Location-Based Acoustic Filtering for Hearing Protection and Sound Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing protection devices that attenuate sound equally across all frequencies can inadvertently reduce pleasurable sounds, and existing audio filters lack the ability to adapt to a listener's location-based preferences for sound modification.
Innovation Solution
An active acoustic filter system that includes a microphone, preamplifier, A/D converter, processor, memory, D/A converter, amplifier, and speaker, integrated within an earbud housing, which uses location-based and ambient sound-based processing parameters to selectively attenuate or enhance specific sound frequencies, and can combine ambient sound with a secondary audio feed, applying techniques like filtering, equalization, and echo cancellation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If uniform sound attenuation is applied across all frequencies, then hearing protection from damaging sounds is improved, but pleasurable sounds are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different attenuation levels to different frequency bands rather than uniform attenuation across all frequencies. The system divides the audio spectrum into multiple frequency bands and applies customized attenuation to each band based on its harmful or pleasurable characteristics, thereby protecting against damaging sounds while preserving enjoyable frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts attenuation levels based on real-time environmental sound analysis. By continuously monitoring the ambient audio spectrum and adapting the filter characteristics to current conditions, the system optimizes the balance between hearing protection and sound quality preservation.
2Device complexity
If fixed filter characteristics are used, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different environments and user preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter characteristics are made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows real-time modification of attenuation levels, frequency band selections, and filter parameters to adapt to different environments and user preferences, transforming a static device into a flexible, adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables changes in filter parameters such as attenuation levels, frequency band definitions, and cutoff frequencies based on environmental conditions and user input. By allowing parameter adjustment, the system achieves versatility without requiring complete redesign for different scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If location-based filtering is implemented, then audio enhancement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces location data and environmental context as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between physical environment and audio filtering. By using location information to select or adjust filter characteristics, the system achieves precise audio enhancement without directly complexifying the core filtering mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed active acoustic filter systems and methods. A processor is disposed within a housing configured to interface with a user's ear. A memory stores data defining one or more locations and a respective set of location-based processing parameters associated with each of the one or more locations. A personal computing device external to the housing is coupled to the processor via a first wireless communications link. The personal computing device determines a current location of the active acoustic filter system. The processor generates digitized processed sound by processing digitized ambient sound in accordance with a set of location-based processing parameters retrieved from the memory, the retrieved set of location-based processing parameters associated with the current location of the active acoustic filter system as determined by the personal computing device.