Hearing Device Wireless Audio Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing devices face limitations in receiving audio streams due to limited transmission range and battery power, making it difficult to seamlessly switch between transmitter units while maintaining audio quality and minimizing power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device with an antenna, receiver unit, and processing unit that evaluates audio stream parameters to automatically switch between transmitter units based on pilot package parameters, allowing for efficient switching without requiring data transmission to the transmitters, thus optimizing power usage and maintaining audio quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hearing device continuously monitors and switches between transmitter units to maintain audio quality, then the audio reception reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device autonomously monitors pilot packages from multiple transmitters and automatically switches between them based on signal quality without requiring manual intervention or continuous high-power communication protocols, thereby maintaining reliable audio reception while minimizing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The device continuously monitors pilot packages from potential transmitter units in advance, evaluating signal quality parameters before switching is needed, so that when a switch becomes necessary, it can be executed quickly and efficiently without power-intensive real-time scanning
2Use of energy by moving object
If the hearing device uses limited battery power for wireless communication, then the device portability is improved, but the transmission range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the coverage area into multiple transmission zones, each served by a different transmitter unit. The hearing device moves between these zones seamlessly, effectively extending the total coverage range beyond what a single transmitter could provide while keeping individual transmitter power requirements moderate
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple transmitter units work together to provide continuous coverage across a larger area. The hearing device combines information from pilot packages of multiple transmitters to determine the optimal connection, effectively merging the coverage areas of individual transmitters into a unified service region
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hearing device implements seamless switching between transmitters, then the audio stream continuity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pilot packages serve as intermediary signals that carry information about transmitter availability and quality without requiring full audio stream processing. The device uses these lightweight pilot packages to make switching decisions, avoiding the complexity of analyzing complete audio streams for each potential transmitter
Solution Approach 2:
The switching decision is based on evaluating specific parameters within pilot packages (such as signal strength, quality metrics, and transmitter identifiers) rather than complex audio analysis. By focusing on key parameters, the device achieves seamless switching with reduced computational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for receiving wireless audio streams in a hearing device includes: receiving audio packages of a primary audio stream from a primary transmitter unit having a primary transmitter unit address; evaluating a first parameter of the primary audio stream; and if the first parameter fulfills a search criterion: searching for pilot packages from available transmitter units; determining an optimum transmitter unit based on one or more pilot package parameters of the pilot packages from the available transmitter units; and receiving audio packages of an audio stream from the optimum transmitter unit.