Dynamic Computational Resource Allocation in Hearing Aids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aids face challenges in managing computational resources effectively as they incorporate more features, leading to increased power consumption and potential performance degradation, necessitating a dynamic allocation of resources based on auditory conditions to optimize power usage.
Innovation Solution
A hearing assistance device with a processing circuit that includes functional modules with dynamically adjustable calculation rates, where the computational resource allocator adjusts the rates based on detected auditory conditions, such as quiet or loud environments, to prioritize resource allocation between feedback cancellation and directionality control modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If more features are added to the hearing aid to provide more realistic sounds, then the sound quality and functionality are improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic computational resource allocation that adjusts the operation of functional modules based on real-time auditory conditions. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation, activating or deactivating modules like feedback cancellation and directionality control according to environmental noise levels and user needs, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining sound quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the calculation rates of different functional modules. Instead of running all features at full capacity continuously, the patent modifies the operational intensity of each module based on detected auditory conditions, allowing the hearing aid to adapt its computational load and power consumption dynamically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If computational resources are allocated to multiple functional modules simultaneously, then more features are available, but the computational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively activating only the necessary functional modules based on current auditory conditions. Instead of running all features simultaneously, the system activates only those modules required for the current listening situation, reducing computational cost while maintaining feature availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing aid's processing system is segmented into independent functional modules (feedback cancellation, directionality control, noise reduction, etc.). Each module can be independently activated or deactivated based on computational resource availability and auditory conditions, allowing flexible resource allocation without requiring all modules to operate simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If the hearing aid is made minimally visible and compact for comfort, then the aesthetic appeal and wearability are improved, but the computational resources are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation that allows the compact hearing aid to adapt its computational capabilities in real-time. By dynamically adjusting which functional modules are active based on auditory conditions, the system maximizes the utility of limited computational resources within the compact device, maintaining wearability while optimizing performance when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hearing assistance device for use by a listener includes a microphone, a receiver, and a processing circuit including a plurality of functional modules to process the sounds received by the microphone for producing output sounds to be delivered to the listener using the receiver. The processing circuit detects one or more auditory conditions demanding one or more functional modules of the plurality of functional modules to each performed at a certain level, and dynamically allocates computational resources for the plurality of functional modules based on one or more auditory conditions.