Selective Frequency Compression for Continuous Audio Channel Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency compression methods in hearing aids result in scrambled sound sequences due to transposition of consecutive frequencies, impairing the auditory impression.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for frequency compression that determines a dominant instantaneous frequency in a first frequency channel, shifts it to an intermediate position in a second channel, and then modulates it to a final position based on a predefined compression characteristic, using amplitude modulation to ensure continuous mapping and minimize artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple channel copying is used for frequency compression, then implementation is simple, but frequency mapping is discontinuous causing scrambled sound sequences
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency compression process is divided into two distinct stages: first, channel-wise copying for efficient implementation, and second, selective frequency shifting of the dominant instantaneous frequency to achieve continuous mapping. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific purpose while combining to solve the overall problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The dominant instantaneous frequency acts as an intermediary element that is identified, extracted, and selectively shifted to a target frequency position. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain the simplicity of channel copying while introducing the necessary frequency correction to eliminate scrambling artifacts.
2Productivity
If channel-wise frequency shifting is applied, then processing is efficient, but artifacts occur due to discontinuous frequency mapping
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying uniform frequency shifting across entire channels, the invention applies frequency shifting locally only to the dominant instantaneous frequency component. This localized approach maintains processing efficiency while eliminating the artifacts caused by discontinuous mapping of other frequency components.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency shifting operation is made dynamic by tracking the dominant instantaneous frequency over time and adjusting its mapping position accordingly. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous frequency mapping that follows the natural evolution of the audio signal, preventing artifacts while maintaining efficient processing.
3Manufacturing precision
If dominant instantaneous frequency is selectively shifted, then continuous frequency mapping is achieved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification and extraction of the dominant instantaneous frequency from each channel before applying the selective frequency shifting operation. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent processing by focusing computational resources only on the critical frequency component that requires adjustment.
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
This approach ensures that sound frequencies are accurately shifted to their desired positions, reducing artifacts and improving the auditory experience by maintaining the sequence of frequencies, thereby enhancing sound clarity in hearing aids.
Implementation Method 1
shifting or mapping the dominant instantaneous frequency from the intermediate frequency position to the final frequency position by amplitude modulation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for frequency compression of audio signals to reduce the occurrence of artifacts. A component of the audio signal having a plurality of frequency channels is shifted from a first frequency channel into a second frequency channel. A dominant instantaneous frequency is determined in the first frequency channel. During shifting or mapping, first the entire first frequency channel, including the dominant instantaneous frequency, is shifted or mapped into the second frequency channel, wherein the dominant instantaneous frequency obtains an intermediate frequency position. A final frequency position for the dominant instantaneous frequency is determined using a predefined compression characteristic in the second frequency channel, starting from the frequency position of the dominant instantaneous frequency in the first frequency channel. Finally, the dominant instantaneous frequency is shifted or mapped from the intermediate frequency position to the final frequency position.