Real-Time Earpiece Fit Assessment From Inner and Outer Ear Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fit testing solutions for earpieces provide only a snapshot of sound attenuation and are time-consuming, often requiring users to periodically reposition earpieces, and their measurements are inherently uncertain due to fit and spectrum uncertainties, especially in noisy environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using an audio wearable device with external and internal microphones to model the attenuation of an earpiece in real-time, estimating filter coefficients to assess fit quality seamlessly, without requiring calibration or user intervention, by iteratively reducing the difference between inner and outer-ear audio signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual fit testing solutions are used to assess earpiece fit quality, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to periodic repositioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous fit quality assessment by continuously measuring the acoustic response of the earpiece and comparing it to reference measurements, eliminating the need for periodic manual repositioning. The system continuously monitors fit quality indicators and provides real-time feedback, ensuring continuous useful action in assessing earpiece fit while the user performs normal activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment by automatically comparing current acoustic measurements with reference measurements stored in memory, without requiring user intervention or periodic manual repositioning. The processor automatically determines fit quality indicators and provides feedback, enabling the system to serve itself in monitoring fit quality continuously.
2Measurement precision
If traditional fit testing methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement during the fitting process itself, using the same measurement pathway for both fitting assessment and future continuous monitoring. This preliminary action captures the acoustic response at the time of fitting, storing it as a reference in memory, thereby eliminating the need for separate complex calibration procedures while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system serves multiple functions: it performs initial fit quality assessment, stores reference measurements for future comparison, and continuously monitors fit quality over time. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration devices or procedures, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through the universal measurement pathway.
3Reliability
If periodic fit testing is implemented, then reliability of fit quality assessment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user burden
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous fit quality monitoring without requiring periodic user intervention or breaking of workflow. By continuously measuring and comparing acoustic responses, the system maintains reliable fit quality assessment while allowing users to perform their duties uninterrupted, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on fit quality through visual or audible indicators, allowing users to immediately understand their earpiece fit status without periodic testing. This continuous feedback mechanism maintains reliability by continuously monitoring fit quality while improving ease of operation by eliminating the need to periodically stop work for fit testing.
4Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are taken to reduce uncertainty, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously accumulates measurement data over time, performing multiple comparisons between current and reference measurements without requiring separate testing sessions. This continuous data collection approach improves measurement precision by averaging out uncertainties while maintaining the same total time as a single continuous monitoring period, eliminating the need for multiple discrete measurement sessions.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
A system, device and method for assessing a fit quality of an earpiece while in use in a noisy environment. The earpiece having an external microphone for capturing an outer-ear audio signal and an internal microphone for capturing an inner-ear audio signal. The fit quality being assessed by estimating a filter according to the captured inner-ear and outer-ear audio signals, and determining a fit quality according to identified coefficients of the estimated filter. A system, device and method for assessing a seal quality of an earpiece while in use in a quiet environment. The earpiece having a loudspeaker for emitting a sound stimulus towards the ear canal and an internal microphone for capturing an audio signal inside the ear canal. The seal quality being assessed by estimating a transfer function according the emitted and captured sound stimulus, and determining at least one seal-quality indicator according to a signal magnitude of the transfer function.