Hearing Device Transceiver Switching Between NFC and NFMI Channels

Solution Overview

Problem

Hearing devices face challenges in integrating multiple communication technologies due to limited installation space and increased costs, as each technology requires specific components, making it difficult to combine them effectively.

Innovation Solution

A hearing device with a communication frontend featuring a resonant circuit and a transceiver that can switch between NFC and NFMI channels, utilizing a control unit to selectively communicate on one of the two frequencies, allowing for data exchange through electromagnetic induction, thereby integrating multiple communication options in a space-saving and cost-effective manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication technologies are integrated into one hearing device, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal communication frontend that can perform multiple communication functions (NFC and NFMI) using a single transceiver and resonant circuit. The control unit enables the transceiver to switch between different communication channels and frequencies, allowing one hardware component to serve multiple communication purposes, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic frequency switching capability where the transceiver can be switched between a first frequency for NFC communication and a second frequency for NFMI communication. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware to operate at different frequencies depending on the required communication protocol, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each communication type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication technologies are integrated into one hearing device, then communication versatility is improved, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal communication frontend that can perform multiple communication functions (NFC and NFMI) using a single transceiver and resonant circuit. The control unit enables the transceiver to switch between different communication channels and frequencies, allowing one hardware component to serve multiple communication purposes, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the NFC and NFMI communication functions into a single integrated communication frontend. By combining the transceiver, resonant circuit, and control logic into one unified module, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware components for each communication type, thereby significantly reducing the installation space required in the hearing device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication technologies are integrated into one hearing device, then communication versatility is improved, but additional components and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal communication frontend that can perform multiple communication functions (NFC and NFMI) using a single transceiver and resonant circuit. The control unit enables the transceiver to switch between different communication channels and frequencies, allowing one hardware component to serve multiple communication purposes, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient data exchange on both NFC and NFMI channels using the same communication frontend and transceiver, optimizing communication capabilities while minimizing additional components and space requirements, allowing for both internal and external device communication.

Implementation Method 1

a transceiver for communication by way of electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240406643A1Hearing device and method for operating the hearing device

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 SIVANTOS PTE LTD

AI summary

A hearing device has a control unit and a communication frontend. The communication frontend includes a resonant circuit and a transceiver for communication using electromagnetic induction. The transceiver can be switched between a first communication channel at a first frequency and a second communication channel at a second frequency. The control unit switches the transceiver between the first and second communication channels for a selective communication on one of the two communication channels. There is also disclosed a corresponding method for operating such a hearing device.