CN1267444A - Method for electronically selecting dependency of output signal from spatial angle of acoustic signal impingement and hearing aid apparatus - Google Patents

Method for electronically selecting dependency of output signal from spatial angle of acoustic signal impingement and hearing aid apparatus Download PDF

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CN1267444A
CN1267444A CN98808183A CN98808183A CN1267444A CN 1267444 A CN1267444 A CN 1267444A CN 98808183 A CN98808183 A CN 98808183A CN 98808183 A CN98808183 A CN 98808183A CN 1267444 A CN1267444 A CN 1267444A
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telecommunication
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约瑟夫·迈萨诺
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Sonova Holding AG
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Phonak AG
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/40—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic
    • H04R25/407—Circuits for combining signals of a plurality of transducers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/50—Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics
    • H04R25/505—Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics using digital signal processing

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Velocity Or Position Using Acoustic Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Mechanical Vibrations Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Transducers For Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Abstract

An acoustical beam former is proposed with at least two acoustical/electrical converters (2a, 2b) in a predetermined physical distance. The mutual phasing of the output signals of the two converters is detected (27) and is multiplied by a constant or frequency-dependent factor. In dependency (46, 48) from multiplied phasing and from at least one of the output signals of the converters (2a, 2b) there is generated an electric output signal which has a dependency from spatial impinging direction of acoustical signals to the converters (2a, 2b), as if the two converters were located at a virtual distance from each other which is different and especially considerably larger than the real physical distance they are mutually located.

