Audio Processing Apparatus Using Psychoacoustic Combination Tones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio processing technologies in electronic devices are limited by device configuration, particularly in compensating for hearing sensitivity issues, where users with hearing loss at specific frequencies face challenges in perceiving audio content effectively.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that determine a plurality of frequencies harmonically related to a predetermined frequency, using a band-pass filter based on an audiometric sensitivity profile, to mix into the audio content and increase the perceived volume, allowing users to perceive the predetermined frequency through psychoacoustic combination tones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct amplification of predetermined frequency is used to compensate for hearing loss, then perceived volume at that frequency is improved, but device configuration limitations prevent effective implementation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperceived volume at predetermined frequencyVSAvoiddevice configuration limitations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary frequencies (harmonically related frequencies) that act as mediators to indirectly achieve the desired effect. Instead of directly amplifying the predetermined frequency where hearing loss occurs, the system introduces other frequencies that the human ear perceives as the target frequency through psychoacoustic combination tones, thereby bypassing device amplification limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical amplification system with a psychoacoustic processing system. Rather than using hardware amplification to increase the volume at the predetermined frequency, the system uses signal processing to generate combination tones that the human auditory system naturally produces, substituting physical amplification with perceptual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If psychoacoustic processing with multiple frequencies is used to compensate for hearing loss, then perceived volume is improved without direct amplification, but audio processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperceived volume compensationVSAvoidaudio processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameters of the audio signal by introducing harmonically related frequencies. Instead of modifying the amplitude parameter through direct amplification, the system transforms the frequency domain characteristics by adding specific frequencies that will generate the desired psychoacoustic effect, thereby achieving volume compensation through parameter transformation rather than direct manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If band-pass filtering based on audiometric sensitivity profile is applied, then audio content is optimized for user's hearing capabilities, but processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to user hearing profileVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary filtering of the audio content using a band-pass filter configured based on the user's audiometric sensitivity profile before the psychoacoustic processing stage. This preliminary action removes frequency components that the user cannot hear, reducing the amount of subsequent processing needed and optimizing the audio signal in advance for the specific user's hearing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances the perceived volume of audio content at frequencies where users have hearing loss, effectively compensating for hearing sensitivity by using psychoacoustic processing, even when device limitations restrict direct amplification.

Implementation Method 1

filtering the audio content using a band-pass filter that is configured based, at least in part, on an audiometric sensitivity profile of a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBand-pass filtering: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

determining a plurality of frequencies configured to cause the user to perceive the at least one predetermined frequency as a psychoacoustic combination tone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPsychoacoustic combination tone:

Data Source

PatentEP4391585A1Apparatus, methods, and computer programs for audio processing

Publication Date: 2024.06.26 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

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AI summary

An apparatus comprising means for: determining that audio content for playing to a user comprises at least one predetermined frequency; determining a plurality of frequencies, different to the at least one predetermined frequency, configured to cause the user to perceive audio output at the at least one predetermined frequency when the plurality of frequencies are output together to the user; and mixing the determined plurality of frequencies into the audio content to increase the perceived volume of the audio content at the at least one predetermined frequency, when the audio content is perceived by the user.