CA2435361C - Communication method and hearing aid system - Google Patents
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Abstract
The aim of the invention is to increase attractiveness of hearing aid systems. User-defined sequences are inputted into a generator unit (9) on the hearing aid. A respective acknowledgement signal (Q) is transmitted from the generator unit (9) to the electro/mechanical converter unit (5) of the hearing aid for acknowledging an action having been carried out on the hearing aid.
Description
COMMUNICATION METHOD AND HEARING AID SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a communication method and to a hearing device system. Such methods and hearing device systems are known. For example, it is known to acknowledge manual inputs made on a therapeutic hearing device, in particular a behind-the-ear device, such as for example by means of toggle switches, by means of synthetic beep signals, which are fed as electrical audio signals to the electro/mechanical output converter of the hearing device.
Therapeutic hearing devices still brand the individual who is dependent on such a device with a certain stigma of invalidity, which is felt in particular by young people. Therefore, it has recently become accepted practice to design even those hearing devices prescribed to aid medical problems esthetically in such a way that wearing them gives the impression of a certain youthfulness or cheerfulness, helping to overcome the tendency to hide and conceal the device, and with it the handicap of the wearer. In pursuit of increasing their attractiveness in this way, the present invention has the aim of also making the communication between the hearing device and an individual more attractive and playful.
According to the resent invention, there is provided a method for communicating between a hearing device including a user input for listening to first audio signals and an individual carrying said device, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of notification audio signals each having a corresponding predetermined duration;
a user selecting one of said plurality of notification signals, using the user input, for associating with a status of the device; and applying to an output converter of said hearing device said selected notification signal for notifying the user of the status of said hearing device.
According to the resent invention, there is also provided a hearing device system with at least one hearing device, said hearing device comprising:
an electrical/mechanical converter;
an input for a user to select one of a plurality of notification audio signals for associating with a system status;
a signal processing unit with an output being operationally connected to an input of the electrical/mechanical converter; and a generator unit an output of which is also operationally connected to said input of said converter, said generator unit including a user exchangeable storage for storing one or more of said plurality of notification signals, wherein said generator unit provides said selected notification signal to said converter to notify the user of the status of the system status.
According to the resent invention, there is also provided a hearing device system comprising:
at least one hearing device, said hearing device including: an electrical/mechanical converter; and a signal processing unit with an output being operationally connected to an input of said electrical/mechanical converter;
an input for a user to select a user defined notification audio signal of predetermined extent for associating with a system status; and a generator unit the output of which is operationally connected to the input of said electrical/mechanical converter, said generator unit including a user writable read/write storage unit for storing said user defined notification audio signal to be output by said generator unit for notifying a user of a status of the system.
The present invention relates to a communication method and to a hearing device system. Such methods and hearing device systems are known. For example, it is known to acknowledge manual inputs made on a therapeutic hearing device, in particular a behind-the-ear device, such as for example by means of toggle switches, by means of synthetic beep signals, which are fed as electrical audio signals to the electro/mechanical output converter of the hearing device.
Therapeutic hearing devices still brand the individual who is dependent on such a device with a certain stigma of invalidity, which is felt in particular by young people. Therefore, it has recently become accepted practice to design even those hearing devices prescribed to aid medical problems esthetically in such a way that wearing them gives the impression of a certain youthfulness or cheerfulness, helping to overcome the tendency to hide and conceal the device, and with it the handicap of the wearer. In pursuit of increasing their attractiveness in this way, the present invention has the aim of also making the communication between the hearing device and an individual more attractive and playful.
According to the resent invention, there is provided a method for communicating between a hearing device including a user input for listening to first audio signals and an individual carrying said device, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of notification audio signals each having a corresponding predetermined duration;
a user selecting one of said plurality of notification signals, using the user input, for associating with a status of the device; and applying to an output converter of said hearing device said selected notification signal for notifying the user of the status of said hearing device.
According to the resent invention, there is also provided a hearing device system with at least one hearing device, said hearing device comprising:
an electrical/mechanical converter;
an input for a user to select one of a plurality of notification audio signals for associating with a system status;
a signal processing unit with an output being operationally connected to an input of the electrical/mechanical converter; and a generator unit an output of which is also operationally connected to said input of said converter, said generator unit including a user exchangeable storage for storing one or more of said plurality of notification signals, wherein said generator unit provides said selected notification signal to said converter to notify the user of the status of the system status.
According to the resent invention, there is also provided a hearing device system comprising:
at least one hearing device, said hearing device including: an electrical/mechanical converter; and a signal processing unit with an output being operationally connected to an input of said electrical/mechanical converter;
an input for a user to select a user defined notification audio signal of predetermined extent for associating with a system status; and a generator unit the output of which is operationally connected to the input of said electrical/mechanical converter, said generator unit including a user writable read/write storage unit for storing said user defined notification audio signal to be output by said generator unit for notifying a user of a status of the system.
According to the resent invention, there is also provided a method of acknowledging to an individual carrying a hearing device, said hearing device having:
an acoustical/electrical input converter unit having an output;
a signal processing unit having an input and an output;
an input for a user to select one of a plurality of acknowledgement audio signals for associating with a predetermined system status; and an electrical/mechanical output converter arrangement having an input, wherein said output of said input converter is operationally connected to said input of said signal processing unit, the output thereof being operationally connected to said input of said output converter arrangement, said method comprising the steps of:
generating an acknowledgement control signal in said hearing device whenever the predetermined status of said hearing device is reached; and initiating said selected acknowledgement audio signal according to said acknowledgement control signal to be applied to said input of said output converter, wherein said acknowledgement audio signal is made selectable by the individual.
