Wearable Sound Identification via Non-Auditory Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with hearing impairments face challenges in identifying and locating sounds, relying on subjective analysis and personal experience, which can limit their autonomy in recognizing potential dangers or important auditory cues.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system in a wearable electronic device that analyzes audio signals to determine their source and type, providing non-auditory feedback such as vibrations or visual alerts, enabling users to perceive their environment more effectively, even in the absence of auditory cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If audio signal processing techniques are used to assist identification and classification of sounds, then the ability to identify sounds is improved for hearing-impaired individuals, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable electronic device integrates multiple functions including audio signal reception, acoustic property analysis, source identification, and non-auditory feedback provision into a single multi-functional system. This allows the device to perform comprehensive sound analysis while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for wearable applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that converts acoustic properties into non-auditory feedback signals. This intermediary layer acts as a bridge between the audio input and the user, translating sound information into tactile or visual feedback that hearing-impaired individuals can perceive.
2Ease of operation
If non-auditory feedback is provided to enable autonomy of hearing-impaired individuals, then their independence is improved, but the loss of information is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the auditory feedback mechanism with mechanical (haptic) or visual feedback mechanisms. Instead of relying on sound waves to convey information, the device uses tactile vibrations or visual displays to transmit the same information, accommodating users who cannot process auditory signals effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where audio signals are continuously analyzed and the results are immediately communicated back to the user through non-auditory channels. This real-time feedback enables users to make informed decisions about their environment without relying on auditory cues.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include method, systems and computer program products for sound identification. Aspects include receiving, by a processor in a wearable electronic device, an indication of an audio signal. The audio signal is analyzed to determine an audio source and based at least in part on the audio source, non-auditory feedback is provided to a user of the wearable electronic device.