Hearing Prosthesis Feedback Reduction via Frequency Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing prostheses often introduce feedback into the audio system due to the amplification of sound waves, particularly at low frequencies, which can be challenging to address with existing filter technologies that have limited resolution and tap constraints.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a signal processing system that includes down-sampling and filtering to increase resolution for low-frequency components, followed by up-sampling and recombination with full-bandwidth signals to reduce acoustic feedback, using a combination of static and dynamic filters to effectively target and minimize feedback across different frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional filter technologies are used to reduce feedback, then the system can provide basic feedback reduction, but the resolution for low-frequency components is limited due to tap constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the feedback reduction process into multiple stages by segmenting the frequency spectrum. It processes different frequency bands separately using down-sampling for low frequencies and full-bandwidth processing for high frequencies, allowing each segment to be handled with appropriate resolution without requiring increased overall filter complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by using down-sampling and up-sampling operations. By converting the time-domain signal characteristics through these operations, the system achieves enhanced frequency resolution for low-frequency components without adding spatial complexity in terms of filter taps
2Measurement precision
If the bandwidth of processed signals is reduced to target low frequencies, then low-frequency feedback reduction is improved, but high-frequency feedback may not be adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into low-frequency and high-frequency components, applying different processing strategies to each. Low-frequency components undergo down-sampling and filtering to achieve precise feedback reduction, while high-frequency components are processed at full bandwidth, ensuring comprehensive feedback reduction across all frequency ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the processing bandwidth based on the frequency content of the signal. By using down-sampling for low-frequency feedback reduction and switching to full-bandwidth processing for high-frequency components, the system adapts its behavior to handle different frequency bands effectively
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a feedback reduction system for used in a hearing prosthesis. The hearing prosthesis will receive an input signal, process the input signal, and create a transformed output. However, the hearing prosthesis may suffer from feedback. Thus, a system to minimize the feedback in a hearing prosthesis may be desirable. One system to minimize the feedback includes down-sample circuitry configured to down-sample a first signal, creating a down-sampled signal. They system also includes a filter circuit. The filter circuit filters both the first signal and the down-sampled signal. The filter will output a filtered signal and a filtered down-sampled signal, respectively. Additionally, the system features up-sample circuitry that up-samples the filtered down-sampled signal. The output of the up-sample circuitry is an up-sampled signal. Further, the system features combining circuitry that creates a feedback-reduced signal based on the up-sampled signal, the filtered signal, and an input signal.