Assistive Listening Device Multi-Mode Audio Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assistive listening devices require cumbersome setup and often compromise on sound quality, especially in online communication scenarios where additional microphones are needed or built-in computer microphones are used, leading to suboptimal audio transmission.
Innovation Solution
An assistive listening device with multiple streaming modes that automatically selects the appropriate mode based on the situation, allowing audio signals from a microphone or a USB connection to be transmitted to a hearing device, and enabling the device to function as both a microphone and speaker, eliminating the need for additional microphones during online meetings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a third-party microphone is connected to the computer, then the sound quality for online participants is improved, but the device complexity and setup difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assistive listening device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can stream audio from various sources (TV, computer, phone) and simultaneously function as a microphone for online communications. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate third-party microphones, reducing setup complexity while maintaining high sound quality through its dedicated microphone arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the audio streaming function and microphone function into a single integrated device. The microphone arrangement and wireless transmission capabilities are merged with the audio input/output functions, allowing the device to serve both as an audio relay and a communication microphone, thereby reducing the number of separate devices needed.
2Device complexity
If a built-in computer microphone is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sound quality and availability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The assistive listening device acts as an intermediary between the computer and the user's hearing needs. It provides a dedicated high-quality microphone arrangement that interfaces with the computer through USB, ensuring both simple setup (as it replaces the need for separate microphones) and high sound quality (through its specialized microphone components).
3Measurement precision
If additional microphones are added for online communication, then the sound quality is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides universal functionality by handling both audio streaming from various sources and microphone functions for online communications through a single unit. This eliminates the need for users to manage multiple separate devices or configurations, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining high sound quality through its integrated microphone arrangement.
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
Provides user-friendly operation and improved sound quality by automatically selecting the best streaming mode for the situation, integrating microphone and USB audio signals seamlessly, thus enhancing the assistive listening experience without the need for additional setup or subpar microphone usage.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone arrangement (12) for capturing audio signals
Implementation Method 2
a wireless interface (32) for transmitting the output audio signal via a wireless link to a hearing device (52, 54)
Data Source
AI summary
An assistive listening device includes a microphone arrangement for capturing an input microphone audio signal; a microphone signal processing unit for processing the input microphone audio signal so as to generate a processed microphone audio signal; a USB interface for connecting to a communication device, the USB interface comprising a USB audio input port to receive a USB input audio signal from the communication device and a USB audio output port to transmit a USB output audio signal to the communication device; a USB audio signal processing unit for processing the USB input audio signal so as to generate a processed USB input audio signal; a wireless interface for transmitting an output audio signal via a wireless link to a hearing device; and a control unit for selecting one of a first, second and third streaming mode and for operating the assistive listening device according to the selected streaming mode.