KR20100112372A - Apparatus and method for controlling a air pressure of eardrum - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An apparatus and a method for controlling air pressure of eardrum are provided, which can prevent air pressure difference between the inner ear and outside of eardrum. CONSTITUTION: An apparatus for controlling air pressure of eardrum comprises: a measuring unit(110) measuring air pressure difference value between the inside and outside of the eardrum based on an output sound outputted to eardrum and a reflection sound source reflected from the eardrum; a pressing portion(130) pressurizing the eardrum; and a controller(120) which controls the pressing portion in order to pressurize the eardrum.

Description

Apparatus and method for controlling a air pressure of eardrum}

The present invention relates to a pressure control device and method of the tympanic membrane, and more particularly, to control the pressure of the tympanic membrane to minimize the pain of the tympanic membrane due to the rapid change in air pressure in a high speed and large pressure change such as an airplane or a high-speed train. An apparatus and method are provided.

The tympanic membrane is a thin, transparent, silvery white film with a thickness of about 0.1 mm and consists of three layers. Of the three layers, the outer skin layer, the middle fiber layer, and the inner mucosa layer. It is located at the boundary between the outer and middle ear. The horizontal axis is 9mm and the vertical axis is 8mm. The overall shape is conical, with the pointed tip of the cone pointing toward the inside of the middle ear.

The eardrum serves as a diaphragm that vibrates sound waves transmitted through the ear canal. Inside the eardrum, the hammer bones of the hammer bones, which are part of the scavenging bones, are attached to adjust the frequency of the eardrum. Sound waves transmitted to the clearing bone through the eardrum are transmitted to the cochlea of the inner ear.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the human body is controlled to maintain the eardrum in a normal state by maintaining the pressure outside the tympanic membrane and the pressure of the inner ear.

However, in the case of an airplane or a high-speed train, the speed of movement is very fast or the altitude changes so much that the external air pressure changes rapidly. In this case, the human body pressure regulating function fails to follow the rapid change in air pressure, causing abnormal swelling of the tympanic membrane. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, the air pressure in the inner ear becomes higher than the air pressure outside the eardrum, and the eardrum expands in the outward direction. Then, there is a problem that a momentary change of the eardrum occurs due to the difference in pressure between the eardrum and the outside causing the pain of the occupant. In particular, there is a problem that the pain persists when the control ability is weak, such as the elderly.

In addition, in the case of an airplane or a high-speed train, the movement speed is very fast or the altitude change is severe and periodic fixed noise occurs. Thus, the passengers have a problem in which psychological anxiety is felt due to the fixed noise.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described conventional circumstances, and the pressure difference corresponding to the pressure difference between the inner pressure of the inner ear and the tympanic membrane causes the difference between the inner pressure and the outer pressure of the eardrum due to a sudden external air pressure change. It is an object of the present invention to provide an air pressure regulating device and method for preventing a tympanic membrane.

In order to achieve the above object, the air pressure control apparatus of a tympanic membrane according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the tympanic membrane based on the output sound source output to the tympanic membrane and the reflected sound source reflected by the tympanic membrane. A measuring unit measuring a value; Pressing unit for pressing the eardrum; And a control unit controlling the pressurizing unit to pressurize the eardrum at a pressure corresponding to the pressure difference value measured by the measuring unit.

The measuring unit may include: a sound source output module generating an output sound source and outputting the output sound drum; A sound source receiving module for receiving the reflected sound source reflected by the eardrum; And a calculation module for calculating a pressure difference value based on the output sound source output from the sound source output module and the reflected sound source received by the sound source receiving module.

The measuring unit may include: a sound source output module generating an output sound source and outputting the output sound drum; A sound source receiving module for receiving the reflected sound source reflected by the eardrum; A calculation module for calculating a sound source reflection characteristic value based on the output sound source output from the sound source output module and the reflection sound source received from the sound source receiving module; And a detection module for detecting a pressure difference value corresponding to the sound source reflection characteristic value calculated in the calculation module.

The measurement unit further includes a storage module that stores a pressure difference value corresponding to the sound source reflection characteristic value.

The sound source output module generates an output sound source that exceeds the maximum audio frequency.

