Ear-Level Module Priority Logic for Multi-Source Audio Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personalized sound systems face challenges in managing diverse audio sources with different sampling rates, processing resources, and audio processing techniques, leading to inefficiencies in data processing and compatibility issues between hearing aids and various audio sources.
Innovation Solution
A personal sound system with an ear-level module and companion module that includes radio communication, microphones, and control circuitry, capable of operating in multiple signal processing modes, managing diverse audio sources by storing and switching between different sets of processing variables, and establishing secure communication links using unique link parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple diverse audio sources are integrated into the network with the hearing aid, then the versatility and adaptability of the sound system is improved, but the device complexity and data processing requirements at each audio source increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network interface device as an intermediary between diverse audio sources and the hearing aid. This mediator handles the complex data processing, sampling rate conversion, and protocol management centrally, allowing multiple audio sources to be integrated without increasing the processing burden on each individual source device or the hearing aid itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various audio sources (televisions, computers, telephones, music players) through a single unified platform. This universal interface consolidates the complexity into one device that can adapt to different source types, rather than requiring specialized processing at each source.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple audio sources with different sampling rates and processing parameters, then the adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of managing switching between sources and ensuring compatibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface device dynamically adjusts processing parameters such as sampling rates, data formats, and transmission protocols based on the detected audio source type. This parameter adaptation happens automatically at the network interface, allowing the system to support diverse sources without requiring complex manual configuration or management at the hearing aid or individual sources.
3Ease of operation
If hearing aids are coupled with multiple sound sources using wireless networks, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of information due to different audio processing techniques and parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network interface device acts as an intermediary that receives audio data from various sources, standardizes the data format, converts sampling rates to a common reference, and then transmits to the hearing aid. This mediation prevents information loss by ensuring all audio sources are converted to compatible parameters before reaching the hearing aid, while maintaining the convenience of wireless connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal sound system is described that includes a wireless network supporting an ear-level module, a companion module and a phone. Other audio sources are supported as well. A configuration processor configures the ear-level module and the companion module for private communications, and configures the ear-level module for a plurality of signal processing modes, including a hearing aid mode, for a corresponding plurality of sources of audio data. The ear module is configured to handle variant audio sources, and control switching among them.