According to the resent invention, there is also provided a system comprising at least one hearing device, said hearing device including:
an electrical/mechanical input converter arrangement having an output;
a signal processing unit having an input and an output;
an input for a user to select a notification audio signal for associating with a predetermined system status;
an electrical/mechanical output converter arrangement having an input; and a generator unit having:
an audio signal storage unit for storing the selected notification signal; and an output operationally connected to said input of said output converter arrangement;
an acoustical/electrical input converter unit having an output;
a signal processing unit having an input and an output;
an input for a user to select one of a plurality of acknowledgement audio signals for associating with a predetermined system status; and an electrical/mechanical output converter arrangement having an input, wherein said output of said input converter is operationally connected to said input of said signal processing unit, the output thereof being operationally connected to said input of said output converter arrangement, said method comprising the steps of:
generating an acknowledgement control signal in said hearing device whenever the predetermined status of said hearing device is reached; and initiating said selected acknowledgement audio signal according to said acknowledgement control signal to be applied to said input of said output converter, wherein said acknowledgement audio signal is made selectable by the individual.
According to the resent invention, there is also provided a system comprising at least one hearing device, said hearing device including:
an electrical/mechanical input converter arrangement having an output;
a signal processing unit having an input and an output;
an input for a user to select a notification audio signal for associating with a predetermined system status;
an electrical/mechanical output converter arrangement having an input; and a generator unit having:
an audio signal storage unit for storing the selected notification signal; and an output operationally connected to said input of said output converter arrangement;
wherein said output of said input converter arrangement is operationally connected to said input of said signal processing unit, and wherein said output of said signal processing unit is operationally connected to one of said input and another input of said output converter arrangement, and further wherein said hearing device generates at least one acknowledgement control signal when said predetermined status of said hearing device is achieved, and still further wherein said generator unit applies said selected notification audio signal to said output converter arrangement when initiated by said acknowledgement control signal of said hearing device.
Consequently, it is now possible for each user, whether of a therapeutic hearing device or else of a hearing device from the area of entertainment electronics, such as for example headphones, with the required characteristics to be in a position to choose for himself with which audio signals events at the hearing device are indicated or acknowledged.
In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the time-restricted electrical audio signals are in this case generated in particular as acknowledgement signals in response to control signals, which control signals are generated at the hearing device manually or by remote control, or which are triggered by the hearing device itself, such as for example when the battery voltage drops.
In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least some of the time-restricted audio signals mentioned are stored on user-exchangeable memory elements for the hearing device, in this case preferably on read-only memory elements.
4a Preferably, it is consequently possible for the user himself to exchange the memory elements mentioned, with audio signals corresponding to his taste stored on them.
As read-only memories, such memory elements may be made available for example by the device manufacturers in a wide range of different audio signal patterns.
In a likewise preferred embodiment, if appropriate supplementing the embodiment last mentioned, the time-restricted audio signals mentioned are stored in a user-defined manner on a memory unit which is integrated on the hearing device itself or which is in connection, or can be brought into operative connection, with the latter, preferably wirelessly. In the case of this embodiment, the audio signals mentioned are stored selectively and user-defined in the actual hearing device and can be correspondingly exchanged.
Preferably, in a third embodiment, which can be combined, if appropriate, with the previously mentioned embodiment, on the actual hearing device there is stored only the localizing information as to where on a given audio signal carrier the audio signal sequences respectively to be called up lie. This procedure means that the user of the hearing device carries on him an audio playing device, such as for example a minidisc player, an MP3 player etc. The communication between the hearing device on the one hand and such a playing device preferably takes place wirelessly.
In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the mentioned output converter is a loudspeaker, it is proposed that at least some of the time-restricted electrical audio signals mentioned are generated in such a way that the acoustic converter result can also be heard by an 4b individual from a distance. This makes it possible by corresponding acoustic signals also to convey information to a user when the hearing device is not being worn. This may be the case for example when the battery voltage drops, when the hearing device is stored improperly, but detectably, etc.
in a further preferred embodiment, the user-defined selection of the time-restricted electrical audio signals is menu-controlled. Provided for this purpose is a communication unit that is preferably wirelessly in operative connection with the hearing device and by which the user is guided through the selection menu by visual indication and/or voice prompting.
Preferably, if the communication unit mentioned is designed at least also for voice prompting, it is further proposed to realize the voice prompting by means of the hearing device mentioned, in that the corresponding voice signals are fed into the hearing device.
The invention is explained below by way of example on the basis of figures, in which:
figure 1 shows on the basis of a simplified signal flow/function block diagram the principle of a method according to the invention and a hearing device system according to the invention;
4c figure 2 shows in a representation analogous to that of figure 1 preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention and of the hearing device system according to the invention, and figure 3 shows in turn in a representation in analogy with those of figures 1 and 2 a further preferred configurational variant of the method according to the invention and of the hearing device system according to the invention.
In figure 1, the principle of the present invention is represented on the basis of a signal flow/function block diagram. A hearing device system 10 comprises a hearing device per se, with an acoustic/electrical input converter unit 1, downstream of which a usually digital signal processing unit 3, which acts on the output side on an electrical/mechanical converter unit 5. If the hearing device is an at least partly implanted therapeutic hearing device, the electrical/mechanical converter unit 5 is, for example, a unit which acts mechanically on an ossicle in the middle ear, while in the case of a customary therapeutic in-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing device the converter unit mentioned is formed by a loudspeaker unit. Apart from a device for therapeutic purposes, the hearing device may also be a device not used for therapeutic purposes, such as for example headphones.
