scholarly journals Coupled D33 Mode-Based High Performing Bio-Inspired Piezoelectric MEMS Directional Microphone

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1305
Author(s):  
Ashiqur Rahaman ◽  
Haeil Jung ◽  
Byungki Kim
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Microelectromechanical System ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
Mems Technology ◽  
Piezoelectric Mems ◽  
Acoustic Sensitivity

Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) directional microphones have been identified as having use in multi-projected virtual reality applications such as virtual meetings for projecting cameras. In these applications, the acoustic sensitivity plays a vital role as it biases the directional sensing, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and self-noise. The acoustic sensitivity is the multiplied outcome of the mechanical sensitivity and the electrical sensitivity. As the dimensions are limited in MEMS technology, the improvement of the acoustic sensitivity by reflecting the mechanical as well as electrical domains is a challenge. This paper reports on a new formation of the D33 mode, the coupled D33 mode, based on piezoelectric sensing to improve the acoustic functionalities. The unique advancement of the proposed D33 mode is that it allows multiple spans of the regular D33 mode to perform together, despite this increasing the diaphragm’s dimensions. At a reduced diaphragm size, the orientation of the coupled D33 mode realizes the maximum conversion of the mechanical deflection into electrical sensitivity. The significance of the proposed D33 mode in comparison to the regular D33 mode is simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics. Then, for a proof–of–concept, the experimental validation is carried out using a piezoelectric MEMS directional microphone inspired by the ears of the fly Ormia ochracea. In both ways, the results are found to be substantially improved in comparison with the regular approach of the D33 mode, showing the novelty of this work.

Efficacy of a Reverse Cardioid Directional Microphone

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (01) ◽  
pp. 064-073 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Kuk ◽  
Denise Keenan
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Nonsense Syllable ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Sound Field ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Sentence Recognition ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
Speech Understanding In Noise ◽  
Hearing In Noise

Background: Directional microphones have been shown to improve a listener's ability to communicate in noise by improving the signal to noise ratio. However, their efficacy may be questioned in situations where the listener needs to understand speech originating from the back. Purpose: The goal of the study was to examine the performance of a directional microphone mode that has an automatic reverse cardioid polar pattern. Research Design: A single-blinded, factorial repeated-measures design was used to study the effect of microphone modes (reverse cardioid, omnidirectional, and front hypercardioid) and stimulus azimuths (front and back) on three outcome variables (aided thresholds, nonsense syllable identification in quiet, and sentence recognition in noise). Study Sample: Twenty adults with a mild-to-severe bilaterally symmetrical (±5 dB) sensorineural hearing loss participated. Intervention: Audibility in quiet was evaluated by obtaining aided sound field thresholds and speech identification at an input level of 50 dB SPL presented at 0 and 180° azimuths. In addition, speech understanding in noise was also assessed with the Hearing In Noise Test (HINT) sentences presented at both azimuths (0 and 180°) with a diffuse noise. Data Collection and Analysis: Repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were conducted to examine the effects of microphone mode (omnidirectional, front hypercardioid, reverse cardioid) and stimulus azimuth (0°, 180°) on aided thresholds, nonsense syllable identification, and HINT performance. Results: Results with the reverse cardioid directional microphone in both quiet conditions were similar to the omnidirectional microphone. The results of the reverse cardioid microphone in noise were significantly better than the omnidirectional microphone and front hypercardioid microphone when speech was presented from the back (p < 0.001). Conclusions: These results support the possible benefits of a reverse cardioid directional microphone when used in specific listening situations.

Effect of Signal-to-Noise Ratio on Directional Microphone Benefit and Preference

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (09) ◽  
pp. 662-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian E. Walden ◽  
Rauna K. Surr ◽  
Kenneth W. Grant ◽  
W. Van Summers ◽  
Mary T. Cord ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Directional Hearing ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Directional Hearing Aids

This study examined speech intelligibility and preferences for omnidirectional and directional microphone hearing aid processing across a range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). A primary motivation for the study was to determine whether SNR might be used to represent distance between talker and listener in automatic directionality algorithms based on scene analysis. Participants were current hearing aid users who either had experience with omnidirectional microphone hearing aids only or with manually switchable omnidirectional/directional hearing aids. Using IEEE/Harvard sentences from a front loudspeaker and speech-shaped noise from three loudspeakers located behind and to the sides of the listener, the directional advantage (DA) was obtained at 11 SNRs ranging from -15 dB to +15 dB in 3 dB steps. Preferences for the two microphone modes at each of the 11 SNRs were also obtained using concatenated IEEE sentences presented in the speech-shaped noise. Results revealed that a DA was observed across a broad range of SNRs, although directional processing provided the greatest benefit within a narrower range of SNRs. Mean data suggested that microphone preferences were determined largely by the DA, such that the greater the benefit to speech intelligibility provided by the directional microphones, the more likely the listeners were to prefer that processing mode. However, inspection of the individual data revealed that highly predictive relationships did not exist for most individual participants. Few preferences for omnidirectional processing were observed. Overall, the results did not support the use of SNR to estimate the effects of distance between talker and listener in automatic directionality algorithms.

