Smart Hearing Amplifier with PPG Sensor and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hearing amplifier devices primarily focus on sound amplification, leading to noise interference issues and limited functionality, failing to meet the diverse needs of consumers for effective communication and bio-data monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A smart hearing amplifier device equipped with a source microphone, Bluetooth chipset, anti-noise source module, amplifier, PPG sensor, G sensor, and microcontroller unit (MCU) that processes and transmits noise-reduced audio signals and bio-data, including heart rate, activity, and sleep quality, to a smart device for enhanced user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional hearing amplifier device only amplifies received sound, then the device structure is simple, but noise interference increases and listening difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the audio processing function into multiple independent modules: source microphone for voice capture, Bluetooth chipset for digital signal conversion and anti-noise processing, anti-noise source module for analog signal reconstruction, and amplifier for signal amplification. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in noise reduction while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The Bluetooth chipset acts as an intermediary between the source microphone and the anti-noise source module, performing digital signal processing and anti-noise algorithms in the digital domain before converting back to analog signals. This intermediary processing stage enables sophisticated noise reduction without directly modifying the analog audio path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hearing amplifier device provides only communication function, then the device complexity is low, but the functionality is limited and cannot meet diverse consumer needs
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single hearing amplifier system: audio amplification through the microphone-amplifier-speaker chain, bio-data monitoring through the PPG sensor and G sensor, and wireless communication through the Bluetooth chipset. This multi-functionality allows the device to serve both hearing impairment needs and general health monitoring needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the hearing amplification system with a bio-monitoring system by integrating the PPG sensor, G sensor, and MCU into the existing hearing device structure. This combination enables the device to simultaneously perform audio processing and health data collection without requiring separate devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PPG sensor and G sensor are added for bio-data monitoring, then multifunctionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing amplifier device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: audio signal processing through the microphone and amplifier chain, and bio-data monitoring through the integrated PPG sensor and G sensor. The MCU coordinates both functions, enabling the device to serve as both a hearing aid and a health monitoring device.
Solution Approach 2:
The MCU automatically processes the raw signals from the PPG and G sensors, performs noise elimination, calculates bio-data parameters, and transmits the processed data via Bluetooth chipset. This self-service processing reduces the need for external processing equipment and simplifies the user experience.
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
The device provides improved sound quality by reducing noise and offers multifunctionality by calculating and displaying various bio-data, thereby meeting the diverse needs of consumers through integrated noise reduction and bio-monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The PPG sensor emits lights onto the skin of the ear of the user and captures reflected lights from the skin of the ear and then outputs PPG signals
Implementation Method 2
The G sensor senses a triaxial gravitational variation of the user and then outputs sensed signals
Implementation Method 3
The speaker receives the analog signals amplified by the amplifier and then converts the amplified analog signals to sound signals for the user
Data Source
AI summary
The smart hearing amplifier device is placed in an ear of a user to receive voices of speakers. The smart hearing amplifier device includes a Bluetooth chipset, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, a gravity-sensor (G sensor) and a microcontroller unit (MCU). The PPG sensor emits lights onto the skin of the ear and captures reflected lights from the skin and then outputs PPG signals. The G sensor senses a triaxial gravitational variation of the user and then outputs sensed signals. The MCU is connected with the PPG sensor, the G sensor and the Bluetooth chipset. The MCU processes PPG signals from the PPG sensor and the sensed signals from the G sensor and eliminates noise signals of the PPG signals and the sensed signals, and then calculates bio-data of the user. The Bluetooth chipset receives the bio-data from the MCU and transmits the bio-data to a smart device.