Speakerphone Audio Encryption for Hearing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of hearing devices, such as hearing aids and headphones, face challenges in clearly hearing audio from speakerphones in meeting settings due to room reverb and distance, and existing solutions lack effective security measures for secure audio communication.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device configured to facilitate call communication with hearing devices by obtaining and transmitting an audio encryption key to the hearing devices, allowing for secure broadcasting of encrypted audio using Bluetooth LE Audio, which can be decrypted by the hearing devices, and optionally requires a second user input for additional security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If audio is broadcast via speakerphone in meeting rooms, then audio can be heard by all attendees, but hearing-impaired persons cannot hear clearly due to room reverb and distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication system that directly transmits audio from the speakerphone to hearing devices, bypassing the acoustic environment (room reverb) that degrades audio quality. The audio is transmitted via wireless signals rather than through air conduction, eliminating the harmful effect of room reverb on audio clarity for hearing-impaired persons.
2Reliability
If audio encryption key is transmitted to hearing devices, then secure audio communication is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automatic pairing where the speakerphone and hearing devices automatically exchange encryption keys and establish secure connections without requiring manual user configuration. The devices autonomously perform the complex security handshake process, maintaining high security while simplifying user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption key exchange and security configuration are performed preliminarily during the initial pairing phase, before actual audio communication begins. This preliminary action ensures security is established in advance, and the complex security procedures do not need to be repeated during normal operation.
3Reliability
If hearing devices pair with speakerphone for secure communication, then audio security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pairing process is automated through self-service mechanisms where devices automatically detect each other, initiate connection protocols, and exchange encryption keys without requiring manual user input. This maintains strong security while making the operation as simple as bringing devices into proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temporary, call-specific encryption keys that are generated and used only for the duration of a single call, then discarded. This approach provides strong security for each call while simplifying the pairing process, as devices do not need to maintain long-term secure connections or manage complex key hierarchies.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is configured for facilitating call communication with at least one hearing device is provided, Additionally, a method for call communication with at least one hearing device, and a hearing device is provided. The electronic device comprises a first interface for interconnecting with a call communication software, e.g. via a call protocol, and an interacting unit configured for interacting with the hearing device. The interacting unit is configured for obtaining an audio encryption key and transmitting/presenting the audio encryption key to the hearing device. The electronic device further comprises a transmission unit configured for broadcasting encrypted audio during a call facilitated by the call communication software, the audio being encrypted using the audio encryption key. The audio encryption key may be configured to be valid for a duration of the call.