Parallel Signal Processing for Hearing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hearing devices face interference effects when combining hearing loss compensation and active noise reduction due to different signal processing objectives, leading to suboptimal noise cancellation and delayed sound output.
Innovation Solution
A method and hearing device design where the signal processing section and active noise reduction system operate independently, with a delay unit to minimize correlation between output signals, allowing for parallel operation and adjustable time differences to reduce interference and processing time, thereby enhancing noise cancellation and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hearing loss compensation and active noise reduction are combined in a single hearing device, then both functions can be provided to the user, but interference effects occur due to different signal processing objectives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing into separate sections: a first signal processing section for hearing loss compensation and a second signal processing section (active noise reduction system) for noise cancellation. Each section processes signals independently with its own processing chain, preventing interference between the two functions while allowing both to operate simultaneously in the hearing device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hearing loss compensation and active noise reduction are combined in a single hearing device, then both functions can be provided to the user, but sound output is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the signal processing into independent parallel chains, allowing each processing section to operate with its own optimized processing time. The first signal processing section handles hearing loss compensation while the second handles active noise reduction, and their outputs are combined without cumulative delays that would occur in sequential processing.
3Device complexity
If conventional signal processing is used for both hearing loss compensation and active noise reduction, then the device structure can be simplified, but interference effects and suboptimal performance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate signal processing sections with distinct processing chains optimized for their specific functions. The first section processes signals for hearing loss compensation while the second section processes signals for active noise reduction independently. This segmentation prevents interference effects and achieves optimal performance for both functions simultaneously.
4Device complexity
If sequential signal processing is used for hearing loss compensation and active noise reduction, then the processing chain is simple, but processing time increases and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal processing into parallel independent sections that process different aspects of the input signal simultaneously. The first signal processing section handles hearing loss compensation while the second handles active noise reduction in parallel rather than sequentially. This parallel processing architecture reduces total processing time while maintaining simple individual processing chains in each section.
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
The solution effectively combines hearing loss compensation and active noise reduction, minimizing interference and delay, resulting in improved noise cancellation and a better listening experience by optimizing the timing of signal processing and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
at least one microphone, in particular an external microphone, that picks up an input sound signal and converts it into an electrical input signal
Implementation Method 2
a receiver that converts the first electrical output signal and the second electrical output signal into an in particular joint output sound signal, for output to the user
Implementation Method 3
the actual noise reduction is achieved inside the auditory canal, however, by generating an inverted signal that is acoustically overlaid on the noise in the auditory canal and then cancels out the noise
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a hearing device is specified. The hearing device has at least one microphone that picks up an input sound signal and converts it into an electrical input signal. The hearing device has a signal processing section that modifies the electrical input signal on the basis of an audiogram of a user and thereby generates a first electrical output signal. The hearing device has an active noise reduction system that generates a second electrical output signal in order to reject a noise component. The hearing device has a receiver that converts the first electrical output signal and the second electrical output signal into an output sound signal, for output to the user. The active noise reduction system is operated in parallel with the signal processing section. A corresponding hearing device is programmed to perform the method.