Hearing Aid Pre-Pairing via Proxy Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

The configuration of complex hearing aids, including wireless connections, often requires users to perform cumbersome pairing processes with accessories like phones or tablets, which can be inconvenient, especially when the actual hearing aid is not available during the fitting process.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where an intermediate device acts as a proxy for the hearing aid during the pairing process, storing connection information for a secure wireless link that can be transferred to the actual hearing aid, allowing for pre-configured connections without the user needing to perform the pairing themselves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the user manually pairs the hearing aid with accessories, then the connection can be established, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidpairing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the pairing process in advance using a proxy device before the actual hearing aid is available to the user. The bond data is obtained and stored during the fitting process, so when the user receives the hearing aid, the pairing is already completed and no manual intervention is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a proxy device that temporarily acts as the hearing aid during the pairing process. This proxy device facilitates the connection between the accessory and the hearing aid system, transferring bond data without requiring the actual hearing aid to be present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the pairing is performed during the fitting process, then the connection can be established, but the actual hearing aid may not be available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration efficiencyVSAvoiddevice availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by using a proxy device that replicates the hearing aid's functionality during the pairing process. The proxy device creates a copy of the hearing aid's interface and communication protocol, allowing the pairing to proceed as if the actual hearing aid were present. The bond data obtained is then transferred to the real hearing aid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If the hearing aid is customized and delivered from remote storage, then individualization is achieved, but the device is not available during the fitting visit

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecustomizationVSAvoiddevice availability time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by performing the pairing configuration in advance during the fitting visit, while the customized hearing aid is being prepared and delivered from remote storage. The proxy device enables all pairing operations to be completed beforehand, so when the customized hearing aid arrives, it is already paired and ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11546704B2Pre-pairing of hearing aids

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 OTICON

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for establishing a bond for allowing secure communication between a hearing aid and an external device. Especially, the system and method allows for establish the bond without one of the device present during the bonding process.