Systems and methods for multi-protocol arbitration for hearing devices
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Publication Number
US-12159081-B2
Publication Date
2024-12-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
An exemplary hearing device is configured to concurrently maintain a first link with a source and a second link with a second hearing device. The hearing device scans, while not receiving data via the first link, the second link for a preamble of a binaural data packet for a first time period. Based on whether the preamble is detected, the hearing device selectively: receives the binaural data packet and ignores the first link while receiving the binaural data packet if the preamble of the binaural data packet is detected during the first time period; and scans the first link for a preamble of a data packet for a second time period if the preamble of the binaural data packet is not detected during the first time period.
Core Innovation
A hearing device maintains a first link with a source and a second link with an additional hearing device concurrently. While the hearing device is not receiving data via the first link, the hearing device scans the second link for a preamble of a binaural data packet for a first time period, wherein the first time period occurs during a portion of a time slot configured for sending an acknowledgment message from the hearing device to the source.
Based on whether the preamble of the binaural data packet is detected during the first time period, the hearing device selectively receives and ignores different links. If the preamble of the binaural data packet is detected during the first time period, the hearing device receives the binaural data packet while ignoring the first link. If the preamble is not detected during the first time period, the hearing device scans the first link for a preamble of a data packet for a second time period.
The described operation places the binaural packet preamble scanning within an acknowledgment time window, with selective switching between receiving binaural data via the second link and scanning the source link for a data packet preamble when binaural preamble detection fails. The document describes multi-protocol arbitration for hearing systems implemented using time-slot operation, buffering/playback, and handling missed packets via relaying.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a hearing device, a system with two hearing devices, and a processor-implemented method. Across these independent claims, the core inventive features include concurrent maintenance of two links, acknowledgment-slot-based scanning for binaural packet preambles, and selective switching between receiving binaural data and scanning the source link based on whether the binaural preamble is detected, for first and second time periods.
Concurrent maintenance of first and second links
The processor concurrently maintains a first link with a source and a second link with an additional hearing device.
Acknowledgment-slot-based scanning for binaural preamble
While not receiving data via the first link, the processor scans the second link for a preamble of a binaural data packet for a first time period, wherein the first time period is during a portion of a time slot configured for sending an acknowledgment message to the source.
Selective receive/ignore versus scan based on preamble detection
Based on whether the preamble is detected, the processor selectively receives the binaural data packet and ignores the first link if detected during the first time period, and scans the first link for a preamble of a data packet for a second time period if not detected during the first time period.
The independent claims are consistently directed to a time-slot mechanism that uses acknowledgment-message portions to scan a second link for binaural data packet preambles and, depending on detection, either receive binaural data while ignoring the source link or scan the source link in a subsequent time period.
Stated Advantages
Reduced errors and delays.
Improved reliability and latency in less reliable connectivity environments.
Documented Applications
Multi-protocol arbitration for hearing systems using a first hearing device link to an audio source and a second hearing device link enabling eavesdropping behavior.
Eavesdropping topology in Bluetooth-based hearing systems, using selective scanning and receiving during acknowledgment time windows.
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