Hearing Device Acoustic Gesture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices lack intuitive control methods, particularly for users who cannot see or use their hands, as they do not detect gestures or swiping movements effectively, limiting convenient operation and adjustment of settings.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that present acoustic signals from virtual positions, allowing users to select adjustment options by moving their body parts, with detected movements automatically allocating to corresponding settings, using head-related transfer functions and sensors like magnetic fields or acceleration sensors to reliably direct sound sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hearing devices use traditional buttons or remote controls for adjustment, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with visual impairments or limited motor skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control interfaces (buttons, switches, remote controls) with an acoustic field-based interface. The hearing device emits acoustic signals that users can perceive and interact with through sound direction and spatial positioning, eliminating the need for physical manipulation and enabling control for users with motor impairments or visual deficits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary between the user and the device settings. Instead of direct mechanical interaction, the device communicates available adjustments through directed acoustic signals, and user intent is conveyed through gestures detected by sensors, with the acoustic field serving as the mediating interface.
2Ease of operation
If hearing devices add gesture detection and acoustic signal presentation capabilities, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the hearing device multi-functional by integrating not only audio processing but also acoustic signal generation for interface presentation, gesture detection through sensors, and spatial sound positioning capabilities. This universal approach allows a single device to handle both hearing amplification and intuitive control through multiple interaction modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the audio output function with the user interface function. The same acoustic output channel used for hearing assistance is also utilized to present adjustment options and receive user input through directional sound perception, combining communication and control functions into a unified interface system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hearing devices present adjustment options through acoustic signals from different virtual positions, then the ease of operation improves for users with visual impairments, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of adjustment options to a three-dimensional spatial distribution. Acoustic signals representing different settings are positioned at various virtual locations around the user, creating a spatial menu that leverages the user's ability to perceive sound direction and position for navigation and selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary between the user and the device settings. Instead of direct mechanical interaction, the device communicates available adjustments through directed acoustic signals, and user intent is conveyed through gestures detected by sensors, with the acoustic field serving as the mediating interface.
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
Enables intuitive and convenient selection of hearing device settings through acoustic cues, improving accessibility for users with visual impairments or limited motor skills, allowing adjustments without a visual interface.
Implementation Method 1
The hearing devices (14, 15) are constructed to present a first acoustic signal (10) as originating from a first virtual position
Implementation Method 2
using head-related transfer functions and sensors like magnetic fields or acceleration sensors to reliably direct sound sources
Implementation Method 3
using head-related transfer functions and sensors like magnetic fields or acceleration sensors to reliably direct sound sources
Data Source
AI summary
The aim 1s to make operation of hearing device apparatuses more convenient. A method is proposed for operating a hearing device apparatus by a user by presenting a first acoustic signal by the hearing device apparatus as originating from a first virtual position and by presenting a second acoustic signal by the hearing device apparatus as originating from a second virtual position. In this connection the first acoustic signal represents a first adjustment option of the hearing device apparatus and the second acoustic signal a second adjustment option. The body part of the user is moved toward the first or second virtual position and a position or movement of the body part of the user is detected. Finally the detected position or movement of the body part is automatically allocated to the first or second virtual position, whereby the adjustment option corresponding to the allocated virtual position is chosen.