Hearing Device Reflected Power State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with wireless communication capabilities face challenges in determining their state, particularly when not worn in their operational position, leading to potential issues like squealing when removed from the ear.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detector to measure reflected power signals from the antenna, which indicates the state of the hearing device, allowing the processing unit to determine whether the device is worn or not, and adjust settings accordingly, such as turning off transducers to prevent squealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hearing device uses wireless communication with antenna, then communication functionality is improved, but the device cannot reliably determine its operational state leading to squealing when removed from ear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the reflected power signal from the antenna and using it to determine the operational state of the hearing device. The processing unit continuously monitors the reflected power and compares it against threshold values to reliably detect whether the device is worn or removed, enabling automatic state determination without user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using reflected power signal as an intermediate parameter to infer the operational state. Instead of directly detecting device state, the system measures the reflected power from the antenna which changes based on the proximity to the human body, thereby indirectly determining whether the device is worn or removed.
2Measurement precision
If the hearing device continuously monitors for state detection, then state determination accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by implementing state detection at specific intervals rather than continuously. The processing unit determines the operational state based on reflected power measurements at defined moments, balancing measurement precision with energy conservation by avoiding constant monitoring while still maintaining reliable state detection capability.
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
Enables the hearing device to operate effectively by determining its state and controlling settings, preventing unwanted noise when not in use, and allowing for efficient charging without manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a detector configured to detect a reflected power signal, the reflected power signal indicating an amount of power reflected towards the wireless communication unit from the antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a hearing device comprising an antenna and a wireless communication unit, the wireless communication unit being coupled to the antenna, the wireless communication unit and the antenna being configured for transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals. The hearing device comprises a detector configured to detect a reflected power signal indicating an amount of power reflected towards the wireless communication unit from the antenna and a processing unit configured to receive the reflected power signal, and to determine a state of the hearing device, including a first state in which the hearing device is not worn in its operational position in or at the ear of a user. Disclosed is also a method of determining a state of a hearing device, including a state in which the hearing device is not worn in its operational position in or at the ear of a user.