CN101258773A - Method and equipment with separating compressor in control hearing aid - Google Patents
Method and equipment with separating compressor in control hearing aid Download PDFInfo
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- CN101258773A CN101258773A CNA200580051470XA CN200580051470A CN101258773A CN 101258773 A CN101258773 A CN 101258773A CN A200580051470X A CNA200580051470X A CN A200580051470XA CN 200580051470 A CN200580051470 A CN 200580051470A CN 101258773 A CN101258773 A CN 101258773A
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Abstract
A method and hearing aid for processing sound signals for hearing impaired persons by providing multi-band compression processing is described. An input sound signal is filtered into a number of frequency bands to obtain band split signals. A signal level for each of the band split signals is determined and the frequency bands are arranged into a number of groups. Based on the signal levels in each of the groups, a compressor input level for a number of band split compressors each associated to one of the frequency bands is calculated. A compressor gain for each band split compressor is determined based on the corresponding compressor input signal and the band split signals are amplified with the corresponding compressor gain to produce an output sound signal.
Description
Technical field
[0001] the present invention relates to the guide sound tone signal, and more specifically, relate to by the band in the control hearing aids and separate method and the hearing-aid device of the input level processing of (band split) compressor reducer especially for hearing impaired personnel's voice signal.
Background technology
[0002] hearing loss of hearing impaired persons mostly with frequency dependence.The hearing loss that this means them is different with frequency.Therefore, when the compensation hearing loss, it is favourable utilizing the amplification of frequency dependence and compression in wide dynamic range.Therefore hearing aids is usually with input audio signal, and particularly the voice signal that is received by the input transducer of hearing aids is divided into different frequency intervals, and it is also referred to as frequency band.The input audio signal of can this mode adjusting each frequency band respectively according to the hearing loss of certain frequency band.Normally by adopting band separation filter and compressor reducer that each frequency band is carried out, so-called band separates compressor reducer can be generically and collectively referred to as many band compressor reducers in the adjustment of frequency dependence.Can this mode adjust the gain of each frequency band according to the input level of input audio signal in hearing loss and each frequency band.For example, band separates compressor reducer can provide the gain higher than loud vocal cores for low sound in its frequency band.
[0003] Fig. 1 is the block diagram of the many bands of tradition compression processing system 100.This system 100 comprises that the voice signal that will enter is divided into the bank of filters 102 of different frequency bands.The separation signal of respectively being with of a certain frequency band is provided for band separation compressor reducer 104-1 then, 104-2 ..., 104-n.Compressor reducer 104 amplifies the level of band separation signal, and then amplifying signal is offered multiplier 106-1,106-2 ..., 106-n.Multiplier 106 amplifies according to the amplifying signal level or thereby the voice signal of decay special frequency band produces the voice signal that amplifies.Adder 108 sues for peace the voice signal that amplifies to produce output sound signal.
[0004] for the hearing loss of the frequency dependence of adjusting the someone, in a large amount of frequency bands, be favourable with signal segmentation.Yet, when relevant amplification of frequency of utilization and compression, must be noted that and avoid usually and be with the relevant unnecessary distortions of Nonlinear Processing more.The amplification of frequency dependence and the specific question of compression are so-called frequency spectrum fuzzy (spectral smearing), this problem can cause the loss of voice intelligibility (intelligibility), because, for example voice spectrum intermediate frequency spectrum difference since different band separate compressor reducer single gain adjustment and by obfuscation or smoothly fall.The mode of handling this problem will reduce the number of frequency band, though this also is disadvantageous, because it can not provide adaptive (fitting) of the detailed frequency-dependent of hearing impaired persons hearing loss.
[0005] United States Patent (USP) 6,873, and 709 have described the hearing aid apparatus that improved voice signal filtering and compression are provided.Described method and apparatus attempts to realize better voice audibility (audility) and intelligibility when low-level, and attempt according to corresponding signal level estimator, limit the amount of gain of each frequency band by the related amount of gain of contiguous (neighboring) frequency band of contrast and at least one, thereby keep high-caliber frequency spectrum contrast.As a result, input audio signal will can not amplified by the amount of gain that compressor reducer is adjusted, but amplify with restricted amount of gain.This means that at first each band separates compressor reducer is controlled reality in each frequency band according to estimated signals level in this frequency band initial gain.In gain after single compressor reducer is adjusted by each, if initial gain amounts surpasses certain threshold level, then initial gain amounts is limited by gain-limitation unit subsequently.Yet, also have the deficiency of three voice audibilitys and intelligibility aspect, separate frequency spectrums relevant in the compressor reducer and blur because in fact the single initial gain amounts of follow-up restriction can not handle single band with many band Nonlinear Processing.Only amount of gain is limited when signal level in the frequency band surpasses threshold level, and the limited ability of restriction initial gain amounts becomes more obvious, and this is because only can be retained about the frequency spectrum contrast of higher signal level.Therefore realize that the frequency spectrum that gain constrained unit also may not be handled in all situations blurs.
