Ultra-Low Latency NFMI Protocol for Hearing Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless digital communication protocols introduce substantial latency in binaural hearing instruments, impairing binaural processing techniques like beamforming due to inefficiencies and electromagnetic interference, particularly when using far-field transmission methods.
Innovation Solution
An ultra-low latency communication protocol utilizing near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) for wireless communication between hearing instruments, where audio data frames are transmitted as interleaved message and check packets without preambles or sync words, with a shared clock source for sampling and communication, optimizing NFMI for reduced latency and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wireless digital communication protocols are used for binaural hearing instruments, then communication can be established between hearing instruments, but substantial latency is introduced that impairs binaural processing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The audio data stream is segmented into individual audio samples, with each sample transmitted as a separate packet. This eliminates the need for buffering multiple samples before transmission, reducing latency while maintaining data integrity through packet-by-packet acknowledgment and retransmission mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a shared clock source between hearing instruments before audio data transmission begins. This preliminary synchronization of timing references eliminates clock drift and jitter that would otherwise require additional latency for correction and resynchronization during audio processing.
2Length of stationary object
If far-field transmission methods are used for wireless communication between hearing instruments, then communication range is extended, but electromagnetic interference increases and latency is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from far-field to near-field magnetic induction communication, exploiting the localized magnetic field coupling between hearing instruments worn in close proximity (centimeters apart). This local electromagnetic interaction eliminates interference from distant sources and reduces latency while maintaining sufficient communication range for the intended application.
3Reliability
If preambles and sync words are included in each audio data frame for reliable communication, then signal synchronization is improved, but communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the synchronization function into the shared clock source established between hearing instruments. This eliminates the need for repetitive preambles and sync words in each audio data frame, as the shared clock provides continuous timing reference. The shared clock is synchronized during initial connection establishment, allowing audio samples to be transmitted immediately without repeated synchronization overhead.
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
The protocol significantly reduces communication latency, enhancing binaural processing by minimizing interference and improving beamforming performance in hearing instruments, particularly by using NFMI for efficient and interference-free digital communication between hearing instruments.
Implementation Method 1
An ultra-low latency communication protocol utilizing near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) for wireless communication between hearing instruments
Data Source
AI summary
Audio communication methods, devices, and systems are provided with an ultra-low latency communications protocol. One illustrative communication method suitable for a primary hearing instrument includes: transmitting a preamble packet to initiate a wireless connection; after receiving a preamble response packet, wirelessly sending a downlink stream of audio data frames; and wirelessly receiving an uplink stream of audio data frames. The audio data frames of the downlink stream and the uplink stream each consist of a message packet, a check packet, and multiple single-sample audio data packets, and these packets exclude any preambles or sync words. The audio data frame packets of the downlink stream and the uplink stream are interleaved with each other.