Cross-Device Setting Backup for Paired Hearing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The setup process for hearing devices is time-consuming, and users face the inconvenience of having to repeat the process if settings are lost or if a single device malfunctions, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A set of hearing devices with each device having backup setting data stored in the memory unit of the opposite device, allowing for seamless restoration of settings in case of malfunction or replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If setting data is stored only in the local memory unit of each hearing device, then the device structure remains simple, but the settings are lost when a device malfunctions or is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup storage function into the opposite hearing device's memory unit. Instead of adding separate backup storage to each device, the settings data of the first hearing device is stored in the memory unit of the second hearing device, and vice versa. This combining approach achieves redundancy without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory unit of each hearing device serves dual purposes: storing its own operational settings and storing backup settings of the opposite device. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware component to provide both primary storage and backup storage functions, eliminating the need for dedicated backup storage hardware.
2Loss of time
If backup setting data is stored in the opposite hearing device, then settings can be restored quickly, but data synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup settings data is pre-stored in the opposite hearing device's memory unit during normal operation. When a device malfunctions or is replaced, the backup data is already available immediately, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-setup procedures. The preliminary storage action ensures rapid restoration capability.
3Reliability
If more setting data is stored in each memory unit, then redundancy is improved, but memory capacity is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a copying strategy where settings data is replicated to the opposite hearing device's memory unit. Each device maintains a copy of the other's settings data, creating redundancy through duplication rather than through additional storage capacity. This copying approach provides backup capability while utilizing existing memory resources efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A set of hearing devices comprising a first hearing device adapted to be worn at a first ear of a user and a second hearing device adapted to be worn at a second ear of the user, each of the first and second hearing devices comprising: an output transducer, a wireless communication interface, a processing unit, and a memory unit, wherein the memory unit of the first hearing device comprises first setting data associated with user settings of the first hearing device, wherein the memory unit of the second hearing device comprises second setting data associated with user settings of the second hearing device, wherein the memory unit of the first hearing device comprises second setting backup data, and wherein the memory unit of the second hearing device comprises first setting backup data.