Frequency-Range Audio Amplification for Hearing-Adaptive Calls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices have a fixed frequency response for audio output, which can be inadequate for users with varying hearing capabilities, particularly those with impairments, as they struggle to understand conversations due to uniform amplification across all frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to adjust audio amplification settings through an interface that allows users to customize amplification for different frequency ranges, with automatic application and feedback using test audio to refine settings for improved understanding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed frequency response is used for audio output, then device complexity is reduced, but hearing comprehension for impaired users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing users to adjust amplification levels for different frequency ranges (bass, midrange, treble) independently. This enables customization of audio output parameters to match individual hearing capabilities, resolving the contradiction between simple fixed processing and reliable hearing comprehension for impaired users.
2Ease of operation
If uniform volume control is applied to all frequencies, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability for different hearing capabilities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio frequency spectrum into multiple adjustable ranges (bass, midrange, treble), allowing independent control of each segment. This segmentation enables users with different hearing impairments to customize amplification for specific frequency ranges while maintaining simple operation through a unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different amplification levels to different frequency ranges based on user-specific hearing needs. Each frequency segment can be optimized independently, providing localized adjustment that adapts to specific hearing capabilities while preserving overall ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple amplification settings for different frequency ranges are provided, then adaptability for hearing impairments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by providing an automated audio configuration interface that guides users through hearing assessment and automatically applies appropriate amplification settings. This reduces the perceived complexity for users while maintaining high adaptability, as the system performs the complex configuration work automatically based on user responses.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to adjust audio amplification may include presenting an audio configuration interface. The audio configuration interface may include multiple amplification settings that each correspond to a different one of multiple frequency range. The multiple amplification settings indicating amplifications may be applied to the multiple frequencies of audio output by a device. The method may further include obtaining an action to adjust the amplification of one or more of multiple amplification settings in the audio configuration interface to generate adjusted amplification settings. The method also includes, in response to obtaining the action, automatically applying the adjusted amplification settings to test audio and automatically outputting the test audio with the applied adjusted amplification settings through a speaker of the device.