The signal processing unit 3 of the actual hearing device receives control signals S of all kinds, such as for example program switching signals, signals for setting the transmitted volume, that is in principle signals which trigger desired signal processing changes when the hearing device is being used by the respective individual. As schematized in figure 1, such signals S
are triggered manually, M, such as for example by actuation of switches, or, when remote control is provided, are usually input wirelessly, as represented at F. In figure 1, the conversion of manually input signals M or wirelessly transmitted signals F into control signals for the signal processing unit 3 is represented in combined form in a schematized manner at a coding/decoding unit 7. To this extent, the explained provisions on hearing devices, in particular therapeutic hearing devices, are known.
It is further known in this respect that, in the function of the signals at the hearing device 10a that are input, as mentioned, manually - M- or via a remote control - F -, acoustic acknowledgement signals which can be perceived by the respective individual are generated, in the form of identifying sequences of beep signals. In the function of the control signals input manually, M, or by remote control, F, acknowledgement signals Q assigned to the control signals M, F by the codec unit 7 are called up at a generator unit 9 and fed on the input side to the electro/mechanical converter unit 5, converted at it into corresponding signals which are audible for the individual.
Consequently, the actual hearing device 10a is formed in any event and in the representation according to figure 1 by the units 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 and their signal connections.
The generator unit 9 provided in the case of previously known hearing devices of this type is formed as an actual read-only unit, on which the acknowledgement signals to be fed correspondingly to the converter unit are stored.
In principle, the present invention now proposes that the mentioned acknowledgement signals Q are no longer stored in advance at the factory as fixed values, in the sense of read-only storage, but instead these signals can be stored in a user-defined manner. The acknowledgement signals Q assigned to the control signals M, F can be freely chosen by the respective individual using the hearing device and changed as desired. In this respect, the audible user-defined signals corresponding to the electrical acknowledgement signals Q may be, for example, voice sequences, music sequences, noises. The system according to the invention can then be designed, for example, in such a way that:
Consequently, it is now possible for each user, whether of a therapeutic hearing device or else of a hearing device from the area of entertainment electronics, such as for example headphones, with the required characteristics to be in a position to choose for himself with which audio signals events at the hearing device are indicated or acknowledged.
In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the time-restricted electrical audio signals are in this case generated in particular as acknowledgement signals in response to control signals, which control signals are generated at the hearing device manually or by remote control, or which are triggered by the hearing device itself, such as for example when the battery voltage drops.
In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least some of the time-restricted audio signals mentioned are stored on user-exchangeable memory elements for the hearing device, in this case preferably on read-only memory elements.
4a Preferably, it is consequently possible for the user himself to exchange the memory elements mentioned, with audio signals corresponding to his taste stored on them.
As read-only memories, such memory elements may be made available for example by the device manufacturers in a wide range of different audio signal patterns.
In a likewise preferred embodiment, if appropriate supplementing the embodiment last mentioned, the time-restricted audio signals mentioned are stored in a user-defined manner on a memory unit which is integrated on the hearing device itself or which is in connection, or can be brought into operative connection, with the latter, preferably wirelessly. In the case of this embodiment, the audio signals mentioned are stored selectively and user-defined in the actual hearing device and can be correspondingly exchanged.
Preferably, in a third embodiment, which can be combined, if appropriate, with the previously mentioned embodiment, on the actual hearing device there is stored only the localizing information as to where on a given audio signal carrier the audio signal sequences respectively to be called up lie. This procedure means that the user of the hearing device carries on him an audio playing device, such as for example a minidisc player, an MP3 player etc. The communication between the hearing device on the one hand and such a playing device preferably takes place wirelessly.
In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the mentioned output converter is a loudspeaker, it is proposed that at least some of the time-restricted electrical audio signals mentioned are generated in such a way that the acoustic converter result can also be heard by an 4b individual from a distance. This makes it possible by corresponding acoustic signals also to convey information to a user when the hearing device is not being worn. This may be the case for example when the battery voltage drops, when the hearing device is stored improperly, but detectably, etc.
in a further preferred embodiment, the user-defined selection of the time-restricted electrical audio signals is menu-controlled. Provided for this purpose is a communication unit that is preferably wirelessly in operative connection with the hearing device and by which the user is guided through the selection menu by visual indication and/or voice prompting.
Preferably, if the communication unit mentioned is designed at least also for voice prompting, it is further proposed to realize the voice prompting by means of the hearing device mentioned, in that the corresponding voice signals are fed into the hearing device.
The invention is explained below by way of example on the basis of figures, in which:
figure 1 shows on the basis of a simplified signal flow/function block diagram the principle of a method according to the invention and a hearing device system according to the invention;
4c figure 2 shows in a representation analogous to that of figure 1 preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention and of the hearing device system according to the invention, and figure 3 shows in turn in a representation in analogy with those of figures 1 and 2 a further preferred configurational variant of the method according to the invention and of the hearing device system according to the invention.
