Advanced Acoustic Output Device with Enhanced Antenna Capabilities

Publication ID: 24-11857787_0006_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Acoustic Output Device with Enhanced Antenna Capabilities,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857787_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857787_0006_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

This inventive concept discloses a novel acoustic output device with an integrated antenna designed to operate in multiple frequency bands, dynamically switch between antenna modes, and maximize signal strength while minimizing electromagnetic interference.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Acoustic output device with antenna', has limitations in terms of signal quality and interference. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced antenna capabilities, enabling improved performance and efficiency in behind-the-ear prosthetic devices.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The advanced acoustic output device comprises a behind-the-ear prosthetic device with an integrated antenna capable of operating in multiple frequency bands. This allows for improved signal quality and reduced interference. The device can dynamically switch between multiple antenna modes based on the surrounding environment, ensuring optimal performance. The antenna is shaped to maximize signal strength while minimizing electromagnetic interference with other components of the device. Additionally, the antenna is electrically connected to a signal processor and configured to transmit and receive signals simultaneously, improving overall system efficiency. The device can also utilize machine learning algorithms to adaptively adjust antenna parameters based on user feedback and environmental conditions.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces the following novel and non-obvious features: multi-frequency band operation, dynamic antenna mode switching, antenna shaping for signal strength and interference minimization, simultaneous transmission and reception, and adaptive antenna parameter adjustment using machine learning algorithms. These advancements significantly improve the performance and efficiency of behind-the-ear prosthetic devices.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include varying antenna shapes and sizes, different signal processing algorithms, and integration with other hearing aid components. Variations may also include using different materials for the antenna and housing, or incorporating additional sensors for environmental adaptation.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The advanced acoustic output device with enhanced antenna capabilities has significant commercial potential in the hearing aid and cochlear implant industries. The device can be marketed as a premium product offering improved performance, efficiency, and user experience, targeting individuals with hearing impairments and healthcare professionals.

Field of Art

Hearing aid and prosthetic device engineering, with a focus on wireless communication technologies and signal processing for assistive medical devices

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An electrical engineer with expertise in wireless communications, signal processing, and medical device design, holding at least a bachelor's degree with 3-5 years of experience in developing hearing aid technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core technologies. The multi-frequency antenna design and dynamic switching capabilities are logical improvements to the existing wireless communication framework in hearing aid devices. These variations apply known signal processing and antenna design techniques to address common challenges in wireless medical device performance.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Transceiver positioned in the housing configured to transmit or receive wireless signals at 2.4 GHz
PTD Variation
Multi-frequency band antenna operation with dynamic mode switching
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to expand frequency band capabilities as a standard optimization technique to improve signal quality and reduce interference in wireless communication devices
Source Patent Element
Signal processor in hearing aid device
PTD Variation
Machine learning algorithms for adaptive antenna parameter adjustment
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating machine learning with existing signal processing is a predictable application of known computational techniques to enhance device performance and adaptability
Source Patent Element
Behind-the-ear hearing aid with wireless communication capabilities
PTD Variation
Antenna shaped to maximize signal strength while minimizing electromagnetic interference
Obviousness Reasoning
Optimizing antenna geometry to reduce interference is a standard design approach that would be obvious to a skilled engineer seeking to improve wireless device performance
Source Patent Element
Wireless signal transmission in hearing aid device
PTD Variation
Simultaneous transmission and reception of signals
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing full-duplex communication is a known technique in wireless technologies that would be obvious to apply to improve device communication efficiency
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857787, the variations disclosed in this publication would be considered obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art of medical communication devices. The incremental improvements in antenna design, frequency management, and signal processing represent predictable extensions of existing technologies, thus rendering potential claims covering such variations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

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