Hearing Audio Prioritization Across Multiple Source Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hearing devices struggle with managing audio sources from multiple devices effectively, lacking efficient audio stream prioritization and customization.

Innovation Solution

A hearing device with an interface, processor, and memory that can receive audio data from multiple sources, determine an audio output scheme based on various identifiers, and prioritize audio streams accordingly, allowing users to customize audio reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the hearing device receives audio data from multiple audio devices, then the audio source management capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio source management capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the audio source management by introducing identifier-based categorization (device type identifiers, context type identifiers, application type identifiers) that divides the complex task of managing multiple audio sources into manageable classification categories. This allows the hearing device to handle multiple audio sources systematically through structured identification and prioritization schemes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining priority rules and audio output schemes before actual audio streaming occurs. The hearing device stores multiple audio output schemes in advance, each associated with different combinations of identifiers and priorities. When audio data arrives, the device simply matches the incoming data against these pre-established schemes rather than making complex real-time decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the hearing device implements customized prioritization of audio streams, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service by allowing users to customize priority rules and audio output schemes according to their personal preferences. The hearing device stores these user-defined configurations and automatically applies them without requiring manual intervention during audio streaming. Users can define which device types, contexts, or applications should receive higher priority, and the system autonomously manages audio output based on these pre-set preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of priority levels and audio output schemes based on different audio data characteristics. The system can change operational parameters (which audio stream to output, at what priority level) based on the identified device type, context, or application, providing flexible and adaptive audio management that responds to varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260059247A1Hearing device with multi-source audio reception
Publication Date: 2026.02.26 GN HEARING AS
  • US20260059247A1 patent drawing
  • US20260059247A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A hearing device and method for operating a hearing device is provided, the hearing device comprising an interface, a processor, and a memory, wherein the hearing device is configured to receive, via the interface, first audio data from a first audio device; receive, via the interface, second audio data from a second audio device; determine an audio output scheme based on the first audio data and the second audio data; and provide an audio output according to the audio output scheme.