Hearing Device Sensor Gating for Low-Power Physiological Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operation of physiological sensors in hearing devices consumes significant power, degrading resources and affecting performance.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device initiates operation of a physiological sensor only when sensor data indicates it is being worn by the user, using multiple sensors to confirm the condition, thereby conserving power and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the physiological sensor operates continuously to ensure accurate measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic polling of motion sensors and temperature sensors to detect wearing conditions, rather than continuous operation of the physiological sensor. The physiological sensor is activated only during periods when wearing is detected, implementing periodic rather than continuous measurement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses data from motion sensors and temperature sensors (already being operated for other purposes) to self-determine wearing conditions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated wearing detection hardware. This self-service approach reduces overall system power consumption while maintaining accurate detection.
2Speed
If the physiological sensor operates when not worn to maintain readiness, then response time is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors motion sensor data and temperature sensor data, using this feedback to dynamically control the operational state of the physiological sensor. When feedback indicates the device is being worn, the sensor activates; when feedback indicates removal, the sensor deactivates. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate measurements only when conditions are appropriate.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to confirm wearing conditions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensors and temperature sensors are used for multiple purposes: they detect wearing conditions, provide health monitoring data, and contribute to overall device functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated single-purpose sensors, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability through multiple data sources.
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative hearing device may be configured to determine that first sensor data output by a first sensor included in the hearing device satisfies a first predetermined condition and query, based on the first sensor data satisfying the first predetermined condition, a second sensor included in the hearing device for second sensor data. The hearing device may further be configured to determine that second sensor data output from the second sensor satisfies a second predetermined condition and initiate, based on at least the first sensor data satisfying the first predetermined condition and the second sensor data satisfying the second predetermined condition, operation of a physiological sensor included in the hearing device and configured to measure a physiological property of the user.