Hearing Device Receiver Control via Spectral Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with wireless transmission capabilities face interference issues due to digital control methods, which hinder power-saving digital control of the loudspeaker, especially in devices with limited space and high current consumption like in-the-ear models.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves spectrally separating the control signal from the data transmission signal in the frequency range, using pulse-density or pulse-width modulation, and employing a bandpass filter to minimize interference, allowing for digital control of the loudspeaker without significant signal processing overhead, even in broadband high-data-rate transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If digital control is used to control the loudspeaker, then power consumption is reduced and efficiency is improved, but interference with wireless data transmission occurs due to strongly developed harmonic waves
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency spectrum is segmented into different bands: the wireless transmission operates in a main frequency band while the digital control signal operates in a higher frequency band. This spectral segmentation allows both functions to coexist without significant interference, enabling digital control to be used without compromising wireless transmission quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the control signal to a different dimension (frequency domain) by using pulse-density or pulse-width modulation which generates harmonic waves in higher frequency ranges. This dimensional separation in the frequency spectrum allows the control signal to occupy a different 'space' than the wireless transmission, resolving the interference problem while maintaining power-saving digital control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If analog control is used to control the loudspeaker, then interference with wireless transmission is reduced, but power consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control method changes from analog to digital by altering the fundamental parameter of the control signal. Digital control signals use pulse-density or pulse-width modulation which, when properly frequency-managed, can reduce interference while improving power efficiency. This parameter change enables simultaneous achievement of low power consumption and reduced interference through proper frequency band management.
3Productivity
If digital control with pulse-density or pulse-width modulation is used, then power efficiency is improved, but harmonic waves interfere with wireless data transmission in the main frequency band
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful harmonic components are extracted and isolated to a specific higher frequency band that is separated from the main wireless transmission band. By taking out the interfering harmonic waves and confining them to a different frequency range, the system maintains the efficiency benefits of digital pulse modulation while eliminating interference with wireless data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency spectrum itself acts as an intermediary that separates the control signal from the transmission signal. By using pulse-density or pulse-width modulation and managing the frequency bands, the system creates an intermediary frequency space where control signals can operate without interfering with wireless transmission, enabling both functions to coexist efficiently.
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 approach enables power-saving digital control of the loudspeaker in hearing devices with wireless data transmission, reducing interference and improving signal-to-noise ratio, especially in compact designs like in-the-ear devices, while maintaining high interference resistance and data transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission facility for wireless data transmission in a main frequency band
Implementation Method 2
The output converter is mostly realized as an electroacoustic converter, e.g. a miniature loudspeaker
Implementation Method 3
employing a bandpass filter to minimize interference
Implementation Method 4
using pulse-density or pulse-width modulation
Data Source
AI summary
A power-saving control of the receiver in hearing devices with wireless transmission to other devices is also to be possible without significant interferences. Provision is thus made in accordance with the invention for a hearing apparatus, in particular a hearing device, with a transmission facility for wireless data transmission in a main frequency band, a loudspeaker and a control facility for controlling the loudspeaker with a control signal, with the frequency spectrum of the control signal having a significant notch in the range of the main frequency band. A “noise-shaping” of this type can be achieved by pulse-density modulated receiver control signals.