Hearing Aid Gateway for Remote Internet Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aid users face challenges in obtaining remote fitting solutions due to the heterogeneity of the Internet, dynamic IP allocation, and devices often being behind firewalls, making it difficult for hearing health care professionals to establish network connections for adjusting hearing aid settings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable network connections to hearing aids via the Internet by using a gateway, with user accounts and control servers managing unique identities and connection information, allowing direct connections from computer devices for programming and adjusting hearing aids during video calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dynamic IP allocation is used in IPv4 Internet protocol, then Internet address availability is improved, but connection stability deteriorates because the same address may be used by different devices at different times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the hearing aid and the fitting device. The gateway maintains a persistent connection to the control server and stores connection information (including dynamic IP addresses) in a connection register. This intermediary layer allows the hearing aid to communicate through the gateway without requiring stable direct IP addressing, thus resolving the contradiction between dynamic IP allocation and connection stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hearing aids are placed behind firewalls for security, then security is improved, but accessibility deteriorates because external devices cannot directly connect to adjust settings
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a trusted intermediary that sits behind the firewall but can communicate with both the hearing aid (inside the network) and the control server (outside the network). The gateway maintains a persistent connection to the control server and relays commands and data between the hearing aid and external fitting devices, thus providing secure access through the firewall without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the communication path into multiple layers: the hearing aid communicates with the gateway via short-range wireless (Bluetooth), the gateway communicates with the control server via Internet connection, and the control server manages the connection register. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with appropriate security measures, enabling accessibility while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user accounts are managed over the Internet, then user customization is improved, but system complexity increases due to need for user account servers and connection management
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device performs multiple functions: it acts as a wireless bridge between the hearing aid and Internet, maintains a persistent connection to the control server, stores connection information in a register, and relays commands between the hearing aid and external devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while enabling user customization through multiple accounts.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, hearing aid and software for providing a network connection for a computer device to at least one hearing aid having a gateway to the Internet. The system includes a user account server providing a user account database, each user account includes a unique identity for an associated hearing aid; a control server providing a hearing aid connection register including the unique identity of hearing aids associated with current connection information; and a network connection handling element for detecting the presence of a wireless connection between the hearing a and gateway, and for uploading current connection information to the control server. On receiving connection information, the control server updates the hearing aid connection register, and provides the current connection information to a requesting computer device. The computer device can establish a direct connection to the hearing aid based on current connection information requested from the control server.