Hearing Device Orientation Tracking for Adaptive Directional Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices fail to adequately account for individual wearing behavior, leading to sub-optimal directional noise reduction due to deviations in orientation and position during daily use, which can result in reduced sound amplification benefits.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining a reference orientation and position of a hearing device using sensors, detecting movements and accelerations, and calculating deviation angles to optimize positioning and configuration based on average tilt vectors, allowing for adaptive signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the directional system assumes microphones are located in the horizontal plane, then the directional system has optimal conditions for processing, but the assumption is violated during physical activity or when users wear the device in different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the directional system adaptive rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors the actual orientation of the microphones using acceleration sensors and automatically adjusts the directional processing parameters to match the current wearing position. This allows the system to maintain optimal performance across various dynamic wearing conditions, resolving the contradiction between assuming a fixed horizontal plane and accommodating different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using acceleration sensors to continuously monitor the actual orientation of the hearing device and feeding this information back to the directional system. The system compares the measured orientation with the assumed horizontal plane and automatically compensates for deviations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable directional noise reduction while adapting to different wearing positions without requiring manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If hearing device settings are optimized based on fitting parameters, then individual adaptation is achieved, but individual parameters like every day wearing behavior are not taken into account
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting and analyzing wearing behavior data during a monitoring period after the initial fitting. Instead of relying solely on the static fitting parameters, the system proactively gathers real-world usage data and uses it to pre-adjust the directional system settings before they are needed. This allows the system to anticipate and adapt to the user's actual wearing patterns, bridging the gap between controlled fitting conditions and real-world variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the hearing device to automatically monitor its own wearing position and autonomously adjust its directional processing parameters. The system does not require repeated manual fittings or external intervention; instead, it independently tracks its orientation over time and self-optimizes based on the collected data. This self-adjusting capability ensures continuous adaptation to individual wearing behavior while maintaining the precision of the initial fitting.
3Reliability
If the directional system is modified to compensate for misalignment using accelerometer data, then sub-optimal mounting is addressed, but the compensation may be insufficient when wearing behavior deviates from fitting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the directional processing parameters based on the measured orientation deviations. Instead of using a fixed compensation value, the system continuously modifies parameters such as beamformer weights and microphone array geometry according to the actual wearing position detected by the accelerometer. This adaptive parameter adjustment maintains high directional processing accuracy across different wearing conditions without requiring overly complex hardware modifications.
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
Enables optimized sound amplification by adjusting settings to the user's typical wearing behavior, improving sound quality and reducing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
the accelerometer determines the direction of gravity g and the hearing device is configured to compensate for misalignment of the microphones
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods, in particular performed by at least one hearing device, uses of the method, hearing devices and hearing systems. The method can include determining a reference orientation and/or position, in particular a reference vector uref, of a hearing device; detecting at least one movement and/or acceleration of the hearing device; determining at least one deviating orientation and/or position, in particular at least one deviation vector vd, of the hearing device based on the detected at least one movement and/or acceleration; and determining at least one deviation, in particular at least one deviation angle θ, between the reference orientation and/or position, in particular the reference vector uref, and the at least one deviating orientation and/or position, in particular the at least one deviation vector vd.