The calculation module calculates the ratio of the magnitude of the reflected sound source to the magnitude of the output sound source as the sound source reflection characteristic value.

The pressurizing unit outputs a pressurized sound source corresponding to the pressure difference value to pressurize the eardrum.

The pressurizing unit outputs a pressurized sound source below the minimum audio frequency.

In order to achieve the above object, the method for adjusting the air pressure of a tympanic membrane according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is based on (a) an output sound source output to the tympanic membrane by the measuring unit and a reflected sound source of the output sound source reflected by the tympanic membrane. Measuring a difference in air pressure inside and outside the tympanic membrane; And (b) pressurizing the eardrum with a pressure corresponding to the pressure difference value measured in step (a) by the pressurizing unit.

Step (a) comprises: (a-1) generating an output sound source by the sound source output module and outputting it to the eardrum; (a-2) receiving the reflected sound source reflected by the eardrum by the sound source receiving module; And (a-3) calculating a pressure difference value based on the output sound source output in step (a-1) and the reflected sound source received in step (a-2) by the calculation module.

Step (a) comprises: (a-1) generating an output sound source by the sound source output module and outputting it to the eardrum; (a-2) receiving the reflected sound source reflected by the eardrum by the sound source receiving module; calculating a sound source reflection characteristic value based on the output sound source output in step (a-1) and the reflected sound source received in step (a-2) by the calculating module (a-3); And (a-4) detecting, by the detection module, a pressure difference value corresponding to the sound source reflection characteristic value calculated in step (a-3) from the storage unit.

In step (a-1), the sound source output module generates an output sound source exceeding the maximum audio frequency.

In step (a-3), the ratio of the size of the reflected sound source to the size of the output sound source is calculated by the calculation module as the sound source reflection characteristic value.

In step (b), the pressurizing unit outputs a pressurized sound source corresponding to the pressure difference value measured in step (a) to pressurize the eardrum.

In step (b), the pressurizing unit outputs a pressurized sound source below the minimum audio frequency.

According to the present invention, the air pressure control apparatus and method of the tympanic membrane is caused by a sudden external air pressure change by pressurizing the tympanic pressure corresponding to the pressure difference between the inner ear and the tympanic membrane, which is calculated based on the sound source reflected from the tympanic membrane. It is possible to prevent the difference in air pressure outside the tympanic membrane.

In addition, the air pressure control device and method of the tympanic membrane prevents the difference in the air pressure between the inner ear and the tympanic membrane due to the rapid change in the external air pressure, thereby rapidly changing the atmospheric pressure in a high speed and large air pressure change mode such as an airplane or a high-speed train. It is possible to minimize the pain of the tympanic membrane.

Incidentally, the device and method for adjusting the pressure of the eardrum minimize the pain of the eardrum caused by the rapid change in pressure, thereby minimizing the inconvenience of passengers using a means of transportation with a large change in pressure, such as an airplane or a high-speed train.

In addition, the air pressure control device and method of the eardrum is applied to the eardrum by applying a sound source exceeding the maximum audible frequency to the eardrum to measure the pressure difference between the eardrum and the outside, and by applying a sound source below the minimum audible frequency to the eardrum to control the pressure. It is possible for the occupant to not perceive the sound source, to minimize discomfort, and to measure the pressure difference without disturbing general hearing function.

Incidentally, the apparatus and method for adjusting the air pressure of the tympanic membrane can reproduce the external sound signal, thereby minimizing the psychological anxiety of the user due to the fixed noise.

Incidentally, if the air pressure regulator of the tympanic membrane is produced in the form of a headset, it is easy to carry and use, and because of the relatively simple structure, it can be mass-produced at low cost.

Hereinafter, the most preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art may easily implement the technical idea of the present invention. . First, in adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components have the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are shown in different drawings. In addition, in the business card which sets out this invention, when it is determined that the detailed description about the well-known structure or function which concerns may obscure the summary of this invention, a detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to help understanding of the present invention. The following examples are provided to more easily understand the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these examples.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an air pressure adjusting device of a tympanic membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the measurement unit of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air pressure regulating device 100 of the tympanic membrane includes a measuring unit 110, a control unit 120, and a pressing unit 130.

