CA2099235A1 - Data input for hearing aid means - Google Patents
Data input for hearing aid meansInfo
- Publication number
- CA2099235A1 CA2099235A1 CA 2099235 CA2099235A CA2099235A1 CA 2099235 A1 CA2099235 A1 CA 2099235A1 CA 2099235 CA2099235 CA 2099235 CA 2099235 A CA2099235 A CA 2099235A CA 2099235 A1 CA2099235 A1 CA 2099235A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- data input
- hearing aid
- input according
- sensor means
- matrix field
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/78—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
- H01H13/785—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites characterised by the material of the contacts, e.g. conductive polymers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
- H04R25/558—Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2201/00—Contacts
- H01H2201/022—Material
- H01H2201/024—Material precious
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2219/00—Legends
- H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2219/00—Legends
- H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
- H01H2219/01—Liquid crystal
- H01H2219/012—Liquid crystal programmable
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
- H01H2300/004—Application hearing aid
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Neurosurgery (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
For a simplified design of the data input of a remote control or of a programming unit of a hearing aid with respect to switch elements, control elements and/or regulating elements, one or more pressure sensors and/or pressure and position sensors of a film design are employed. These react with a variable resistance and are formed of laminated polymer plies. One ply has interdigitizing electrodes and is coated with another ply of semiconductor material. The matrix field forming the sensors is arranged in the form of an input panel in the housing of the remote control or of the programming unit.
For a simplified design of the data input of a remote control or of a programming unit of a hearing aid with respect to switch elements, control elements and/or regulating elements, one or more pressure sensors and/or pressure and position sensors of a film design are employed. These react with a variable resistance and are formed of laminated polymer plies. One ply has interdigitizing electrodes and is coated with another ply of semiconductor material. The matrix field forming the sensors is arranged in the form of an input panel in the housing of the remote control or of the programming unit.
Description
2 3 ~
S P E C I F I C A T I O N
TITLE
"DATA INPUT FOR HEARING AID MEANS"
REI~TED APPLICATION
The present application is related to Hill Case No. P-92,2255, U S. Serial No.
07/988,973, filed December 10, 1992, and entitled "A HEARING AID DEVICE~, inventor Wolfram Meyer et al.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hearing aids and devices for matching their characteristics to the respective hearing impairment of a hearing-impaired person are known. For example, DE 35 27 112 C2 discloses a remotely controliable hearing aid whose various settings of the controls that are otherwise arranged at the hearing aid itself can be remotely operated with an ultrasound transmitter, whereby the actual controls are accommodated in a separate housing of the remote control. The microphone of the actual hearing aid is also employed for receiving the ultrasound signals.
Further, EP 0 064 042 B1 corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 4,425,481 discloses a circuit arrangement for a hearing aid, whereby the parameters for eight different ambient situations are stored in a memory in the hearing aid itself. By actuating a switch, a first group of parameters is called in and, via a control unit, controls a signal processor inserted between microphone and earphone that then sets a first transfer function intended for a provided environment. All eight transfer functions can be successively called in via a switch until the one that is suitable at the moment is found. On the other hand, an automatic matching is also provided by switching to a different transfer function when the user, for example, comes from a noisy environment into a qulet environment or viceversa. This swUching also occurs cyclically. When one wishes to set transfer 3 a functions oth~r than those that are stored, th~n th~ non-volatile memory must b~ ~ras~d by an external programming unit and can be re-programmed by it.
~ E 36 42 828 C2 corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 4,947,432, discloses a remotely controllable, programmable hearing aid having an amplifier and transmission part that can have its transmission properties between microphone and earphone selectively set to different transmission characteristics. An external control device is provided with a transmitter for the wireless transmission of control signals to the hearing aid. A receiver is situated therein for receiving and demodulating control signals. The external control device thereby contains a first memory in a digital control unit for a plurality of programs for parameters representing different transmission characteristics of the hearing aid, and contains a control panel for selectively calling in a respective set of parameters for one of the transmission characteristics for a transmission to the hearing aid and also contains a transmitter that can be modulated with these parameters as control signals. The hearing aid also contains a further control unit for the control of the transmission part of the hearing aid that can be controlled by the control signals after they are demodulated.
The external control device comprises a high-frequency transmitter that can be modulated with the control signals.
The user can select between various setting possibilities for the actual hearing aid, for example a setting for quiet rooms, a setting for travelling in a car, another setting for listening to music, etc. The hearing aid can be operated in that corresponding keys f the external control device are pressed. The external control device for the hearing aid i ~ p c~ lt also enables a matching of the hearing aid to the hearing u~ of the user. The hearing aid acoustic technician can implement the settings for the various environmental influences on the basis of an interactive setting procedure ~ogether with the hearing-impaired person.
Finally, EP-A 0 363 609, corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 5,144,674, and CH-A 671 131 disclose further devices or means for programming hearing aids.
