Audio Parameter Adjustment via Hearing Profile

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for addressing hearing loss are costly and lack an efficient mechanism for overcoming hearing problems, particularly in noisy environments, and existing hearing aids often fail to effectively modify audio for users with impaired hearing.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for adjusting audio parameters, including amplitude, frequency, and volume, based on a user's hearing profile generated through a hearing test, using a network-connected device that can perform hearing tests, store results, and adjust audio playback accordingly, integrated with a user device or separate audio device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hearing aids are used to mitigate hearing loss, then hearing ability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehearing abilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates hearing test functionality, hearing profile generation, and audio parameter adjustment into a single unified system that can operate across multiple device types (smartphones, tablets, computers, standalone audio devices). This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate hearing aid devices while providing comprehensive hearing assistance through software-based audio processing that adapts to individual user profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If hearing tests are performed in noise-free environments using audiometers, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to real-world conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehearing test accuracyVSAvoidperformance in noisy environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs hearing tests and generates hearing profiles in advance, capturing user auditory responses across various frequencies and volumes. These pre-collected data form individualized hearing profiles that are then used to dynamically adjust audio parameters in real-time during actual listening situations, including noisy environments. This preliminary characterization enables the system to compensate for hearing impairments before the user encounters real-world listening challenges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system captures auditory responses from users during hearing tests and uses this feedback to generate personalized hearing profiles. These profiles then feed into the audio processing engine, which continuously adjusts audio parameters based on the user's specific hearing characteristics. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the system adapts to individual user needs while maintaining accuracy across diverse listening conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If existing hearing aids modify audio for users, then hearing effectiveness is improved, but compatibility with various headphone devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehearing effectivenessVSAvoidcompatibility with headphone devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal hearing assistance system that operates through software applications compatible with multiple device platforms (iOS, Android, Windows) and various audio output devices (headphones, speakers, earbuds). By implementing hearing test functionality, profile generation, and audio parameter adjustment as cross-platform software solutions, the system achieves broad device compatibility while maintaining consistent hearing assistance effectiveness across different hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If current hearing loss solutions are implemented, then hearing problems are addressed, but cost effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehearing problem resolutionVSAvoidcost effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive traditional hearing aid hardware with software-based solutions that leverage existing user devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) and standard audio output equipment. By utilizing freely available or already-owned devices and applying software processing algorithms, the system delivers professional-grade hearing assistance at minimal cost, eliminating the need for costly medical-grade hearing aid hardware while maintaining effective hearing problem resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS12108227B2System and method for adjusting audio parameters for a user
Publication Date: 2024.10.01 WESTERN SIGNAL ANALYTICS LLC
  • US12108227B2 patent drawing
  • US12108227B2 patent drawing
  • US12108227B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device, system, and a method for adjusting audio parameters for a user are disclosed. The method comprises performing a hearing test of the user. The hearing test comprises playing an audio and capturing an auditory response of the user towards the audio. A hearing profile of the user is generated based on one or more results of the hearing test. A playing speed of the audio is adjusted based on the hearing profile, thereby adjusting the audio parameters for the user.