Hearing Device External Unit Dynamic User Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices face challenges in providing an intuitive user interface for users, particularly when the external unit is coupled or decoupled from the stimulation unit, as existing interfaces do not adapt effectively to the user's ability to perceive visual displays, leading to limited functionality and potential for incorrect parameter adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The external unit of a hearing device dynamically adjusts its user interface based on its state relative to the stimulation unit, providing a limited set of functions and visual outputs when coupled and a more extensive set when decoupled, enhancing user interaction and power conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the external unit provides a limited user interface when coupled to the stimulation unit, then power consumption is reduced and incorrect settings are minimized, but user customization capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the user interface configurable based on the coupling state between the external unit and stimulation unit. The system dynamically switches between a limited first user interface when coupled and a more capable second user interface when decoupled, allowing the interface characteristics to change based on operational conditions rather than being fixed
2Adaptability or versatility
If the external unit provides extensive user interface functions when coupled to the stimulation unit, then user customization capability is enhanced, but power consumption increases and risk of incorrect settings rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the user interface functionality based on whether the external unit is coupled to the stimulation unit. When decoupled, the full second user interface is available for extensive customization. When coupled, the system automatically switches to the limited first user interface, reducing power consumption and minimizing the risk of incorrect settings during active operation
3Loss of information
If the external unit provides extensive visual outputs when coupled to the stimulation unit, then information availability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual output capabilities of the user interface are dynamically adjusted based on the coupling state. When the external unit is decoupled from the stimulation unit, extensive visual outputs are provided to maximize information availability. When coupled and actively delivering stimulation, the system limits visual outputs to conserve power, recognizing that extensive visual information is less critical during active therapy delivery
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for dynamically adjusting a user interface provided by an external unit of a hearing device. In an example method, the external unit determines whether a state of the external unit is one of (i) a coupled state when the external unit and the stimulation unit are coupled or (ii) a decoupled state when the external and the stimulation unit are decoupled. The external unit then provides one of (i) a first user interface when the determined state is the coupled state or (ii) a second user interface when the determined state is the decoupled state.