Front-of-Ear Hearing Device Biosensor and Microphone Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices face challenges in achieving reliable biosensing of vital signs and improved directionality, particularly in noisy environments, due to inadequate vascular tissue proximity for sensors and misalignment of microphones.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device configuration with a front microphone and biosensors positioned along the superficial temporal artery, combined with a rear microphone for enhanced directionality, and a speaker in the ear cavity for efficient sound delivery, utilizing multiple processors for dedicated tasks like biosensing and audio processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biosensors are placed in traditional hearing device positions (behind or in the ear), then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the biosensing reliability is poor due to inadequate vascular tissue proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the biosensors from traditional behind-ear or in-ear locations to the front-of-ear position, specifically targeting the temporal region where the superficial temporal artery passes. This spatial repositioning in a different dimension (from posterior to anterior ear region) enables reliable detection of vascular signals while maintaining a relatively simple device structure that integrates with the hearing aid housing.
2Reliability
If microphones are aligned vertically with strong vertical component, then the device structure is simplified, but the directionality in horizontal direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric microphone alignment where the two microphones are positioned at different vertical heights and angles, creating an asymmetric geometry that favors horizontal directionality. The front microphone is positioned lower and more forward, while the rear microphone is positioned higher and more backward, creating a configuration that enhances sensitivity to sounds arriving from the front while suppressing vertical noise components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical microphone alignment to horizontal microphone alignment, changing the primary dimension of microphone separation from vertical to horizontal. This dimensional change enables the microphone array to detect horizontal sound arrival differences more effectively, improving speech recognition in noisy environments through better directional discrimination.
3Reliability
If receiver is placed in ear cavity, then sound delivery efficiency is improved and feedback is reduced, but the biosensor placement near vascular tissue becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hearing device into distinct functional modules: the receiver unit placed in the ear cavity for sound delivery, and the biosensor unit placed in the front-of-ear temporal region for vascular signal detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its specific function without compromising the other, enabling both efficient sound delivery and reliable biosensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the hearing device housing and positioning structures as intermediaries to bridge the spatial separation between the ear cavity receiver and the temporal region biosensors. The device architecture acts as a mediator that coordinates the positions of these components, ensuring the receiver reaches the ear cavity while the biosensors contact the temporal artery region, thus resolving the spatial conflict between these two functional requirements.
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
This configuration provides reliable non-invasive vital sign sensing and improved speech recognition in noisy conditions, with enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and long-term monitoring capabilities, even during activities.
Implementation Method 1
commercially available earbud may provide heart rate sensing through photoplethysmography (PPG) with limited accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes examples of hearing device, systems and methods of enhancing the hearing ability, while providing reliable biosensing of vital signs non-invasively. The front of the ear hearing device comprises a main module with sensors located along the path of superficial temporal artery. A speaker section medially positioned into the ear cavity combined with a posterior section over the ear secure the hearing device to the ear. A front microphone and rear microphone are aligned in the horizontal direction to provide highly directional sound pick up. The hearing device may be communicatively coupled to a smartphone for telephony, audio streaming, and for selecting the directionality for sound pickup. Applications include hearing enhancement, voice detection, voice authentication, text-to-audio speaker isolation, audio recording, language translation, and acoustic scene detection.