[0006] therefore, need the improvement technology to be used to provide many band compressions of voice signal to handle.
Summary of the invention
[0007] therefore the purpose of this invention is to provide method and the hearing aids that separates the compressor reducer processing audio signal by band, this band separates the compression utensil improved gain control features.
[0008] this purpose of the present invention is to realize by the method for handling voice signal in the hearing aids, wherein this method comprises that thereby the voice signal with input is filtered into a large amount of frequency bands acquisition band separation signals, be each band separation signal signal level estimator, one or more than a group in frequency band is set, signal level based on respective sets is determined the compressor reducer input level for each band separation signal, determine compressor gain based on corresponding compressor reducer input signal for each band separation signal, and amplify each band separation signal with corresponding compressor gain.
[0009] the present invention further provides a kind of hearing aids, it comprises the input transducer, and this input transducer is configured the acoustics input audio signal is transformed to electric input audio signal; The band separation filter unit, thus this separation filter unit is configured and electric input audio signal is filtered into many frequency bands obtains the band separation signals; Signal level estimation units, it is configured the signal level of determining each band separation signal; Packet control unit, it is configured frequency band and is set to many groups, and calculates the compressor reducer input level based on the signal level of respective sets for each band separates compressor reducer; The band of each frequency band separates compressor reducer, and it is configured according to corresponding compressor reducer input signal determines compressor gain, and amplifies the band separation signal with corresponding compressor gain; Adder unit, thus it is configured the output signal summation formation electroacoustic sound output signal of band being separated compressor reducer; Output transducer, it is configured electric output sound signal is transformed to the acoustical sound output signal.
[0010] by according to method of the present invention and hearing aids, can be set to a plurality of groups by frequency band, this means that the signal level that the band separation signal from each frequency band is determined is grouped, and signal level is used to calculate the compressor reducer input level that each is with the separation compressor reducer in each group then, and band separates compressor reducer and is used to the definite or calculating compressor gain of each band separation signal.Therefore the input level that each band separates compressor reducer is based on that signal level in each frequency band calculates, and result of calculation has been considered all signal levels in the group.Because when calculating input level, the not only signal level of each frequency band, and other signal levels all will consider, thus can avoid frequency spectrum fuzzy, even input audio signal is divided into a large amount of frequency bands.
[0011] advantage of prior art can be found out from the following fact, when calculating the compressor reducer input level of frequency band, the actual signal level of this frequency band also is considered, when determining compressor gain, when not having any subsequent gain adjustment restriction, and when determining the compressor reducer input level, also consider the signal level of other frequency band.
[0012] according to one aspect of the invention, group is provided with the hearing damaged condition of the character depend on input audio signal and/or hearing impaired persons and by its setting.Except each band separates the frequency band of compressor reducer, each group can comprise at least one adjacent frequency band.Adjacent frequency band or be adjacent (adjacent) frequency band, or be that each band separates at least one near the frequency band lower or higher compressor reducer frequency band.
[0013] on the other hand, according to the present invention each band separate compressor reducer input level of compressor reducer be by determine in the set of weights or the estimated signals level calculate.Weighting can mean that the signal level of each frequency band is with the factor weighting higher than the signal level of nearby frequency bands, and this nearby frequency bands is once more with than another signal level is higher in the group factor weighting, and this group is separated the frequency band of compressor reducer with band non-conterminous.
[0014] according to another aspect of the present invention, the input level that each band separates compressor reducer is by to group signal level applied mathematics function calculation.This mathematical function is to generate the function of compressor reducer input level as output from the group signal level.According to an embodiment, mathematical function is a maximal function, and its setting is output as the signal level with peaked group.In other words, all input levels of calculating for this frequency band batch total are set to the maximum horizontal of signal level in the group, and each band separates compressor reducer and according to input level each gain divided and task each frequency band then.In this mode, can avoid obfuscation, because each gain of single frequency band can independently not increase, reduce.According to further embodiment, other mathematical functions are to carry out according to the present invention as minimum or average function.
[0015] according to another embodiment of the present invention, grouping template (grouping template) is provided for this method and hearing aids thereby frequency band is set to one or more groups also is provided with decision rule for each group.According to an embodiment, the grouping template can be that definition is arranged on the number of frequency band in the group or defines which frequency band branch at same group function.For example, from high frequency band or lowest band, the grouping template can equal 3, so that per 3 adjacent frequency bands are set in the independent groups.Certainly, last according to total number of frequency bands, last group can only contain one or two frequency band.
[0016] according to one aspect of the present invention, the decision rule of each group is a mathematical function, and is as explained above, and this function is applied to and belongs to the signal level that corresponding band separates the frequency band group midband of compressor reducer.
