Hearing Device Audio Stream Power Fading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices face challenges in smoothly switching between operating states without noticeable volume fluctuations, as existing methods can result in interfering artifacts or unobtrusive volume changes.
Innovation Solution
A method for switching between operating states by determining the output signal powers of each state and using a fading function to mix the audio data streams, ensuring the overall output power follows a predetermined fading or approximation function, thereby minimizing volume fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fading methods with weighting factors are used to switch between operating states, then the switchover process can be implemented, but noticeable volume fluctuations and interfering artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being controlled from individual signal weighting factors to the overall output power level. By defining a fading function for the total output power and deriving individual weighting factors from it, the method ensures that the perceived volume remains constant during switchover, eliminating the harmful volume fluctuations that occur with traditional weighting factor approaches.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If exponential curves are used to fade weighting factors to maintain constant volume, then volume fluctuations are reduced, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly controlling weighting factors to achieve constant volume (which requires complex exponential calculations), the patent inverts the approach: it first defines the desired constant output power level and then derives the weighting factors from this power constraint. This inversion simplifies the computational approach while maintaining the benefit of constant volume perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The method incorporates a feedback mechanism where the actual output power is continuously monitored and used to adjust the weighting factors. By comparing the current output power with the target power level and iteratively adjusting weights, the system achieves constant volume perception without requiring pre-calculated exponential curves, thus reducing computational complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple weighting factors are adjusted simultaneously to switch between operating states, then the switchover can be completed, but the computational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of the fading function and target output power levels before the actual switchover occurs. By pre-defining the power trajectory and deriving initial weighting factor relationships, the system reduces the computational effort required during real-time switchover, allowing for faster state transitions without sacrificing accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Switching a hearing device from a first operating state into a second operating state is to be configured in an acoustically-friendly fashion. A first output signal power of a first audio data stream is determined for the first operating state and a second output signal power of a second audio data stream is determined for the second d operating state. Furthermore, a fading function, which represents the overall output power during a fading process, and the initial value of which corresponds to the first output signal power and the end value of which corresponds to the second output signal power, is defined. The fading process is finally implemented by mixing the audio data streams such that the overall output power corresponds to the fading function or a corresponding approximation function. Volume jumps can thus be avoided to a large degree during a switchover between operating states.