2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
"Two Ears Are Better Than One": Towards the Development of a Real-Time Crosstalk Cancellation System Based on Bone Conduction
| Project/Area Number |
22K17904
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| Research Institution | Chiba University |
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Principal Investigator |
IRWANSYAH 千葉大学, フロンティア医工学センター, 特任助教 (60929818)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
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| Keywords | Bone Conduction / Crosstalk / Bone Transducer / Cancellation / Binaural Hearing |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
For those with ear issues unable to benefit from regular air conduction hearing aids, bone conduction-based hearing aids serve as a valuable alternative. However, when "crosstalk" occurs, sound intended for one ear inadvertently reaches the opposite ear through bone conduction (BC). This undesired sound transmission can limit the binaural advantages of using two such devices. Our project aims to develop a BC-based crosstalk cancellation system that improves binaural listening experiences. In 2022, we focused on the following aspects:
(1) Identifying effective in-ear sensors for crosstalk cancellation: We assessed in-ear sensors contributing most to cochlear-level cancellation using pure-tone hearing thresholds, with and without crosstalk cancellation. Our findings revealed that using a probe microphone provided better results.
(2) Examining sensor placements' impact on cancellation success: We explored the ear canal (probe microphone) and mastoid (accelerometer) locations. Sensor placement closer to the inner ear resulted in better perceived cancellation.
(3) Determining optimal sound frequency range for cancellation: We targeted crosstalk cancellation at the sensor, not the cochlea, due to inaccessibility. The cancellation still reached the cochlea, but proved effective only at low frequencies.
(4) Developing a real-time unilateral crosstalk cancellation prototype: We implemented our method on the Bela Mini Audio Platform, with a simple GUI enabling cancellation. Our system operated in real-time with low latency. A demo video is available online at https://youtu.be/D-Oy1AyythQ
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
1: Research has progressed more than it was originally planned.
Reason
Our research project on bone-conduction-based crosstalk cancellation systems has made significant progress in 2022. We have successfully identified the most effective in-ear sensors and sensor placements, determined the optimal range of sound frequencies for cancellation, and developed a real-time functioning prototype of a unilateral crosstalk cancellation system. We have also shared a demonstration video of our crosstalk cancellation project online, showcasing our achievements to date.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
In the upcoming year, we plan to focus on improving the cancellation performance of our crosstalk cancellation system. Our previous method was based on cancellation at the sensor. To enhance its effectiveness, we will introduce a new step involving manual adjustment. Participants will be asked to adjust the phase of two pure tones, optimizing cancellation at the cochlea. This additional step has the potential to improve the effective cancellation frequency range.
Following the implementation of this new step, we will evaluate the perceived cancellation using the same evaluation method. We will measure subjects' hearing thresholds with and without crosstalk cancellation. This evaluation will help us assess the effectiveness of the additional step in enhancing the cancellation performance.
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| Causes of Carryover |
As our journal paper was completed near the end of the fiscal year, we could not utilize the remaining budget designated for publication and proofreading. We plan to allocate these funds to cover professional proofreading services, improving the paper's quality and clarity before submitting it to a peer-reviewed journal. Upon the paper's acceptance, the residual budget will cover necessary publication fees. By carrying over the remaining budget, we can ensure timely publication and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in our research field.
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