Hearing Aid Linking for Clear Communication in Noisy Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
People experience difficulty communicating in noisy environments, especially when using hearing aids, as existing noise cancellation settings do not fully address the issue.
Innovation Solution
A method for auditory devices to connect automatically or upon user request using sensors and proximity detection, forming connections based on broadcast identifiers and user-defined groups, enabling seamless communication between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hearing aids use noise cancellation settings to improve hearing ability, then the user's ability to hear in noisy environments is improved, but the communication clarity is not completely fixed and remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between two hearing aids that allows direct audio transmission. The first hearing aid transmits audio signals to the second hearing aid through a dedicated communication channel, bypassing the noisy environment. This intermediary system resolves the contradiction by providing a clear communication path that is not affected by external noise, thus improving communication clarity while maintaining the noise cancellation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the audio transmission path into separate dedicated channels for each hearing aid. By establishing individual communication links between paired hearing aids, the system divides the overall communication function into independent segments. This segmentation allows each hearing aid to receive clear audio signals directly from its paired device, resolving the communication clarity issue while the noise cancellation settings continue to operate independently for each device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hearing aids establish connections manually through user devices, then connection capability is achieved, but the connection process requires manual intervention and is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where hearing aids automatically detect and connect to each other without requiring manual intervention through a user device. The hearing aids perform automatic device discovery, establish connections autonomously, and manage the pairing process independently. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining full connection capability while eliminating the complexity of manual connection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary actions to be taken automatically, such as pre-establishing communication protocols and pre-configuring connection parameters before the user needs to communicate. The hearing aids perform preliminary device discovery and connection setup in advance, so when communication is needed, the connection is already established and ready to use. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by maintaining connection versatility while removing the need for manual intervention at the moment of use.
3Reliability
If hearing aids maintain continuous communication, then communication quality is ensured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication actions where hearing aids transmit and receive audio signals in scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The system maintains communication quality by using periodic updates and buffering mechanisms that ensure no audio data is lost during intervals. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by ensuring communication quality through regular updates while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful audio communication through efficient buffering and packet-based transmission. Instead of continuous real-time transmission, the system buffers audio data and transmits it in efficient batches, maintaining the perception of continuous communication for the user. This approach resolves the contradiction by preserving communication quality and continuity from the user's perspective while reducing actual transmission energy consumption through optimized data handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for a first auditory device to connect with a second auditory device that includes determining that a user requests that the first auditory device connect to the second auditory device. The method further includes transmitting a request for a connection to the second auditory device. The method further includes responsive to receiving an acknowledgement, subscribing to the connection. The method further includes communicating with the second auditory device until the first auditory device is done or out of a communication range with the second auditory device.