[0017] according to another aspect of the present invention, the character of sound import is input audio signal to be categorized as that sound class provides grouping template and/or decision rule according to the sound class of determining then and definite.Provide adaptability grouping and input level calculating in this mode, this means that selected grouping template and decision rule are optimum to entering sound, thereby provide optimal result for hearing aid user.For example, for voice and music signal, more groupings are for guaranteeing that audibility is favourable in all frequency bands.On the other hand, for noise signal, less group is enough, because do not need audibility, as according to decision rule, less group that combines with maximal function will produce the sensation that overall noise reduces, so hearing aid user can obtain better comfort level.
[0018], also considers deafness according to the method and the hearing aids of invention according to another aspect of the present invention.According to an embodiment, provide or definite deafness, then it is categorized as the hearing loss classification, therefore,, provide grouping template and/or decision rule for some hearing loss classification.For example, gradually inclining of hearing loss is big more, and the group that the satisfied gain adjustment of acquisition need divide is many more.For slight hearing loss, obtaining satisfied gain needs less group.
[0019] according to another aspect of the present invention, the selection of grouping and/or decision rule is that adapt to and optimised to entering sound.In this mode, always select best packet and/or decision rule, thereby provide optimum for hearing aid user.
[0020], the invention provides claim 17 and 18 described computer program and computer programs according to further aspect.
[0021] in a further aspect, the invention provides the system of the described processing audio signal of claim 19.
[0022] the further specific change of the present invention is defined by further dependent claims.
[0023] in conjunction with the accompanying drawing by the example explanation principle of the invention, other aspects of the present invention and advantage can obviously be found out from following detail specifications.
Description of drawings
[0024] in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the present invention will be easy to understand from following detailed description, and wherein similar identification number is represented similar structural element, and wherein:
[0025] Fig. 1 is the block diagram of the many bands of tradition compression processing system.
[0026] Fig. 2 is the block diagram according to the hearing aids of one embodiment of the invention.
[0027] Fig. 3 is the method flow diagram according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0028] Fig. 4 is the flow chart according to the method for another embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Fig. 5 is the block diagram according to the hearing aids of another embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] Fig. 6 is the schematic block diagram that is used in the functional unit in the hearing aids according to the embodiment of the invention.
[0031] Fig. 7 is the block diagram according to the hearing aids of another embodiment of the present invention.
Embodiment
[0032] the present invention relates to improved method, thereby thereby in hearing aids,, hearing impaired persons obtains band separation signal and compression band separation signal for being filtered into many frequency bands with input audio signal, so that not only realize voice audibility and intelligibility, and the frequency spectrum that reduces in the output sound signal is fuzzy.
[0033] Fig. 2 illustrates the block diagram according to hearing aids first embodiment of the present invention.The signal path of hearing aids 200 comprises input transducer or microphone 214, and it is transformed to electric input audio signal 226 with the acoustics input audio signal; Band separation filter 202, thus it receives electric input audio signal and is divided into many frequency bands acquisition band separation signal 218-1,218-2 ..., 218-n.Single then band separation signal is provided for signal level estimation units 210-1,210-2 ..., 210-n is so that estimate the signal level of each band splitting signal.Each signal level 220-1 then, 220-2 ... 220-n is provided for packet control unit 212, thereby determines or the signal calculated level, and each band that this signal level is called as each frequency band separates compressor reducer 204-1,204-2 ..., the compressor reducer input level of 204-n.Among Fig. 2, the compressor reducer input level is by reference marker 222-1,222-2 ..., 222-n represents.In order to calculate compressor reducer input level 222-1 for each band separates compressor reducer, 222-2,, 222-n, packet control unit 212 is with signal level 220-1,220-2,, 220-n is set to a plurality of groups, so that separate compressor reducer for each band, determine one group of frequency band, and this band compressor reducer input level of separating compressor reducer is based on, and the signal level of this group calculates.Each band separates compressor reducer according to definite each gain of its compressor reducer input level then.Each compressor gain that is produced by the band separation processor is by the reference marker 224-1 among Fig. 2,224-2 ..., 224-n represents.Multiplier 206-1,206-2 ... 206-n is provided in the signal path of each frequency band, thereby with corresponding compressor gain 224-1,224-2,224-n amplifies each band separation signal 218-1,218-2 ... thereby 218-n produces the band separation signal 230-1 that amplifies, 230-2 ..., 230-n.Thereby the summation of the band separation signal of 208 pairs of amplifications of sum unit produces electroacoustic sound output signal 228, and this signal is output transducer 216 and is transformed to the acoustical sound output signal then.
[0034] Fig. 3 illustrates according to one embodiment of the present of invention by effectively controlling the flow chart 300 that many bands or band separate the sound signal processing of compressor reducer realization.According to present embodiment, sound signal processing is carried out by hearing aid apparatus, hearing aids 200 as shown in Figure 2.
