Low Power RF Interface for Hearing Assistive Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hearing assistive devices experience unwanted interference from wireless communications devices due to RF and magnetic fields, limiting their effective use when the devices are placed in close proximity, which decreases communication ability and increases interference.

Innovation Solution

A system using a Bluetooth-enabled Wireless Communications Device and an RF-enabled Hearing Assistive Device, connected through a Low Power RF Interface, allows for communication while minimizing interference by transmitting voice signals via low power RF signals, enabling the devices to be positioned at a distance from each other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the WCD is placed proximate the HAD to enable communication, then communication ability is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication abilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (wireless communication interface) that acts as a mediator between the WCD and HAD. This interface receives signals from the WCD via Bluetooth and transmits them to the HAD via low-power RF, allowing communication without direct proximity between the interfering devices. The intermediary converts and relays signals, enabling spatial separation while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic coupling system (speaker-to-microphone proximity requirement) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless communication system. Instead of requiring physical proximity for acoustic signal transmission, the system uses Bluetooth and low-power RF electromagnetic fields to transmit communication signals, eliminating the need for close placement while maintaining communication ability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the WCD is moved away from the HAD to reduce interference, then electromagnetic interference decreases, but communication ability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic interferenceVSAvoidcommunication ability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication interface serves as a portable intermediary that can be positioned optimally between the WCD and HAD. It receives Bluetooth signals from the WCD (which can be held at a distance) and transmits low-power RF signals to the HAD, enabling the user to maintain both reduced interference through separation and effective communication through the intermediary's signal relay capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If standard RF power is used for signal transmission, then signal coverage is improved, but interference with HAD increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal coverageVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power parameter of the RF transmission system. Instead of using standard high-power RF transmission, the interface uses low-power RF signals (specifically mentioning power levels significantly lower than conventional systems). This parameter change reduces the harmful electromagnetic fields generated while maintaining sufficient signal coverage for hearing aid communication through the interface's optimized transmission path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution reduces electromagnetic interference, allowing HAD users to communicate effectively with WCDs without the need for close proximity, thereby enhancing communication quality and reducing interference issues.

Implementation Method 1

a Bluetooth module to receive a communication signal from a wireless communications device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a low power RF module to provide the voice signals to a hearing assistive device via a low power RF signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7620429B1Hearing assistive system with low power interface

Publication Date: 2009.11.17 KOMMANDITSELSKABET HEARING INSTR MFGRS PATENT PARTNERSHIP

AI summary

An Interface provides for communication between a wireless communication device (WCD) and a hearing assistive device (HAD). In an exemplary embodiment the Interface includes a first short range communication module to receive a first short range communication protocol from a WCD and extract a desired audible signal and a second short range communication module to provide the audible signal to the HAD via a second short range communication protocol. The HAD may be provided with an RF module to receive a low power RF signal and provide a voice signal to the HAD user. The Interface allows the WCD device to be positioned a distance from the user's HAD, thereby decreasing interference at the HAD due to the operation of the WCD. The Interface also can be provided with a microphone to receive voice signals from the user and in turn provide them to the wireless communications device.