Hearing Device Spatial Audio Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing impaired individuals face difficulties in noisy environments and in distinguishing audio sources at a distance or from various positions, as existing hearing devices do not adequately account for the natural behavior and environmental factors of the user.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that combines acoustic signals from an input transducer with transmission signals, using a processing unit to determine and adjust output based on angles, distances, and radiation angles between the user and sound sources, allowing for selective amplification or attenuation of audio signals to improve communication and reduce noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hearing device amplifies all audio signals equally, then the user can hear better in general, but the user cannot distinguish between different sound sources and their positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio signal processing by direction, dividing the audio space into different sectors or zones around the user. Each sector can be processed independently with different amplification and noise reduction parameters, preserving spatial information while enhancing hearing clarity in specific directions of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different spatial locations. Audio signals from certain directions (e.g., front, desired sources) receive enhanced processing and amplification, while signals from other directions receive different treatment. This creates local quality variations in the audio output that preserve spatial discrimination while improving overall hearing.
2Measurement precision
If the hearing device focuses on a single audio source, then the user can hear that source clearly, but the user loses awareness of surrounding sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic audio focusing where the system can shift focus between different audio sources and spatial zones based on user needs, environmental conditions, and detected sound characteristics. The focus is not fixed but can be adjusted in real-time, allowing the user to maintain awareness of surroundings while being able to concentrate on specific sources when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial focusing rather than complete isolation of a single audio source. Multiple audio sources can be simultaneously enhanced to different degrees, allowing the user to hear the desired source clearly while maintaining partial awareness of other sounds in the environment, thus balancing discrimination with situational awareness.
3Loss of information
If the hearing device uses complex signal processing to distinguish sound sources, then the user can better identify audio sources, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of audio signals to extract spatial and directional information before final mixing and output. By pre-processing signals to identify their spatial characteristics and organizing them by direction, the system simplifies subsequent processing steps and reduces the computational complexity required for effective audio source discrimination.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for operating a hearing device (1) that is worn by a hearing device user (2), the method comprising the steps of receiving a transmission signal (4) comprising an audio signal (4) of a sound sources (S), determining a distance (d) between the sound source (S) and the hearing device (1), and generating an output signal supplied to an output transducer (8) of the hearing device (1) by at least taking into account the audio signal (4) of the transmission signal (3) and the distance (d). Further embodiments are directed to determining an angle (α) defined by a sagittal plane (5) of the hearing device user (2) and a line drawn between the hearing device (1) and the sound source (S). The angle (α) is additionally used to generate the output signal supplied to the output transducer (8) of the hearing device (1).