[0035] in the step 310 of sound signal processing method 300, begin to receive input audio signal, in step 320,, this signal obtains the band separation signal then thereby being filtered into many frequency bands.Therefore, input audio signal is divided into different frequency at interval, and this is beneficial to and makes these frequency bands located adjacent one another, makes to adjust each frequency band respectively according to the hearing loss of special frequency band.In following step 330, estimate the signal level of each band separation signal then.The estimation of the signal level of band separation signal or determine be by, for example the signal estimation device unit 210 of hearing aids 200 produces.
[0036] is set to one or more group at step 340 midband then.Frequency band is set to group and means that when determining this group compressor reducer input level, the estimated signals level of this group frequency band is distributed in consideration.According to an embodiment, frequency band is set to one or more groups, that is, which group which frequency band is assigned to, and is according to the character of for example input audio signal or according to presetting realization.
[0037] in step 350,,, each band determines the compressor reducer input level for separating compressor reducer according to the signal level of respective sets.Respective sets means that the band for determining the compressor reducer input level separates the group that compressor reducer is provided with.For example, determine to realize by calculating the compressor reducer input level with maximum, minimum, average or further appropriate mathematical function according to signal level in the group.According to specific embodiment, frequency band can be set to more than one group, makes that signal level will be used for determining a plurality of compressor reducer input levels in this frequency band, just all compressor reducer input levels that distribute the group on it to determine according to signal level in the step 340.As a result, each compressor reducer input level of each frequency band, the compressor reducer input level 220-1 as frequency band 1 is not only each signal level according to each frequency band, calculates as 218-1, and is to calculate according to all signal levels in the group that is provided with for this frequency band.In step 360, according to the hearing loss of hearing aid user, the compressor gain of each frequency band is determined according to corresponding compressor reducer input level and initial yield value.In step 370, each compressor gain amounts of each frequency band is used to amplify respectively is with separation signal.In later step 380, the band separation signal of amplifying is sued for peace to produce output sound signal.
[0038] influencing that the frequency spectrum of audibility and voice intelligibility is fuzzy can be by being provided with during frequency band is a plurality of groups, and determines/calculate that according to the signal level of respective sets each compressor reducer input level avoids.The compressor reducer input level can be used to determine that each band separates compressor reducer 204-1 then, 204-2, and each compressor gain of 204-n is because the calculating of compressor gain is not only and is calculated based on signal level in each frequency band.Therefore, compressor gain amounts will be not only according to the signal level of each frequency band, and increase or reduce according to other signal levels in the respective sets.Yet, amount of gain is still calculated one by one, this means for each band to separate compressor reducer, determines each compressor reducer input level, so that for example different hearing losses can be separated each initial yield value processing in the compressor reducer by band in some frequency range, thereby obtain satisfied entire gain adjustment.
[0039], realizes by signal level in the set of weights based on the calculating of each compressor reducer input level of group signal level according to an embodiment.For example, the compressor reducer input level is confirmed as the mean value of weighting, this means at first, and signal level is according to applied weighting function proportional zoom in the group, and the mathematical mean of scale signal level is used to calculate final compressor reducer input level then.According to further embodiment, one group of signal level is used to determine that several bands separate the compressor reducer input level of compressor reducer.Be set to the maximum horizontal of this group signal level from one group of all these compressor reducer input level that produce, just carry out so-called maximal function.Should be noted that and to carry out other mathematical functions according to the embodiment of the invention, as minimum or average function.
[0040] according to an embodiment, the weighting of one group of signal level is to realize by following computation rule, and wherein voice signal is filtered into corresponding to band and separates compressor reducer 204-1 ... 204-n-1, the frequency band 0,1 of 204-n ... n-1, n, and calculation procedure comprises:
The signal level 220-2 of the signal level 220-1+0.5* frequency band 2 by 0.5* frequency band 1 calculates the compressor reducer input level 222-1 of compressor reducer 204-1;
By 0.25* frequency band 1 ..., the signal level 220-1 of n-2,, 220-n-2+0.5* frequency band 2 ... the signal level 220-2 of n-1 ..., 220-n-1+0.25* frequency band 3,, the signal level 220-3 of n ... 220-n calculates compressor reducer 204-2 ..., the compressor reducer input level 222-2 of 204-n-1,, 222-n-1; And
The signal level 220-n of signal level 220-n-1+0.5* frequency band n by 0.5* frequency band n-1 calculates the compressor reducer input level 222-n of compressor reducer 204-n.
