Hearing Aid Programmer On-Demand Firmware Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing aid programming systems face inefficiencies due to the need for initial firmware configuration upon power-up, which may not be correct for the specific hearing aids being programmed, leading to wasteful and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A hearing aid programmer with a program memory for firmware and a parameter memory that allows for delayed configuration, where firmware and patient-specific parameters are downloaded only when the hearing aids are connected, ensuring correct and efficient programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the hearing aid programmer is configured at power-up, then the configuration process is automated, but the configuration may be incorrect when actual hearing aids are connected, leading to wasted time and inefficient programming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the hearing aid model and automatically loads the appropriate configuration firmware before the user initiates programming. This preliminary action ensures the correct configuration is ready when needed, eliminating both manual configuration time and incorrect configuration waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects which hearing aid is connected and uses this feedback information to automatically select and load the corresponding configuration firmware. This feedback mechanism ensures the configuration matches the actual hearing aid being programmed, preventing wasted time on incorrect configurations.
2Reliability
If the hearing aid programmer waits to configure until hearing aids are connected, then the configuration will be correct, but the programming process is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the hearing aid model as soon as it is connected and immediately loads the appropriate configuration firmware in the background, before the user needs to proceed with programming. This preliminary configuration action ensures both correctness and efficiency by preparing everything in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration process occurs continuously in the background as soon as the hearing aid is detected, without interrupting the user workflow. This continuous background action maintains programming efficiency while ensuring correct configuration is ready when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple firmware programs are stored on the computer, then the system can support multiple hearing aid manufacturers, but the risk of downloading incorrect firmware increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system queries the connected hearing aid to obtain its manufacturer and model information, then uses this feedback to automatically select the corresponding firmware program from multiple available options. This feedback-based selection ensures the correct firmware is downloaded for the specific hearing aid being programmed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing aid itself acts as an intermediary that provides identification information to the programming system. This intermediary mechanism enables automatic firmware selection based on the hearing aid's own identity, ensuring accuracy while maintaining multi-manufacturer support.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the present invention the hearing aid programmer includes a program memory for receiving firmware programming instructions and a parameter memory for receiving patient-specific hearing aid parameters to be programmed into a coupled programmable hearing aid. A software hearing aid fitting system executed on a computer such as a PC provides the parameters. In response to a user command, the computer causes a firmware program (selected from one or more firmware programs stored on the computer) appropriate to the hearing aid to be programmed to be downloaded to the programmer.