Hearing Instrument Ear Canal Deformation and EMG Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio systems lack inputs to detect users' cognitive or perceptual states, such as auditory attentional state or listening intentions, leading to inefficient sound processing and user experience, especially in noisy environments, due to limitations with existing biometric measures like EMG, EEG, and EOG signals from wet electrodes, which are impractical for everyday use.
Innovation Solution
Combining deformation signals from ear canal sensors with EMG signals from intrinsic auricular muscles to generate information about auditory attention state, allowing for the control of audio system parameters, such as directional processing modes, to enhance sound amplification and attenuation based on user intent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wet electrodes are used to measure EMG, EEG, and EOG signals, then biometric measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and practicality for everyday use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wet electrode-based biometric measurement systems with a mechanical deformation sensing system. Deformation sensors detect ear canal wall movements caused by auricular muscle contractions, substituting the need for wet electrodes while maintaining measurement capability. This mechanical substitution approach eliminates the practicality issues of wet electrodes while preserving the ability to detect auditory attention states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ear canal wall deformation as an intermediary mechanism between auricular muscle contractions and sensor detection. Instead of directly measuring electrical signals from muscles using wet electrodes, the system measures the mechanical deformation of ear canal walls caused by muscle contractions. This intermediary approach enables non-invasive, practical measurement without requiring wet electrodes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are combined to detect auditory attention state, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines deformation sensing capability with existing hearing instrument functionality. The deformation sensors are integrated into the hearing instrument housing or earbud structure, merging the new measurement function with the existing audio processing system. This consolidation approach enables multi-functional operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing instrument serves multiple functions: traditional audio processing and amplification, plus the new function of detecting auditory attention states through deformation sensing. By making the device universal and multi-functional, the patent avoids creating a separate complex system, instead enhancing the existing hearing instrument to perform both audio processing and biometric detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves user experience by automatically tracking and responding to user attention, enhancing sound processing in noisy environments by selectively amplifying desired sounds and attenuating unwanted noise, providing a more discreet and efficient interaction method.
Implementation Method 1
a deformation signal generated by a deformation sensor, wherein the deformation signal is indicative of a deformation of an ear of a user
Implementation Method 2
an electromyographic (EMG) signal generated by an electrode in a concha of the user, wherein the EMG signal is indicative of activity of an intrinsic auricular muscle
Data Source
AI summary
A processing system obtains a deformation signal generated by a deformation sensor. The deformation signal is indicative of a deformation of an outer ear of a user of a hearing instrument. Additionally, the processing system obtains an EMG signal generated by an electrode in a concha of the user, wherein the electrode is configured to detect activity of an intrinsic auricular muscle of the user. Furthermore, the processing system generates information regarding an auditory attention state of the user based on the deformation signal and the EMG signal. The processing system controls, based on the information regarding the auditory attention state of the user, the parameter of the audio system.