JP2001320799A - Body conducting auras device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a body conducting aural device which can be worn on various parts of the human body, and can easily correct and confirm the insertion state of a vibration transmission part, and can be brought and used for long period by charging a battery once. SOLUTION: The body conducting aural device to be substituted for the aural function of the person handicapped in the aural function is provided with a microphone to which at least either one of voice or sound is inputted to convert the voice or sound into an electrical signal and generate a voice or the sound signal, a sound amplifier which amplifies the voice or the sound signal to a prescribed level, a carrier signal generating part which generates a carrier signal, a DSB modulation part which applies DSB modulation to the voice or the sound signal by using the carrier signal to generate a DSB modulating signal, an output amplifier which amplifies the DSB modulating signal outputted from the DSB modulation part, and an ultrasonic transducer for converting the amplified DSB modulating signal into physical vibration, and transmitting the vibration to a cerebral hearing function through the human skin, muscles or bone. Furthermore, the deice is is provided with a calibration signal generating part which is connected to the DSB modulation part to be switched to the sound amplifier and gives a calibration signal to the DSB modulation part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hearing aid for replacing hearing of a hearing-impaired person. More specifically, the present invention relates to a body conduction hearing device capable of transmitting voice or sound as an ultrasonic signal to a human auditory substitute function through human skin, muscle or bone.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Hearing aids have conventionally been used to assist hearing of a hearing-impaired person. As an example of the hearing aid, one that amplifies voice and sound input to a microphone, transmits the amplified voice and sound to the eardrum through the external auditory canal in the form of an air conduction signal, and finally transmits the voice and sound to the auditory organ of the brain ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as “air conduction hearing aid”. However, the air-conducting hearing aid has a hearing organ of the ear,
For example, if the middle ear is severely impaired,
There is a problem that extremely deaf people cannot use it.

[0003] As an example of a hearing aid provided to solve such a problem, a hearing aid is mounted on the head, and the head bone is vibrated based on the sound and sound input to the transmitter. Some devices transmit voice and sound to the auditory organs of the brain (hereinafter referred to as "head-mounted hearing aids" or "bone conduction hearing aids").

[0004] As described above, the conventional head-mounted hearing aid vibrates the bones of the head to transmit sound and sound to the auditory organs of the brain. However, there is a problem that the place where it can be mounted is limited.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves such a problem and provides a hearing device which can be worn on various parts of a human body and which is suitable for a deaf person or an extremely hearing-impaired person. With the goal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hearing instrument which can provide a calibration signal for confirming a wearing state or the like so that a user can improve the wearing state or the like when it becomes difficult to listen during use. Aim.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a hearing aid that can be used for a long time as a practical battery-powered hearing aid.

[0008]

According to the body conduction hearing device of the present invention, a microphone to which at least one of voice and sound is input and which converts the voice or sound into an electric signal to generate a voice or sound signal, A sound amplifying unit for amplifying a sound or sound signal to a predetermined level, a carrier signal generating unit for generating a carrier signal, and DSB-modulating the sound or sound signal by DSB using the carrier signal
A DSB modulator for generating a B-modulated signal, an output amplifier for amplifying the DSB-modulated signal output from the DSB modulator, and converting the amplified DSB-modulated signal into physical vibration, An ultrasonic transducer for transmitting to the auditory function of the brain via the skin, muscle or bone of the human body having an impaired auditory function. And a calibration signal generation unit that is switchably connected to the audio amplification unit and supplies a calibration signal to the DSB modulation unit.

The output signal level of the audio amplifier or the calibration signal generator is monitored, and when the signal level is lower than a predetermined level, the D level of the carrier signal is monitored.
An ON / OFF control unit that suspends supply to the SB modulation unit is provided.

In addition, the output signal level of the audio amplifier or the calibration signal generator is monitored, and when the signal level is lower than a predetermined level, the supply of power to at least a part of each of the circuit units is stopped. And an ON / OFF control unit for performing the operation.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment 1 A hearing device of the present invention receives a voice or sound, converts the voice or sound into an electric signal, and generates a voice or sound signal; An audio and audio amplification unit for amplifying the signal to a predetermined level,
A carrier signal generator for generating a carrier signal; a DSB modulator for DSB-modulating the audio or audio signal using the carrier signal to generate a DSB modulated signal; and amplifying the DSB modulated signal output from the DSB modulator. An output amplifying unit, and an ultrasonic vibrator that converts the amplified output signal into ultrasonic vibration and transmits the vibration to a human auditory alternative function via a human skin, muscle or bone in a psychoacoustic manner. I have.

