Hearing Aid Network Subnet Gateway Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing networking of hearing aids is energy-intensive and has a limited range, making efficient and error-free data exchange between devices challenging, especially for mobile devices without a fixed power supply.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring hearing aids into subnets with gateways that enable indirect connections, dynamic subnet configuration for optimized transmission quality, and the use of peer-to-peer networks within subnets to reduce energy requirements and increase data exchange range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hearing aids are connected directly for data exchange, then data exchange range is limited, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) as mediators between hearing aids. These intermediaries have stronger transmission capabilities and can relay data between hearing aids that are far apart, extending the effective communication range without requiring the hearing aids themselves to transmit directly over long distances, thus reducing their energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the direct peer-to-peer connection model into an indirect multi-hop communication architecture. Instead of each hearing aid attempting direct long-range communication, the network is divided into segments where hearing aids connect to intermediaries, which then connect to other hearing aids or to each other through multiple hops, distributing the transmission burden and enabling longer effective range.
2Ease of operation
If hearing aids operate as mobile devices without fixed power supply, then portability is improved, but operational duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through duty cycling, where the hearing aid's wireless interface is activated only periodically to exchange data with intermediaries rather than continuously maintaining connection. This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption, extending the operational duration between battery changes while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service through automatic data exchange mechanisms where hearing aids autonomously connect to available intermediaries and exchange data without user intervention. The system automatically manages connections, routing, and data transmission, reducing the need for continuous user interaction and allowing the device to operate efficiently with limited power.
3Reliability
If data exchange interface is activated continuously, then connectivity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by configuring the data exchange interface to operate in periodic mode, activating only when data needs to be transmitted or received. The hearing aid monitors for incoming data from intermediaries and activates the wireless interface accordingly, maintaining connectivity reliability while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where hearing aids continuously monitor their operational status, battery level, and data exchange needs. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts interface activation timing and connectivity parameters, ensuring reliable data exchange when needed while reducing energy consumption during periods when data exchange is not required.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for operating a network (12) is described, comprising several hearing aids (2) assigned to different users (N), each hearing aid (2) having an interface (14) and being connected via this interface to at least one of the other hearing aids (2) for data exchange with this hearing aid (2) and the other hearing aids (2). The network (12) is divisible into several subnets (16, 18), which are then interconnected by configuring one of the hearing aids (2) as a gateway (20) in each subnet (16, 18) for data exchange between the hearing aids (2) of different subnets (16, 18). Each hearing aid (2) is assigned to exactly one subnet (16, 18) and is dynamically reassigned to another existing subnet (16, 18) or a new subnet (16, 18) to improve transmission quality during data exchange. A hearing aid (2) is further described.