3 ~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to design a data input for a remote control and/orprogramming unit of a remotely controllable and/or programmable hearing aid moreadvantageously in terms of structure and operation, such that user-friendly miniaturized electrical components that have low susceptibility to disruption are utilized.
According to a data input of the invention for a remote control and/or programming unit of a remotely controllable and/or programmable hearing aid, a matrix field of pressure sensors and/or pressure and position sensors in film design is provided.
The sensors react with variable resistance. They are composed of laminated polymer plies wherein one ply is coated with two digitizing electrodes and the corresponding other ply is coated with a semiconductor material. The matrix field is in the form of an input panel and is arranged on a housing of the remote control or of the programming unit.
The sensors of the matrix are designed as switches and/or as regulators. The setting or programming selected by pressing the sensors can be transmitted to the hearing aid in wire bound or via a remote-control such as by ultrasound, on an infrared basis, according to the radio principles, or the like, after evaluation of the sensor data in an arithmetic unit connected via a standard interface. The setting or programming data can be stored in the arithmetic unit and/or in the hearing aid.
In such a data input, input keys, switches, sliding switches, control elements, regulators, potentiometers or the like are replaced by pressure sensors and/or pressure and position sensors arranged in a matrix field. Such a pressure sensor is a touch contact sensor responding to pressure that reacts with variable resistance. The electrical resistance decreases all the more greatly the greater the force of pressure acting on the film layout. This pressure sensitivity is optimally suited for manual actuation of the switch elements, controi elements and regulating elements of the remote control or programming unit for the hearing aid, namely both in the remote control of the hearing aid as well as in the programming ~matching the hearing aid to the hearing loss of the respective user), c~ ~
as well as for readjustment of the hearing aid or for volume control thereof. In a hearing aid having stored parameters for different transmission characteristics, a pressure sensor can form a switch-over means for setting the hearing aid to a specific aural situation (for example, quiet or loud environmental situations).
The pressure sensorg can be designed point shaped, strip-shaped or planarly, particularly as a matrix, can be arranged at ~he operating side of the remote control clevice or of the programming unit, and can be actuated by direct pressurization with a finger or an operating pin.
Superficially viewed, pressure sensors of the type employed are membrane switches but, by contrast to conventional switches, vary the reslstance given pressure applied in the normal direction. A finger pressure of approximately 10g on a pressure sensor causes the resistance to decrease linearly from, for example, 400 kOhm to 40 kOhm. These sensors are therefore ideally suited for touch controls wherein semi-quantitative sensors are desired that are relatively cost-beneficial, thin (less than 0.15 mm), extremely durable (approximately 10 million actuations), and resistant to environmental influences. The sensors are combined to form sensor fields. Pressure and position sensors can recognize the posltion and the pressure load applled in the normal direction by a single actuator, for example, by a fin~er or by a pin, either along a line (linear potentiometer) or on a planar surface (XYZ pad). Dependent on ~he arrangement, positional resolutions of 0.05 mm can be achieved.
Pressure and position sensors as well as film pressure sensors and film position sensors in film design ("Force Sensing Resistors" or, respectively, "Force and Position Sensing Resistors" of Interlink Electronics Inc.) of the type employed are inherently known (U.S. Patent 4,810,992, U.S. Patent 4,963,702, and U.S. Patent 5,053,585).
BRI~ DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a data input for a programming unit o1 the invention in combination with an arithmetic unit and a hearing aid;
~99~3~
Figure 2 illustrates a data input for a remote control of the invention in combination with a remotely controllable hearing aid;
Figure 3 shows a data input for a programming unit according to Figure 1 having a form with audiogram curves placed onto the matrix fields;
Figure 4 illustrates a matrix field in which the interdigiti~ing electrodes of pressure sensors Joined to one another are arranged in uniformly distributed fashion;
Figure 5 is an enlarged, schematic illustration and a section through a pressureand/or pressure and position sensor 10 in film design that can be actuated by a finger 22 or by a switch means/operating pin;
Figure 6 is a sensor according to Figure 5 composed of laminated polymer plies, whereby one ply 8 is coated with interdigitizing electrodes and the second ply 9 is coated with a semiconductor material; given the influence of a force according to arrow 17, the sensor can thereby be employed as a sensor switch, for example on/off switch, or, given the influence of a force in the arrow directions 18, can be employed as a sensor regulator, for example, as a potentiometer; and Figure 7 is a sensor 10 onto which a force 19 exerted via a switch means or by a finger tip acts, the force direction thereof being potentially different according to the arrows 20, whereby the sensor can form a control means corresponding to a Joy stick.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An input panel 6 is situated at the control part of a programming unit 1 that can be connected via an interface 2 to a computer 3, such as a personal computer or the like, C On n c ~teO~
and that can be ce~e~ed to a hearing aid 5 via a wiring 4 or via a known remote control unit (not shown), or that can be brought into a functional connection with a hearing aid.
