Hearing Aid Communication System with Rule Processing Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems for hearing aids lack the ability to seamlessly integrate with multiple external devices and provide personalized audio enhancements, limiting their functionality and usability for users with varying hearing impairments.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising a hearing aid, a relay server, a rule processing server, and external devices, where the hearing aid converts acoustic signals into electric signals, and the rule processing server generates action request signals to trigger actions in external devices based on detected events, using multiple data communication channels to facilitate integration with various devices and enhance audio experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hearing aid connects to external devices via Bluetooth or ZigBee communication channels, then wireless communication functionality is achieved, but the system complexity and difficulty of integration with multiple devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that mediates communication between the hearing aid and multiple external devices. The server handles protocol translation, device management, and data routing, allowing the hearing aid to connect with various devices without requiring complex multi-protocol support in the hearing aid itself. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by centralizing complexity in the server while keeping the hearing aid relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hearing aid processes multiple types of signals from various external devices, then functionality and audio enhancement capabilities are improved, but the processing complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the server perform signal preprocessing, format conversion, and data organization before transmitting signals to the hearing aid. The server prepares signals in advance according to the hearing aid's specific requirements, reducing the processing burden on the hearing aid's limited resources and lowering its energy consumption during actual operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the communication system includes multiple servers and communication channels, then system functionality and customization options are enhanced, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the communication system into distinct functional modules: a first server for basic communication relay, a second server for advanced processing and customization, and multiple communication channels for different signal types. This modular segmentation allows personalized audio enhancements to be implemented in the second server without complicating the core communication functionality handled by the first server.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enables improved usability for hearing aid users by allowing integration with multiple external devices, providing personalized audio enhancements, and reducing complexity, thus enhancing daily life experiences for users with hearing impairments.
Implementation Method 1
The microphone is further configured to convert an acoustic sound signal into an electric sound signal
Implementation Method 2
The output transducer is configured to convert the processed electric sound signal into a mechanical signal, for instance into a particular vibration of a membrane providing an acoustic tone
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a communication system comprising a hearing aid, a communication unit, a relay server, a rule processing server, and at least one external device, wherein the rule processing server comprises a data communication interface to communicate with said relay server and with a plurality of external devices over a plurality of data communication channels, a rule processor, and a rule base comprising a set of rules, each rule defining an action to be triggered in response to a trigger event. Said rule processor is configured to generate an action request signal in response to an event signal representing a trigger event. Said action request signal is configured to cause an action of at least one of the hearing aid, the communication unit, the relay server or the external device, and wherein said action request signal carries information that designates at least one of said devices and at least one action to be performed of said at least one device. Said communication system further comprises an event detector that is configured to detect a trigger event and to generate the event signal in response to a detection of the trigger event.