An Integrative Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Directional Microphone and Noise Reduction Algorithm Under Realistic Signal-to-Noise Ratios

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Kuk ◽  
Christopher Slugocki ◽  
Petri Korhonen
Keyword(s):  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Moderate Degree ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Listening Effort ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Repeated Measures Design ◽  
Directional Microphone

Background: Many studies on the efficacy of directional microphones (DIRMs) and noise reduction (NR)algorithms were not conducted under realistic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions. A Repeat–RecallTest (RRT) was developed previously to partially address this issue.<br />Purpose: This study evaluated whether the RRT could provide a more comprehensive understanding ofthe efficacy of a DIRM and NR algorithm under realistic SNRs. Possible interaction with listener workingmemory capacity (WMC) was assessed.<br />Research Design: This study uses a double-blind, within-subject repeated measures design.<br />Study Sample: Nineteen listeners with a moderate degree of hearing loss participated.<br />Data Collection and Analysis: The RRT was administered with participants wearing the study hearingaids (HAs) under two microphones (omnidirectional versus directional) by two NR (on versus off) conditions.Speech was presented from 0° at 75 dB SPL and a continuous noise from 180° at SNRs of 0, 5,10, and 15 dB. The order of SNR and HA conditions was counterbalanced across listeners. Each testcondition was completed twice in two 2-hour sessions separated by one month.<br />Results: The recall scores of listeners were used to group listeners into good and poor WMC groups.Analysis using linear mixed-effects models revealed significant effects of context, SNR, and microphonefor all four measures (repeat, recall, listening effort, and tolerable time). NR was only significant on thelistening effort scale in the DIRM mode at an SNR of 5 dB. Listeners with good WMC performed better onall measures of the RRT and benefitted more from context. Although DIRM benefitted listeners with goodand poor WMC, the benefits differed by context and SNR.<br />Conclusions: The RRT confirmed the efficacy of DIRM and NR on several outcome measures underrealistic SNRs. It also highlighted interactions between WMC and sentence context on feature efficacy.<br />

scholarly journals Increasing the Effectiveness of Hearing Aid Directional Microphones

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (03) ◽  
pp. 224-236
Author(s):  
Charlotte T. Jespersen ◽  
Brent C. Kirkwood ◽  
Jennifer Groth
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Binaural Hearing ◽  
Laboratory Studies ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
Listening Strategies ◽  
Binaural Listening

AbstractDirectionality is the only hearing aid technology — in addition to amplification — proven to help hearing aid users hear better in noise. Hearing aid directionality has been documented to improve speech intelligibility in multiple laboratory studies. In contrast, real-world studies have shown a disconnect between the potential of the technology and what hearing aid users experience in their daily life. This article describes the real-world studies that inspired ReSound to take a different approach to applying directional microphone technology. This approach is based on the idea that hearing aid directionality can leverage natural binaural hearing and inherent listening strategies. The directional strategy includes three listening modes that will be explained. These are the Spatial Cue Preservation mode, the Binaural Listening mode, and the Speech Intelligibility mode. The strategy and the advantages it provides in terms of sound quality, spatial hearing, and improved signal-to-noise ratio with maintained awareness of surroundings are explained.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio Advantage of Binaural Hearing Aids and Directional Microphones under Different Levels of Reverberation

1984 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. Hawkins ◽  
William S. Yacullo
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Binaural Hearing ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
Noise Ratio ◽  
Binaural Hearing Aids ◽  
Omnidirectional Microphones ◽  
Different Levels

The signal-to-noise ratio necessary for a constant performance level was determined for normally hearing and hearing-impaired subjects under three levels of reverberation (0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 s) with monaural and binaural hearing aids having directional and omnidirectional microphones. Results indicated (a) a significant binaural advantage (2–3 dB) which was independent of microphone type and reverberation time, (b) a significant directional microphone advantage (3–4 dB) which was independent of hearing aid arrangement (monaural or binaural) but dependent on level of reverberation, (c) a significant reverberation effect which was larger than either the binaural or directional microphone effect, and (d) additive binaural and directional microphone advantages. The results suggest that the signal-to-noise ratio is optimized when binaural hearing aids with directional microphones are used in rooms with short reverberation times.

scholarly journals Experimental demonstration of spectral domain computational ghost imaging

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Ryczkowski ◽  
Caroline G. Amiot ◽  
John M. Dudley ◽  
Goëry Genty
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Michelson Interferometer ◽  
Spectral Domain ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Ghost Imaging ◽  
Spectral Measurements ◽  
Spectral Filter ◽  
Wavelength Division ◽  
Spectral Encoding ◽  
Light Effects

AbstractWe demonstrate computational spectral-domain ghost imaging by encoding complementary Fourier patterns directly onto the spectrum of a superluminescent laser diode using a programmable spectral filter. Spectral encoding before the object enables uniform spectral illumination across the beam profile, removing the need for light collection optics and yielding increased signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, the use of complementary Fourier patterns allows reduction of deleterious of parasitic light effects. As a proof-of-concept, we measure the wavelength-dependent transmission of a Michelson interferometer and a wavelength-division multiplexer. Our results open new perspectives for remote broadband spectral measurements.