The input panel 6 comprises a matrix field 7 of pressure sensors and/or pressure and position sensors in film design. The matrix is composed of laminated polymer plies, whereby one ply 8 is coated with interdigitizing electrodes and the corresponding other ply is coated with a semiconductor material 9. The matrix field thereby lorms a plurality of pressure sensors and/or pressure and poshior.~ sensors 10.
Disruption-prone contacts of traditional switches, known potentiometers, and known miniature control elements can be replaced with such sensors, whereby the switchin~ and control is possible dependent on the force and/or the direction of the force acting nn the pressure sensor. In a simple embodiment, components like a Joy stick or a linear potentiometer or a programming field can be created. Whereas a status that has already been switched has its value varied given a traditional potentiometer, the linear potentiometer provided in the invention - formed, for example, by a section A of the matrix field 7 or by a matrix field strip 11 - enables a specific value to be selected and to then process it as a signal. Thus, a force that selects a desired value can be exerted on a scaling 12 of pressure sensors joined to one another. This value can be confirmed by increased pressure, i.e. the signal processing can then occur. Particular advantages derive due to an embodiment of the sensors protected against environmental influences, by a considerable space-saving on the actuation surface, since the sensors lie closer to one another than would be possible given individual keys of a keyboard, and in that the control values can be more precisely selected, particularly with nearly continuous variation, this being of significance for the setting/programming. Whereas the semiconductor material 9 in pressure sensors switches the interdigitizing electrodes 8 more or less parallel, linear potantiometers constructed of pressure and position sensors implement two measurements, given only one pressure contacting. Two types of connections are available: one corresponds to the position of an exerted force along a strip and the other measures the strength of the exerted force. A clocking of these two terminals allows the multiplexed, independent measurement of the force/position that recognizes positional changes up to 0.05 mm. A three-ply X-Y-Z digitizer pad sensor embodiment supplies a multiplexed force/position output in one plane. The measurement position can be an arbitrary set of coordinates in the apparatus plane. The force exerted onto the sensor can be independently measured. This sensor design is specifically ~ ~ 9 ~ ~ 3 3 suitable for the measurement of the position of a punctiform object, for example a finger tip or a pin. For uses that require muiti-point measurements, a matrix field sensor arrangement composed of a plurality of pressure sensors is available, these being arranged on a common carrier substrate. These sensors can be addressed serially or in parallel.
The pressure sensors that are employed are distinguished by an especially good durability and can be designed as relatively thin profiles in thicknesses from 0.02 through 0.7 mm. Further, the pressure sensors have no moving parts and are insensitive to vibrations. Further, the pressure sensors that are provided are especially resistant to temperature, chemicals and moisture. Finally, the pressure sensors can work withextremely low currents.
In the embodiment of Figure 1, input fields in the form of keys F, through Fn for selecting various hearing aid functions are provided in the lower section of the matrix field 7. These function keys F1 - Fn are allocated, for example, to the volume, to one or more AGCs ~automatic gain control circuits), to a PC (output acoustic pressure level limitation), to a treble or base reduction, or to a separating frequency setting given multi-channel devices. The further section A of the matrix field has its sensors serving the purpose of varying the hearing aid functions. As partially shown in section, an LC dlsplay 13 via which data can be displayed is provided over the matrix field 7 according to Figure 1.
For programming, forms 14 having data or program curves 15, graphlcs or audiograms of the hearing aid user can be placed onto the matrix 7 of the input panel 6 (Figure 3). Fixing elements 16 are provided at the programming unit 1 for fixing and holding the forms 14. In accordance therewith, the audiogram curve 15 of the hearing-irnpaired person can be transferred onto the matrix field 7 with a pressure pin, whereby the data supplied by the sensors 10 are converted by the computer 3 into a target-gain curve (target gain for the hearing aid) and can be supplied to the hearing aid 5.
In the embodiment of Figure 2, a remote control 21 comprises an input panel 6 on which a matrix 7 and over which a display 13 are arranged. The matrix is sub-divided into four fields/sections A-D and forms sel~ction switches S1, S2, and, potentially, an on/off switch S3 in the lower edge section. Via the selection switches Sl, S~, the hearing aid user can select or call in functions with the remote control that are programmed in the hearing aid or in the remote control unit such as, for example, specific, stored signal processing proçlrams matched to different aural situations (loud or quiet environment, street noise, concerts), or can switch the hearing aid from microphone mode to the induction or telephone coil mode. On the basis of a corresponding adaptation of the electronics, the remote control can also automatically shut off in chronologically delayed fashion, so that an additional off switch is superfluous. ~urther, the remote control can always be kept ready to operate, so that an on switch is also superfluous.