In figure 1, the principle of the present invention is represented on the basis of a signal flow/function block diagram. A hearing device system 10 comprises a hearing device per se, with an acoustic/electrical input converter unit 1, downstream of which a usually digital signal processing unit 3, which acts on the output side on an electrical/mechanical converter unit 5. If the hearing device is an at least partly implanted therapeutic hearing device, the electrical/mechanical converter unit 5 is, for example, a unit which acts mechanically on an ossicle in the middle ear, while in the case of a customary therapeutic in-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing device the converter unit mentioned is formed by a loudspeaker unit. Apart from a device for therapeutic purposes, the hearing device may also be a device not used for therapeutic purposes, such as for example headphones.
The signal processing unit 3 of the actual hearing device receives control signals S of all kinds, such as for example program switching signals, signals for setting the transmitted volume, that is in principle signals which trigger desired signal processing changes when the hearing device is being used by the respective individual. As schematized in figure 1, such signals S
are triggered manually, M, such as for example by actuation of switches, or, when remote control is provided, are usually input wirelessly, as represented at F. In figure 1, the conversion of manually input signals M or wirelessly transmitted signals F into control signals for the signal processing unit 3 is represented in combined form in a schematized manner at a coding/decoding unit 7. To this extent, the explained provisions on hearing devices, in particular therapeutic hearing devices, are known.
It is further known in this respect that, in the function of the signals at the hearing device 10a that are input, as mentioned, manually - M- or via a remote control - F -, acoustic acknowledgement signals which can be perceived by the respective individual are generated, in the form of identifying sequences of beep signals. In the function of the control signals input manually, M, or by remote control, F, acknowledgement signals Q assigned to the control signals M, F by the codec unit 7 are called up at a generator unit 9 and fed on the input side to the electro/mechanical converter unit 5, converted at it into corresponding signals which are audible for the individual.
Consequently, the actual hearing device 10a is formed in any event and in the representation according to figure 1 by the units 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 and their signal connections.
The generator unit 9 provided in the case of previously known hearing devices of this type is formed as an actual read-only unit, on which the acknowledgement signals to be fed correspondingly to the converter unit are stored.
In principle, the present invention now proposes that the mentioned acknowledgement signals Q are no longer stored in advance at the factory as fixed values, in the sense of read-only storage, but instead these signals can be stored in a user-defined manner. The acknowledgement signals Q assigned to the control signals M, F can be freely chosen by the respective individual using the hearing device and changed as desired. In this respect, the audible user-defined signals corresponding to the electrical acknowledgement signals Q may be, for example, voice sequences, music sequences, noises. The system according to the invention can then be designed, for example, in such a way that:
- the respective user-defined acknowledgement signals can be called up at the appropriate time directly from a sound storing device, if appropriate virtually online, preferably by wireless transmission, and converted at the generator unit 9 into the electrical acknowledgement signals Q required device-specifically, - desired acknowledgement sequences are pre-selected by the user and preferably stored directly on the hearing device, - that memories, such as for example chips, on which sequences are pre-stored according to taste and adapted to the signals M or F to be acknowledged, are offered for example by the hearing device manufacturer.
If it is provided that desired signal sequences can be stored on the hearing device in a user-defined manner or such signals can be defined on sound carriers, this preferably takes place in a menu-controlled manner, as still to be explained.
In figure 1, the basic approach, following the invention, is represented by the signal input BD to the generator unit 9, via which the user-defined acknowledgement signals Q mentioned are input, whether by user-defined insertion of pre-recorded data memories 11a, whether by storing user-defined stored sequences 11b, or whether by user-defined storing of sound carriers 11c.
As further evident from figure 1, it is quite possible that states, such as for example the dropping of battery voltages below predetermined values, are to be signaled to the user by the signal processing unit 3.
The input to the codec unit 7 then takes place from the signal processing unit 3, as represented by Z. As already explained, a corresponding user-defined acknowledgement signal Q is then also transmitted to the converter unit 5 and occurrence of the signal Z is indicated to the user by a corresponding user-defined signal.
If appropriate, the acknowledgement signals Q may be formed in such a way that, in the case of hearing devices with a loudspeaker on the output side, the corresponding audio signals also become audible when the hearing device is not even being worn. For example, state information signals Z emitted by the signal processing unit 3, which indicate for example the state of the battery, or indicate that the hearing device is being stored at an excessive ambient temperature, etc., can be used for calling up a corresponding acknowledgement signal Q, which even when the hearing device is stored away from the user draws the attention of the latter to it, and leads to appropriate action.
On the basis of figure 2, which in turn shows in a schematic and simplified form a signal flow/function block diagram of a preferred hearing device system according to the invention, operating by the method according to the invention, it is intended to explain how a user selects user-defined sound sequences in a menu-controlled manner and, if appropriate, also additionally stores them.
In the selection mode for the acknowledgement sequences, the signals I which have already been represented in figure 1, respectively identifying signal input manually - M - or wirelessly -F -, are fed on the output side of the codec unit 7 to an external indicating unit 15 with a display 16 or with synthetic voice output (not represented), such as for example a laptop, a computer or a remote-control unit. When the respective identification signal I occurs, in a way corresponding to a menu input M or a remote input F, the following text for example is indicated or spoken at the unit 15:
"Please select the acknowledgement signal desired for the NORMAL AMBIENT/CONCERT HALL program change-over. Its maximum permissible length is 5 seconds."
If the menu control text is spoken, it is appropriate, especially when a hearing device is being used, especially a therapeutic hearing device, to feed this to the converter 5, as represented by dashed lines in figure 2 at AT.
