Hearing Device Position Controller Audio Signal Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing devices struggle to effectively separate audio signals from multiple sources in crowded environments, leading to a suboptimal user experience due to limited bandwidth and separation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device equipped with a first transceiver, primary and secondary processing units, and a position controller that processes audio streams based on position data, allowing for prioritization of input signals and improved separation of audio sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is used to stream audio to hearing devices, then audio distribution to crowd is enabled, but separation of audio signals from different positions becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the audio signal processing by separating position-dependent processing (handled by the position controller and secondary processing unit) from position-independent processing (handled by the primary processing unit). This segmentation enables the system to maintain audio distribution capabilities while improving signal separation through dedicated position-based processing channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secondary processing unit as an intermediary between the wireless receiver and the final audio output. This intermediary component receives position data, processes the wireless audio signal accordingly, and feeds it to the primary processing unit, thereby enabling enhanced separation of audio signals from different positions without compromising audio distribution capability.
2Loss of information
If position-based processing is implemented, then audio signal separation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary processing unit is designed with multi-functionality, handling both position data processing and audio signal processing. By making this component universal, the patent reduces the need for entirely separate dedicated systems, thereby improving audio signal separation while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a position dimension to the audio processing architecture by introducing position data as an additional input parameter. This dimensional addition enables better signal separation without requiring a complete redesign of the existing audio processing pipeline, as the new position-based processing operates in parallel with the traditional audio processing path.
3Productivity
If multiple processing units are used, then audio processing capability is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position controller performs preliminary processing of position data and generates position control signals before the audio signals reach the main processing units. By pre-processing position information, the system enables the secondary processing unit to efficiently modulate audio processing based on position, enhancing overall audio processing capability while minimizing energy consumption through optimized processing timing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Hearing device and related method, the hearing device comprising a first antenna; a first transceiver coupled to the first antenna and configured to wirelessly receive one or more audio streams from an audio system, the one or more audio streams including a first audio stream; a primary processing unit adapted for processing an input signal according to a hearing prescription in order to alleviate a hearing loss; an acoustic output transducer coupled to an output of the primary processing unit for conversion of an output signal from the primary processing unit into an audio output signal; at least one microphone; a secondary processing unit with a first input coupled to an output of the first transceiver for receiving a first wireless input signal representative of the first audio stream from the first transceiver; and a position controller for detecting position data of the hearing device, the position controller having an output coupled to a position input of the secondary processing unit for sending a position control signal to the secondary processing unit; wherein the secondary processing unit is configured to process the first wireless input signal from the first transceiver based on the position control signal.