By pressing or stroking along the sensors of the fields A-D of the matrix, the user can modify function variations of the function modes of the hearing aid that have been selected and are displayed on the display 13, for example volume control, varying the output acoustic level pressure, etc. The matrix strip 11 with scaling 12 illustrates the function of a linear potentiometer. According to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, a microprocessor-controlled remote controlled device is provided that drives a receiver of the hearing aid S by ultrasound, on an infrared basis or according to radio principles.
Figure 4 shows a portion of a matrix field 7 composed of a ply 8 having interdigitizing electrodes that is coated with a ply 9 of semiconductor material and forms pressure or pressure and position sensors 10 adjoining one another.
An especially advantageous employment of a pressure and position sensor derives in the form of a loystick, as schematically indicated in Figure 7. Function changes can then be implemented dependent on the position of the pressure and/or on the force of the pressure, andtor on the direction of the pressure of a force 19 on the sensor.
Although various minor changes and modifications might be proposed by those skilled in the art, it will be understood that we wish to include within the clairns of the patent warranted hereon all such changes and modifications as come within our contribution to the art.
S P E C I F I C A T I O N
TITLE
"DATA INPUT FOR HEARING AID MEANS"
REI~TED APPLICATION
The present application is related to Hill Case No. P-92,2255, U S. Serial No.
07/988,973, filed December 10, 1992, and entitled "A HEARING AID DEVICE~, inventor Wolfram Meyer et al.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hearing aids and devices for matching their characteristics to the respective hearing impairment of a hearing-impaired person are known. For example, DE 35 27 112 C2 discloses a remotely controliable hearing aid whose various settings of the controls that are otherwise arranged at the hearing aid itself can be remotely operated with an ultrasound transmitter, whereby the actual controls are accommodated in a separate housing of the remote control. The microphone of the actual hearing aid is also employed for receiving the ultrasound signals.
Further, EP 0 064 042 B1 corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 4,425,481 discloses a circuit arrangement for a hearing aid, whereby the parameters for eight different ambient situations are stored in a memory in the hearing aid itself. By actuating a switch, a first group of parameters is called in and, via a control unit, controls a signal processor inserted between microphone and earphone that then sets a first transfer function intended for a provided environment. All eight transfer functions can be successively called in via a switch until the one that is suitable at the moment is found. On the other hand, an automatic matching is also provided by switching to a different transfer function when the user, for example, comes from a noisy environment into a qulet environment or viceversa. This swUching also occurs cyclically. When one wishes to set transfer 3 a functions oth~r than those that are stored, th~n th~ non-volatile memory must b~ ~ras~d by an external programming unit and can be re-programmed by it.
~ E 36 42 828 C2 corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 4,947,432, discloses a remotely controllable, programmable hearing aid having an amplifier and transmission part that can have its transmission properties between microphone and earphone selectively set to different transmission characteristics. An external control device is provided with a transmitter for the wireless transmission of control signals to the hearing aid. A receiver is situated therein for receiving and demodulating control signals. The external control device thereby contains a first memory in a digital control unit for a plurality of programs for parameters representing different transmission characteristics of the hearing aid, and contains a control panel for selectively calling in a respective set of parameters for one of the transmission characteristics for a transmission to the hearing aid and also contains a transmitter that can be modulated with these parameters as control signals. The hearing aid also contains a further control unit for the control of the transmission part of the hearing aid that can be controlled by the control signals after they are demodulated.
The external control device comprises a high-frequency transmitter that can be modulated with the control signals.
The user can select between various setting possibilities for the actual hearing aid, for example a setting for quiet rooms, a setting for travelling in a car, another setting for listening to music, etc. The hearing aid can be operated in that corresponding keys f the external control device are pressed. The external control device for the hearing aid i ~ p c~ lt also enables a matching of the hearing aid to the hearing u~ of the user. The hearing aid acoustic technician can implement the settings for the various environmental influences on the basis of an interactive setting procedure ~ogether with the hearing-impaired person.
Finally, EP-A 0 363 609, corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 5,144,674, and CH-A 671 131 disclose further devices or means for programming hearing aids.
3 ~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to design a data input for a remote control and/orprogramming unit of a remotely controllable and/or programmable hearing aid moreadvantageously in terms of structure and operation, such that user-friendly miniaturized electrical components that have low susceptibility to disruption are utilized.
According to a data input of the invention for a remote control and/or programming unit of a remotely controllable and/or programmable hearing aid, a matrix field of pressure sensors and/or pressure and position sensors in film design is provided.
The sensors react with variable resistance. They are composed of laminated polymer plies wherein one ply is coated with two digitizing electrodes and the corresponding other ply is coated with a semiconductor material. The matrix field is in the form of an input panel and is arranged on a housing of the remote control or of the programming unit.
