Hearing Device Volume Control Curve Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of hearing devices often find soft sounds too soft and loud sounds too loud, indicating a need for improved volume control mechanisms that can differentiate and adjust sound amplification across various volume ranges effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically controlling the volume dynamic of hearing devices by using a volume modifier value to adjust a volume control curve, which amplifies soft sounds and attenuates loud sounds through specific ranges, allowing for continuous adjustment of sound amplification based on user input, using a hearing device and optionally a mobile device in data communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single overall volume control is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to differentiate and adjust sound amplification across various volume ranges is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume control mechanismVSAvoidsound amplification adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The volume control mechanism is segmented into multiple independent volume ranges (soft sound range, medium sound range, loud sound range). Each range can be adjusted separately through its own control element, allowing differentiated amplification for different sound levels while maintaining a unified control structure. This resolves the contradiction by enabling fine-grained control without requiring completely separate control systems for each volume range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different volume control characteristics based on the input sound level. The processor automatically selects which volume range control to apply based on the detected sound level, providing adaptive volume adjustment. This dynamic behavior allows a single control mechanism to handle multiple volume ranges effectively, reducing the need for multiple static control elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If discrete volume settings are provided, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of volume adjustment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume selectionVSAvoidvolume control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The volume control is segmented into discrete volume ranges (soft, medium, loud) with clear boundaries and distinct control elements for each range. Users can easily select the appropriate range based on their needs, while the system provides precise adjustment within each range through continuous control mechanisms. This segmentation approach maintains ease of operation while preserving adjustment precision within each discrete category.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter characteristics based on the selected volume range. Each volume range has its own optimal parameter settings for amplification and compression, allowing precise control within each discrete range. The processor adjusts the amplification factors and compression ratios according to the selected range, maintaining precision while keeping the interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If soft sounds are amplified more, then the soft sound clarity is improved, but the loud sound distortion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoft sound clarityVSAvoidloud sound distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The audio processing is segmented into different volume ranges with separate amplification and compression settings for each range. Soft sounds receive enhanced amplification with appropriate compression to improve clarity, while loud sounds are processed separately with different parameters to prevent distortion. This segmentation allows optimized processing for each sound level without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the amplification and compression parameters dynamically based on the input sound level. For soft sounds, the processor applies higher amplification factors and appropriate compression to enhance clarity. For loud sounds, the system adjusts the parameters to prevent distortion while maintaining natural sound quality. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing processing for each sound level independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3783918B1Controlling a volume dynamic of a hearing device
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 SONOVA AG
  • EP3783918B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3783918B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3783918B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method for controlling a volume dynamic of a hearing device (12), the method comprising: receiving a volume modifier value (46), the volume modifier value (46) being selected from a volume modifier range (48) of volume modifier values between a first value (50) and a second value (52), the volume modifier range (48) being divided in a soft sound emphasizer range (54) between the first value and a neutral value (51) and a loud sound limiter range (56) between the neutral value (51) and the second value (52); when the volume modifier value (46) is in the soft sound emphasizer range (54), modifying a volume control curve (58) by increasing a value of the volume control curve in a range below a reference value (64), the volume control curve (580) defining, how much a sound signal with a specific volume is amplified to a desired volume; when the volume modifier value (46) is in the loud sound limiter range (56), modifying the volume control curve (58) by increasing a value of the volume control curve in a range above a reference value (64); and applying the modified volume control curve (58) to a sound processor (22) of the hearing device (12), such that a sound signal processed by the hearing device (12) and output by the hearing device (12) to the user is amplified according to the modified volume control curve (58).