The hearing device of the present invention does not give sound or sound to humans as sound waves, unlike a bone conduction hearing aid,
It is converted into ultrasonic vibration and applied to the human body surface. Ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the human body through soft tissues such as muscles and / or bones,
It is thought to be perceived by hearing or an alternative sensory function. In this specification, the hearing device of the present invention is referred to as a body conduction hearing device. Also, what the hearing device of the present invention transmits to humans is different from the sound of ordinary meaning, but for convenience, it is called "sound", and sensing it is called "sensation" or "listening". Also, the term "hearing" may be used to include a function that substitutes for hearing.

Next, an embodiment of the hearing aid of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a hearing aid according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a microphone, 2 denotes an audio amplification unit for amplifying audio or an audio signal, 3
Is a carrier signal generating section, 4 is a DSB (double sideband, double sideband) modulating section, 5 is an output amplifying section, 6 is a vibration conducting section, an ultrasonic vibrator made of a ceramic element or the like,
Reference numeral 7 denotes a calibration signal generator, 8 denotes a calibration signal switch for switching between a calibration signal and an audio signal, and 9 denotes ON / OF for controlling transmission of a carrier signal in accordance with the presence or absence of the signal or its level.
F control unit, 10 is an IC switch for transmitting / cutting off a carrier signal, 11 is a battery, 12 is a DC / DC converter, 1
Reference numeral 3 denotes a power switch, 14 denotes an output adjustment unit, 15 denotes a main circuit unit, 16 denotes a main circuit unit case, and 17 denotes a DSB modulation degree adjustment unit.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the ultrasonic transducer 6 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view showing the main circuit section shown in FIG. 2 and 3, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The microphone 1 and the ultrasonic vibrator 6 are respectively connected to the main circuit section case 16 by a cord. The main circuit part case 16 is miniaturized and used by being stored in a user's pocket or the like. The calibration signal changeover switch 8, the power switch 13, the output adjustment unit 14, and the DSB modulation degree adjustment unit 17 are provided with knobs on the outer surface of the main circuit unit case 16 so that the user can easily operate them. The microphone 1 is used by being pinned to clothes of the user. The ultrasonic vibrator 6 housed in the ultrasonic vibrator case 19 is used by being pressed against a sensitive part of the user's body, and is mounted using a spring-type mounting device such as headphones, or a suction cup. 18 may be used.

Next, the operation of the hearing aid of the present invention will be described.

First, the sound or sound input to the microphone 1 is converted into an electric signal to be a sound or sound signal, and is amplified by the sound amplifier 2 to a predetermined level (a level at which subsequent signal processing becomes possible). . At the same time, DS
A carrier signal is input from the carrier signal generator 3 to the B modulator 4. In the DSB modulator 4, the voice or acoustic signal is DSB-modulated by the carrier signal and
It becomes an SB modulation signal.

The DSB modulated signal output from the DSB modulator 4 is input to the ultrasonic transducer 6 via the output amplifier 5. The ultrasonic transducer 6 vibrates according to the frequency and the amplitude of the DSB modulation signal. By bringing the vibrating ultrasonic vibrator 6 into contact with human skin, the voice or sound input to the microphone 1 is converted into ultrasonic vibration, and the auditory psychological function is applied to the auditory function of the brain via muscles or bones. Can be told.

The degree of amplification of a sound or sound signal output from the sound amplifier 2 can be changed by an attached variable resistor. Further, the amplification degree of the DSB modulation signal in the output amplifier 5 can be changed by an attached variable resistor.

Next, an audio or acoustic signal output from the audio amplifier 2, a carrier signal output from the carrier signal generator 3, and a DS output from the DSB modulator 4.
The B-modulated signal will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a carrier signal, a voice or acoustic signal, and a DSB modulated signal. In FIG. 4, the vertical direction indicates voltage, and the horizontal direction indicates time. FIG. 4 sequentially shows a carrier signal, a voice or acoustic signal, and a DSB modulation signal from the top. Carrier signal frequency is 10-20
Although about 0 kHz is effective in terms of sound sensitivity, it is more preferable that the frequency is about 27 kHz ± 5 kHz in terms of sound sensitivity. The frequency of the carrier signal can be adjusted by a variable resistor attached to the carrier signal generator 3, and is adjusted to the resonance frequency of the ultrasonic vibrator 6 or a frequency near the resonance frequency. The amplitude of the DSB modulation signal changes according to the amplitude of the voice or audio signal, and the waveform of the DSB modulation signal changes according to the change in the waveform of the voice or audio signal.