[0041] such weighting function may be favourable, because when determining the input level of compressor reducer, considered the actual signal level of each frequency band by the factor 0.5, considered contiguous frequency band (, then can be 0.5) if an adjacent frequency band is only arranged by the factor 0.25.Also can carry out other weighting scheme, it not only considers the signal level of nearby frequency bands, and considers signal level adjacent with each frequency band or approaching or that keep off according to the character of sound import, determines that then band separates the input level of compressor reducer.Adjacent with another frequency band or be interpreted as in its vicinity near another frequency band but be not adjacent frequency band.It should be noted that also other weightings, mathematics or distribution function can be used to calculate the compressor reducer input level as normal distribution according to the group signal level, the distance of the frequency band of the current compressor reducer input level of its midband distance or the weighting that the degree of approach is determined signal level.For example, as rule of thumb (rule of thumb), the distance of the frequency band of the compressor reducer input level of frequency band distance calculation is big more, and the weight that then is applied to signal level is more little, as by in the compressor reducer input level calculates, distributes low weighted factor.
[0042] in step 350, calculated the compressor reducer input level after, each band separates compressor reducer will determine each compressor gain for each single frequency band, make that separating respectively gaining of compressor reducer according to band is assigned to each frequency band, this gain is used to amplify respectively the band separation signal then.As a result, audibility and voice intelligibility can be strengthened, and this is because voice spectrum intermediate frequency spectral difference can keep, and can be because of not in check but still be that each gain is adjusted and smoothed or fuzzy.
[0043] Fig. 4 is the flow chart of the alternate embodiments of method 400, and it can be carried out by the hearing aids according to other embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.
[0044] be similar to method shown in Figure 3, sound signal processing 400 begins to receive voice signal (step 410) from microphone, is many frequency bands (step 420) with filtered voice, and determines the signal level (step 430) of each frequency band.In step 440, based on frequency band being divided into groups about the information of acoustic environment and/or hearing loss.This grouping step can be finished before the actual sound signal processing, and therefore can be placed on step 450 any step before of flow chart 400, perhaps can carry out separately.Acoustic environment can be analyzed input audio signal by sound environment classification unit 506 and be classified with obtaining sound environment classification according to Fig. 5 and typical acoustic environment situation shown in Figure 6.
[0045] example of the typical acoustic environment situation of the reference voice environment category that can be classified as current input audio signal, it is sound environment templates, can include but not limited to following acoustic environment situation: the voice in the quiet environment, voice in the fixed environment, constant noise, voice in the noise of similar pulse, no voice noise or music.After input audio signal or signal were classified as a classification in the tut environment category, the frequency band grouping obtained from classification results.For example, frequency band can be set in the less noise group, thereby obtains better comfort level, and for voice and music, more groupings may be for improving audibility and the voice intelligibility is favourable.
[0046] if grouping (also) obtains from hearing loss, as for the bigger type hearing loss of gradually inclining of difference between the deafness in the different frequency bands, less frequency band can be arranged in more group.On the other hand, every group to have more multifrequency less group may be favourable for slight and straight hearing loss.
[0047] after frequency band divides into groups, in step 450, each group is used decision rule.Decision rule also can be based on sound environment classification and deafness, and can be carried out as above-mentioned maximum, minimum or average function by mathematical function.
[0048] according to an embodiment, the output of decision rule is the compressor reducer input level, the band that this input level is fed in each group separates compressor reducer, as according to decision rule when maximal function is employed, and all compressor reducer input levels that relate to this group are set equal to the maximum signal level (step 460) in this group.In step 470, based on input level and the initial gain function that obtains from deafness, band separates compressor reducer and calculates compressor gain.The compressor gain amounts of the band separation compressor reducer that calculates is multiplied by the band separation signal (step 480) of each frequency band.Sound signal processing is finished by thereby all band separation signal summations are produced output sound signal in step 490.
[0049] Fig. 5 illustrates the hearing aids according to one embodiment of the present of invention, and it is similar to the hearing aids that Fig. 2 describes, and this hearing aids further comprises sound environment classification unit 506 and hearing loss unit 508.The input audio signal 226 that sound environment classification unit 506 receives from input transducer 214, and based on input audio signal classification acoustic environment, as described in about method step 440.Classification results is submitted to packet control unit 212 by signal 510.The deafness of hearing loss unit 508 storage hearing aid users.Deafness be, for example determine in the hearing aids assembling process that wherein the hearing threshold level is measured in each frequency band of hearing aid user.Deafness is submitted to packet control unit 212 also by in the hearing aids assembling process or in use some of signal 512 time.Equally, deafness is also submitted to each band separation compressor reducer (not shown Fig. 5) in each frequency band from hearing loss unit 508, thereby is used to calculate suitable compressor gain amounts.