The measuring unit 110 measures the difference in air pressure inside and outside the tympanic membrane 20 based on the output sound source output to the tympanic membrane 20 and the reflected sound source reflected by the tympanic membrane 20. In more detail, when a pressure difference occurs between the pressure of the inner ear 10 and the pressure of the outside of the tympanic membrane 20 (ie, the outer ear 30), a change occurs in the degree of expansion of the tympanic membrane 20. At this time, the rigidity of the tympanic membrane 20 changes depending on the degree of expansion of the tympanic membrane 20, and a change occurs in the sound source transmission characteristics and the sound source reflection characteristics. That is, where the difference between the pressure of the inner ear 10 and the pressure outside the tympanic membrane 20 (ie, the outer ear 30) is close to zero, the mobility of the eardrum 20 is the best, so that the sound source transmission characteristic is the highest. As the two pressure differentials increase, the eardrum 20 becomes harder, and thus the sound source transmission characteristic decreases. The sound source applied to the eardrum 20 is passed through some eardrum 20, and the rest is lost or reflected. Accordingly, the measurement unit 110 outputs the output sound source to the tympanic membrane 20 as shown in FIG. 3 by using the characteristics of the tympanic membrane 20 described above, and reflects the output sound source reflected by the tympanic membrane 20. The pressure difference between the pressure of the inner ear 10 and the outside of the tympanic membrane 20 (ie, the outer ear 30) is measured using the sound source.

The controller 120 controls the pressurizer 130 to pressurize the eardrum 20 at a pressure corresponding to the pressure difference value measured by the measurer 110. At this time, the control unit 120 presses the eardrum 20 at a pressure corresponding to the pressure difference value because the pressure difference value is calculated as a result of the expansion of the eardrum 20 and the user may feel pain. The pressurizing unit 130 is controlled to mitigate the expansion of 20.

The pressurizing unit 130 pressurizes the tympanic membrane 20 at a predetermined pressure under the control of the control unit 120. At this time, the pressing unit 130 is a speaker that can produce a bass sound is used. The speaker has a feature that can generate pressure through the movement of the diaphragm. When the speaker is located close to the ear canal, pressure is applied to the eardrum 20 due to its close proximity to the eardrum 20 and the sealing of the ear canal. Can be added. Here, the pressurizing unit 130 generates a pressurized sound source and applies pressure to the eardrum 20, thereby generating a sound source of less than 20 Hz, which is the minimum limit of the audible frequency, and applying pressure to the eardrum 20 that the human body does not recognize. . As such, the apparatus and method for adjusting the air pressure of the tympanic membrane pressurizes the tympanic membrane 20 to a pressure corresponding to the pressure difference between the inner ear 10 and the air pressure outside the tympanic membrane 20 calculated based on the sound source reflected from the tympanic membrane 20. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the difference in the atmospheric pressure of the inner ear 10 and the tympanic membrane 20 due to the sudden external atmospheric pressure change.

In addition, the air pressure control device and method of the tympanic membrane prevents a difference in the air pressure between the inner ear 10 and the tympanic membrane 20 due to a sudden change in the external air pressure, so that a high pressure and a large change in air pressure such as an airplane or a high-speed train It is possible to minimize the pain of the tympanic membrane 20 caused by a sudden change in air pressure in the vehicle.

Incidentally, the device and method for adjusting the air pressure of the eardrum minimize the pain of the eardrum 20 due to the rapid change in air pressure, thereby minimizing the inconvenience of passengers using a means of transportation with a large change in air pressure, such as an airplane or a high-speed train.

4 and 6 are views for explaining the configuration of the measuring unit of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the measuring unit 110 includes a sound source output module 111, a sound source receiving module 113, and a calculation module 115.

