Hearing assistance using an external coprocessor
US7929722B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 18, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2225/55
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Techniques are described for enhancing a hearing assist device using one or more coprocessor devices. The hearing assist device uses a handshaking protocol to detect and pair with the one or more coprocessor devices. The hearing assist device is capable of stand-alone signal processing in the absence of the coprocessor devices. In one embodiment, the hearing assist device directs processing of a signal to the coprocessor device when the coprocessor is detected. In another embodiment, the hearing assist device detects a coprocessor device and uses the coprocessor device to supplement signal processing performed by the hearing assist device. In yet another embodiment, the hearing assist device communicates with a plurality of coprocessor devices and the work of processing the signal is shared amongst the devices according to a respective functionality of each device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.