Since the optimum modulation degree of the DSB modulator 4 is psychoacoustically different depending on the type of the sound source, a part of the variable resistor for adjusting the modulation degree is provided on the outer surface of the main circuit unit case 16 and the DSB modulation degree is adjusted. The adjustment unit 17 enables adjustment from outside the case.

The output signal of the DSB modulator 4 is applied to an output amplifier 5
Amplified by Ultrasonic vibrator 6 driven by output amplifier 5
Requires a higher voltage (for example, 80 V) than a normal IC circuit.
The voltage is boosted by the converter 12 and supplied to the output amplification unit 5, which is obtained by the high voltage operation of the output amplification unit 5. Output amplifier 5
The output adjustment unit 1 can be adjusted from outside the main circuit unit case 16 so that the user can easily adjust the magnitude of the output.
4 are prepared.

The calibration signal generator 7 generates a signal having a predetermined frequency and amplitude separately from the output signal from the audio amplifier 2. The frequency may be arbitrarily selectable in a range of 1 to 4 kHz. The calibration signal can be freely switched to the output signal of the audio amplifier 2 by the calibration signal switch 8 provided outside the main circuit case 16. The calibration signal is used when the user feels that hearing becomes difficult due to a change in the mounting state of the ultrasonic vibrator 6 or the like, and can be used for correcting the mounting state and confirming the result.

When using the hearing instrument of the present invention, it is necessary to adjust the hearing instrument in advance so as to adapt to the auditory characteristics of the human being used. For example, the most sensitive place is specified from various places of the human body to be used, and the ultrasonic transducer 6 is brought into contact with the most sensitive place. At this time, if the calibration signal changeover switch 8 is used by switching to the calibration signal generation section 7, constant adjustment can be performed every time. In addition, if the sound is uncomfortable at any point, the amplitude of the DSB modulation signal is increased by changing the resistance value of the output adjustment unit 14 to increase the amplitude of the DSB modulation signal, thereby increasing the output amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration signal. Let it. Further, it is more preferable to adjust the DSB modulation factor adjusting unit 17 at the same time so that both the amplification factor and the modulation factor are in the optimum state.

The ON / OFF control section 9 always monitors the input signal level to the DSB modulation section 4 irrespective of the switching state of the calibration signal changeover switch 8, and only when the signal level is larger than a predetermined threshold value. The IC switch 10 is controlled so that the carrier signal of the carrier signal generator is sent to the DSB modulator 4. Therefore, the output amplifier 5 is driven only when the level of the input signal to the DSB modulator 4 is equal to or higher than the specified level, so that power consumption is reduced.
The use time of the battery 11 can be extended. In order to save the power consumption when the DSB modulator 4 is at rest, it is desirable that the operation mode of the output amplifier 5 is a class AB or a class B. The class C can further save power, but the class AB or the class B is desirable in consideration of the distortion of the output signal.

When the input signal level to the DSB modulator 4 is lower than a specified level, the ON / OFF controller 9 consumes a large amount of power like the output amplifier 5 and does not require power supply at all times. The power supply to the circuit may be controlled to be stopped. In this case, the entire output amplifying unit 5 is turned ON / O.
If only the output stage is turned ON / OFF instead of the FF, power can be saved, and sound output is less likely to be lost.

The battery 11 can be repeatedly charged such as a nickel hydrogen battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium secondary battery, etc., and is housed in the main circuit case 16 or attached to the outside. ON in the hearing device of the present invention
Since the battery power is saved by the / OFF control unit 9, a long period of portable use is possible with one charge, and continuous use for about 12 hours is possible with a normal voice input frequency.

Embodiment 2 Next, an embodiment relating to a method of mounting the ultrasonic vibrator 6 as a vibration transmitting section will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the ultrasonic vibrator 6 and its case 19. FIG. 5A shows a structure in which the ultrasonic vibrator 6 in the case 19 is pushed out from behind by a spring 20, and when the entire case is pressed against the body of the user,
In particular, the ultrasonic vibrator 6 is surely pressed.

FIG. 5B shows a case in which a hemispherical adapter 21 is provided so that the ultrasonic vibrator 6 can freely rotate in the ultrasonic vibrator case 19. When pressed, the ultrasonic vibrator 6 is pressed along the surface of the mounting portion of the user.

FIG. 5 (c) is a further embodiment of FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), which can be slid along the inner surface of the hemispherical case 19 and can be fixed at any position. It has a slide fixing screw 24 so that the pressing force of the spring 20 can be applied from any direction.