The sensors of the matrix are designed as switches and/or as regulators. The setting or programming selected by pressing the sensors can be transmitted to the hearing aid in wire bound or via a remote-control such as by ultrasound, on an infrared basis, according to the radio principles, or the like, after evaluation of the sensor data in an arithmetic unit connected via a standard interface. The setting or programming data can be stored in the arithmetic unit and/or in the hearing aid.
In such a data input, input keys, switches, sliding switches, control elements, regulators, potentiometers or the like are replaced by pressure sensors and/or pressure and position sensors arranged in a matrix field. Such a pressure sensor is a touch contact sensor responding to pressure that reacts with variable resistance. The electrical resistance decreases all the more greatly the greater the force of pressure acting on the film layout. This pressure sensitivity is optimally suited for manual actuation of the switch elements, controi elements and regulating elements of the remote control or programming unit for the hearing aid, namely both in the remote control of the hearing aid as well as in the programming ~matching the hearing aid to the hearing loss of the respective user), c~ ~
as well as for readjustment of the hearing aid or for volume control thereof. In a hearing aid having stored parameters for different transmission characteristics, a pressure sensor can form a switch-over means for setting the hearing aid to a specific aural situation (for example, quiet or loud environmental situations).
The pressure sensorg can be designed point shaped, strip-shaped or planarly, particularly as a matrix, can be arranged at ~he operating side of the remote control clevice or of the programming unit, and can be actuated by direct pressurization with a finger or an operating pin.
Superficially viewed, pressure sensors of the type employed are membrane switches but, by contrast to conventional switches, vary the reslstance given pressure applied in the normal direction. A finger pressure of approximately 10g on a pressure sensor causes the resistance to decrease linearly from, for example, 400 kOhm to 40 kOhm. These sensors are therefore ideally suited for touch controls wherein semi-quantitative sensors are desired that are relatively cost-beneficial, thin (less than 0.15 mm), extremely durable (approximately 10 million actuations), and resistant to environmental influences. The sensors are combined to form sensor fields. Pressure and position sensors can recognize the posltion and the pressure load applled in the normal direction by a single actuator, for example, by a fin~er or by a pin, either along a line (linear potentiometer) or on a planar surface (XYZ pad). Dependent on ~he arrangement, positional resolutions of 0.05 mm can be achieved.
Pressure and position sensors as well as film pressure sensors and film position sensors in film design ("Force Sensing Resistors" or, respectively, "Force and Position Sensing Resistors" of Interlink Electronics Inc.) of the type employed are inherently known (U.S. Patent 4,810,992, U.S. Patent 4,963,702, and U.S. Patent 5,053,585).
BRI~ DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a data input for a programming unit o1 the invention in combination with an arithmetic unit and a hearing aid;
~99~3~
Figure 2 illustrates a data input for a remote control of the invention in combination with a remotely controllable hearing aid;
Figure 3 shows a data input for a programming unit according to Figure 1 having a form with audiogram curves placed onto the matrix fields;
Figure 4 illustrates a matrix field in which the interdigiti~ing electrodes of pressure sensors Joined to one another are arranged in uniformly distributed fashion;
Figure 5 is an enlarged, schematic illustration and a section through a pressureand/or pressure and position sensor 10 in film design that can be actuated by a finger 22 or by a switch means/operating pin;
Figure 6 is a sensor according to Figure 5 composed of laminated polymer plies, whereby one ply 8 is coated with interdigitizing electrodes and the second ply 9 is coated with a semiconductor material; given the influence of a force according to arrow 17, the sensor can thereby be employed as a sensor switch, for example on/off switch, or, given the influence of a force in the arrow directions 18, can be employed as a sensor regulator, for example, as a potentiometer; and Figure 7 is a sensor 10 onto which a force 19 exerted via a switch means or by a finger tip acts, the force direction thereof being potentially different according to the arrows 20, whereby the sensor can form a control means corresponding to a Joy stick.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An input panel 6 is situated at the control part of a programming unit 1 that can be connected via an interface 2 to a computer 3, such as a personal computer or the like, C On n c ~teO~
and that can be ce~e~ed to a hearing aid 5 via a wiring 4 or via a known remote control unit (not shown), or that can be brought into a functional connection with a hearing aid.
The input panel 6 comprises a matrix field 7 of pressure sensors and/or pressure and position sensors in film design. The matrix is composed of laminated polymer plies, whereby one ply 8 is coated with interdigitizing electrodes and the corresponding other ply is coated with a semiconductor material 9. The matrix field thereby lorms a plurality of pressure sensors and/or pressure and poshior.~ sensors 10.
