Wireless and Passive Noise Measurement and Earplug Evaluation System

To address the Navy"s need for a miniature wireless earplug-integrated sensor, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Wireless and Passive Noise Measurement and Earplug Evaluation Sensor (WIPAS) system This system is based on an innovative surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based passive and wireless pressure sensor and an acoustic sensor that is small enough (224 mm) to be inserted in and removed from the ear canal. These sensors wirelessly interface with the WIPAS system"s compact external interrogator unit. The WIPAS system works both as an earplug fit/performance evaluator and as a noise dosimeter. The innovations in the WIPAS system allow evaluation and measurement in real time without compromising the earplug, which is currently impossible. Unlike the conventional earplug whose performance typically degrades over time (due to movement, etc), the features offered by the WIPAS enable reliable determination of protection provided to the device wearer. In Phase I, POC will perform modeling and simulation of the SAW sensor, and demonstrate WIPAS feasibility by developing a limited-capability bench-top prototype. This TRL-3 prototype will be experimentally evaluated in laboratory-controlled environment. In Phase II, we plan to build and validate a complete TRL 5-6 system, demonstrate its field worthiness, and evaluate its productization.