Ear-Level Audio Gain Control for Hearing-Threshold Noise Floor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear level audio systems face challenges in controlling the output level relative to a user's hearing threshold, especially with advanced noise reduction algorithms, as they do not provide optimal sound quality due to the inability to effectively position the noise floor level.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that applies a first frequency-dependent gain to compensate for hearing loss and suppress noise, determines the noise floor level, and then applies a second frequency-dependent gain to position the noise floor level of the output signal above or below the hearing threshold, allowing for precise control of the output level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If advanced noise reduction algorithms are applied to suppress noise, then noise suppression performance is improved, but control over output level relative to hearing threshold deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing into two distinct gain stages: a first frequency-dependent gain for noise suppression and hearing loss compensation, and a second frequency-dependent gain specifically for positioning the noise floor relative to the hearing threshold. This segmentation allows independent optimization of noise suppression and output level control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different gain characteristics to different frequency bands. The first gain addresses hearing loss compensation and noise suppression in specific frequency ranges, while the second gain specifically targets noise floor positioning. This local quality approach allows tailored processing for different frequency regions.
2Reliability
If a single frequency-dependent gain is applied for hearing loss compensation, then hearing loss compensation is improved, but noise floor positioning control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gain application into two separate frequency-dependent gain stages. The first gain handles hearing loss compensation with reliability, while the second gain provides precise control over noise floor positioning. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between reliability of hearing loss compensation and precision of noise floor positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic gain adjustment where the second frequency-dependent gain is applied adaptively based on the determined noise floor level. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain reliable hearing loss compensation while achieving precise noise floor positioning through real-time adjustments.
3Loss of information
If output level is increased to improve speech intelligibility, then speech intelligibility is improved, but noise floor level relative to hearing threshold deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency-dependent gain where the second gain specifically targets frequency bands containing speech information to improve intelligibility, while simultaneously controlling the noise floor level in those same bands. This local quality approach allows selective enhancement of speech frequencies without proportionally increasing noise across all frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent determines the noise floor level as an intermediate step and uses this information to adjust the second frequency-dependent gain. This feedback mechanism ensures that speech intelligibility is improved while the noise floor is kept at an appropriate level relative to the hearing threshold.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (400) of operating an ear level audio system, comprises the steps of applying (401) a first frequency dependent gain to an input signal in order to provide a first processed input signal adapted to at least one of compensating a hearing loss and suppressing noise, determining (402) a noise floor level of the first processed input signal, applying (403) a second frequency dependent gain to the first processed input signal and hereby providing an output signal such that for at least one frequency range the noise floor level of the output signal is positioned at a selected position above or below a hearing threshold.