Wireless sound transmission system and method

Abstract

A method for providing sound to at least one user, in which audio signals are captured and transformed into audio data that is transmitted to at least one receiver unit; audio signals are generated from the received audio data and the hearing of the user(s) stimulated thereby; wherein the audio data is transmitted as audio data packets in separate slots of a TDMA frame structure, wherein the transmission unit and the receiver unit(s) are synchronized to form a wireless network, wherein each TDMA frame structure has at least one listening slot during which the synchronized network members do not transmit data and at least one network members listens, and wherein control data is transmitted from an external control device according to a sequence pattern selected according to the duration and periodicity of the listening slot(s) to be received by the at least one synchronized network member during said listening slot(s).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to a system and a method for providing sound to at least one user, wherein audio signals from an audio signal source, such as a microphone for capturing a speaker's voice, are transmitted via a wireless link to a receiver unit, such as an audio receiver for a hearing aid, from where the audio signals are supplied to means for stimulating the hearing of the user, such as a hearing aid loudspeaker.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Wireless networking devices have a finite communication range which is limited by the output power of the transmitting device, the signal attenuation in the wireless channel and the sensitivity of the receiving device. The limitations can be regulatory restrictions (maximum allowed output power), technical constraints (size of transmitting and receiving antennas, electrical power consumed by transmitting device or receiving device), or the physical environment (e.g.,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is for a system and method that allows for wireless sound transmission while minimizing interference with synchronized network members. The invention provides a way for external control devices to send control data to synchronized network members without becoming a member themselves. This simplifies the process of controlling and synchronizing external devices, saving time and resources. The invention allows for the transmission of control data in a simple and efficient way.

Problems solved by technology

Wireless networking devices have a finite communication range which is limited by the output power of the transmitting device, the signal attenuation in the wireless channel and the sensitivity of the receiving device.

The limitations can be regulatory restrictions (maximum allowed output power), technical constraints (size of transmitting and receiving antennas, electrical power consumed by transmitting device or receiving device), or the physical environment (e.g., obstructing walls).

Furthermore, wireless links are not necessarily symmetric.

This imposes certain restrictions on such a device and also requires a certain time before a message can be sent, namely the time needed for synchronizing to the network.

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