Hearing Device Protocol-Adaptive Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing devices lack an efficient method to automatically adapt processing parameters based on the communication protocol of input signals from various source units, such as Bluetooth and A2DP, which affects the intelligibility and fidelity of speech and music, leading to suboptimal audio experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that monitor and select input signals from multiple source units, processing them based on parameters derived from the communication protocol used, optimizing for either speech intelligibility or music fidelity by adjusting processing settings according to the protocol, such as headset or A2DP profiles, and allowing manual or automatic selection of source units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the hearing device uses a single fixed processing configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different communication protocols (Bluetooth headset vs. A2DP) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device dynamically adjusts its processing parameters based on the detected communication protocol. The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic one where processing settings are automatically modified according to whether the input is from a Bluetooth headset or A2DP source, enabling optimal performance for each protocol type without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes processing parameters (such as gain, compression, frequency response) based on the identified communication protocol. When a Bluetooth headset protocol is detected, specific parameters are adjusted for speech optimization; when A2DP is detected, different parameters are applied for music optimization, thus adapting the device behavior to match the input source characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hearing device manually switches between hearing programs, then the adaptability to different situations is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device performs self-service by automatically detecting the communication protocol and selecting the appropriate hearing program without user intervention. The system monitors incoming signals, identifies whether they originate from a Bluetooth headset or A2DP source, and autonomously configures the optimal processing parameters, thereby eliminating the need for manual program switching while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected communication protocol to automatically adjust hearing program selection. By continuously monitoring the input source characteristics and using this information to control processing parameters, the device creates a closed-loop system that adapts to different situations automatically, improving ease of operation while preserving adaptability.
3Reliability
If the hearing device optimizes for speech intelligibility, then the reliability for telephone communication is improved, but the fidelity for music reproduction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device applies different processing qualities to different frequency ranges and signal types based on the detected protocol. For Bluetooth headset inputs, the system optimizes local processing parameters for speech frequencies and intelligibility; for A2DP inputs, it adjusts parameters to preserve full frequency spectrum and audio fidelity, thus providing locally optimized quality for each protocol type without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing configuration dynamically changes based on the input protocol type. The system transitions between speech-optimized settings and music-optimized settings in real-time according to whether a Bluetooth headset or A2DP source is detected, allowing the device to reliably prioritize speech intelligibility when needed while preserving music fidelity when appropriate.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the hearing device processes multiple active source units simultaneously, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device segments the signal processing task by handling different communication protocols through separate, dedicated processing paths. Each protocol (Bluetooth headset, A2DP) has its own optimized processing chain, allowing the system to manage multiple active source units by routing them through appropriate segmented processing modules, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-source versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method to operate a hearing device and a hearing device are disclosed comprising a plurality of source units (S1, ... , Sn) . The method comprises the steps of monitoring activities of the source units (S1, ..., Sn) , selecting input signals of active source units (S1, ..., Sn) , processing the selected input signals of active source units (S1, ... , Sn) , and generating an output signal of the hearing device by said processing. According to the present invention, the parameters for controlling said processing are derived from at least one active source unit (S1, ... , Sn) and/or from at least one selected input signal, respectively. The new technology describes for the first time a hearing device comprising a plurality of source units that are dealt with in automatic manner.