Hearing Aid CW Radar for Non-Acoustic Object Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing instruments struggle to accurately locate objects that are not acoustically active, limiting their ability to adapt signal processing for improved sound localization and perception in complex environments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a continuous wave (CW) radar unit in a hearing instrument to detect micro-Doppler effects from slight user movements, allowing for distance determination from stationary objects using a controller and inertial measurement unit, and creating an ambient map for enhanced signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic methods are used for object localization, then acoustically active objects can be detected, but non-acoustically active objects cannot be located
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radar as an intermediary detection method to bridge the gap between acoustically active and non-acoustically active objects. The radar unit emits electromagnetic waves that reflect off all objects regardless of their acoustic properties, providing a mediator that enables detection of previously undetectable objects while maintaining compatibility with existing acoustic hearing instrument functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing instrument is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating both acoustic microphones and radar units. This universal detection system can handle both acoustically active objects (via microphones) and non-acoustically active objects (via radar), allowing the device to adapt to various detection needs without requiring separate specialized devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated for enhanced detection, then detection capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar detection and acoustic detection systems into a single integrated hearing instrument housing. The controller merges radar reception signals and microphone signals into a unified ambient map, reducing overall system complexity by consolidating multiple detection functions into one device rather than requiring separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically processes and integrates data from both radar and microphone sensors without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the creation of ambient maps by autonomously combining radar reception signals with acoustic information, reducing operational complexity while maintaining enhanced detection capabilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If radar unit is added to hearing instrument, then non-acoustically active objects can be detected, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar unit is nested within the existing hearing instrument housing structure. The radar components are integrated into the available internal space of the device body, similar to nesting one object within another, thereby minimizing the overall volume increase while still accommodating the additional detection functionality
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
Enables precise localization of non-acoustically active objects, improving sound localization and reducing reverberation effects by adjusting signal processing parameters based on object distances, thereby enhancing speech perception and overall sound quality.
Implementation Method 1
a continuous wave (CW) radar unit arranged in or on the device body, said CW radar unit being configured to emit an unmodulated CW radar signal, to receive a corresponding reflected radar signal
Implementation Method 2
a controller configured to detect a signal portion characteristic of a micro-Doppler effect from the radar reception signal output by said CW radar unit and to establish therefrom a distance of said device body from an object
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing instrument has a device body to be worn on the body, particularly on the head, of a user. A continuous wave radar (CW) unit is arranged in or on the device body and configured to send out a (unmodulated) CW radar signal and to receive a corresponding reflected radar signal. A controller is configured to detect a signal portion characteristic of a micro-Doppler effect from a radar reception signal that is output by the CW radar unit upon receiving the reflected radar signal and to establish therefrom a distance of the device body from an object in a vicinity of the user.