The user then switches on any desired audio signal source, such as for example a sound carrier 17 or an Internet page, and the sequence selected by the user at the source is fed during the predetermined length of time, of example 5 seconds, in the form of electrical signals E17 to the generator unit 9a and stored there, assigned to the specific identification signal I. For this purpose, the identification signal I is looped to the generator unit 9 via the indicating device 15 mentioned. Consequently, in the case of this embodiment the signal E17 corresponding to the chosen sound sequence is preferably, but not necessarily, stored in the generator unit 9a in digital form.
If it is provided that desired signal sequences can be stored on the hearing device in a user-defined manner or such signals can be defined on sound carriers, this preferably takes place in a menu-controlled manner, as still to be explained.
In figure 1, the basic approach, following the invention, is represented by the signal input BD to the generator unit 9, via which the user-defined acknowledgement signals Q mentioned are input, whether by user-defined insertion of pre-recorded data memories 11a, whether by storing user-defined stored sequences 11b, or whether by user-defined storing of sound carriers 11c.
As further evident from figure 1, it is quite possible that states, such as for example the dropping of battery voltages below predetermined values, are to be signaled to the user by the signal processing unit 3.
The input to the codec unit 7 then takes place from the signal processing unit 3, as represented by Z. As already explained, a corresponding user-defined acknowledgement signal Q is then also transmitted to the converter unit 5 and occurrence of the signal Z is indicated to the user by a corresponding user-defined signal.
If appropriate, the acknowledgement signals Q may be formed in such a way that, in the case of hearing devices with a loudspeaker on the output side, the corresponding audio signals also become audible when the hearing device is not even being worn. For example, state information signals Z emitted by the signal processing unit 3, which indicate for example the state of the battery, or indicate that the hearing device is being stored at an excessive ambient temperature, etc., can be used for calling up a corresponding acknowledgement signal Q, which even when the hearing device is stored away from the user draws the attention of the latter to it, and leads to appropriate action.
On the basis of figure 2, which in turn shows in a schematic and simplified form a signal flow/function block diagram of a preferred hearing device system according to the invention, operating by the method according to the invention, it is intended to explain how a user selects user-defined sound sequences in a menu-controlled manner and, if appropriate, also additionally stores them.
In the selection mode for the acknowledgement sequences, the signals I which have already been represented in figure 1, respectively identifying signal input manually - M - or wirelessly -F -, are fed on the output side of the codec unit 7 to an external indicating unit 15 with a display 16 or with synthetic voice output (not represented), such as for example a laptop, a computer or a remote-control unit. When the respective identification signal I occurs, in a way corresponding to a menu input M or a remote input F, the following text for example is indicated or spoken at the unit 15:
"Please select the acknowledgement signal desired for the NORMAL AMBIENT/CONCERT HALL program change-over. Its maximum permissible length is 5 seconds."
If the menu control text is spoken, it is appropriate, especially when a hearing device is being used, especially a therapeutic hearing device, to feed this to the converter 5, as represented by dashed lines in figure 2 at AT.
The user then switches on any desired audio signal source, such as for example a sound carrier 17 or an Internet page, and the sequence selected by the user at the source is fed during the predetermined length of time, of example 5 seconds, in the form of electrical signals E17 to the generator unit 9a and stored there, assigned to the specific identification signal I. For this purpose, the identification signal I is looped to the generator unit 9 via the indicating device 15 mentioned. Consequently, in the case of this embodiment the signal E17 corresponding to the chosen sound sequence is preferably, but not necessarily, stored in the generator unit 9a in digital form.
In this manner, the selected audio sequences with the assigned signals I triggering them are stored by the user on the generator unit 9 for those signals input manually or via remote control, corresponding to M or F, for which user-defined acknowledgement signals Q are desired at all.
During the operation of the hearing device, the indicating unit 15 is removed, unless it is a unit integrated on the remote control system, and, as represented at I', the operative connection between the codec unit 7 and the generator unit 9 is created.
If appropriate, however, it may also be provided that the selected audio sequence, corresponding to E17, is not stored on the generator unit 9 at all, but that only retrieval data A17 of the respective sequence on a sound carrier are registered there, assigned to the respective signal I. In this case, with the playback device with the sound carrier 17 carried on the individual, when an identification signal I occurs during operation the generator unit 9 will, as represented by dashed lines at L, activate the playback device to play the audio sequences defined on the generator unit 9. Only then is the signal E17 fed to the converter unit 5, via the generator unit 9, or if appropriate directly.
The signal paths marked by "-" in figure 2 may be based on wireless transmission. For instance, in selection mode, the signal I can be transmitted wirelessly to the indicating unit 16,. for example as an infrared signal or as a radio signal over the short distance.
Similarly, the generator unit 9a may be realized away from the actual hearing device 1, 3, 5, 7. The acknowledgement signal Q is then transmitted from the remote generator unit 9a wirelessly to the input of the converter unit 5. Similarly, the respective signal I, calling up an audio sequence, is preferably transmitted wirelessly from the output of the codec unit 7 to the generator unit 9. It goes without saying that in this case transmitting or receiving units are provided in a way corresponding to the selected wireless transmission techniques at the units 7, 9a, 15, 17 on the input side of the converter unit 5(not represented). If it is further intended, as already explained on the basis of figure 1, for states registered by the specific hearing device 1, 3 to 5 to trigger acknowledgement signals Q, in a way corresponding to the signals Z, the signals Z
which may occur are simulated in the selection menu for the corresponding audio sequences and, as described, assigned to the respective audio sequences. Such a simulation can be triggered for example by pressing a button on the hearing device, as represented in figure 2 by SimZ.
