Unilateral Hearing Devices With Switchable Wireless Audio Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices for users with unilateral hearing have limited capabilities and high battery consumption due to constant audio signal transmission between devices.
Innovation Solution
A hearing system with first and second hearing devices featuring operation modes that enable/disable wireless communication links and mixer configurations to control audio output based on user preferences, reducing unnecessary signal transmission and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hearing device at the deaf side constantly transmits audio signals to the contralateral hearing device, then the user can perceive sound from both sides, but the battery power is consumed excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that allow the hearing device to switch between different states: a first operation mode where the wireless communication link is enabled for constant audio signal transmission, and a second operation mode where the wireless communication link is disabled to conserve battery power. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the system's behavior to current usage needs rather than maintaining a fixed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action through defined operation modes that can be activated based on user needs. The first operation mode enables periodic audio signal transmission when hearing assistance is required, while the second operation mode periodically disables transmission to save energy. This periodic activation rather than continuous operation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining hearing functionality when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wireless communication link is constantly active for audio signal transmission, then the user can hear from both ears, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic operation modes that simplify the system by allowing the wireless communication link to be disabled entirely in the second operation mode. This eliminates the need for complex continuous communication protocols and signal processing when hearing assistance is not required, thereby reducing effective device complexity while maintaining adaptability through mode switching.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the first hearing device disables the wireless communication link, then the battery life is extended, but the audio signal transmission from the first ear to the second ear is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through dynamic operation modes where the system can switch between enabling and disabling the wireless communication link based on user needs. In the second operation mode, the link is disabled to extend battery life, while in the first operation mode, the link is enabled to ensure reliable audio signal transmission. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize for either battery life or transmission reliability depending on the situation.
Data Source
AI summary
A hearing system includes: a first hearing device; and a second hearing device; wherein the first hearing device comprises a first microphone system configured to provide a first microphone signal, a first processing unit, a first communication unit, and a first antenna; wherein the second hearing device comprises a second processing unit, a second communication unit, a second antenna, and a receiver configured to provide an audio output; wherein the first hearing device has first and second operation modes; wherein the first hearing device is configured to transmit the first microphone signal or audio signal based on the first microphone signal to the second hearing device via a wireless communication link when the first hearing device is in the first operation mode; and wherein when the first hearing device is in the second operation mode, the wireless communication link is disabled.