Method for Estimating a Useful Signal and Hearing Device

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method and device for estimating a desired audio signal (such as speech) in hearing devices like hearing aids, headsets, or headphones. The invention extracts multiple microphone signals, filters out unwanted sounds (such as interfering speakers or background noise) from predetermined directions, and utilizes advanced signal processing (such as coherence and power spectral density estimation) to more accurately isolate and enhance the desired audio, especially in challenging, non-stationary noise environments.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Hearing aids for people with hearing impairments to improve speech clarity in noisy environments like restaurants or public places.
• Personal audio devices such as headsets or headphones to suppress unwanted background noise during calls or music listening.
• Assistive listening systems in public or professional settings, providing clearer sound during meetings or events.
• Communication devices that require enhanced speech recognition and intelligibility in multi-speaker situations, such as conference systems or intercoms.
• Consumer electronics, including smart speakers or voice-controlled devices, to enhance voice command detection under noisy conditions.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces background noise and interference, especially in environments with multiple sound sources (e.g., 'cocktail party' situations).
• Enhances the clarity and quality of the desired audio signal, such as focused speech, even when background noise is non-stationary or changes rapidly.
• Adaptable to various audio device types, including hearing aids, headphones, and headsets.
• Improves user comfort and communication efficiency by dynamically filtering signals based on the spatial characteristics of noises and voices.
• Can operate continuously and reliably without relying on stationary noise assumptions, making it effective in real-world, dynamic environments.

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Patent Abstract

The invention concerns a high-performance method for evaluating a useful signal of an audio device, and in particular of an audio apparatus, for example for reducing interference. Accordingly the invention proposes a method in which at least two microphone signals are each obtained from a sound signal and a reference signal (n) is obtained from the microphone signals (x), a portion of the microphone signals (x) from a predetermined direction being blocked. The microphone signals are filtered by a filter (FILT) such that an evaluation signal (S~q) is obtained. To that end, a coherence value (Γ) is determined from portions of the reference signal (n) and a power density value (S) is determined from the coherence value. The filter is parameterized on the basis of the power density value (S).