Hearing Aid Sound Localization via Auditory Characteristic Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with hearing loss often struggle to perceive sound image localization when using hearing aids, as existing technologies fail to accurately process and output stereophonic sound data with correct directional cues, leading to inhibited sense of localization.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device and method that includes a rendering processing unit generating stereophonic sound data based on a sound source's direction in a virtual space and a signal processing unit performing data conversion corresponding to the user's auditory characteristic, using a multiband compressor to adjust sound levels and provide output sound data that enhances sound image localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hearing aids correct sound data according to auditory characteristics, then hearing ability is improved, but sound image localization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides sound data processing into two separate processing stages: first, rendering processing generates stereophonic sound data with sound image localization based on sound source direction; second, signal processing performs data conversion corresponding to auditory characteristics. This segmentation allows both hearing correction and localization preservation to coexist by applying different processing methods at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies rendering processing before signal processing to preliminarily establish sound image localization in the stereophonic sound data. By performing the localization-preserving rendering processing first, and then applying hearing correction through signal processing, the system ensures that localization information is established before being potentially degraded by auditory correction.
2Ease of operation
If conventional hearing aids process sound data, then auditory characteristics are corrected, but directional sound cues are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control through a parameter control unit that adjusts signal processing parameters based on the relationship between sound source direction and auditory characteristics. The system dynamically selects or modifies processing parameters to optimize both hearing correction and directional cue preservation for different listening scenarios and individual user characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes processing parameters by introducing a parameter control unit that modifies signal processing parameters according to sound source direction and auditory characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt the degree and type of auditory correction applied, thereby preserving directional information while still providing hearing assistance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program enabling a person with hearing loss to suitably hear sound having sound image localization.Stereophonic sound data having sound image localization is generated on the basis of the direction of a sound source arranged in a virtual space, data conversion processing corresponding to an auditory characteristic of a user is performed on the stereophonic sound data, and output sound data to be heard by the user is generated.