The sound source output module 111 generates an output sound source and outputs it to the tympanic membrane 20. In more detail, the sound source output module 111 generates an output sound source that the sound source used to calculate the pressure difference using the sound source reflection characteristic does not interfere with the user's daily auditory action. That is, the sound source output module 111 should measure the degree of expansion of the tympanic membrane 20 at regular intervals or at regular intervals. If a user uses a sound source in a range of about 20 Hz to 20 Hz, which is a typical audio frequency range, the user may recognize this. Because of this, even a weak sound source may cause discomfort. Thus, the sound source output module 111 generates an output sound source exceeding 20 kHz, the maximum limit of the audible frequency.

The sound source receiving module 113 receives the reflected sound source reflected by the tympanic membrane 20. That is, part of the output sound source applied to the tympanic membrane 20 passes through the tympanic membrane 20 to the inner ear 10. The sound source receiving module 113 receives the reflected sound source except for the application sound source delivered to the inner ear 10 (ie, reflected by the tympanic membrane 20). Of course, in addition to the sound source that passes or reflected through the eardrum 20 may be a sound source that is lost. As such, the air pressure control device and method of the eardrum applies a sound source exceeding the maximum audible frequency to the eardrum 20 to measure the pressure difference between the eardrum 20 and the external eardrum, and a sound source below the minimum audible frequency to adjust the pressure. By applying the to the eardrum 20, it is possible for the occupant not to perceive the sound source to minimize discomfort and measure the pressure difference without impairing the general hearing function.

The calculating module 115 calculates an air pressure difference value based on the output sound source output from the sound source output module 111 and the reflected sound source received by the sound source receiving module 113. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the point A is the portion of the difference between the pressure of the inner ear 10 and the pressure outside the tympanic membrane 20 (i.e., the outer ear 30) is close to '0' motility of the eardrum 20 Because this is the best, the sound source transmission characteristic is the highest. In this case, as the difference between the two pressures increases, the sound source transmission characteristic moves in the direction of point B or point C. As the two pressure differentials increase, the eardrum 20 becomes harder and the sound source transmission characteristic decreases. The volume applied to the eardrum 20 is passed through some eardrum 20 and the rest is lost or reflected. Considering the sound source transmission characteristics of the tympanic membrane 20, as shown in FIG. 6 according to the pressure difference, a graph of the sound source reflection characteristics can be obtained.

The calculation module 115 derives a transfer characteristic function as shown in Equation 1 using the above-described sound source transfer characteristic and the sound source reflection characteristic. The calculating module 115 calculates the pressure difference value by substituting the magnitudes of the output sound source and the reflected sound source into the transfer characteristic function.

Q _R : Ratio of the reflected source size to the output source size

α: constant

f (): The transmission characteristic function derived from the sound source propagation characteristic and the sound source reflection characteristic

P _A : Atmospheric pressure outside the tympanic membrane

P _E : Barometric pressure in the inner ear

7 is a view for explaining another configuration of the measuring unit of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 7, the measurement unit 110 includes a sound source output module 111, a sound source receiving module 113, a calculation module 115, a detection module 117, and a storage module 119.

The sound source output module 111 generates an output sound source and outputs it to the tympanic membrane 20. The sound source output module 111 generates an output sound source exceeding 20 Hz which is the maximum limit of the audible frequency.

The sound source receiving module 113 receives the reflected sound source reflected by the tympanic membrane 20.

The calculation module 115 calculates a sound source reflection characteristic value based on the output sound source output from the sound source output module 111 and the reflection sound source received by the sound source receiving module 113. At this time, the calculation module 115 calculates the ratio of the size of the reflected sound source to the size of the output sound source as the sound source reflection characteristic value.

The detection module 117 detects a pressure difference value corresponding to the sound source reflection characteristic value calculated by the calculation module 115 from the storage module 119.

The storage module 119 stores a pressure difference value corresponding to the sound source reflection characteristic value. In this case, the storage module 119 stores the characteristic graph (see FIG. 6) according to the pressure difference between the inner ear 10 side and the outer eardrum 20 (that is, the outer ear 30) in consideration of sound source transmission characteristics.

8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining an example of the pressure regulator of the tympanic membrane according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 8, the air pressure control apparatus 100 of the tympanic membrane generates an output sound source in the first oscillator 210a. The output sound source generated by the first oscillator 210a is converted into an output sound source (that is, a sound source exceeding 20 kHz) used by the first amplifier 220a to measure the rigidity of the tympanic membrane 20. The sound source converted by the first amplifier 220a is output to the eardrum 20 through the first speaker 230a.

