Hearing Device Microphone Selection via Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing device users face challenges in maintaining a good signal-to-noise ratio during phone calls, especially in noisy conditions, as existing technologies do not effectively switch between the hearing device and mobile device microphones based on proximity and signal quality.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects proximity between a hearing device and a mobile device using signal strength measurements, automatically switching between the two microphones to select the best audio input, ensuring a better signal-to-noise ratio by transmitting audio signals through a radio communication network when the hearing device signal quality is poor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hearing device microphone is used for voice pickup, then the user can perform hands-free calls, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates in noisy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between hearing device microphone and mobile device microphone based on real-time proximity detection and signal quality assessment. The microphone selection is not fixed but adapts to changing conditions, allowing the system to maintain hands-free operation while optimizing signal-to-noise ratio by selecting the best available microphone source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects proximity and evaluates signal quality without user intervention, then autonomously selects the optimal microphone source. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous hands-free operation while maintaining reliable signal quality, as the system independently manages the microphone selection based on current conditions.
2Reliability
If the mobile device microphone is used for voice pickup, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves in noisy conditions, but the user cannot perform hands-free calls
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces proximity detection and signal quality evaluation as intermediary mechanisms to mediate between the hearing device microphone and mobile device microphone. Based on the intermediary assessment of current conditions, the system intelligently selects which microphone to use, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining hands-free operation and ensuring signal quality.
3Reliability
If automatic microphone switching is implemented, then both hands-free operation and signal quality are maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing multi-functional components - the hearing device already contains a microphone for hearing assistance, and the mobile device has a microphone for calls. By making these existing components serve dual purposes (hearing aid function and voice pickup function) and enabling automatic switching between them, the system achieves improved reliability without adding dedicated new hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 method allows hearing device users to perform hands-free telephone calls with improved signal quality in both low and noisy conditions by automatically selecting the best microphone, enhancing user experience and communication clarity.
Implementation Method 1
proximity between the hearing device and the mobile device is detected from a received signal strength and/or a signal strength loss of a radio transmission link between the mobile device and the hearing device
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for selecting audio input (48, 49) from a microphone (20) of a hearing device (12) worn by a user or a microphone (30) of a mobile device (14) comprises: detecting proximity between the hearing device (12) and the mobile device (14). If proximity between the hearing device (16) and the mobile device (14) is detected, the method comprises: receiving an audio input (48) with the microphone (30) of the mobile device (14) and generating a mobile device audio signal (50) from the audio input (48); transmitting the mobile device audio signal (50) from the mobile device (14) into a communication network (44). If proximity between the hearing device (12) and the mobile device (14) is not detected, the method comprises: receiving an audio input (49) with the microphone (20) of the hearing device (12) and generating the hearing device audio signal (52) from the audio input (49) with the hearing device (12); transmitting the hearing device audio signal (52) from the hearing device (12) to the mobile device (14); transmitting the hearing device audio signal (52) from the mobile device (14) into a communication network (44).