Hearing Device Wireless Transmitter Remote Audio Link
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices lack the capability to establish wireless communication links over extended distances, limiting their scope of use and functionality, especially in scenarios where improved hearing or audio signal transmission is needed for multiple individuals.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a wireless transmitter into hearing devices that can establish a wireless communication link with remote receivers, allowing for the transmission of audio representing signals over distances greater than typical hearing devices, and incorporating a computing unit for signal processing and selection to enhance audio quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless transmitter is integrated into the hearing device to enable remote communication, then the communication range and versatility of the hearing device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating both a receiver for receiving audio signals and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting processed audio signals to remote devices. This multi-functionality allows the same device to serve multiple purposes: traditional hearing assistance, audio streaming, and remote audio transmission, thereby resolving the contradiction between enhanced versatility and increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication module acts as an intermediary component between the audio processing unit and external devices. This intermediary enables the hearing device to communicate with smartphones, computers, and other audio devices without requiring direct physical connections, thus extending communication range while managing complexity through a dedicated communication subsystem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio signals are transmitted wirelessly from the hearing device to remote receivers, then the functionality and use cases are improved, but the signal processing requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal processing function is segmented into distinct modules: a receiver module for capturing and initial processing of audio signals, and a transmitter module for further processing and wireless transmission. This segmentation allows complex signal processing to be divided into manageable stages, each handled by specialized components, thereby enabling enhanced functionality while controlling overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional wired audio transmission mechanisms with wireless communication technology. By substituting physical cable connections with wireless signal transmission, the system eliminates the mechanical constraints of wired connections, thereby improving functionality and adaptability while managing complexity through software-based signal processing and wireless protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hearing device can communicate with multiple remote devices, then the versatility and communication capability are improved, but the device complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hearing device incorporates a universal wireless communication interface that can connect with multiple types of remote devices including smartphones, tablets, computers, and audio players. This universal interface uses standard communication protocols, allowing the hearing device to adapt to different device types without requiring separate specialized connections for each, thereby enhancing communication capability while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The hearing device includes automatic device detection and pairing capabilities that allow it to autonomously establish connections with remote devices without requiring manual configuration. The system automatically identifies available devices, selects appropriate communication parameters, and initiates audio transmission, thereby reducing user control requirements while maintaining the ability to communicate with multiple devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system has a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver. The transmitter is built into a hearing device to be worn at one or both ears of an individual. The hearing device has an input acoustical-to-electrical converter unit and an output electrical-to-mechanical converter unit. The wireless transmitter is operationally connectable to the output of the input converter unit. The receiver is remote from the hearing device by a distance larger than any distance between two areas at one single individual. The transmitter and receiver form a wireless communication link at least for audio representing signals.