Hearing Aid Wireless Link Power Control With Link Quality Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless link systems in hearing aid devices and mobile devices suffer from inefficient power management due to fixed transmitted power levels, leading to unnecessary power consumption and waste, especially in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid system with a power controller that adjusts transmission power levels based on link quality signals determined by phase error detection, using a first link quality estimator to assess phase errors and adjust power levels within predefined thresholds, and optionally incorporating a second link quality estimator for bit error detection to optimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed transmitted power is used to ensure reliable communication in all conditions, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases unnecessarily in good signal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by continuously monitoring link quality metrics (phase error, bit error rate) and adapting the transmit power level accordingly. The power controller dynamically switches between different power levels based on real-time channel conditions, making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the receiving device measures link quality parameters and sends this information back to the transmitting device. The transmitter uses this feedback to adjust its power level, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power consumption while maintaining communication reliability.
2Reliability
If conservative power alignment is used to guarantee minimum communication quality, then communication quality is improved, but power efficiency deteriorates due to overhead current waste
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of always using full conservative power, the system applies partial power adjustment by reducing transmit power only when link quality measurements indicate it's safe to do so. The power controller selectively reduces power in good conditions while maintaining full power when needed, avoiding excessive power usage without compromising minimum quality requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter dynamically based on measured link quality metrics. By monitoring phase error and bit error rate, the system adjusts the transmit power parameter to match actual channel conditions, transitioning from a fixed conservative parameter to a variable adaptive parameter.
3Use of energy by moving object
If link quality estimation based on multiple parameters is implemented, then power optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the link quality estimation into distinct functional blocks: phase error detection unit, bit error rate detection unit, and power control unit. Each block performs a specific measurement or control function, making the overall complex system manageable through modular organization of separate detection and control functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing aid system is configured for managing the power of a wireless link. The hearing aid system includes a first hearing aid device and a mobile device, each of the devices including a transmit and receive unit for establishing a short range wireless link between the devices. At least one of the devices includes: a microphone configured to receive an acoustical audio signal; a signal processor configured to process an audio signal based on the acoustical audio signal; and first link quality estimating circuitry configured to determine rate of change of a link quality signal. The at least one of the devices is configured to transmit the link quality signal to the other device, and the other device is configured to determine a power level of transmission of an information packet based on the rate of change of the link quality signal via a power controller comprised by the other device.