FIG. 6 shows a headphone-type spring-type mounting device for mounting the ultrasonic vibrator 6 (ultrasonic vibrator case 19) on a user's head. The hearing aid of the present invention can be worn on various parts of the body to sense the sound, but usually the sensitivity is good from the back of the ear to the vicinity of the neck.
In order to attach the ultrasonic vibrator 6 to the part and press it, a force to pinch from the left and right and a force toward the front are applied,
Since it is desirable that the part can be adjusted, FIG.
As shown in FIG.
It has a pressing force (arrow in the figure) sandwiching it from the left and right, and as shown in FIG. 6B, has a shape that can be applied to the user's forehead when worn.

FIG. 7 shows a wearing device of a hair band type, in which a stretchable hair band 23 is fixed over the forehead and the back of the user, and a pressing force having a degree of freedom in directionality is supported by the fixing force. To the ultrasonic vibrator 6 (case 19).

FIG. 8 shows another example of the spring-type mounting device, in which two arc-shaped springs 2 whose opening angle can be adjusted are provided.
5 can be firmly fixed to the head. The ultrasonic vibrator 6 (case 19) is fastened to two angle adjusting screws 26 of the two springs together with a slit-shaped long hole so that both the angle and the extension length can be adjusted. In addition, at least a portion that presses the head is covered with a soft thick cloth or the like so as not to hurt even if worn for a long time. This wearing device is preferably inconspicuous when viewed from the face.

Third Embodiment In the first embodiment, the modulation method of the ultrasonic vibration by the audio signal is the DSB method, but the modulation method may be a balanced modulation method.

When the sound source is voice, music, or the like, there is a general tendency that the DSB modulation method has good sound sensitivity, and when the sound source is a low-frequency sound or a sound source with little change, the balanced modulation method has good sound sensitivity. It is advisable to use different modulation schemes depending on the type of sound source. The modulation circuit may be provided with two types of adjustment circuits, and may be switched and used by a switch.

When the sounds "a" and "i" are transmitted to a human using the hearing aid of the present invention, the difference between the sounds "a" and "i" can be detected psychoacoustically. Next, an oddball experiment was performed to confirm whether the ultrasonic waves modulated by multiple speech sounds could be distinguished in the auditory cortex, and MMF (mi
smatch field) as an index. In the oddball paradigm, when the same stimulus (high-frequency stimulus) is repeatedly given, if another stimulus (low-frequency stimulus) is rarely given, the response to the low-frequency stimulus is different from that of the high-frequency stimulus Is a method of examining higher cognitive functions of humans by using the expression. Based on such a method, when a magnetoencephalogram is created by applying the above-mentioned stimulus using the hearing aid of the present invention, when a low-frequency stimulus is applied, a response waveform different from that to a high-frequency stimulus is exhibited. I understand. In the difference waveform obtained by subtracting the response to the high-frequency stimulus from the response to the low-frequency stimulus, the peak seen around 200 msec after the difference waveform shows the state without any stimulus is called MMF. For example, as a result of an experiment using two 40 kHz ultrasonic stimuli in which “a” and “a” are respectively modulated, MMF is observed around 200 msec without any stimulus after two 40 kHz ultrasonic stimuli. It was found that the difference between "a" and "i" was detected. Also, the MM of modulated ultrasound
The fact that the current source of F was in the vicinity of the current source of the air-conducted MMF suggested that the modulated ultrasonic waves could be distinguished in the auditory cortex.

[0039]

According to the body conduction hearing device according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one of a voice and a sound is input, and the microphone converts the voice or the sound into an electric signal to generate a voice or a sound signal. And an audio amplifier for amplifying the audio or acoustic signal to a predetermined level;
A carrier signal generator for generating a carrier signal; a DSB modulator for DSB-modulating the voice or audio signal using the carrier signal to generate a DSB-modulated signal;
An output amplifying unit that amplifies the DSB modulated signal output from the SB modulating unit, and converts the amplified DSB modulated signal into physical vibration, and converts the vibration into human hearing via human skin, muscle or bone. A body conduction hearing device for substituting a hearing function of a person having a hearing impairment with an ultrasonic vibrator for transmitting to an alternative function, wherein the audio amplification unit can be switched with respect to the DSB modulation unit. Connect the connected calibration signal to the D
Since the calibration signal generation section provided to the SB modulation section is provided, when the user feels that it becomes difficult to hear, correction such as using a calibration signal to be heard to make a fixed mounting state every time and confirming the result. Can be.

