Hearing Device Multi-Call Channel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication devices, such as headsets and earbuds, can only handle one active call at a time, limiting user mobility and requiring multiple devices to manage multiple group calls, which is cumbersome and restrictive.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables a single ear-worn communication device to connect to multiple active calls simultaneously by detecting available channels on a hearing device, assigning calls to these channels, and streaming voice and data accordingly, allowing users to manage multiple group calls with ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single hearing device is used to handle multiple active calls, then user mobility and convenience are improved, but the device complexity and channel management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing by dividing multiple call channels into separate audio channels within the hearing device. Each call is assigned to a specific channel (e.g., left ear, right ear, or sequential channels), allowing simultaneous handling of multiple calls without requiring multiple physical devices. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling multi-call support through internal channel division rather than external device multiplication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple headsets are used to handle multiple active calls, then call management capability is improved, but user mobility and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple call handling capabilities into a single hearing device by implementing multiple independent audio channels within one device. Instead of requiring users to manage multiple separate headsets, the system combines multiple call streams into a unified device with differentiated channels, thereby improving mobility while maintaining multi-call versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device is designed with universal multi-functionality to handle various types of calls (one-on-one, group calls, conferences) across multiple channels simultaneously. The device can adaptively assign different call types to appropriate channels based on user selection or automatic algorithms, enabling a single device to replace multiple specialized headsets for different call scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hearing device supports multiple audio channels for simultaneous calls, then multi-call capability is improved, but the requirement for channel availability and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing multiple audio channels within the hearing device before multi-call operations begin. The electronic device detects the number of available channels in advance and prepares the channel allocation structure beforehand. This preliminary channel setup enables seamless multi-call support without requiring complex real-time channel negotiation or management during active calls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the electronic device continuously monitors the availability of audio channels in the hearing device and adjusts call assignment accordingly. The processor detects channel status and provides feedback to the call management system, enabling dynamic adaptation to channel availability. This feedback loop simplifies channel management by automatically responding to device capabilities rather than requiring manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for multi-call communications for audio communication. The system includes one or more control devices (CDs) wherein a target CD is coupled to one HD and other CDs are coupled to a plurality of HDs. The method also includes connecting a first control device (CD) coupled with a first hearing device (HD) to a plurality of call groups, each call group comprising a second CD and a plurality of HDs. The method also includes directing a call channel stream to the first HD coupled to the first CD, the call channel stream selected from the plurality of call groups.