Hearing Device Signal Processing Using Embedded Source Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern hearing devices face challenges in optimally processing a variety of audio signals from different sources due to limited differentiation capabilities based on communication link types alone, necessitating improved signal processing to enhance user experience in diverse acoustic environments.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using source identification and audio type information embedded in signals to associate specific hearing programs with signal sources and audio types, allowing for optimal signal processing and adjustment, including classification and prioritization of signals to combine and modify them effectively, thereby enhancing sound processing and user preference adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hearing devices use basic communication link type differentiation, then device complexity is reduced, but signal processing adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by extracting and storing source identification information and audio type information from incoming signals before processing. The system pre-classifies signals based on embedded metadata (such as MAC addresses, audio metadata tags, or protocol identifiers) and pre-associates them with appropriate hearing programs. This allows the hearing device to quickly switch to optimized processing parameters without real-time analysis, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting hearing program parameters based on the extracted signal characteristics. Different audio types (speech, music, ambient sound) and different signal sources trigger specific parameter modifications in the signal processing chain, such as gain settings, noise reduction strength, or frequency response characteristics. This enables the device to adapt its processing behavior to match the specific requirements of each signal type and source.
2Ease of operation
If hearing devices manually switch between hearing programs, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring incoming signals for source identification information and audio type information, then automatically selecting and switching hearing programs based on this feedback. The system creates a closed-loop control mechanism where the output (selected hearing program) is determined by real-time analysis of input signal characteristics. This automatic feedback-driven switching eliminates manual intervention while maintaining optimal signal processing, thereby improving both ease of operation and processing efficiency simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention proposes a method for operating a hearing device capable of receiving a plurality of input signals (il,..., 15). The method comprises the steps of extracting source identification information embedded in one or more of the input signals (il,..., 15), wherein the source identification information identifies a signal source (Si,..., SN) from which a particular input signal (ii,..., is) originates, and/or extracting audio type information embedded in one or more of the input signals (ii,..., is), wherein the audio type information provides an indication of the type of audio content present in a particular input signal (ii,..., is), selecting from the plurality of input signals (ii,..., is) one or more selected signals to be processed (ui,..., uM), processing the selected signals (ui,..., uM), and generating an output signal (o) of the hearing device by said processing of the selected signals (ui,..., uM). Thereby, the step of selecting is at least partly dependent on the extracted source identification information and/or the extracted audio type information, and/or wherein the step of processing is at least partly dependent on the extracted source identification information and/or the extracted audio type information. A corresponding hearing device is also disclosed.