocal cord vibrations, achieving equivalent or superior temporal resolution with simpler, less expensive equipment while maintaining continuous monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach provides a cost-effective, safe, and comprehensive analysis of vocal cord movements, similar to electroglottography, but with reduced technical expense and improved patient safety, allowing for continuous and three-dimensional evaluation of vocal cord vibrations, including transient effects.

Implementation Method 1

The intensity of the NIR light is modulated by the movement of the vocal cords, is received by a sensor, and is detected

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight modulation by movement: Light

Data Source

PatentUS8574152B2Process and arrangement for the production of a signal that corresponds to the opening status of the vocal cords of the larynx

Publication Date: 2013.11.05 ATMOS MEDIZINTECHN

AI summary

An arrangement is described in which an endoscope 3 inserted into the pharynx of the patient B is used to visually examine the vibrations of the vocal cords 2, while using light that contains little or no infrared light. At the same time, an oscillogram of the vibrations of the vocal cords is plotted, showing the sequence of motion of the vocal cords. The latter purpose is served by an emitter 1, which is attached to the throat of the patient B below the vocal cords 2 and which produces light in the near infrared range (NIR). Using a mirror 5 that reflects infrared light, the light modulated by the vibration of vocal cords is coupled out and fed to a sensor 6, which, together with an evaluating unit 9, detects and evaluates the vocal cord signals.