Device, method and computer program for analyzing an audio signal

US8761893B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. · DE

Inventors

• Frank Klefenz · Mannheim, DE
• András Kátai · Ilmenau, DE
• Gero Szepannek · Dortmund, DE
• Tamas Harczos · St. Blasien, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 10, 2006
• Grant date: Jun 24, 2014
• Expiry date: Aug 23, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04R2225/43
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A device for analyzing an audio signal to obtain an analysis representation of the audio signal includes a converter for converting the audio signal into a representation representing a neurotransmitter vesicle occurrence in clefts between a plurality of nerve fibers and inner auditory cells of an ear model, and a calculator for calculating a neural activity pattern over time on the plurality of nerve fibers, which results based on the neurotransmitter vesicle occurrence, wherein the neural activity pattern is an analysis representation of the audio signal. The inventive device thus generates an especially suitable analysis representation of an audio signal in which masking effects occurring in the generation of action potentials on nerve fibers are considered. The inventive analysis representation is also suitable for an examination of the audio content and also for controlling cochlea implants.