Hearing Device Audio Signal Personalization via Sound Class Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hearing devices lack a user-friendly method for personalizing audio signal processing, relying on abstract parameters rather than actual sound experiences, which limits effective modification and personalization based on user preferences and specific situations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow users to modify audio signal processing on hearing devices by associating sound features with corresponding sound classes, using a modification parameter to determine and implement an audio processing routine, enabling precise and intuitive adjustments based on user preferences, without requiring expertise in abstract parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If users modify audio signal processing using abstract parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the personalization precision and user experience are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter complexityVSAvoidpersonalization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sound samples as an intermediary between the user and the audio processing system. Instead of directly manipulating abstract parameters, users provide sound samples that represent their listening preferences. The system then automatically analyzes these samples and adjusts the audio processing parameters, thus mediating the interaction and achieving both simplicity for users and precision in personalization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users directly adjust audio processing parameters, then the ease of operation is improved, but the personalization accuracy based on actual sound experience is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodification easeVSAvoidpersonalization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the provided sound samples and determining the optimal audio processing parameters without requiring user expertise. The algorithm independently processes the sound samples, extracts relevant features, and configures the hearing device settings, eliminating the need for users to understand complex audio parameters while maintaining high personalization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the system uses pre-defined audio processing routines, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to individual user preferences is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpreference adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static pre-defined routines to dynamic adaptive processing. By continuously analyzing user-provided sound samples and adjusting parameters in real-time, the system creates a dynamic configuration that adapts to individual preferences. This dynamic approach maintains relatively simple system architecture while achieving high adaptability through data-driven parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4203513A1Method and system for modifying audio signal processing of a hearing device in accordance with user preferences and hearing device system
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 SONOVA AG
  • EP4203513A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4203513A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4203513A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and systems for modifying audio signal processing of a hearing device (4) in accordance with user preferences are described. A sound sample (S) comprising a sound feature (SS) for which a user (U) wishes to modify the audio signal processing of the hearing device (4) is provided to a modification system (3). A modification parameter (M) which is selected by the user (U) is provided to the modification system (3). The sound feature (SS) of the sound sample (S) is associated with at least one corresponding sound class (SC) wherein associating includes classifying of the sound sample (S) by the modification system (3). By the modification system (3), an audio processing routine is determined for audio processing sounds belonging to the at least one corresponding sound class (SC) in accordance with the modification parameter (M). The audio signal processing of the hearing device (4) is modified by implementing the determined audio processing routine on the hearing device (4).