Audio Signaling Block for Head-worn Device Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hearing assistive systems lack efficient methods for remote control and pairing of head-worn devices, particularly in scenarios where traditional radio communication is restricted, such as during flight mode or in environments with limited line of sight.
Innovation Solution
A hearing assistive system comprising a personal communication device and a head-worn device, utilizing short-range radio technology like Bluetooth and Near-Field Magnetic Induction, with an audio signaling block to detect and decode data packets, enabling remote control and pairing through acoustic modulation and demodulation, allowing for the management of radio modes and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radio communication is used for pairing head-worn devices, then reliable communication can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires additional hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing circuit in the head-worn device is made multi-functional by enabling it to not only process audio signals but also to modulate and demodulate radio frequency signals for communication purposes. This allows the same hardware component to serve dual functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated radio communication hardware and thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the audio signal processing function and radio frequency signal processing function into a single integrated circuit. By merging these two previously separate functional blocks, the system achieves reliable communication without adding separate hardware components, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If audio-based communication is used for remote control, then ease of operation is improved, but data transmission reliability may be compromised in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audio carrier signal as an intermediary medium to transmit control data. Instead of directly transmitting digital data through the audio channel which would be vulnerable to noise, the system modulates the audio signal onto a carrier wave, creating a robust transmission medium that maintains reliability while preserving the ease of audio-based operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the audio signal by modulating it with a radio frequency carrier. This parameter transformation allows the signal to carry more information and become more resistant to environmental noise, thereby improving data transmission reliability while maintaining the user-friendly audio-based interface.
3Ease of operation
If pairing mode is activated automatically, then ease of operation is improved, but security risks increase due to potential unauthorized pairing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the personal communication device sends pairing confirmation signals to the head-worn device. This feedback loop allows the system to verify the authenticity of the pairing request and confirm successful pairing, thereby enabling automated pairing while maintaining security against unauthorized connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary security checks and authentication procedures before automatically activating pairing mode. By conducting these security actions in advance, the system ensures that only authorized devices can pair, thus enabling ease of operation through automation while preventing security risks from unauthorized pairing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable remote control and pairing of head-worn devices, ensuring seamless operation even in restricted communication environments, improving user interaction and device synchronization while maintaining safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
an input transducer adapted for converting sound into an electric signal
Implementation Method 2
a processor outputting a modified audio signal via an output transducer
Implementation Method 3
an audio signaling block for detecting and decoding the data packet received by the input transducer
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing assistive system, comprises a personal communication device (10) and a head-worn device (20). The personal communication device (10) has a user interface (12) being adapted for user interaction, a processor (11) controlling the user interface (12) and being adapted to run an application program, a short-range radio (13), and an output transducer (15). The head-worn device (20) has an input transducer (24) adapted for converting sound into an electric signal applied to a processor (21) outputting a modified audio signal via an output transducer (25). The application program is adapted to generate and output a data packet (70) on an audio carrier via the output transducer (15). The head-worn device (20) has an audio signaling block (26) for detecting and decoding the data packet (70) received by the input transducer (24). The head-worn device (20) has a controller (27) for controlling the operation of a short-range radio (28). The audio signaling block (26) is adapted to detect a radio pair command included in the data packet (70), and to instruct the controller (27) to enter pairing mode for the short-range radio (28), accordingly.