Hearing Device Spatial Cue Processing with Periodic Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing device signal processing distorts spatial cues, leading to inaccurate localization of sound sources due to power consumption constraints and inefficient data exchange between devices.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device system that includes a sound analyzer to determine sound source contributions, a difference estimator to estimate and update spatial cue information, and a communication device to synchronize this information with another hearing device, using low-power communication protocols to maintain accurate spatial cue processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hearing device continuously synchronizes spatial cue information with second hearing device, then spatial cue accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device performs periodic synchronization of spatial cue information with the second hearing device at predetermined time intervals, rather than continuous synchronization. This periodic action maintains spatial cue accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption by allowing the device to enter low-power states between synchronization events.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device estimates and stores spatial cue information in advance during periods when power is available, so that this pre-estimated information can be used during power-constrained periods. This preliminary estimation action ensures spatial cue accuracy is maintained without requiring continuous high-power operation.
2Measurement precision
If hearing device processes spatial cue information at high frequency, then localization sensitivity is improved, but computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device performs spatial cue estimation at a reduced frequency that is sufficient for the listener's needs but not excessive. By applying partial action (estimating spatial cues less frequently than maximum possible rate), the device maintains adequate localization sensitivity while significantly reducing computational load and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary spatial cue estimation during periods when computational resources are available, storing these estimates for later use. This preliminary computation reduces the need for frequent high-frequency processing, thereby lowering overall computational load while maintaining localization sensitivity.
3Measurement precision
If hearing device updates spatial cue information frequently, then spatial cue accuracy is improved, but data exchange volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device updates spatial cue information periodically at predetermined intervals rather than continuously or at excessively high frequencies. This periodic update approach maintains spatial cue accuracy by ensuring regular synchronization while significantly reducing the total volume of data exchanged between hearing devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing device includes: a sound analyser configure to receive a sound signal and determine a contribution of at least one sound source associated with the sound signal; a difference estimator coupled to the sound analyser, and configured to estimate spatial cue information of the at least one sound source for storage in the hearing device; and a communication device configured to receive from a second hearing device information related to the at least one sound source; wherein the difference estimator is configured to update the stored spatial cue information of the at least one sound source based on the information received by the communication device.