Compact Spatial Hearing Test System with Vertical Loudspeaker Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spatial hearing test systems are large and cumbersome, occupying valuable space and causing distortions when placed close to the subject, making it difficult to administer accurate tests in limited audiometric sound booths.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-loudspeaker spatial hearing test system with a feedback mechanism that includes optical sensors and a controller to ensure accurate head positioning, allowing for precise measurement and feedback to the subject using LED indicators, enabling testing without headphones and accommodating various headgear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large array of loudspeakers is used for spatial hearing testing, then measurement precision is improved, but the system occupies too much space and causes distortions when placed close to the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal array of loudspeakers to a vertical array configuration. By arranging loudspeakers vertically above and below the subject's head rather than horizontally around them, the system achieves the necessary spatial separation for accurate interaural time difference measurement while fitting within the limited horizontal space of a sound booth. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and space occupation.
2Area of stationary object
If loudspeakers are placed close to the subject to reduce space occupation, then the system fits in limited space, but distortions of interaural acoustic differences occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions loudspeakers vertically at different heights above and below the subject's head rather than placing them horizontally close to the subject. This vertical arrangement maintains adequate acoustic separation distance while fitting within the sound booth's vertical space, thereby preserving the accuracy of interaural acoustic difference measurements without requiring excessive horizontal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback system with sensors and visual indicators that dynamically adjusts and monitors the subject's head position. This ensures the subject's head remains at the optimal testing position relative to the vertical loudspeaker array, maintaining measurement precision even though the system operates in a compact space where position control is more critical.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact array is used to fit in a sound booth, then the system occupies less space, but head position control becomes critical to avoid measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system using optical or other sensors to detect the subject's head position and visual indicators (such as LEDs) to provide real-time feedback to the subject. This allows the subject to self-correct their head position to achieve the optimal testing position, significantly reducing the difficulty of position control and eliminating the need for complex mechanical restraint devices while maintaining measurement accuracy in the compact vertical array configuration.
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 system effectively fits within a standard sound booth, reducing reflections and unnatural head diffraction effects, allowing for reliable spatial hearing assessments and accommodating diverse head-worn devices, while providing stable sound levels and realistic simulations.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors for collecting measurement data characterizing a position of a subject's head relative to the audio transducers
Implementation Method 2
a feedback indicator for presenting the feedback data to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system includes a number of audio transducers configured in a first arrangement for acoustic testing of a subject in a testing position, one or more sensors for collecting measurement data characterizing a position of a subject's head relative to the audio transducers, a controller for processing the measurement data to determine feedback data characterizing a difference between the position of the subject's head and the testing position, and a feedback indicator for presenting the feedback data to the subject.