Binaural Hearing System Sensor Data Alternation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Binaural hearing systems equipped with physiological sensors face challenges in balancing accuracy and reliability of sensor data with the need for low power consumption, particularly due to redundancy in sensor data from both ears, which can be detrimental in certain situations and increase power usage.
Innovation Solution
A hearing system where one physiological sensor provides data in specific time intervals while the other abstains, with a processing unit controlling this operation to optimize power usage without compromising accuracy or reliability, and switching between modes based on priority parameters such as quality measures and battery charging status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If both physiological sensors operate simultaneously in a binaural hearing system, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of physiological sensors based on real-time conditions. The processing unit determines whether to operate one or both sensors simultaneously by evaluating quality measures of sensor data and priority parameters, enabling adaptive power management that balances accuracy requirements with power consumption constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of sensor operation from a fixed state to a variable state. By modifying the operational mode (single sensor vs. dual sensor operation) based on quality measures and priority parameters, the system optimizes the balance between measurement precision and power consumption according to current usage situations
2Reliability
If both physiological sensors operate simultaneously, then reliability is improved through redundancy, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between single-sensor and dual-sensor operation modes based on evaluated priority parameters. When high reliability is needed, both sensors operate; when power conservation is prioritized, only one sensor operates, making the reliability level adaptive rather than static
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameter of sensor redundancy is changed from a constant configuration to a variable configuration. The processing unit adjusts the degree of redundancy (one or two sensors operating) based on priority parameters, allowing the system to optimize between reliability and power consumption on demand
3Loss of information
If sensor data from both ears is always provided, then information completeness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the operational state of physiological sensors based on quality measures and priority parameters. This enables adaptive information collection where both sensors operate when complete information is needed, and only one operates when power conservation is prioritized
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the information collection parameter from always collecting from both sensors to conditionally collecting based on priority parameters. This allows optimization between information completeness and power consumption by adjusting the data collection strategy according to current usage situations
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 approach reduces power consumption while maintaining or improving the accuracy and reliability of sensor data, enhancing operational safety by optimizing power usage and adapting to different usage situations.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is used to illuminate tissue inside the ear canal and the photodetector detects the light returning from the tissue at the device. Based on the detected light, it is possible to determine changes in light absorption caused by the blood flowing through the tissue during a heartbeat sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a hearing system including a first hearing device configured to be worn at a first ear of a user and a second hearing device configured to be worn at a second ear of the user. The first hearing device includes a first physiological sensor configured to provide sensor data indicative of a physiological property of the user and the second hearing device includes a second physiological sensor configured to provide sensor data indicative of the same physiological property as the sensor data provided by the first physiological sensor. A processing unit may be configured to control the first and second physiological sensor to alternatingly provide the sensor data in subsequent time intervals.