Vehicle Hearing Aid Detection and Sound Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing impaired drivers may face challenges in detecting emergency vehicles or driving hazards due to their impaired hearing, which existing vehicle systems do not adequately address, potentially leading to increased risk and reduced driving comfort.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-based system that detects the use of hearing assistance devices through embedded hardware like broadband antennas and cabin-view cameras, providing notifications and amplifying external sounds to alert the driver, ensuring they are aware of emergency vehicles or driving hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hearing assistance devices are used by drivers, then driving comfort is improved, but detection of emergency vehicles and driving hazards is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of telecoils embedded in the vehicle seat and broadband antennas that mediate between the external acoustic environment and the hearing assistance device. This intermediary system captures external sounds (including emergency vehicle notifications) and transmits them directly to the hearing assistance device, bypassing the need for the driver to rely solely on their impaired hearing while maintaining the benefits of the hearing device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic system of direct sound propagation through air with an electromagnetic field-based system. Telecoils generate electromagnetic fields that couple directly with the hearing assistance device's telecoil, and broadband antennas receive electromagnetic signals from external sources, converting them to audio signals. This substitution allows for more reliable and direct transmission of critical sounds to the driver
2Measurement precision
If broadband antennas and telecoils are embedded in vehicle seats, then detection accuracy of hearing assistance devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the embedded hardware system to serve multiple functions: telecoils embedded in the seat function both as detection elements for identifying hearing assistance devices and as transmission elements for delivering audio signals to the device. Broadband antennas similarly serve dual purposes in signal reception and communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically detect the presence and usage status of hearing assistance devices without requiring manual input or configuration from the driver. The telecoils and detection circuits self-activate when a hearing assistance device is detected, and the system automatically adjusts its operation based on the detected device's status, reducing the complexity of user interaction and system management
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
Enhances the safety and comfort of hearing impaired drivers by effectively notifying them of critical external sounds and hazards, reducing the risk of accidents and improving their driving experience.
Implementation Method 1
The broadband antenna and detection circuit may include a telecoil arranged within a headrest of the vehicle seat and it can communicate directly with a telecoil of the hearing assistance device
Implementation Method 2
The broadband antenna and detection circuit may also detect a radio frequency signal change indicating that the hearing assistance device is in use
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining, with an on-board vehicle hardware system, if a hearing assistance device is in use within a vehicle. The method also includes providing a notification, through a vehicle infotainment system, when the hearing assistance device is in use. The notification provides a vehicle operator with a prompt for activating an external environment amplification system.