According to the body conduction hearing device of the second aspect of the present invention, the output signal level of the audio amplifier or the calibration signal generator is monitored, and when the signal level is lower than a predetermined level, Since an ON / OFF control unit that suspends the supply of the carrier signal to the DSB modulation unit is provided, battery power can be saved and a single charge can be used for a long time.

According to the body conduction hearing device according to claim 3 of the present invention, the output signal level of the audio amplifier or the calibration signal generator is monitored, and when the signal level is lower than a predetermined level, Since an ON / OFF control unit that suspends power supply to at least a part of each circuit unit is provided, battery power can be saved and portable use can be performed for a long time with a single charge.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a body conduction hearing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic transducer of the body conduction hearing device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory perspective view showing a main circuit portion of the body conduction hearing device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a carrier signal, a voice or acoustic signal and DS.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a B modulation signal.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the ultrasonic transducer of the body conduction hearing device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a method of mounting the ultrasonic transducer of the body conduction hearing device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a method of mounting the ultrasonic transducer of the body conduction hearing device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a method of mounting the ultrasonic transducer of the body conduction hearing device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 microphone 2 audio amplifier 3 carrier signal generator 4 DSB modulator 5 output amplifier 6 ultrasonic transducer 7 calibration signal generator 8 calibration signal switch 9 ON / OFF controller 10 IC switch 11 battery 12 DC / DC converter 13 Power Switch 14 Output Adjustment Unit 15 Main Circuit Unit 16 Main Circuit Case 17 DSB Modulation Adjustment Unit 18 Sucker 19 Ultrasonic Vibrator Case 20 Spring 21 Hemispherical Adapter 22 Spring 23 Hair Band 24 Slide Fixing Screw 25 Spring 26 Angle Adjusting Screw 27 Lead

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (71) Applicant 592198655 Kyowa Electronics Industry Co., Ltd. 3-1-1, Fukucho, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka (71) Applicant 500216639 Mitsuo Soike 3-1-1 Wakao-ji, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo No. 46 Inside the Institute of Electronics, Electro-Technology Research Institute, Osaka Life Electronics Research Center (71) Applicant 500216640 Seiji Nakagawa 3-11-46, Wakao-ji Temple, Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture Inside, Osaka Life Electronics Research Center, Institute of Electronics and Technology (74) The above five agents 100065226 Patent Attorney Sota Asahina (one outsider) (72) Inventor Mitsuo Soike 3-11-46 Wakaoji Temple, Amagasaki City, Hyogo Pref. Inside the center (72) Inventor Seiji Nakagawa Wakayama 3-11-46 Tera Inside the Research Institute of Electronics, Osaka Institute of Technology, Osaka Life Electronics Research Center (72) Inventor Yoshiaki Watanabe 1-1-15 Kizugawadai, Kizu-cho, Kizu-cho, Soraku-gun, Kyoto 4 (72) Inventor Yuji Hosoi Osaka Yoshinori Iwashita 2-4-1, Fukumachi, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi Kyowa Electronics Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Seiichi Hashimoto Fuku, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi 3-Chome 1-48 Kyowa Electronic Industry Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5D019 AA07 AA25 BB02 BB12 EE01 FF04 GG07

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A microphone that receives at least one of voice and sound and converts the voice or sound into an electric signal to generate a voice or sound signal, and a sound amplifier that amplifies the voice or sound signal to a predetermined level. A carrier signal generating unit for generating a carrier signal;
DSB converting the voice or sound signal using a carrier signal
A DSB modulator that modulates to generate a DSB modulation signal;
An output amplifying unit that amplifies the DSB modulated signal output from the DSB modulating unit, and converts the amplified DSB modulated signal into physical vibration, and converts the vibration into human brain, muscle, or bone through human skin. A body conduction hearing device that substitutes for a hearing function of a person with a hearing impairment provided with an ultrasonic vibrator for transmitting to a hearing function, wherein the sound amplification unit can be switched with respect to the DSB modulation unit. Connected to the DS and the calibration signal
A body conduction hearing device provided with a calibration signal generation unit to be provided to a B modulation unit. 2. An output signal level of the audio amplifier or the calibration signal generator is monitored, and when the signal level is lower than a predetermined level, the DSB of the carrier signal is monitored.
The body conduction hearing device according to claim 1, further comprising an ON / OFF control unit that suspends supply to the modulation unit. 3. An output signal level of the audio amplifier or the calibration signal generator is monitored, and when the signal level is lower than a predetermined level, supply of power to at least a part of each of the circuit units is stopped. The body conduction hearing device according to claim 1, further comprising an ON / OFF control unit that performs the operation.