The microphone 240 receives the reflected sound source reflected by the eardrum 20. The reflected sound source received by the microphone 240 is amplified and filtered by the second amplifier / filter 220b and delivered to the calculator 250. The calculator 250 calculates an air pressure difference value using the size of the reflected sound source received from the second amplifier / filter 220b and the size of the output sound source from the first amplifier 220a. That is, the output sound source generated through the first oscillator 210a is emitted to the eardrum 20 and is reflected by a predetermined amount into the microphone 240. The calculator 250 calculates a pressure difference value using the two sound sources. do. Once the pressure difference value is calculated, this result is used to determine the gain of the third amplifier 220c. In this case, the mixer 260 mixes the second speaker 230b by mixing the external sound source input through the external input terminal 270 and the pressurized sound source generated by the second oscillator 210b in order to apply pressure to the eardrum 20. Output to the eardrum 20 through. Here, the pressure gauge 280 may be used as an auxiliary when a change in atmospheric pressure is necessary in the calculation process of the calculator 250.

As described above, the air pressure control device 100 of the tympanic membrane is configured in the form of a headset based on earphones and is driven by a battery. The battery's lifespan ensures up to 20 hours of operation, considering the plane. Of course, the air pressure control device 100 of the tympanic membrane may be driven through an external power source. A measurement microphone 240 and a speaker 230 for pressing and reproducing an audio signal are attached to a cross section of the earphone. Earphones are manufactured in a structure that can be in close contact with the ear to facilitate the pressing action. Inside the headset are batteries and switches, external sound signal input terminals 270, and electronic circuitry (e.g., the configuration shown in Figure 8) for signal processing and signal generation.

As described above, the apparatus and method for adjusting the pressure of the tympanic membrane can reproduce the external sound signal, thereby minimizing the psychological anxiety of the user due to the fixed noise.

Incidentally, if the pressure control device 100 of the tympanic membrane is produced in the form of a headset, it is easy to carry and use, and because it is a relatively simple structure, it can be mass-produced at low cost.

10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of adjusting the air pressure of the tympanic membrane according to the embodiment of the present invention.

First, after the user wears the air pressure control device 100 on the ear, the user applies power to the air pressure control device 100 of the eardrum. Accordingly, the sound source output module 111 generates an output sound source having a predetermined frequency and outputs it to the tympanum 20 of the user through the speaker (S100). In this case, the sound source output module 111 generates an output sound source of a frequency exceeding 20 kHz, the maximum limit of the audible frequency, in order to prevent the user from causing discomfort.

The output sound source output to the eardrum 20 is passed through some eardrum 20, the rest is lost or reflected. The sound source receiving module 113 receives the reflected sound source reflected by the tympanic membrane 20 and transmits it to the calculation module 115 (S110).

The calculating module 115 calculates an air pressure difference value of the user's inner ear 10 and the tympanic membrane 20 using the output sound source generated by the sound source output module 111 and the reflected sound source received by the sound source receiving module 113. (S120). At this time, the calculation module 115 calculates an air pressure difference value using Equation 1 described above, and transmits it to the controller 120.

The controller 120 controls the pressurizing unit 130 to pressurize the eardrum 20 of the user at a pressure corresponding to the pressure difference value transmitted from the calculation module 115 (S130). Accordingly, the pressing unit 130 pressurizes the eardrum 20 of the user by generating pressure through the diaphragm movement of the speaker 230 capable of producing a bass sound. At this time, since the pressing unit 130 generates a pressurized sound source and applies pressure to the eardrum 20, the pressurizing unit 130 generates a sound source of less than 20 Hz, which is the minimum limit of the audible frequency, so that the passenger does not recognize the sound source output through the speaker 230. Press the eardrum 20 in a state where it cannot be.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting the air pressure of the tympanic membrane according to another embodiment of the present invention.

