Hearing Aid Signal Correlation for Interference Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aid devices struggle to effectively manage interference between direct acoustic and electromagnetic signals with different time delays, leading to signal cancellation or amplification issues, particularly in situations with simultaneous television audio and infrared or Bluetooth transmission.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid device with an acousto-electrical converter, recording device, signal estimation device, and signal processing unit that determines the correlation between acoustic and electromagnetic signals, adjusting the proportion of the electromagnetic signal in the output to minimize interference by reducing its contribution as correlation increases, primarily in specific frequency ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If electromagnetic signals (infrared/Bluetooth) are transmitted simultaneously with acoustic signals from television loudspeakers, then audio transmission completeness is improved, but signal interference occurs due to different time delays causing cancellation or amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using the signal estimation device to detect the correlation between electromagnetic and acoustic signals, then utilizing this detected correlation information to control the signal processing device. The processing device reduces the proportion of the electromagnetic signal in the output signal when correlation is detected, thereby converting the potentially harmful interference into a controlled mixing ratio that eliminates cancellation or amplification effects while preserving complete audio transmission.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the proportion of electromagnetic signal is reduced in the output signal, then interference from phase-shifted signals is minimized, but the utility value of the electromagnetic transmission is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by making the signal mixing ratio dynamic rather than fixed. The signal processing device continuously adjusts the proportion of electromagnetic and acoustic signals based on real-time correlation detection by the signal estimation device. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the electromagnetic signal contributes maximally when no interference occurs, while automatically reducing its proportion when correlation indicates potential interference, thus maintaining both utility and interference minimization.
3Measurement precision
If direct acoustic signal and electromagnetic signal reach the eardrum with different time delays, then signal processing complexity increases, but signal fidelity may be compromised without proper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle through the signal estimation device that continuously monitors and detects the correlation between electromagnetic and acoustic signals. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information to the signal processing device about the timing relationship and correlation level of the two signals, enabling the processing device to adjust the mixing ratio dynamically. This feedback loop simplifies the overall processing by using correlation-based control rather than complex independent timing adjustments for each signal.
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 approach reduces interference from phase-shifted and delayed electromagnetic signals, enhancing sound perception by minimizing the impact of electrical signals on direct acoustic input, especially in open hearing aid configurations where low-frequency sound waves can cause interference.
Implementation Method 1
an acousto-electrical converter for converting a sound signal into a first electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a recording device for recording an electrical or electromagnetic signal and converting it into a second electrical signal
Implementation Method 3
an electromechanical converter which has a signal connection to the signal processing device and is designed to convert the third electrical signal into a sound signal and to output it
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hearing aid comprising an acousto-electrical transducer, a recording device for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal and converting it into an electrical signal, a signal processing device, an electromechanical transducer for outputting a sound signal, and a signal estimation device. The signal estimation device determines a correlation between signals from the acousto-electrical transducer and the recording device. The signal processing device sets a mixing ratio of the signals depending on the correlation in the output signal.