Even if all that is stored on the generator unit 9 are retrieval data A17, assigned to the signals I, which then call up defined audio sequences virtually online from a sound carrier 17, a RAM data storage in the sense of a read/write memory is nevertheless performed on the generator unit 9a in a corresponding memory, whereupon the mentioned retrieval data can be changed at any time by the user in order to assign other audio sequences to the respective control signals I as acknowledgement signals Q.
A further preferred embodiment of a hearing device system according to the invention, which is fully integrated, is represented in figure 3. In this case the generator unit 9b is part of the actual hearing device, whereupon the respectively desired acknowledgement signal audio sequences or their user-exchangeable memories, such as chips 20 for example, are chosen. In this case, a selection of different acknowledgement signals is preferably provided on memories 20, by means of which the user can select the style or sound structure that appeals to him. By exchanging the memories 20, which are then preferably formed as read-only memories ROM, the user respectively selects which acknowledgement signals he wishes to hear for the assigned switching signals M, F or Z.
With the present invention, it is possible for users both of therapeutic hearing devices and hearing devices from the entertainment sector, for example of headphones, to get away from dry, more technical acknowledgement signal, such as the known beep signals, and in each case choose their personal acknowledgement signals. It is readily possible, for example in the procedure according to figure 3, for example for young people to exchange the memories 20 with one another or else, if, as in the case of the realization according to figure 2, a preferably wireless interface is created between the generator units 9a of different hearing systems, such as by means of infrared, to "synchronize"
the generator unit 9 with the audio sequences of another hearing system, as indicated in figure 2 by IR.
During the operation of the hearing device, the indicating unit 15 is removed, unless it is a unit integrated on the remote control system, and, as represented at I', the operative connection between the codec unit 7 and the generator unit 9 is created.
If appropriate, however, it may also be provided that the selected audio sequence, corresponding to E17, is not stored on the generator unit 9 at all, but that only retrieval data A17 of the respective sequence on a sound carrier are registered there, assigned to the respective signal I. In this case, with the playback device with the sound carrier 17 carried on the individual, when an identification signal I occurs during operation the generator unit 9 will, as represented by dashed lines at L, activate the playback device to play the audio sequences defined on the generator unit 9. Only then is the signal E17 fed to the converter unit 5, via the generator unit 9, or if appropriate directly.
The signal paths marked by "-" in figure 2 may be based on wireless transmission. For instance, in selection mode, the signal I can be transmitted wirelessly to the indicating unit 16,. for example as an infrared signal or as a radio signal over the short distance.
Similarly, the generator unit 9a may be realized away from the actual hearing device 1, 3, 5, 7. The acknowledgement signal Q is then transmitted from the remote generator unit 9a wirelessly to the input of the converter unit 5. Similarly, the respective signal I, calling up an audio sequence, is preferably transmitted wirelessly from the output of the codec unit 7 to the generator unit 9. It goes without saying that in this case transmitting or receiving units are provided in a way corresponding to the selected wireless transmission techniques at the units 7, 9a, 15, 17 on the input side of the converter unit 5(not represented). If it is further intended, as already explained on the basis of figure 1, for states registered by the specific hearing device 1, 3 to 5 to trigger acknowledgement signals Q, in a way corresponding to the signals Z, the signals Z
which may occur are simulated in the selection menu for the corresponding audio sequences and, as described, assigned to the respective audio sequences. Such a simulation can be triggered for example by pressing a button on the hearing device, as represented in figure 2 by SimZ.
Even if all that is stored on the generator unit 9 are retrieval data A17, assigned to the signals I, which then call up defined audio sequences virtually online from a sound carrier 17, a RAM data storage in the sense of a read/write memory is nevertheless performed on the generator unit 9a in a corresponding memory, whereupon the mentioned retrieval data can be changed at any time by the user in order to assign other audio sequences to the respective control signals I as acknowledgement signals Q.
A further preferred embodiment of a hearing device system according to the invention, which is fully integrated, is represented in figure 3. In this case the generator unit 9b is part of the actual hearing device, whereupon the respectively desired acknowledgement signal audio sequences or their user-exchangeable memories, such as chips 20 for example, are chosen. In this case, a selection of different acknowledgement signals is preferably provided on memories 20, by means of which the user can select the style or sound structure that appeals to him. By exchanging the memories 20, which are then preferably formed as read-only memories ROM, the user respectively selects which acknowledgement signals he wishes to hear for the assigned switching signals M, F or Z.
With the present invention, it is possible for users both of therapeutic hearing devices and hearing devices from the entertainment sector, for example of headphones, to get away from dry, more technical acknowledgement signal, such as the known beep signals, and in each case choose their personal acknowledgement signals. It is readily possible, for example in the procedure according to figure 3, for example for young people to exchange the memories 20 with one another or else, if, as in the case of the realization according to figure 2, a preferably wireless interface is created between the generator units 9a of different hearing systems, such as by means of infrared, to "synchronize"
the generator unit 9 with the audio sequences of another hearing system, as indicated in figure 2 by IR.
