Conversation Assistance Audio Device Directionality Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conversation assistance audio devices are challenging to personalize without professional help, and users face difficulties in dynamically controlling them in changing environments.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for controlling conversation-assistance audio devices, which includes providing an interface for users to adjust audio settings, adjusting the directionality of a microphone array based on user commands, visual focus direction, and acoustic signal signatures, allowing users to customize their experience without professional intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional conversation assistance audio devices are used, then hearing impairment users can experience enhanced day-to-day conversations, but the devices are challenging to personalize and dynamically control in changing environments without professional help
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of microphone array directionality by adjusting the main lobe angle based on user commands received through a interface. This allows the device to adapt to changing environments and user needs in real-time, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability by making the directional characteristics dynamically adjustable rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to directly control audio functions and directionality settings through a interface without requiring professional assistance. Users can adjust the microphone array directionality and audio output based on their own needs and environmental conditions, making the device self-serviceable and eliminating the need for professional help while maintaining adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the directionality of the microphone array is made adjustable to enhance conversation clarity, then the device can adapt to different environments, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a interface as an intermediary between the user and the microphone array directionality control. This interface receives user commands and translates them into appropriate directionality adjustments, simplifying the user interaction while maintaining the ability to control the complex microphone array directionality and main lobe angle adjustments
3Reliability
If professional assistance is required to personalize the device, then optimal audio performance can be achieved, but the ease of use and user autonomy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent empowers users to personally control and adjust the audio device functions including directionality settings and audio output through a interface. Users can autonomously personalize their experience by adjusting the microphone array directionality based on their own hearing needs and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for professional assistance while maintaining audio performance quality
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include control mechanisms for conversation assistance audio devices. In some cases, an interface with a representation of the conversation assistance audio device in space is used to control audio functions in the device. In other cases, directionality of the device is controlled based upon the user's visual focus direction. In additional cases, the operating mode of the device is adjustable based upon the signature of a nearby acoustic signal.