Hearing System Common Network Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hearing systems face challenges in achieving reliable and precise synchronization between devices, limiting flexibility and reliability in timing events.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a common network time among devices through wireless communication, allowing for precise synchronization and event ordering, with options for internal or external time generation and periodic updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If time control units are synchronized via a communication link between devices, then synchronization between devices is achieved, but reliability and precision of timing events are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timing message as an intermediary carrier that conveys precise timing information between devices. This timing message contains a timing indicator derived from a timing signal, allowing devices to synchronize their timing without direct dependency on the communication link's timing characteristics, thereby improving both reliability and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the timing signal by deriving a timing indicator from it and embedding this indicator in timing messages that are transmitted across the network. This copying mechanism allows receiving devices to reconstruct accurate timing information without being directly connected to the original timing signal source, enhancing system reliability while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If a common network time is established among devices, then synchronization precision and event ordering are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing function into the existing communication framework by integrating timing indicators within timing messages that are already part of the network communication protocol. This approach establishes a common network time across devices without requiring separate timing hardware or complex synchronization protocols, thus improving precision while minimizing added complexity.
3Reliability
If timing events are synchronized across devices, then event coordination is improved, but flexibility in handling timing events is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timing adjustment by allowing devices to process timing indicators flexibly based on their local context. Devices can adjust event scheduling, prioritize timing events, and handle timing variations adaptively while maintaining overall synchronization, thus preserving flexibility despite the presence of coordinated timing across the network.
Data Source
AI summary
The method of operating a hearing system comprising at least two devices comprises the step of establishing a common network time among said at least two devices. Said at least two devices can be provided with information on the number of network time units that passed since a time zero point of said common network time. Information on the common network time can be communicated from one device to another device. A wireless link can be used for establishing said common network time. The common network time not only allows for a precise synchronization of events within the hearing system, but also for ordering and sequencing events. A priorization of events, like tasks and actions, is enabled, based on the common network time. Doubly-received or obsolete commands can be recognized and deleted, and tasks can be scheduled.