Hearing Aid Signal Classification for Mixed Input Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aids face challenges in accurately recognizing acoustic situations when multiple input signals are present, leading to ineffective adaptation of microphone modes due to mixed signals from microphones and externally fed audio signals.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with a preprocessing device to determine signal dominance and correlation between microphone and electromagnetic signals, allowing for separate analysis and control of acoustic situations, including the use of a decision matrix to adapt noise elimination and feedback units based on dominant signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the situation recognition unit processes mixed signals from both microphone and external audio sources, then the hearing aid can operate with multiple input sources, but the acoustic situation recognition becomes inaccurate due to signal mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing by creating separate processing paths: one path processes microphone signals through the situation recognition unit for acoustic situation classification, while another path processes external audio signals separately. The selection unit then selects which processed signal to output based on the classified situation, preventing signal mixing from degrading recognition accuracy while maintaining multi-source capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a classification unit as an intermediary between the mixed signals and the situation recognition unit. This intermediary separates and identifies the dominant signal source before routing it to appropriate processing, allowing the system to maintain versatility with multiple inputs while preserving recognition accuracy by ensuring the situation recognition unit receives only the relevant dominant signal.
2Extent of automation
If the hearing aid uses automatic microphone mode adaptation based on mixed signals, then the system can adapt to different listening situations, but the adaptation becomes ineffective when external audio signals are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the classification unit identify the dominant signal source (microphone or external audio) before the situation recognition unit processes the signal. This preliminary classification ensures that automatic microphone mode adaptation remains reliable even when external audio signals are present, as the system预先 determines which signal source should drive the adaptation logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the classification result to control the selection unit, which then feeds back to the situation recognition unit with the appropriate dominant signal. This feedback mechanism ensures that automatic adaptation remains reliable by continuously monitoring signal sources and adjusting the processing path accordingly, preventing ineffective adaptation caused by mixed signals.
3Reliability
If the hearing aid manually switches to omnidirectional mode when external audio is detected, then the microphone mode can be preserved, but the system loses automatic adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the microphone mode switching automatic and adaptive rather than static or manual. The selection unit dynamically adjusts the microphone mode based on real-time classification of the dominant signal source, allowing the system to automatically switch between omnidirectional and directional modes while preserving microphone signals when appropriate, thus maintaining both reliability and automation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The device has microphone devices (10, 11) receiving a sound signal, and receiving devices (12, 13) receiving electrical and electromagnetic signals. A classification device (15) determines an acoustic situation from signals (m, e) of the microphone devices and the receiving devices. A signal processing device processes the signals of the microphone devices and the receiving devices depending on an output signal (a) of the classification device. The signals of the microphone devices and receiving devices of the classification device are adjusted for a situation device. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a hearing device.