Dynamic Multi-Stage Sound Processing for Hearing Prostheses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hearing prostheses rely on a single classification decision for sound processing modes, which may not adapt effectively to changing environmental conditions, leading to suboptimal sound processing outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The sound processor in the hearing prosthesis continuously classifies the input signal to dynamically enable, modify, or disable sound processing modes, allowing for iterative feature determination and mode selection to optimize the output signal, enabling multiple classification stages and iterative processing mode adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single classification decision is used for sound processing modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to changing environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic classification by enabling the sound processor to continuously re-evaluate audio signals and adjust processing modes in real-time. The system transitions from a static single classification to a dynamic multi-stage classification process that adapts to changing environmental conditions, allowing the hearing prosthesis to optimize sound processing as conditions evolve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single classification decision into multiple classification stages. The first classification determines initial processing modes, and subsequent classifications refine these decisions based on transformed signals. This segmentation allows the system to capture environmental features that may be masked in initial classifications, improving overall adaptability.
2Reliability
If multiple sound processing modes are enabled iteratively, then the sound processing quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary sound processing transformations before subsequent classification stages. By pre-processing the audio signal with certain processing modes and then classifying the transformed signal, the system prepares the data in advance to reveal features that would be difficult to detect in the raw signal, thereby improving classification accuracy without requiring completely independent analysis paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformed signal acts as an intermediary between the raw audio signal and the final sound processing output. The intermediate classification stage analyzes this transformed signal to determine additional processing modes, serving as a mediator that refines the overall processing decision based on features revealed through transformation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining a first feature of a first audio signal at a first location in a signal processing path and determining, using the first feature, a first environmental classification of the first signal. Further, the method includes, based on the first environmental classification, enabling, modifying or disabling one or both of a first signal processing mode at the first location and a second signal processing mode at a second location in the signal processing path. The method also includes determining a second feature of a second audio signal at the second location and determining, using the second feature, a second environmental classification of the second signal. Further, the method includes, based on the second environmental classification, enabling, modifying or disabling one or both of the first signal processing mode at the first location and the second signal processing mode at the second location.