Claims (38)
1. A method for communicating between a hearing device including a user input for listening to first audio signals and an individual carrying said device, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of notification audio signals each having a corresponding predetermined duration;
a user selecting one of said plurality of notification signals, using the user input, for associating with a status of the device; and applying to an output converter of said hearing device said selected notification signal for notifying the user of the status of said hearing device.
providing a plurality of notification audio signals each having a corresponding predetermined duration;
a user selecting one of said plurality of notification signals, using the user input, for associating with a status of the device; and applying to an output converter of said hearing device said selected notification signal for notifying the user of the status of said hearing device.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing said at least one of said notification signals on a user exchangeable storage element.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing said at least one of said notification signals in a storage unit and operationally connecting said storage unit and said hearing device by a wireless link.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one of said notification signals is generated so that it is audible by an individual remote from said hearing device.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein more than one of said notification signals is provided and further wherein said selecting of said notification signals to be activated is provided in a menu-controlled manner.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of performing said selecting is done via a remote communication unit for said hearing device.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of establishing a wireless communication between said communication unit and said hearing device.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of performing said selecting is done in a speech controlled manner.
9. A hearing device system with at least one hearing device, said hearing device comprising:
an electrical/mechanical converter;
an input for a user to select one of a plurality of notification audio signals for associating with a system status;
a signal processing unit with an output being operationally connected to an input of the electrical/mechanical converter; and a generator unit an output of which is also operationally connected to said input of said converter, said generator unit including a user exchangeable storage for storing one or more of said plurality of notification signals, wherein said generator unit provides said selected notification signal to said converter to notify the user of the status of the system status.
an electrical/mechanical converter;
an input for a user to select one of a plurality of notification audio signals for associating with a system status;
a signal processing unit with an output being operationally connected to an input of the electrical/mechanical converter; and a generator unit an output of which is also operationally connected to said input of said converter, said generator unit including a user exchangeable storage for storing one or more of said plurality of notification signals, wherein said generator unit provides said selected notification signal to said converter to notify the user of the status of the system status.
10. A hearing device system comprising:
at least one hearing device, said hearing device including: an electrical/mechanical converter; and a signal processing unit with an output being operationally connected to an input of said electrical/mechanical converter;
an input for a user to select a user defined notification audio signal of predetermined extent for associating with a system status; and a generator unit the output of which is operationally connected to the input of said electrical/mechanical converter, said generator unit including a user writable read/write storage unit for storing said user defined notification audio signal to be output by said generator unit for notifying a user of a status of the system.
at least one hearing device, said hearing device including: an electrical/mechanical converter; and a signal processing unit with an output being operationally connected to an input of said electrical/mechanical converter;
an input for a user to select a user defined notification audio signal of predetermined extent for associating with a system status; and a generator unit the output of which is operationally connected to the input of said electrical/mechanical converter, said generator unit including a user writable read/write storage unit for storing said user defined notification audio signal to be output by said generator unit for notifying a user of a status of the system.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein a writing input of said read/write storage is operationally connected or is operationally connectable to a signal source of audio signals.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein said signal source is an audio playback unit or is a unit with internet connection.
13. The system of claim 10, further comprising a display unit for at least one of a visual or speech controlled menu, said display unit being operationally connected or connectable to a signal generator generating control signals for said device to said generator unit.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said display unit is for speech control and has an output which is operationally connected to said input of said electrical/mechanical converter of said hearing device.
15. A method of acknowledging to an individual carrying a hearing device, said hearing device having:
an acoustical/electrical input converter unit having an output;
a signal processing unit having an input and an output;
an input for a user to select one of a plurality of acknowledgement audio signals for associating with a predetermined system status; and an electrical/mechanical output converter arrangement having an input, wherein said output of said input converter is operationally connected to said input of said signal processing unit, the output thereof being operationally connected to said input of said output converter arrangement, said method comprising the steps of:
generating an acknowledgement control signal in said hearing device whenever the predetermined status of said hearing device is reached; and initiating said selected acknowledgement audio signal according to said acknowledgement control signal to be applied to said input of said output converter, wherein said acknowledgement audio signal is made selectable by the individual.
an acoustical/electrical input converter unit having an output;
a signal processing unit having an input and an output;
an input for a user to select one of a plurality of acknowledgement audio signals for associating with a predetermined system status; and an electrical/mechanical output converter arrangement having an input, wherein said output of said input converter is operationally connected to said input of said signal processing unit, the output thereof being operationally connected to said input of said output converter arrangement, said method comprising the steps of:
generating an acknowledgement control signal in said hearing device whenever the predetermined status of said hearing device is reached; and initiating said selected acknowledgement audio signal according to said acknowledgement control signal to be applied to said input of said output converter, wherein said acknowledgement audio signal is made selectable by the individual.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein one or more of said acknowledgement audio signals is stored on a user exchangeable storage.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said user-exchangeable storage is applied to said hearing device.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein said user-exchangeable storage is a read-only storage.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein said hearing device further has a storage unit for storing said audio signals.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising a storage unit remote from said hearing device for said audio signals and establishing at least one of a wireless or of a wired communication between said hearing device and said storage unit.
21. The method of claim 15, wherein more than one of said audio signals are provided and wherein said user selectability comprises selecting which of said audio signals is initiated by said acknowledgement control signal.
22. The method of claim 15, wherein said selected audio signal is applied to said output converter of said hearing device so as to be audible even as said hearing device is not applied to an individual.
23. The method of claim 15, wherein said selection of said audio signal is performed in a menu-controlled manner.
24. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of pre-selecting one of said audio signals, via a communication unit remote from said hearing device, for associating with said predetermined system status.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein there is established a wireless communication between said communication unit and said hearing device.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein said pre-selection of said audio signal is performed at said communication unit in a menu-controlled manner by means of at least one of visual and speech menu indications.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein said menu is communicated to said individual via said hearing device as a menu indication by voice.
