Ear-Worn Audio Compression for Memory-Limited Offline Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ear-worn devices face power and memory limitations that hinder the ability to store and playback large audio files without draining the battery or requiring external devices for streaming.
Innovation Solution
A method to compress audio data on an external device based on device and user parameters, storing the compressed data in non-volatile memory within the ear-worn device, allowing playback without continuous streaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If audio data is stored in full quality on ear-worn device, then audio quality is maintained, but memory storage capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary audio frequency components that fall outside the human hearing range (below 20Hz and above 20kHz) and device output capabilities. By taking out only the essential audible frequency range while discarding redundant data, the system maintains perceptual audio quality while significantly reducing file size to fit within limited ear-worn device memory constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the audio data parameters by applying compression algorithms that reduce the bit depth, sample rate, or frequency resolution of the audio file. By modifying these parameters to match the actual playback capabilities of the ear-worn device, the system achieves smaller file sizes that fit within memory constraints while preserving the audio quality that users can actually perceive.
2Quantity of substance
If audio data is compressed to fit memory, then storage capacity is increased, but audio quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively extracts and removes only the non-essential audio components (frequencies below 20Hz and above 20kHz, and frequencies outside device output range) while preserving the core audible spectrum. This extraction approach reduces file size without perceptibly degrading audio quality, as the removed components are inaudible to humans and beyond device capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different compression levels and quality preservation strategies to different frequency ranges of the audio spectrum. Critical frequency ranges that human ears are most sensitive to (1kHz-8kHz) receive higher quality preservation, while less critical ranges undergo more aggressive compression. This local quality differentiation maintains overall perceptual audio quality while achieving greater compression ratios.
3Quantity of substance
If audio content is streamed from external device, then storage requirements are reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compression and preparation of audio files on the external device before transfer to the ear-worn device. By pre-processing the audio data to the exact specifications needed (removing unnecessary frequencies, applying appropriate compression), the system eliminates the need for real-time processing and continuous wireless streaming, thereby reducing power consumption during playback while maintaining minimal storage requirements on the ear-worn device.
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AI summary
Method and devices for saving audio data on an ear-worn device are provided herein. In various embodiments, the method can include connecting an ear-worn device to an external device, receiving a request for audio data to be sent from the external device to the ear-worn device, modifying a first audio data file on the external device in accordance with parameters defined in an audio profile associated with the ear-worn device to create a second audio data file, wherein the second audio data file is smaller than the first audio data file, sending the second audio data file from the external device to the ear-worn device, and saving the second audio data file in a non-volatile memory element of the ear-worn device.