Eargo, Inc. (20240334133). Tone Detection in Hearing Device Audio Signals simplified abstract

Tone Detection in Hearing Device Audio Signals

Organization Name

Eargo, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Brenton Steele of Blackburn South (AU)

Bryant E. Sorensen of State College PA (US)

Tone Detection in Hearing Device Audio Signals - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240334133 titled 'Tone Detection in Hearing Device Audio Signals

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes methods, devices, and systems for processing an audio signal in a hearing device to determine if the signal is tonal. This is done by analyzing the signal in the frequency domain across multiple subbands and calculating a normalized cross-correlation to determine tonality.

• The signal is converted into samples in the frequency domain across multiple subbands.
• A normalized cross-correlation is calculated between samples in the same subband.
• The resulting metric is compared to a predetermined threshold to determine tonality.
• If the metric is greater than or equal to the threshold, the signal is considered tonal in that subband.
• If the metric is less than the threshold, the signal is considered not tonal in that subband.

Key Features and Innovation

• Analysis of audio signals in the frequency domain across multiple subbands.
• Calculation of normalized cross-correlation to determine tonality.
• Comparison of metric to a predetermined threshold for tonal classification.

Potential Applications

This technology can be used in hearing devices to improve sound processing and enhance the listening experience for users.

Problems Solved

• Efficiently determining tonality of audio signals in hearing devices.
• Enhancing signal processing capabilities in the frequency domain.

Benefits

• Improved accuracy in classifying tonal signals.
• Enhanced performance of hearing devices for users.

Commercial Applications

• Title: "Advanced Audio Signal Processing for Hearing Devices"
• This technology can be applied in the development of advanced hearing aids and cochlear implants.
• Market implications include improved functionality and user satisfaction in hearing devices.

Prior Art

There may be prior art related to signal processing in hearing devices, particularly in the analysis of audio signals for tonality determination.

Frequently Updated Research

Research in the field of audio signal processing for hearing devices is constantly evolving, with new advancements and techniques being developed to enhance sound processing capabilities.

Questions about Audio Signal Processing

What are the key benefits of using normalized cross-correlation in tonality determination?

Using normalized cross-correlation helps to provide a standardized measure of similarity between audio signal samples, which is crucial for accurately determining tonality.

How does analyzing audio signals in the frequency domain across multiple subbands improve signal processing in hearing devices?

Analyzing signals in the frequency domain allows for a more detailed examination of different frequency components, which can lead to more precise tonality classification and overall improved sound processing.

Original Abstract Submitted

methods, devices and systems for signal processing an audio signal in a hearing device to determine whether the signal is tonal. the signal is converted at each of a series of successive time windows into samples in the frequency domain across multiple subbands. for at least one of the subbands, a normalized cross-correlation is calculated between two different samples in the same subband. a metric resulting from the calculation is compared to a predetermined threshold to provide a measure of whether the signal is tonal. the signal is considered to be tonal in the frequency of the subband when the metric is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, and the signal is considered to be not tonal in the frequency of the subband when the metric is less than the predetermined threshold.