Disruption-prone contacts of traditional switches, known potentiometers, and known miniature control elements can be replaced with such sensors, whereby the switchin~ and control is possible dependent on the force and/or the direction of the force acting nn the pressure sensor. In a simple embodiment, components like a Joy stick or a linear potentiometer or a programming field can be created. Whereas a status that has already been switched has its value varied given a traditional potentiometer, the linear potentiometer provided in the invention - formed, for example, by a section A of the matrix field 7 or by a matrix field strip 11 - enables a specific value to be selected and to then process it as a signal. Thus, a force that selects a desired value can be exerted on a scaling 12 of pressure sensors joined to one another. This value can be confirmed by increased pressure, i.e. the signal processing can then occur. Particular advantages derive due to an embodiment of the sensors protected against environmental influences, by a considerable space-saving on the actuation surface, since the sensors lie closer to one another than would be possible given individual keys of a keyboard, and in that the control values can be more precisely selected, particularly with nearly continuous variation, this being of significance for the setting/programming. Whereas the semiconductor material 9 in pressure sensors switches the interdigitizing electrodes 8 more or less parallel, linear potantiometers constructed of pressure and position sensors implement two measurements, given only one pressure contacting. Two types of connections are available: one corresponds to the position of an exerted force along a strip and the other measures the strength of the exerted force. A clocking of these two terminals allows the multiplexed, independent measurement of the force/position that recognizes positional changes up to 0.05 mm. A three-ply X-Y-Z digitizer pad sensor embodiment supplies a multiplexed force/position output in one plane. The measurement position can be an arbitrary set of coordinates in the apparatus plane. The force exerted onto the sensor can be independently measured. This sensor design is specifically ~ ~ 9 ~ ~ 3 3 suitable for the measurement of the position of a punctiform object, for example a finger tip or a pin. For uses that require muiti-point measurements, a matrix field sensor arrangement composed of a plurality of pressure sensors is available, these being arranged on a common carrier substrate. These sensors can be addressed serially or in parallel.
The pressure sensors that are employed are distinguished by an especially good durability and can be designed as relatively thin profiles in thicknesses from 0.02 through 0.7 mm. Further, the pressure sensors have no moving parts and are insensitive to vibrations. Further, the pressure sensors that are provided are especially resistant to temperature, chemicals and moisture. Finally, the pressure sensors can work withextremely low currents.
In the embodiment of Figure 1, input fields in the form of keys F, through Fn for selecting various hearing aid functions are provided in the lower section of the matrix field 7. These function keys F1 - Fn are allocated, for example, to the volume, to one or more AGCs ~automatic gain control circuits), to a PC (output acoustic pressure level limitation), to a treble or base reduction, or to a separating frequency setting given multi-channel devices. The further section A of the matrix field has its sensors serving the purpose of varying the hearing aid functions. As partially shown in section, an LC dlsplay 13 via which data can be displayed is provided over the matrix field 7 according to Figure 1.
For programming, forms 14 having data or program curves 15, graphlcs or audiograms of the hearing aid user can be placed onto the matrix 7 of the input panel 6 (Figure 3). Fixing elements 16 are provided at the programming unit 1 for fixing and holding the forms 14. In accordance therewith, the audiogram curve 15 of the hearing-irnpaired person can be transferred onto the matrix field 7 with a pressure pin, whereby the data supplied by the sensors 10 are converted by the computer 3 into a target-gain curve (target gain for the hearing aid) and can be supplied to the hearing aid 5.
In the embodiment of Figure 2, a remote control 21 comprises an input panel 6 on which a matrix 7 and over which a display 13 are arranged. The matrix is sub-divided into four fields/sections A-D and forms sel~ction switches S1, S2, and, potentially, an on/off switch S3 in the lower edge section. Via the selection switches Sl, S~, the hearing aid user can select or call in functions with the remote control that are programmed in the hearing aid or in the remote control unit such as, for example, specific, stored signal processing proçlrams matched to different aural situations (loud or quiet environment, street noise, concerts), or can switch the hearing aid from microphone mode to the induction or telephone coil mode. On the basis of a corresponding adaptation of the electronics, the remote control can also automatically shut off in chronologically delayed fashion, so that an additional off switch is superfluous. ~urther, the remote control can always be kept ready to operate, so that an on switch is also superfluous.
By pressing or stroking along the sensors of the fields A-D of the matrix, the user can modify function variations of the function modes of the hearing aid that have been selected and are displayed on the display 13, for example volume control, varying the output acoustic level pressure, etc. The matrix strip 11 with scaling 12 illustrates the function of a linear potentiometer. According to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, a microprocessor-controlled remote controlled device is provided that drives a receiver of the hearing aid S by ultrasound, on an infrared basis or according to radio principles.
Figure 4 shows a portion of a matrix field 7 composed of a ply 8 having interdigitizing electrodes that is coated with a ply 9 of semiconductor material and forms pressure or pressure and position sensors 10 adjoining one another.
An especially advantageous employment of a pressure and position sensor derives in the form of a loystick, as schematically indicated in Figure 7. Function changes can then be implemented dependent on the position of the pressure and/or on the force of the pressure, andtor on the direction of the pressure of a force 19 on the sensor.
