Wireless Hearing Device Adjustment via Central Unit Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting hearing devices are time-consuming, costly, and lack flexibility, often requiring centralized systems that are not adaptable to various devices and do not allow for interactive adjustments, leading to potential malfunctions due to incorrect device selection.
Innovation Solution
A wireless method and system for adjusting hearing devices using a central unit that establishes a network, detects, identifies, and selects hearing devices, and adjusts them via a wireless link, utilizing techniques such as acoustic signals, RFID tags, or limited network range to ensure accurate device assignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized host computer system with hard-wired interface units is used for adjusting hearing devices, then programming functionality can be provided, but the system becomes costly and lacks flexibility for adjusting various types of hearing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a programmer as an intermediary device between the host computer and hearing devices. The programmer contains a processor that can directly communicate with multiple types of hearing devices using different communication protocols, while the host computer provides the programming software and database. This intermediary architecture allows the system to adjust various types of hearing devices without requiring complex hard-wired interface units for each device type, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manufacturer-based computer programming is used, then hearing devices can be adjusted, but time is lost in transmitting information and returning the adjusted device, and interactive adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of device transmission and return with an electronic wireless communication system. The programmer can wirelessly communicate with hearing devices to transmit programming information and receive device data without requiring physical handling or mailing of the devices. This substitution eliminates the time loss associated with transmitting physical devices while enabling real-time interactive adjustment between the hearing professional and the user.
3Measurement precision
If a wireless network system is used for detecting and identifying hearing devices, then device selection accuracy can be improved, but the system requires additional detection and identification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection and identification of hearing devices before the actual programming adjustment process. The programmer automatically detects hearing devices in the vicinity via wireless communication and presents identification information (such as device type, serial number, or model) to the hearing professional for selection. This preliminary action ensures accurate device identification before programming begins, preventing wrong device adjustment while automating the process to minimize the perceived complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for wirelessly adjusting one or more hearing devices (1, . . . , 3) with a central unit (4) is presented, the method comprising the steps of:establishing a wireless network (6) wirelessly connecting the central unit (4) to hearing devices (1, . . . , 3), which are responsive to said wireless network (6),detecting said hearing devices (1, . . . , 3),identifying one or more of the detected hearing devices (1, . . . , 3,selecting one or more of the identified hearing devices (1, . . . , 3),establishing a wireless link from the central unit (4) to at least one of the identified hearing devices (1, . . . , 3), andadjusting the at least one identified hearing device (1, . . . , 3).Therewith, an audiologist is able to unambiguously assign one or two hearing devices (1, . . . , 3) in a fitting session, even if multiple hearing devices are within the range of the wireless network (6) or wireless transmitter, respectively.