[0050] Fig. 6 illustrates the more detailed expression according to the part of the hearing aids 500 of one embodiment of the present of invention.Each band separation signal 602-1,602-2,602-3 ... 602-n-1 and 602-n are fed to each signal level estimation units 210-1,210-2,210-3,210-n-1 and 210-n, thereby produce each signal level value 604-1,604-2,604-3,604-n-1 and 604-n.Frequency band has been set in the group that for example has three nearby frequency bands, as be with 1,2 and 3, according to from the signal 510 of sound environment classification unit 506 with from the signal 512 of hearing loss unit 508, remaining group with two frequency band n-1 and n is fed to packet control unit 212.As shown in Figure 6, according to an embodiment, packet control unit 212 comprises decision rule unit 610-1 ... thereby 610-m calculates compression input level 606-1 ..., 606-m.Decision rule unit 610-1 ..., the 610-m utilization is calculated compressor reducer input level 606-1 as the maximal function shown in Fig. 6 is exemplary ..., 606-m.Applied maximal function can obtain from the signal 512 that the signal 510 and the hearing loss unit 508 of sound environment classification unit 506 submissions are submitted to respectively.Be arranged on the signal level 604-1 in the group 1, thereby 604-2 and 604-3 are submitted to decision rule unit 610-1 and produce compressor reducer input level 606-1, this input level is provided for each frequency band 1 then, 2 separate compressor reducer 204-1 with each band of 3,204-2 and 204-3, thereby produce each compressor gain amounts 608-1,608-2 and 608-3.Similarly, be set at the frequency band n-1 of group m and the signal level of n and be submitted to the decision rule unit 610-m that uses maximal function, this means that always selecting signal level maximum among signal level 604-n-1 and the 604-n to be input to each band as compressor reducer input level 606-m separates compressor reducer 204-n-1 and 204-n, thereby produce compressor gain amounts 608-n-1 and 608-n, they all are used for amplifying and respectively are with separation signal then.
[0051] according to another embodiment, separate compressor reducer for each band, the independent groups of each frequency band is set so that separate compressor reducer 204-1 to each band ..., 204-n provides each compressor reducer input level 222-1 ..., 222-n.
[0052] Fig. 7 illustrates according to another embodiment of the present invention, and this embodiment simplifies, but still utilizes at least one or a plurality of principle of the present invention.Hearing aids 700 has saved and has been each frequency band signal level estimator among Fig. 7.Compressor reducer input level 606-1 ..., 606-m is by decision rule unit 702-1 ..., 702-m is directly from band separation signal 218-1 ..., 218-n determines.Hearing aids 700 comprises decision rule unit 702-1 ..., among the 702-m (m＞=2) at least two, each is used for frequency band 1 ..., among the m one group.Distribute to these band separation signals 218-1 of group 1 ..., 218-n is provided for decision rule unit 702-1.And as previously described, the band separation signal 218-1 that provides is provided decision rule unit 702-1 then, 218-2,, 218-a gives each signal level, thereby signal level applied mathematics function is separated compressor reducer 204-1 for band, 204-2,, 204-a determines compressor reducer input level 606-1, shown in Fig. 7 is exemplary.Therefore, decision rule unit 702-m is according to band separation signal 218-c ..., 218-n-1,218-n determine public compressor reducer input level value 606-m.Embodiment shown in Fig. 7 may particularly suitable to the specific sound environment, as the voice in the quiet environment almost, so that only set grouping in advance according to the input speech signal of deafness and expection.
[0053] the preferred embodiments of the present invention are distinguished with other embodiment by provide single band to separate compressor reducer for each frequency band, this not only is subjected to the control of the signal level of each frequency band, but also be subjected to other proper signal level, as the control of the signal level of nearby frequency bands.Band separates being controlled at the fact of carrying out before the actual compression and can further being taken as advantage of the present invention of compressor reducer, because can keep whole gain rangings like this.
[0054] according to the reference embodiments described herein, the further advantage of the present invention can realize finding out that these embodiment require less hardware and have low-power consumption by hearing aids.Last but be not least important, according to decision rule, can always effectively whether be exceeded irrelevant with some threshold value according to controlling organization of the present invention.
[0055] according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, method described here, system and hearing aid apparatus are realized on signal handling equipment, this signal handling equipment is suitable for as digital signal processor, the analog/digital signal treatment system, comprise field programmable gate array (FPGA), standard processor or dedicated signal processors (ASSP or ASIC).
[0056] according to another embodiment, the present invention realizes in comprising the computer program of executable program code.Program code can be stored in the memory or computer storage in the digital hearing device, and by hearing aid apparatus self, or processing unit such as its CPU, or by other suitable processor or carry out according to the computer of the described method of describing of embodiment and carry out.Computer program can be by computer program, as floppy disk, and CD-ROM, memory stick or any other program code stored suitable storage medium embody.
[0057] all appropriate combination of above-mentioned feature will be taken as and belong to the present invention, even they are not also clearly described in these combinations.
