Automated Audio Harmonization for Tinnitus Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tinnitus treatment methods, such as sound therapy, often fail to provide long-term motivation due to the lack of personalized and high-quality masking sounds, leading to boredom and annoyance, which results in patients stopping therapy prematurely.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for harmonizing digital audio signals with a target frequency, specifically designed to match the frequency of a tinnitus sound, using pitch-shifting techniques to create a personalized and engaging masking sound that aligns with the individual's musical preferences, thereby increasing motivation for prolonged use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sound masking methods are used with artificial or natural sounds, then the tinnitus sound can be masked, but the sound quality becomes monotonous and boring leading to poor long-time acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the masking sound adaptable through pitch shifting. The system automatically adjusts the pitch of the masking sound to match the user's tinnitus frequency, transforming a static sound into a dynamic one that evolves with the user's needs. This allows the same base sound to provide effective masking across different tinnitus frequencies while maintaining engagement through variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the masking sound through pitch shifting algorithms. By modifying the frequency parameter dynamically based on the detected tinnitus frequency, the system maintains effective masking while avoiding monotony. The parameter change is automated and continuous, ensuring optimal sound quality throughout the therapy session.
2Reliability
If the masking sound volume is increased to fully mask the tinnitus sound, then masking effectiveness improves, but user acceptance decreases due to annoyance and boredom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the masking sound through pitch shifting. By adjusting the frequency to match the tinnitus sound, the system achieves effective masking at lower volume levels. The frequency parameter adjustment creates optimal acoustic interference patterns that enhance masking effectiveness without requiring excessive volume, thereby reducing user annoyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of increasing volume with an acoustic field approach using pitch shifting. Instead of relying on high sound pressure levels to achieve masking, the system uses frequency modulation and acoustic interference patterns created by pitch-shifted sounds. This substitution allows effective masking through acoustic field manipulation rather than mechanical volume increase.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual therapy approaches are used to find matching sounds through trial and error, then personalized sound selection is achieved, but the process becomes very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect the user's tinnitus frequency and generate the appropriate masking sound without manual intervention. The system performs self-adjustment through automated pitch shifting algorithms that analyze the tinnitus sound and generate matching masking sounds, eliminating the need for manual therapy and significantly reducing the time required for personalized sound selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of trial-and-error sound selection with an automated electronic system. Instead of manually adjusting sounds through physical manipulation of instruments, the system uses electronic detection and pitch shifting algorithms to automatically generate personalized masking sounds. This substitution transforms a time-consuming manual process into a rapid automated operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The invention discloses a method and a device for automated harmonization of digital audio signals with a target frequency, wherein the digital audio signal is pitch-shifted. In one embodiment of the invention the target frequency is the frequency of a tinnitus sound. Therefore, the method according to the invention is usable in the context of tinnitus treatment.