Performance of Directional Microphone Hearing Aids in Everyday Life

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (06) ◽  
pp. 295-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary T. Cord ◽  
Rauna K. Surr ◽  
Brian E. Walden ◽  
Laurel Olson
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Directional Hearing ◽  
Directional Microphones ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Directional Microphone ◽  
Perceived Performance ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Directional Hearing Aids

This study explored the use patterns and benefits of directional microphone technology in real world situations experienced by patients who had been fitted with switchable omnidirectional/directional hearing aids. Telephone interviews and paper-and-pencil questionnaires were used to assess perceived performance with each microphone type in a variety of listening situations. Patients who used their hearing aids regularly and switched between the two microphone configurations reported using the directional mode, on average, about one-quarter of the time. From brief descriptions, patients could identify listening situations in which each microphone mode should provide superior performance. Further, they reported encountering listening situations in which an omnidirectional microphone should provide better performance more frequently than listening situations in which the directional microphones should be superior. Despite using the omnidirectional mode more often and encountering situations in which an omnidirectional microphone should provide superior performance more frequently, participants reported the same level of satisfaction with each microphone type.

Retinal Digital Image Quality Improvement as A Diabetes Retinopatic Disease Detection Effort

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-60
Author(s):  
Latifah Listyalina ◽  
Yudianingsih Yudianingsih ◽  
Dhimas Arief Dharmawan
Keyword(s):  
Image Processing ◽  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Digital Image ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Histogram Equalization ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Retinal Images ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Noise Ratio

Image processing is a technical term useful for modifying images in various ways. In medicine, image processing has a vital role. One example of images in the medical world, namely retinal images, can be obtained from a fundus camera. The retina image is useful in the detection of diabetic retinopathy. In general, direct observation of diabetic retinopathy is conducted by a doctor on the retinal image. The weakness of this method is the slow handling of the disease. For this reason, a computer system is required to help doctors detect diabetes retinopathy quickly and accurately. This system involves a series of digital image processing techniques that can process retinal images into good quality images. In this research, a method to improve the quality of retinal images was designed by comparing the methods for adjusting histogram equalization, contrast stretching, and increasing brightness. The performance of the three methods was evaluated using Mean Square Error (MSE), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Low MSE values and high PSNR and SNR values indicated that the image had good quality. The results of the study revealed that the image was the best to use, as evidenced by the lowest MSE values and the highest SNR and PSNR values compared to other techniques. It indicated that adaptive histogram equalization techniques could improve image quality while maintaining its information.

Bio-Inspired Rectangular Shaped Piezoelectric MEMS Directional Microphone

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashiqur Rahaman ◽  
Asif Ishfaque ◽  
Haeil Jung ◽  
Byungki Kim
Keyword(s):  
Directional Microphone ◽  
Piezoelectric Mems

scholarly journals Tunable control of antibody immobilization using electric field

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (7) ◽  
pp. 1995-1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Emaminejad ◽  
Mehdi Javanmard ◽  
Chaitanya Gupta ◽  
Shuai Chang ◽  
Ronald W. Davis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solid State ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Physical Adsorption ◽  
Antibody Immobilization ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Sensing Platforms ◽  
Glass Surfaces

The controlled immobilization of proteins on solid-state surfaces can play an important role in enhancing the sensitivity of both affinity-based biosensors and probe-free sensing platforms. Typical methods of controlling the orientation of probe proteins on a sensor surface involve surface chemistry-based techniques. Here, we present a method of tunably controlling the immobilization of proteins on a solid-state surface using electric field. We study the ability to orient molecules by immobilizing IgG molecules in microchannels while applying lateral fields. We use atomic force microscopy to both qualitatively and quantitatively study the orientation of antibodies on glass surfaces. We apply this ability for controlled orientation to enhance the performance of affinity-based assays. As a proof of concept, we use fluorescence detection to indirectly verify the modulation of the orientation of proteins bound to the surface. We studied the interaction of fluorescently tagged anti-IgG with surface immobilized IgG controlled by electric field. Our study demonstrates that the use of electric field can result in more than 100% enhancement in signal-to-noise ratio compared with normal physical adsorption.

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