[0058] principle of the present invention illustrates in an embodiment and illustrates, and for a person skilled in the art, obvious structure of the present invention and details can be modified and not depart from these principles.In category of the present invention, can carry out each and change and modification, and not depart from spirit of the present invention, and the present invention includes all such changes and modifications.
Claims (30)
1. method of handling voice signal in the hearing aids, described method comprises:
Thereby a) input audio signal is filtered into many frequency bands and obtains the band separation signal;
B) be each described band separation signal signal level estimator;
C) be provided with one or more than the frequency band in the group;
D) determine the compressor reducer input level according to the signal level in the respective sets for each band separation signal;
E) determine compressor gain according to corresponding compressor reducer input signal for each band separation signal; And
F) amplify each band separation signal with the compressor gain of determining.
2. the method for claim 1, the deafness of wherein said group of character that is based on described input audio signal and/or hearing impaired persons is provided with.
3. method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein each group comprises at least two nearby frequency bands.
4. method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said nearby frequency bands comprises at least one frequency band, one of this frequency band and described at least two frequency bands are adjacent.
5. as claim 3 or 4 described methods, wherein said nearby frequency bands is included near at least one the lower or high frequency band of a frequency band in described at least two nearby frequency bands.
6. as arbitrary described method in the claim 1 to 5, wherein step d) further comprises by the signal level in described group of the weighting and controls described compressor reducer input level.
7. as arbitrary described method in the claim 1 to 6, further comprise described voice signal is filled into corresponding to band separation compressor reducer 1 ..., n-1, the frequency band 1 of n ..., n-1, n, and determine that the described step of described compressor reducer input level comprises:
Calculate the described compressor reducer input level of compressor reducer 1 with the signal level of the signal level+0.5* frequency band 2 of 0.5* frequency band 1;
With 0.25* frequency band 1 ..., the signal level of n-2+0.5* frequency band 2 ..., the signal level of n-1+0.25* frequency band 3 ..., the signal level of n calculates compressor reducer 2 respectively ..., the described compressor reducer input level of n-1; And
Calculate the described compressor reducer input level of compressor reducer n with the signal level of signal level+0.5* frequency band n of 0.5* frequency band n-1.
8. as each described method in the claim 1 to 5, wherein the described calculating at the input level of compressor reducer described in the step d) comprises:
D1) determine decision rule for each group; And
D2) signal level of the frequency band that belongs to this group is used described decision rule.
9. as each described method in claim 6 or 8, wherein said decision rule is a mathematical function, and as maximum, minimum or average function, maximum, minimum or average signal level of signal level were as the compressor reducer input level in it distributed described group.
10. as each described method in the claim 2 to 9, wherein said method further comprises:
By described input audio signal being categorized into the character that sound class is determined described input audio signal; And
For being set, step c) provides the grouping template according to described definite sound class.
11. as each described method in the claim 2 to 10, wherein said method further comprises:
Deafness is provided;
The hearing loss degree that classification is provided is the hearing loss classification; And
For being set, step c) provides the grouping template according to described definite hearing loss classification.
12. as claim 10 or 11 described methods, wherein said grouping template comprises many frequency bands for every group.
13. as each described method in the claim 8 to 12, wherein said method further comprises:
Be categorized as the character that sound class is determined described input audio signal by voice signal with described input; And
Provide decision rule according to determined sound class.
14. as each described method in the claim 8 to 13, wherein said method further comprises:
Deafness is provided;
The deafness that is provided is categorized as the hearing loss classification; And
Provide decision rule according to determined hearing loss classification.
15. the described method of each claim as described above, the setting in the wherein said step c) is adapted to current input audio signal.
16. the described method of each claim as described above, wherein said method further comprises:
The band separation signal summation of amplifying is formed output sound signal.
17. a computer program that comprises executable program code, when carrying out described computer program on computers, it is carried out according to each described method in the claim 1 to 16.
18. a computer program that comprises executable program code, when carrying out described computer program on computers, it is carried out according to each described method in the claim 1 to 16.
19. comprising, the system of a processing audio signal, this system be configured the device of carrying out as the method for a claim in the claim 1 to 16.
20. a hearing aids, it comprises:
The input transducer, it is configured the acoustics input audio signal is transformed to electric input audio signal;
The band separation filter unit, it is configured described electric input audio signal is filtered into many frequency bands, thereby obtains the band separation signal;
Signal level estimation units, it is configured to each band at least one described band separation signal in the separation signal determines signal level;
Packet control unit, it is configured described frequency band is set is many groups, and calculates the compressor reducer input level according to the menstruation of respective sets is flat for each band separates compressor reducer;
The band of each frequency band separates compressor reducer, and it is configured according to corresponding compressor reducer input level determines compressor gain, and amplifies described band separation signal with corresponding compressor gain;
Sum unit, it is configured the band separation signal of will amplify and is summed to electroacoustic sound output signal; And
Output transducer, it is configured described electric output sound signal is transformed to the acoustical sound output signal.
