Hearing System Adaptive Parameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hearing systems lack an efficient and user-friendly method for adjusting audio processing parameters to match individual preferences across varying acoustic environments, often requiring professional intervention and not adapting smoothly to environmental changes.

Innovation Solution

A hearing system with a user preference control and signal processing unit that allows users to adjust and store parameter settings, which are then updated based on user input and acoustic environment analysis, enabling gradual adaptation of audio processing properties to suit individual preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If hearing systems use fixed professional parameter settings, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but adaptability to individual user preferences and environmental variations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter settingsVSAvoidadaptation to user preferences
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-provides a first set of start-up parameter settings that serve as default values before any user interaction. These preliminary settings enable the hearing device to function immediately upon activation, while subsequent user adjustments gradually refine these settings based on actual usage patterns and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The hearing system automatically updates its start-up parameter settings based on user adjustments and environmental data without requiring professional intervention. The device learns from user behavior patterns and autonomously adapts the default settings, enabling self-service customization that improves both precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If hearing systems require professional intervention for adjustments, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation and user autonomy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter settingsVSAvoiduser-adjustable settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Users can directly adjust hearing device parameters through intuitive controls, and the system automatically learns from these adjustments to update start-up settings. This eliminates the need for professional intervention while maintaining precision through automated learning algorithms that process user preferences and environmental data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors user adjustments and environmental conditions, then uses this feedback to automatically refine start-up parameter settings. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that user-operable settings lead to improved manufacturing precision over time as the system learns optimal configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If hearing systems use default parameter settings, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to individual preferences and environmental changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefault start-up settingsVSAvoidadaptation to acoustic environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides default start-up parameter settings that enable immediate operation without configuration. These preliminary settings serve as a reasonable baseline that works adequately across various conditions, allowing users to start using the device right away while the system gradually learns and adapts to specific preferences and environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The start-up parameter settings are not fixed but dynamically updated based on user adjustments and environmental data. The system transitions from static default values to adaptive settings that evolve over time, enabling both immediate ease of operation and long-term adaptability to individual preferences and acoustic environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If hearing systems frequently update parameter settings, then adaptability to user preferences is improved, but stability of operation and user confidence deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter customizationVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes stable default start-up parameter settings that remain constant until the user makes adjustments or environmental conditions significantly change. This preliminary stability provides a reliable baseline that maintains operational consistency while allowing for gradual adaptation when warranted by user feedback or environmental data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system updates start-up parameter settings only partially and selectively based on significant user adjustments or environmental changes, rather than continuously or excessively. This selective updating approach maintains stability by avoiding unnecessary changes while still adapting to meaningful variations in user preferences and acoustic environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2191662B1Hearing system with a user preference control and method for operating a hearing system
Publication Date: 2011.05.18 PHONAK AG
  • EP2191662B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2191662B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2191662B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for operating a hearing system (1) comprising a user control (52) and a signal processing unit (30) controllable by adjustable parameters is described. It comprises a) providing (100) a first set of start-up parameter settings upon start-up (100) of said signal processor unit (30); b) using parameter settings comprised in or derived from said first set of start-up parameter settings as default parameter settings for said signal processing unit; d) upon operating said user control (52) : obtaining a set of parameter settings currently used in said signal processing unit (30); e) deriving (160) a second set of start-up parameter settings in dependence of said first set of start-up parameter settings and of said set of parameter settings obtained in step d); f) using said second set of start-up parameter settings as said first set of start-up parameter settings when carrying out step a) upon a following start-up (180) of said signal processor unit. This makes is possible for a user of the hearing system to adjust to his preferences the way audio signals are processed in his hearing system (1). Preferably, the hearing system (1) comprises a classifier (70), and step e) is carried out in dependence of the result of a classification of a current acoustic environment.