First, after the user wears the air pressure control device 100 on the ear, the user applies power to the air pressure control device 100 of the eardrum. Accordingly, the sound source output module 111 generates an output sound source having a predetermined frequency and outputs it to the tympanum 20 of the user through the speaker (S200). In this case, the sound source output module 111 generates an output sound source of a frequency exceeding 20 kHz, the maximum limit of the audible frequency, in order to prevent the user from causing discomfort.

The output sound source output to the eardrum 20 is passed through some eardrum 20, the rest is lost or reflected. The sound source receiving module 113 receives the reflected sound source reflected by the eardrum 20 and transmits it to the calculating module 115 (S210).

The calculation module 115 calculates a sound source reflection characteristic value of the eardrum 20 using the output sound source generated by the sound source output module 111 and the reflected sound source received by the sound source receiving module 113 (S220). That is, the calculation module 115 calculates the ratio of the size of the reflected sound source to the size of the output sound source as the sound source reflection characteristic value.

The detection module 117 detects a pressure difference value corresponding to the sound source reflection characteristic value calculated from the storage module 119 storing the pressure difference value corresponding to the sound source reflection characteristic value (S230). The detection module 117 transmits the detected pressure difference value to the controller 120.

The controller 120 controls the pressurizing unit 130 to pressurize the eardrum 20 of the user at a pressure corresponding to the pressure difference value transmitted from the detection module 117 (S240). Accordingly, the pressing unit 130 generates pressure through the movement of the diaphragm of the speaker capable of producing a bass sound to press the eardrum 20 of the user. At this time, the pressurizing unit 130 generates a pressurized sound source and pressurizes the eardrum 20 to pressurize the eardrum 20 to a pressure not recognized by the human body by generating a sound source of less than 20 Hz, which is the minimum limit of the audible frequency. .

As described above, the apparatus and method for adjusting the air pressure of the tympanic membrane is characterized in that the pressure corresponding to the pressure difference between the pressure in the inner ear 10 and the pressure outside the tympanic membrane 20 is calculated based on the sound source reflected from the tympanic membrane 20. By pressurizing to, it is possible to prevent the difference in the air pressures of the inner ear 10 and the eardrum 20 due to the sudden change in the external air pressure.

In addition, the air pressure control device and method of the tympanic membrane prevents a difference in the air pressure between the inner ear 10 and the tympanic membrane 20 due to a sudden change in the external air pressure, so that a high pressure and a large change in air pressure such as an airplane or a high-speed train It is possible to minimize the pain of the tympanic membrane 20 caused by a sudden change in air pressure in the vehicle.

Incidentally, the device and method for adjusting the air pressure of the eardrum minimize the pain of the tympanic membrane 20 due to the rapid change in air pressure, thereby minimizing the inconvenience of passengers using a means of transportation with a large change in air pressure, such as an airplane or a high-speed train.

Incidentally, the apparatus and method for adjusting the air pressure of the tympanic membrane applies a sound source exceeding the maximum audible frequency to the tympanic membrane 20 to measure the pressure difference between the tympanic membrane 20 and the external eardrum, and below the minimum audible frequency for adjusting the pressure. By applying the sound source to the eardrum 20, it is possible for the occupant to not perceive the sound source to minimize discomfort and to measure the pressure difference without disturbing the general hearing function.

Incidentally, the apparatus and method for adjusting the air pressure of the tympanic membrane can reproduce the external sound signal, thereby minimizing the psychological anxiety of the user due to the fixed noise.

Incidentally, if the pressure control device 100 of the tympanic membrane is produced in the form of a headset, it is easy to carry and use, and because it is a relatively simple structure, it can be mass-produced at low cost.

Although a preferred embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, modifications can be made in various forms, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications and modifications without departing from the claims of the present invention. It is understood that it may be practiced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining tympanic swelling due to a pressure difference.

Figure 2 is a block diagram for explaining the air pressure control apparatus of the tympanic membrane according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the measuring unit of FIG. 2. FIG.

4 and 6 are views for explaining the configuration of the measuring unit of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another configuration of the measuring unit of FIG. 2. FIG.

8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining an example of an air pressure regulating device of the tympanic membrane according to the embodiment of the present invention.

