Hearing Device Multi-Source Connection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hearing devices face challenges in managing connections with multiple audio sources simultaneously, leading to discrepancies in task performance and battery inefficiency due to unnecessary transmissions.

Innovation Solution

A hearing device with an interface, processor, and memory that obtains connection data, determines a connection scheme based on this data, and manages RX and TX events to prioritize and efficiently communicate with connected audio sources, such as mobile phones, computers, and TVs, reducing power consumption by minimizing unnecessary transmissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the hearing device maintains connections with multiple audio sources simultaneously, then connection versatility is improved, but energy consumption increases due to unnecessary transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection versatilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing device dynamically adjusts the connection scheme based on current audio sources and their priorities. The system transitions from static connection handling to dynamic adaptation by determining connection schemes that optimize energy usage while maintaining necessary connections, allowing the device to adapt its communication behavior to current operational context

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes transmission parameters by selectively determining which audio sources receive transmissions based on priority levels and current tasks. By modifying transmission behavior (sending to high-priority sources only when needed), the system reduces energy consumption while maintaining connection versatility for when it is required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the hearing device communicates with all connected audio sources, then connection reliability is improved, but battery performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidbattery performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing device applies different communication qualities to different audio sources based on their priorities. High-priority sources receive full communication attention to maintain reliability, while low-priority sources receive reduced or selective communication, optimizing battery performance by concentrating resources where they are most needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If the hearing device manages multiple audio source connections actively, then connection control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hearing device segments audio sources into different priority groups (high-priority and low-priority sources). This segmentation simplifies the control logic by creating distinct management categories, allowing precise control over which sources receive transmissions based on current tasks without requiring complex individual management of each source

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4287658A1Hearing device with multi-source-connection control
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 GN HEARING AS
  • EP4287658A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4287658A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4287658A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hearing device and method performed by the hearing device is provided. the hearing device, comprising an interface, a processor, and a memory, wherein the hearing device is configured to obtain connection data indicative of one or more audio sources connected to the hearing device; determine a connection scheme based on the connection data; receive, via the interface, one or more RX events from connected audio sources according to the connection scheme; and transmit, via the interface, one or more TX events to connected audio sources according to the connection scheme.