Augmented Hearing Device with Dynamic Receiver Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-ear hearing devices face challenges in reproducing high-quality audio across a wide frequency band while maintaining low power consumption, as they often require multiple speakers to cover all frequency ranges, which can lead to inefficiencies and battery life issues, especially when distinguishing between speech and music reproduction.
Innovation Solution
An augmented hearing device combining a moving coil receiver for low and high frequency ranges with a balanced armature receiver for the mid frequency range, utilizing a digital signal processor and a controllable switch to selectively activate receivers based on the input signal, allowing for efficient power usage by switching between music and speech modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple receivers are used to cover wide frequency band, then sound quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different receiver configurations based on the audio signal being reproduced. A switching function selectively activates either a single receiver or multiple receivers depending on whether the content requires wide frequency response (music) or narrow band response (speech), allowing the system to adapt its power consumption to the actual reproduction needs
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device incorporates multiple receivers with different frequency responses (balanced armature receivers for mid frequencies, moving coil receiver for low frequencies, tweeter for high frequencies) that can function independently or in combination. This multi-functional architecture allows a single device to handle both speech and music reproduction effectively
2Measurement precision
If multiple receivers are used to cover wide frequency band, then frequency response is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frequency spectrum into different segments handled by specialized receivers: balanced armature receivers for mid frequencies, moving coil receiver for low frequencies, and tweeter for high frequencies. Each receiver is optimized for its specific frequency segment, allowing the system to achieve wide frequency response while managing complexity through functional segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The switching function dynamically configures which receivers are active based on the reproduction task. For speech reproduction, only the balanced armature receiver is activated, simplifying the active device configuration. For music reproduction, multiple receivers are activated to provide comprehensive frequency coverage, adapting complexity to need
3Measurement precision
If all receivers are activated simultaneously, then sound quality is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching function periodically evaluates the audio signal characteristics and adjusts receiver activation accordingly. During speech segments, only the necessary balanced armature receiver is activated to conserve battery. During music segments, the system activates additional receivers (moving coil, tweeter) to provide comprehensive frequency response, creating a periodic pattern of power consumption that extends overall battery life
Solution Approach 2:
The system selectively deactivates receivers that are not currently needed for the reproduction task, allowing them to remain in standby rather than continuously consuming power. The switching function recovers full receiver capability when high-quality music reproduction is required, discarding unnecessary power consumption during speech-only scenarios
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
This combination enables high-quality sound reproduction across a broad frequency band while optimizing energy efficiency by activating only necessary receivers, thereby extending battery life and maintaining sound quality.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver of a first type being adapted to generate sound signals in a first and in a second frequency range
Implementation Method 2
a receiver of a second type being adapted to generate sound signals in a third frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an augmented hearing device comprising a receiver of a first type being adapted to generate sound signals in a first and in a second frequency range, a receiver of a second type being adapted to generate sound signals in a third frequency range, said third frequency range being between the first and second frequency ranges, and an input port for receiving signals to be reproduced as sound signals via at least one of the receivers. The input port may be arranged to receive wireless input signal, such as Bluetooth input signals. The present invention further relates to a method for operating a hearing device.