EEG Headset Sound Source Detection for Hearing Aid Users

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals with hearing disabilities often miss communication opportunities due to their inability to perceive sound-based interactions, as existing methods require active engagement and can be hindered by the use of traditional microphones that are cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A head-mounted interaction system incorporating an electroencephalogram electrode array, a micro microphone array, and a signal processing circuit that converts sound into touch signals perceivable by the user, allowing for the detection of sound sources and initiation of communication through a display and speaker array.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional microphones are used for sound detection, then sound source detection is possible, but the device becomes cumbersome and operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound source detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice portability and ease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical microphones with an electroencephalogram-based system that detects sound sources through brainwave signals. This substitution eliminates the need for cumbersome physical microphones while maintaining sound source detection capability, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electroencephalogram electrodes as an intermediary between the user and the sound source detection system. Instead of directly using microphones to detect sound, the system uses EEG signals as a mediator to indirectly detect sound source positions, making the device more portable and easier to operate while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sign language or writing interaction is used, then communication can be established, but the user must actively perceive and initiate interaction, causing missed communication opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication establishment capabilityVSAvoidcommunication probability and efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by automatically detecting sound sources and generating visual cues before the user needs to initiate communication. The system proactively identifies who is trying to communicate with the user and displays this information, eliminating the need for the user to actively perceive and initiate interaction, thus increasing communication probability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by converting sound source information into visual signals that provide immediate feedback to the user. The display shows the position and identity of people trying to communicate, creating a feedback loop that enables the user to respond appropriately without having to actively seek out communication opportunities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If hearing aids are worn to perceive sounds, then sound detection is possible, but users with serious hearing disability still ignore voice communications and miss opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound perception capabilityVSAvoidcommunication opportunity utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual display as an intermediary to convey sound source information to users with hearing disabilities. Instead of relying solely on auditory perception through hearing aids, the system mediates the information through visual cues, enabling users to perceive who is trying to communicate without depending on their limited hearing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of information presentation from auditory to visual. By converting sound source detection into visual signals displayed on a screen, the system adapts the communication modality to suit users with hearing disabilities, allowing them to effectively perceive and respond to communication opportunities that they would otherwise miss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Significantly enhances the likelihood of communication by enabling users with hearing disabilities to perceive and respond to sound sources through touch, improving daily interactions, work, and learning experiences.

Implementation Method 1

determining a position of a sound source based on audio signals of the sound source output by the micro microphone array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

converting sound into touch signals perceivable by the user... invoking the electroencephalogram electrode corresponding to the position of the sound source to output a touch signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-mechanical transduction: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11928982B2Interaction system, method and device

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an interaction system, method and device. The interaction system includes an electroencephalogram electrode array that determines a position of a sound source and invoking the electroencephalogram electrode corresponding to the position of the sound source to output a touch signal to a user.