Although various minor changes and modifications might be proposed by those skilled in the art, it will be understood that we wish to include within the clairns of the patent warranted hereon all such changes and modifications as come within our contribution to the art.
Claims (26)
1. A data input for a programming remote control unit of a remotely settable hearing aid, comprising:
a matrix field of film pressure sensor means for reacting with variable resistance, said sensor means comprising laminated polymer plies with one ply being coated with interdigitizing electrodes and a corresponding other ply being coated with a semiconductor material;
the matrix field being in the form of an input panel arranged on a housing of the programming remote control unit;
means for transmitting to the hearing aid a programming selected by pressing the sensor means;
arithmetic means for evaluating programming data produced by the sensor means; and means for storing the programming data in at least one of said arithmetic unit means and said hearing aid.
a matrix field of film pressure sensor means for reacting with variable resistance, said sensor means comprising laminated polymer plies with one ply being coated with interdigitizing electrodes and a corresponding other ply being coated with a semiconductor material;
the matrix field being in the form of an input panel arranged on a housing of the programming remote control unit;
means for transmitting to the hearing aid a programming selected by pressing the sensor means;
arithmetic means for evaluating programming data produced by the sensor means; and means for storing the programming data in at least one of said arithmetic unit means and said hearing aid.
2. A data input according to claim 1 wherein the sensor means are designed as switches.
3. A data input according to claim 1 wherein the sensor means are designed as regulators.
4. A data input according to claim 1 wherein said means for transmitting is wire-bound.
5. A data input according to claim 1 wherein said means for transmitting is a remote control via ultrasound.
6. A data input according to claim 1 wherein said means for transmitting is a remote control via infrared signals.
7. A data input according to claim 1 wherein said means for transmitting comprises radio waves.
8. A data input according to claim 1 wherein said sensor means comprises sensors which are pressure and position sensitive.
9. A data input according to claim 1 wherein said sensor means have a resistance which is variable dependent upon magnitude of pressure applied.
10. A data input according to claim 9 wherein the sensor means variable resistance also is a function of a direction in which pressure is applied.
11. A data input according to claim 1 including means for displaying a keyboard at said input panel for programming the hearing aid, said means for displaying a keyboard being overlaid on the matrix field so that the programming of the hearing aid can be triggered by pressure actuation of keys of the displayed keyboard.
12. A data input according to claim 1 wherein a means for displaying a transmission curve of parameters for setting the hearing aid is displayed at the input panel by overlay over the matrix field so that programming of the hearing aid can be triggered by pressure actuation by tracing the transmission curve.
13. A data input according to claim 1 wherein input fields of the matrix field are allocated to hearing aid functions and wherein a region of the matrix field together with its associated sensor means is provided for changing the hearing aid functions.
14. A data input according to claim 13 wherein the hearing aid functions comprise at least two of the functions volume, automatic gain control, output acoustic pressure level, trebel and base reduction, and separating frequencies setting given multi-channel devices.
15. A data input according to claim 1 wherein keys associated with the matrix field are allocated to hearing functions.
16. A data input according to claim 1 wherein a region of the matrix field together with its sensor means is provided for changing hearing aid functions.
17. A data input according to claim 1 wherein the matrix field has pressure sensor means along at least one strip together with an allocated scaling adjacent the input panel, said matrix field strip together with the scaling forming a linear potentiometer means.
18. A data input according to claim 17 wherein the linear potentiometer means is for volume control, for modifying signal processing in the hearing aid, for boosting base or trebel, and for suppressing noise signals.
19. A data input according to claim 1 wherein a transfer function in the form of a graphics for the hearing aid is arranged on the matrix field so that a data of the transfer function can be input into the hearing aid via the matrix field by tracing the graphics with a pressure pin.
20. A data input according to claim 19 wherein the transfer function is in the form of an audiogram curve of a hearing-impaired person, and said arithmetic unit means converting data from the sensor means into a target gain curve which can be supplied to the hearing aid.
21. A data input according to claim 1 wherein said arithmetic unit means is connected to said programming remote control unit by an interface means which allows said arithmetic unit means to store the data.
22. A data input according to claim 1 wherein the sensor means in the matrix field can vary rate of control by variation of the resistance of the sensor means in a normal direction dependent on pressure force exerted on the sensor means in the matrix field, and wherein an on/off switch function can be triggered beginning with a specific maximum force of pressure on the sensor means.
23. A data input according to claim 1 wherein the programming remote control unit has fixing element means for applying graphics or data forms on the matrix field.
24. A data input according to claim 1 wherein the programming remote control unit has an LCD display in addition to said matrix field, said matrix field being sub-divided into a section for function keys, selection switches, and on/off switch, and into at least one field for setting selectable hearing aid functions which can be displayed on said LCD display.