28. The method of claim 15, wherein said selection of said audio signal is performed in a speech-controlled manner.
29. A system comprising at least one hearing device, said hearing device including:
an electrical/mechanical input converter arrangement having an output;
a signal processing unit having an input and an output;
an input for a user to select a notification audio signal for associating with a predetermined system status;
an electrical/mechanical output converter arrangement having an input; and a generator unit having:
an audio signal storage unit for storing the selected notification signal; and an output operationally connected to said input of said output converter arrangement;
wherein said output of said input converter arrangement is operationally connected to said input of said signal processing unit, and wherein said output of said signal processing unit is operationally connected to one of said input and another input of said output converter arrangement, and further wherein said hearing device generates at least one acknowledgement control signal when said predetermined status of said hearing device is achieved, and still further wherein said generator unit applies said selected notification audio signal to said output converter arrangement when initiated by said acknowledgement control signal of said hearing device.
an electrical/mechanical input converter arrangement having an output;
a signal processing unit having an input and an output;
an input for a user to select a notification audio signal for associating with a predetermined system status;
an electrical/mechanical output converter arrangement having an input; and a generator unit having:
an audio signal storage unit for storing the selected notification signal; and an output operationally connected to said input of said output converter arrangement;
wherein said output of said input converter arrangement is operationally connected to said input of said signal processing unit, and wherein said output of said signal processing unit is operationally connected to one of said input and another input of said output converter arrangement, and further wherein said hearing device generates at least one acknowledgement control signal when said predetermined status of said hearing device is achieved, and still further wherein said generator unit applies said selected notification audio signal to said output converter arrangement when initiated by said acknowledgement control signal of said hearing device.
30. The system of claim 29, said hearing device further comprising a manually operated switching member, wherein said acknowledgement control signal is initiated by said switching member.
31. The system of claim 29, said generator unit further including an addressing input for said audio signal, said acknowledgement control signal addressing via said addressing input said audio signal.
32. The system of claim 31, further comprising a remote control unit for said hearing device, wherein said acknowledgement control signal is initiated by a control action for said hearing device by said remote control unit.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein said remote control unit is operationally connected to said hearing device via at least one of a wired and of a wireless communication link.
34. The system of claim 29, wherein said generator is integrated in said hearing device.
35. The system of claim 29, wherein said generator unit is remote from said hearing device and there is provided a wired or wireless communication link between said hearing device and said generator unit.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein said generator unit is connectable to the internet.
37. The system of claim 29, further comprising a display unit for displaying at least one of a visually and of a speech controlled menu, said display unit being operationally connected or connectable to said generator unit and to said hearing device for establishing which of more than one of said audio signals shall be initiated by said acknowledgement control signal or which of more than one acknowledgement control signals shall initiate said audio signal.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein said display unit has an output for audio menu information signals, said output being operationally connected to said output converter of said hearing device.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CH2001/000051 WO2001030127A2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2001-01-23 | Communication method and a hearing aid system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2435361A1 CA2435361A1 (en) | 2001-05-03 |
| CA2435361C true CA2435361C (en) | 2010-04-13 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2435361A Expired - Fee Related CA2435361C (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2001-01-23 | Communication method and hearing aid system |
Country Status (5)
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|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1354497B2 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2004523136A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2435361C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE50115231D1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK1354497T4 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE4206084C1 (en) † | 1992-02-27 | 1992-12-03 | Siemens Ag, 8000 Muenchen, De | Hearing aid with acoustic indication of selected setting - has tone generator providing signals indicative of electronically set parameter, adjusted by manual switch |
| DE4217629A1 (en) † | 1992-05-27 | 1993-12-02 | Siemens Audiologische Technik | Hearing aid with variable signal transmission characteristics |
| JP2638563B2 (en) * | 1995-05-16 | 1997-08-06 | 日本電気株式会社 | History-keeping hearing aid |
| CA2224199A1 (en) * | 1995-06-28 | 1997-01-16 | Peter Single | Apparatus for and method of controlling speech processors and for providing private data input via the same |
| US6118877A (en) † | 1995-10-12 | 2000-09-12 | Audiologic, Inc. | Hearing aid with in situ testing capability |
| US6018654A (en) † | 1996-10-29 | 2000-01-25 | Ericsson Inc | Method and apparatus for downloading tones to mobile terminals |
| JP2000307729A (en) * | 1999-04-23 | 2000-11-02 | Nec Corp | Mobile communication system and its response guidance selection method |
-
2001
- 2001-01-23 DK DK01900363.1T patent/DK1354497T4/en active
- 2001-01-23 EP EP01900363A patent/EP1354497B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-01-23 JP JP2001532567A patent/JP2004523136A/en active Pending
- 2001-01-23 CA CA2435361A patent/CA2435361C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-01-23 DE DE50115231T patent/DE50115231D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2004523136A (en) | 2004-07-29 |
| EP1354497A2 (en) | 2003-10-22 |
| EP1354497B2 (en) | 2012-08-01 |
| EP1354497B1 (en) | 2009-11-18 |
| CA2435361A1 (en) | 2001-05-03 |
| DE50115231D1 (en) | 2009-12-31 |
| DK1354497T4 (en) | 2012-11-12 |
| DK1354497T3 (en) | 2010-04-06 |
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