Abstract:
An ear-worn electronic device is configured to be worn by a wearer and comprises a wireless transceiver operably coupled to an antenna. The device is configured to transmit, from the transceiver to the antenna, signals at a plurality of different frequencies in accordance with a frequency hopping sequence. The device is configured collect two-dimensional (2-D) reflection coefficient data comprising a reflection coefficient of the antenna as a function of frequency and of time in response to transmission of the signals. The device is configured to detect a particular input gesture of a plurality of input gestures of the wearer using the 2-D reflection coefficient data, and implement a predetermined function of the ear-worn electronic device in response to detecting the particular input gesture.
Abstract:
A system comprises a first ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer, and a second electronic device comprising a second ear-worn electronic device or other electronic device. A wireless transceiver operably coupled to an antenna is disposed in each of the electronic devices. One or both of the first ear-worn electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to transmit signals at a plurality of different frequencies in accordance with a frequency hopping sequence, collect 2-D RSSI data comprising an RSSI value as a function of frequency and of time in response to transmission of the signals, detect a particular input gesture of a plurality of input gestures of the wearer using the 2-D RSSI data, and implement a predetermined function of at least one of the first ear-worn electronic device and the second electronic device in response to detecting the particular input gesture.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for a high-efficiency antenna for hearing assistance device wireless communication. In various embodiments, a hearing assistance device includes a housing, a power source within the housing, and a radio circuit within the housing and electrically connected to the power source. A circular polarized spiral antenna is provided within the housing in various embodiments, the antenna configured to provide two electric field components configured to be used for wireless communications for the hearing assistance device. The device further includes a transmission line connected to a center of a spiral of the antenna and configured to electrically connect to the radio circuit, according to various embodiments.
Abstract:
A hearing device adapted for use by a wearer comprises an audio streaming circuit configured to receive electromagnetic audio streaming via a first communication link. A configuration circuit is configured to receive configuration parameters via a second communication link different from the first communication link for configuring the hearing device to receive the electromagnetic audio streaming. Control circuitry of the hearing device configures the hearing device to enable reception of the electromagnetic audio streaming in accordance with the received configuration parameters.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for relaying wireless communication from ear-to-ear for hearing assistance devices using an intermediate device. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of using a first hearing assistance device in a first ear of a wearer to communicate with a second hearing assistance device in a second ear of the wearer using wireless communication, and determining whether quality of the communication between the devices has fallen below a programmable threshold such that communication can be improved by relaying the communication using an external intermediary device such as a smart phone. One method of determining the quality is to monitor a number of retransmissions that are used to maintain communication between the left and right devices.
Abstract:
A hearing assistance device for use by a wearer comprises an enclosure and a substrate comprising a circuit board disposed in the enclosure. An antenna is disposed within or on the enclosure. A feed arm arrangement is coupled to the circuit board. A section of the feed arm arrangement extends over the antenna and establishes a non-contacting electrical coupling with the antenna. The section of the feed arm arrangement extending over the antenna can have an electrical length of approximately one-quarter of a wavelength of a signal transmitted or received by the antenna.