10 and 11 are a flow chart for explaining a method for adjusting the air pressure of the tympanic membrane according to the embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10: inner ear 20: eardrum

30: outer 100: barometer

110: measuring unit 111: sound source output module

113: sound source receiving module 115: output module

117: detection module 119: storage module

120: control unit 130: pressure unit

210: oscillator 220: amplifier

240: microphone 250: calculator

Claims (15)

A measuring unit for measuring a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the eardrum based on the output sound source output to the eardrum and the reflected sound source of the output sound source reflected by the eardrum; A pressurizing unit for pressurizing the eardrum; And And a control unit for controlling the pressurizing unit to pressurize the eardrum with a pressure corresponding to the pressure difference value measured by the measuring unit. The method according to claim 1, The measuring unit, A sound source output module generating the output sound source and outputting the output sound source to the eardrum; A sound source receiving module for receiving the reflected sound source reflected by the eardrum; And And a calculating module for calculating the pressure difference value based on the output sound source output from the sound source output module and the reflected sound source received by the sound source receiving module. The method according to claim 1, The measuring unit, A sound source output module generating the output sound source and outputting the output sound source to the eardrum; A sound source receiving module for receiving the reflected sound source reflected by the eardrum; A calculation module for calculating a sound source reflection characteristic value based on the output sound source output from the sound source output module and the reflection sound source received by the sound source receiving module; And And a detection module for detecting a pressure difference value corresponding to the sound source reflection characteristic value calculated in the calculation module. The method according to claim 2 or 3, The measuring unit, And a storage module for storing a pressure difference value corresponding to the sound source reflection characteristic value. The method according to claim 2 or 3, The sound source output module, The pressure regulator of the tympanic membrane, characterized by generating an output sound source exceeding a maximum audio frequency. The method according to claim 3, The calculation module, And a ratio of the magnitude of the reflected sound source to the magnitude of the output sound source as the sound source reflection characteristic value. The method according to claim 1, The pressing unit, The pressure regulator of the tympanic membrane, characterized in that to pressurize the eardrum by outputting a pressurized sound source corresponding to the pressure difference value. The method of claim 7, The pressing unit, Pressure regulator of the tympanic membrane, characterized in that for outputting a pressurized sound source below the minimum audio frequency. (a) measuring a difference in air pressure inside and outside the eardrum based on the output sound source output to the eardrum by the measuring unit and the reflected sound source of the output sound source reflected by the eardrum; And and (b) pressurizing the eardrum with a pressure corresponding to the pressure difference value measured in the step (a) by the pressurizing unit. The method according to claim 9, In step (a), (a-1) generating the output sound source by the sound source output module and outputting the output sound source to the eardrum; (a-2) receiving the reflected sound source reflected by the ear drum by a sound source receiving module; And (a-3) calculating, by the calculating module, the pressure difference value based on the output sound source output in the step (a-1) and the reflection sound source received in the step (a-2). Air pressure control method of the tympanic membrane, characterized in that. The method according to claim 9, In step (a), (a-1) generating the output sound source by the sound source output module and outputting the output sound source to the eardrum; (a-2) receiving the reflected sound source reflected by the ear drum by a sound source receiving module; (a-3) calculating a sound source reflection characteristic value based on the output sound source output in the step (a-1) and the reflection sound source received in the step (a-2) by the calculating module; And (a-4) detecting the pressure difference corresponding to the sound source reflection characteristic value calculated in the step (a-3) by the detection module from the storage unit. The method according to claim 10 or 11, In the step (a-1), The pressure control method of the tympanic membrane, characterized in that for generating an output sound source exceeding the maximum audio frequency by the sound source output module. The method of claim 11, In the step (a-3), And calculating the ratio of the magnitude of the reflected sound source to the magnitude of the output sound source as the sound source reflection characteristic value by the calculating module. The method according to claim 9, In the step (b), The pressure control method of the tympanic membrane, characterized in that for pressing the eardrum by outputting a pressurized sound source corresponding to the pressure difference value measured in the step (a) by the pressing unit. The method according to claim 14, In the step (b), The pressure control method of the tympanic membrane characterized in that for outputting a pressurized sound source less than the minimum audio frequency by the pressing unit.

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