Common Frequency Analysis Filter Bank for Hybrid Auditory Prostheses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid auditory prostheses with multiple stimulator types often have redundant processing stages, leading to increased computational power consumption and complexity, which can hinder efficient signal processing and modification.
Innovation Solution
A modular audio processing pipeline with a common frequency analysis filter bank that generates a common set of signals, which are then processed by stimulator-specific stages to eliminate redundancy, reducing computational power consumption and simplifying modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hybrid auditory prostheses use multiple separate processing stages for each stimulator type, then each stimulator can be processed independently, but the device complexity and computational power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing pipeline is segmented into distinct functional stages: a common frequency analysis stage that processes input signals for all stimulator types, followed by stimulator-specific output stages that adapt the common processed signals to the requirements of each stimulator type. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each stage while avoiding redundant processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The common frequency analysis stage serves multiple stimulator types simultaneously, performing universal signal processing functions (frequency decomposition, filtering, and feature extraction) that are applicable to both acoustic and electrical stimulators. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate complete processing chains for each stimulator type.
2Reliability
If conventional hybrid auditory prostheses implement separate processing chains for each stimulator, then processing can be tailored to each stimulator's requirements, but computational power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The common frequency analysis stage performs preliminary signal processing (frequency decomposition, filtering, and spectral analysis) that benefits all subsequent stimulator-specific stages. By preparing the signals in advance with universal processing, the system avoids repeating these computationally intensive operations for each stimulator type, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining stimulator-specific optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional auditory prostheses use redundant processing stages, then each stimulator type can be processed independently, but modifications become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The processing architecture is divided into modular segments: a common frequency analysis module and separate stimulator-specific output modules. This segmentation allows independent modification of each module without affecting the others, making the system easier to manufacture and adapt. The common module handles universal processing tasks, while the output modules can be independently configured for different stimulator types.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio processing pipeline, for an auditory prosthesis, includes: a common stage, including a common frequency analysis filter bank, configured to generate a common set of processed signals based on an input audio signal; and first and second stimulator-specific stages, responsive to the common set of signals and including first and second frequency-analysis filter banks, configured to generate first and second sets of processed signals adapted for the first and second hearing stimulators, respectively.