25. A data input according to claim 24 wherein the selectable hearing aid functions include at least volume.
26. A data input for a programming remote control unit of a remotely settable hearing aid, comprising:
a matrix field of film pressure sensor means for providing a variable resistance dependent upon magnitude of a force applied to the sensor means, said sensor means comprising laminated polymer plies with one ply being coated with interdigitizing electrodes and a corresponding other ply being coated with a semiconductor material;
the matrix field being in the form of an input panel arranged on a housing of the programming remote control unit; and means for transmitting to the hearing aid a programming selected by pressing the sensor means.
a matrix field of film pressure sensor means for providing a variable resistance dependent upon magnitude of a force applied to the sensor means, said sensor means comprising laminated polymer plies with one ply being coated with interdigitizing electrodes and a corresponding other ply being coated with a semiconductor material;
the matrix field being in the form of an input panel arranged on a housing of the programming remote control unit; and means for transmitting to the hearing aid a programming selected by pressing the sensor means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19924221300 DE4221300A1 (en) | 1992-06-29 | 1992-06-29 | Data entry for a hearing aid |
| DEP4221300.2 | 1992-06-29 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2099235A1 true CA2099235A1 (en) | 1993-12-30 |
Family
ID=6462072
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2099235 Abandoned CA2099235A1 (en) | 1992-06-29 | 1993-06-25 | Data input for hearing aid means |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0578019A3 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2099235A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4221300A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0681411B1 (en) * | 1994-05-06 | 2003-01-29 | Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH | Programmable hearing aid |
| DE4418203C2 (en) * | 1994-05-25 | 1997-09-11 | Siemens Audiologische Technik | Method for adapting the transmission characteristic of a hearing aid |
| EP0915639A1 (en) * | 1999-01-05 | 1999-05-12 | Phonak Ag | Method for binaural adjusting of hearing aids |
| DE19933953C1 (en) * | 1999-07-20 | 2000-10-26 | Siemens Audiologische Technik | Operating panel for hearing aid remote control or programming unit |
| JP2004509678A (en) * | 2000-09-21 | 2004-04-02 | コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ | X-ray diagnostic apparatus including a manually adjustable filter |
| CH694882A5 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2005-08-15 | Bernafon Ag | A method for setting a transmission characteristic of an electronic circuit. |
| DE102004005952A1 (en) | 2004-02-02 | 2005-08-25 | E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH | Operating device for an electrical appliance with a control panel and a sensor element underneath and method for operating the operating device |
| DE102004014935B3 (en) * | 2004-03-26 | 2005-11-03 | Siemens Ag | Control panel for installation technology |
| DE102013111295A1 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2015-04-30 | Philipp Offenbecher Phionik UG ( haftungsbeschränkt ) | Device for comparison test of hearing aids |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE428167B (en) * | 1981-04-16 | 1983-06-06 | Mangold Stephan | PROGRAMMABLE SIGNAL TREATMENT DEVICE, MAINLY INTENDED FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY |
| US4679240A (en) * | 1985-04-15 | 1987-07-07 | Richards Medical Company | Touch sensitive hearing aid volume control circuit |
| DE3527112A1 (en) * | 1985-07-29 | 1987-01-29 | Siemens Ag | Hearing aid |
| US4810992A (en) * | 1986-01-17 | 1989-03-07 | Interlink Electronics, Inc. | Digitizer pad |
| DE3642828C3 (en) * | 1986-02-03 | 1995-05-04 | Toepholm & Westermann | Remote controllable hearing aid |
| CH671131A5 (en) * | 1986-05-15 | 1989-07-31 | Ascom Audiosys Ag | Hearing aid programmable device - uses plug in programming modules relating to different types of hearing aid |
| DE3834962A1 (en) * | 1988-10-13 | 1990-04-19 | Siemens Ag | DIGITAL PROGRAMMING DEVICE FOR HOUR DEVICES |
| DE8812896U1 (en) * | 1988-10-13 | 1988-12-08 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Programming device for hearing aids and hearing aid components |
| DE3900588A1 (en) * | 1989-01-11 | 1990-07-19 | Toepholm & Westermann | REMOTE CONTROLLED, PROGRAMMABLE HOUR DEVICE SYSTEM |
| US4963702A (en) * | 1989-02-09 | 1990-10-16 | Interlink Electronics, Inc. | Digitizer pad featuring spacial definition of a pressure contact area |
| US5053585A (en) * | 1990-10-12 | 1991-10-01 | Interlink Electronics, Incorporated | Multipurpose keyboard using digitizer pad featuring spatial minimization of a pressure contact area and method of making same |
-
1992
- 1992-06-29 DE DE19924221300 patent/DE4221300A1/en not_active Ceased
-
1993
- 1993-06-16 EP EP93109634A patent/EP0578019A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1993-06-25 CA CA 2099235 patent/CA2099235A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0578019A3 (en) | 1995-11-22 |
| DE4221300A1 (en) | 1994-01-13 |
| EP0578019A2 (en) | 1994-01-12 |
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