21. hearing aids as claimed in claim 20, thereby the signal level that wherein said packet control unit further is configured in every group of the weighting calculates the compressor reducer input level.
22. as claim 20 or 21 described hearing aidss, wherein said band separation filter unit further is configured described electric input audio signal is filtered into corresponding to band separation compressor reducer 1 ... n-1, the frequency band 1 of n ... n-1, n, described packet control unit further be configured so that:
The compressor reducer input level of compressor reducer 1 is that the signal level of the signal level+0.5* frequency band 2 with 0.5* frequency band 1 calculates;
Compressor reducer 2 ..., the compressor reducer input level of n-1 is with 0.25* frequency band 1 ..., the signal level of n-2+0.5* frequency band 2 ..., the signal level of n-1+0.25* frequency band 3 ..., the signal level of n calculates; And
The input level of compressor reducer n is to calculate with the signal level of the signal level of 0.5* frequency band n-1+0.5* frequency band n.
23. as each described hearing aids in the claim 20 to 22, wherein said packet control unit further is configured determines every group decision rule, and the signal level of the frequency band that belongs to this group is used decision rule.
24. hearing aids as claimed in claim 23, wherein said packet control unit further comprises function unit, this function unit is carried out described decision rule as mathematical function, as distribute the signal level in every group to be maximum, minimum or the average function of maximum, minimum or average signal level, separate the described compressor reducer input level of compressor reducer as the band of every group of frequency band.
25. as each described hearing aids in the claim 20 to 24, wherein said hearing aids further comprises sound environment classification unit, this sound environment classification unit is configured by described input audio signal is categorized as the character that sound class is determined described input audio signal, and provides the grouping template according to determined sound class for described packet control unit.
26. as each described hearing aids in the claim 20 to 25, wherein said hearing aids further comprises the hearing loss unit, this hearing loss unit is configured the deafness of assessment hearing impaired persons, thereby the deafness that is provided is categorized as the hearing loss classification, and provides grouping module for described packet control unit according to determined hearing loss classification.
27. as claim 25 or 26 described hearing aidss, wherein said grouping template comprises many frequency bands for every group.
28. as each described hearing aids in the claim 25 to 27, wherein said sound environment classification unit further is configured according to determined sound class and provides decision rule for described packet control unit.
29. as each described hearing aids in the claim 25 to 28, wherein said hearing loss unit further is configured according to determined hearing loss classification and provides decision rule for described packet control unit.
30. as each described hearing aids in the claim 25 to 29, wherein said sound environment classification unit receives described electric input audio signal and further is configured provides the grouping that is suitable for current electric input audio signal template.
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA200580051470XA CN101258773A (en) | 2005-09-01 | 2005-09-01 | Method and equipment with separating compressor in control hearing aid |
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| CNA200580051470XA CN101258773A (en) | 2005-09-01 | 2005-09-01 | Method and equipment with separating compressor in control hearing aid |
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Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102047691A (en) * | 2008-09-10 | 2011-05-04 | 唯听助听器公司 | Method for sound processing in a hearing aid and a hearing aid |
| CN102547543A (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2012-07-04 | 杨国屏 | Method for improving accuracy of sound heard by hearing-impaired listener and hearing aid |
| CN102577114A (en) * | 2009-10-20 | 2012-07-11 | 日本电气株式会社 | Multiband compressor |
| CN102598505A (en) * | 2010-09-08 | 2012-07-18 | 索尼公司 | Signal processing device and method, program, and data recording medium |
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2005
- 2005-09-01 CN CNA200580051470XA patent/CN101258773A/en active Pending
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102047691A (en) * | 2008-09-10 | 2011-05-04 | 唯听助听器公司 | Method for sound processing in a hearing aid and a hearing aid |
| CN102047691B (en) * | 2008-09-10 | 2013-08-21 | 唯听助听器公司 | Method for sound processing in a hearing aid and a hearing aid |
| CN102577114A (en) * | 2009-10-20 | 2012-07-11 | 日本电气株式会社 | Multiband compressor |
| CN102577114B (en) * | 2009-10-20 | 2014-12-10 | 日本电气株式会社 | Multiband compressor |
| US8924220B2 (en) | 2009-10-20 | 2014-12-30 | Lenovo Innovations Limited (Hong Kong) | Multiband compressor |
| CN102598505A (en) * | 2010-09-08 | 2012-07-18 | 索尼公司 | Signal processing device and method, program, and data recording medium |
| CN102547543A (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2012-07-04 | 杨国屏 | Method for improving accuracy of sound heard by hearing-impaired listener and hearing aid |
| CN102547543B (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2015-10-21 | 塞舌尔商元鼎音讯股份有限公司 | Increase listens to barrier, and person hears method and the hearing aids of sound correctness |
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