Acoustic Output Devices for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857787_0004_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Acoustic Output Devices for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857787_0004_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857787_0004_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,787.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A hearing aid device adapted for specific, high-demand environments, such as disaster relief, high-security needs, or extreme weather conditions, featuring a transceiver and antenna for reliable communication.

Background and Problem Solved

Conventional hearing aid devices, such as those described in the original patent, are often limited in their ability to operate effectively in specialized environments. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the acoustic output device for use in niche applications, ensuring reliable communication and acoustic signal transmission.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept encompasses a behind-the-ear (BTE) prosthetic device with a transceiver configured to operate in high-interference environments, such as disaster relief or high-security settings. The device features a connector for attaching an auxiliary device, which is electrically connected to the transceiver and operates as an electromagnetic antenna for transmitting and/or receiving signals. In some embodiments, the device is designed for use in extreme weather conditions, featuring a water-resistant housing. Additionally, the device can be configured for secure communication in high-security environments, transmitting and/or receiving encrypted signals. Furthermore, the device can be used for remote health monitoring in disaster-stricken areas, transmitting vital signs data to/from a remote monitoring station via the electromagnetic antenna.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a novel combination of a transceiver and antenna in a BTE prosthetic device, specifically designed for operation in specialized environments. This adaptation provides a non-obvious solution to the limitations of conventional hearing aid devices, ensuring reliable communication and acoustic signal transmission in high-demand settings.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in the type of antenna used, such as a directional antenna for increased signal strength or a compact antenna for reduced size. Additionally, the device could be designed for use in other specialized environments, such as search and rescue operations or extreme sports.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including disaster relief, high-security, and healthcare. The device's ability to operate effectively in specialized environments makes it an attractive solution for organizations and individuals requiring reliable communication and acoustic signal transmission in challenging settings.

Field of Art

Hearing aid and assistive listening device technologies, with expertise in wireless communication, signal processing, and prosthetic device design

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An electrical engineer or biomedical engineer with advanced degree, specialized knowledge in wireless communication protocols, signal processing techniques, and medical device miniaturization, familiar with hearing aid design and communication technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core hearing aid wireless communication technology. The disclosed specialized environment adaptations leverage existing wireless transceiver and antenna design principles already established in the source patent. The modifications represent logical engineering solutions to expand the functional capabilities of hearing aid devices in specific use contexts.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Transceiver configured for far-field communication at 2.4 GHz frequency
PTD Variation
Adding specialized antenna connector for high-interference and encrypted signal transmission
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying wireless communication parameters is a routine design choice for a PHOSITA seeking enhanced signal reliability in challenging environments
Source Patent Element
Behind-the-ear housing design with signal processing capabilities
PTD Variation
Water-resistant housing and auxiliary device connectivity for extreme environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting device enclosures for environmental resilience represents a predictable engineering solution using known materials and design techniques
Source Patent Element
Wireless signal transmission between hearing aid components
PTD Variation
Remote health monitoring via encrypted data transmission through electromagnetic antenna
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending wireless communication to include health monitoring data represents an obvious application of existing wireless communication infrastructure
Source Patent Element
Signal processing capabilities within hearing aid device
PTD Variation
Configuring device for secure communication in high-security environments with encrypted signal transmission
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing encryption protocols is a standard technique for securing wireless communication, representing a predictable technical adaptation
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857787's teachings, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations in hearing aid device design and wireless communication functionality would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, rendering potential patent claims in this domain anticipated and non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,787
TitleAcoustic output device with antenna
Assignee(s)Cochlear Limited