Hearing Device Scanning for Broadcast Audio Stream Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved method of providing a broadcasted audio stream using a hearing device configured for being worn at a user's ear, which allows for seamless selection and playback of audio streams without the arduous pairing process.
Innovation Solution
A method and hearing device with a wireless communications unit that scans for advertisements of available broadcasted audio streams and associated audio streaming protocols, transmits broadcast information to an assistant device, and provides the user-selected audio stream to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pairing process is used to connect hearing device with broadcast device, then connection reliability is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device autonomously performs advertisement scanning and broadcast stream selection without requiring user intervention or manual pairing. The device self-manages the connection process by automatically detecting available broadcast streams and establishing connections based on pre-configured parameters, eliminating the need for complex pairing operations while maintaining reliable connections through automated verification
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device continuously scans for broadcast advertisements in the background before the user needs to listen to audio content. This preliminary scanning action ensures that when the user activates listening mode, the device already has information about available streams and can immediately establish connections without requiring manual pairing or configuration at the moment of use
2Reliability
If manual pairing process is implemented, then connection stability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device continuously performs advertisement scanning and maintains an updated list of available broadcast streams in the background. This continuous action ensures that when the user needs to listen, the device already has current information about available streams and can immediately establish connections without time-consuming pairing procedures, while connection stability is maintained through continuous monitoring and automatic reconnection capabilities
3Ease of operation
If broadcast device transmits audio stream without pairing, then ease of operation is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device uses feedback from broadcast advertisements to automatically verify and adjust connection parameters. By continuously monitoring advertisement information and comparing it with current connection status, the device can automatically reestablish connections if they are lost or incorrect, maintaining reliable connections while preserving the simplicity of broadcast-based operation without manual pairing
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of providing a broadcasted audio stream using a hearing device configured for being worn at an ear of a user and an assistant device. The method comprises scanning, by the hearing device, for advertisements of available broadcasted audio streams and an associated audio streaming protocol, thereby obtaining broadcast information comprising data on available broadcasted audio streams; transmitting, by the hearing device, the broadcast information to an assistant device; presenting, by the assistant device, a list of available broadcasted audio streams to a user and awaiting user-selection of a broadcasted audio stream; transmitting user-selection information comprising data on the user-selected broadcasted audio stream from the assistant device to the hearing device; and providing, by the hearing device, the user-selected broadcasted audio stream. Further disclosed is a hearing device configured for being worn at an ear of a user and an assistant device. The hearing device comprising a wireless communications unit configured to scan for advertisements of available broadcasted audio streams and an associated audio streaming protocol, and thereby obtain broadcast information comprising data on available broadcasted audio streams. The hearing device is configured to transmit the broadcast information to an assistant device, receive user-selection information comprising data on a user-selected broadcasted audio stream from the assistant device, and provide the user-selected broadcasted audio stream to a user.