Description

Be used for the method and the hearing aid apparatus of correlation of electronic selection output signal and acoustical signal collision Space Angle
The present invention relates generally to a kind of technology, according to this technology, acoustical signal is received by at least two sound/electric transducer, as for example receiving by multidirectional microphone, each output signal of this transducer is calculated by an electronic sensor unit electronics, so that produce the acoustical signal of a representative by the spatial character weighting of amplifying.Thereby output signal representative resembles the reception of having carried out acoustical signal by means of the antenna that for example has corresponding reception lobe or wave beam by the reception acoustical signal of space amplification characteristic weighting.Thereby, the present invention relates generally to that a kind of electronics presets, the energy electrical adjustment and " lobe " finishing.
The most general face of land of Fig. 1 shows this known technology that is used for this on the acoustical signal " wave beam formation ".Therefore, provide at least two multidirectional sound/electric transducers 2 aWith 2 b, the two itself irrelevant with its collision course θ, and thereby with respect to the unweighted basically acoustical signal of collision course θ, convert the first and second electrical output A to 1And A 2Output signal A 1And A 2Supply to an electronic sensor unit 3, electronic sensor unit 3 is by input signal A 1, A 2Produce an output signal A rAs shown in the cell block 3, processing signals A 1,2Represent A to produce 1Or A 2The generation signal A of any r, but in addition by space magnification function F 1(θ) weighting.Thereby, according to the collision of acoustical signal under which kind of Space Angle θ, which kind of Space Angle lower sensor device 2a, 2b promptly " to see " fact of sound source at, can optionally amplify acoustical signal.Therefore, intrinsic " lobe " of physical location and the transducer that is provided strictly is provided this known method.
Illustrate a kind of method of in sensor unit 3, carrying out signal processing by means of Fig. 2.Therefore, all these methods are all based on because two transducers 2 aWith 2 bPredetermined mutual physical distance p pAt transducer 2 a, 2 bThe fact that occurs time lag dt between the acoustical signal at place receives.
Consideration is by transducer 2 aThe acoustical signal of the signal frequency ω that receives, this transducer will produce an output signal
(1) A 1＝Asinωt
Second transducer 2 wherein bTo produce an output signal according to following formula
(2) A 2＝Asinω(t+dt)
Wherein dt is provided by following formula: ( 3 ) - - - - dt = p p sin θ c
Wherein, c is the velocity of sound.
By time delay A for example 1An amount
(4) τ＝p p/c
And by time-delay signal A as the 3rd signal 1' difference form to generate signal A r, promptly by
(5) A 1'=Asin ω (t+ τ) and
(2) A 2＝A·sinω(t+dt)
Here produce, under frequencies omega, consider the space centroid weighting output signal A as shown in sensor unit piece 3 r:
(6) |A r|＝|A 1′-A 2|＝2Asin(ω(τ-dt)/2)
＝2Asin(ω(τ-p p*sinθ/c)/2)
° locate A in θ=90 rBecome zero and
° locate A in θ=-90 rBecome
(7) A rmax＝2Asinωp p/c
This processing of the output signal of two omnidirectional's magnitude transducers causes the centroid of single order shown in Fig. 3 weighting function F 1(θ).By select respectively to have higher-order acoustic-electric transfer characteristic promptly " lobe " transducer and or by using transducer more than two, can realize higher-order m weighting function F m(θ).
In Fig. 4, represent the amplitude A that produces by single order centroid weighting here as the function of frequency f=ω/2 π Rmax-characteristic.In addition, expression is used for second order centroid weighting function F 2Respective function (θ).Therefore, here two transducers 2 of Fig. 1 aWith 2 bPhysical distance p pBe chosen as 12 millimeters.
As can be in frequency f rClear see such in place, frequency f rBe
(8) f r＝c/(4p p)
The maximum amplification with+6dB appears at single order centroid place, and appears at second order centroid place with+12dB.For p p=12 millimeters, f rBe about 7kHz.
By Fig. 4, recognize with respect to f rLow and high-frequency remarkable decay, that promptly amplifies significantly reduces.
Be used for technology this or that the similar type wave beam forms, from for example US 4 333 170-sound Sources Detection-, from european patent application 0 381 498 directional microphones-or from " distinguishing the possibility checking (Verificationof the Possibility Separation of Sound Source Dirction via a Pair ofPressure Microphones) of Sounnd source direction by a pair of pressure microphone " of Norio Koike etc., in Japan electronics and communicate by letter (Electronics andCommunication), part 3, volume 77, No.5, learn for 1994,68 pages to 75 pages.
Irrelevant with the prior art that is used for this wave beam formation by means of at least two transducers, apart from p pBe a significant terms, as can for example understanding from formula (8), and directly definite amplification/angle-dependence that generates.
If being used for narrow band signal, a kind of like this technology detects, if perhaps go up at a big mutual physical distance p for how much pThe place provides these at least two transducers not run into serious restriction, and formula (8) can be not special not enough so.
However, and particularly for the hearing aids purposes, should be able to detect the sonic-frequency band up to about 4kHz that is used for speech recognition for the hearing aids purposes by at least two transducers, these two transducers further should be with the shortest possibility phase mutual edge distance p pInstall, since the above fact, f rPhysical distance p with transducer pThe fact that is inversely proportional to is a major defect.These two requirements are contradiction: the f of realization rLow more, requirement apart from p pBig more.
Thereby first purpose of the present invention is, remedies with respect to known sound " wave beam formation " p pThe defective that correlation is run into.
The method of the correlation by a kind of electrical output signal that is used for an electronic sensor unit of electronic selection and direction in space are provided, realize first purpose of the present invention, collide at least one the first and rising tone/electric transducer from this direction in space acoustical signal, this transducer is connected in the input of described sensor unit, import first and second signals of telecommunication to it thus, the method comprising the steps of
According to the mutual phasing of first and second signals of telecommunication, a constant or frequency-dependent factor are multiply by in described phase shift, and further by at least one the 4th signal of telecommunication that depends on first and second signals of telecommunication, produce at least one the 3rd signal of telecommunication;
According to the 3rd signal, and, produce the output signal of sensor unit further by at least one the 5th signal of telecommunication that depends on first and second signals of telecommunication.
Therefore, become and to select described correlation with the mutual range-independence of the actual physics of two transducers ground, preselected thus correlation, and can adjust and regulate correlation, to generate a kind of correlation, seem at least two transducer physical layout with their the real diverse physical locations in position of arranging.
In first best mode of this invention method of realization, the 4th signal of telecommunication is chosen to linearity only depends on one of first and second signals of telecommunication, preferably directly form thus by a kind of like this first or second signal of telecommunication.
However, in the better mode of current realization invention method, the 4th signal of telecommunication depends on first and second signals of telecommunication.In a kind of optimised form, the 4th signal of telecommunication has a kind of predetermined or adjustable " lobe " characteristic, promptly from the correlation of space collision course.Therefore, in the optimised form that " lobe " implemented,, produce the 4th signal of telecommunication by postponing first and one of secondary signal and then the another one undelayed signal of inhibit signal and described first and second signals being sued for peace.Therefore, the 4th signal of telecommunication itself has the amplification to the impingement angle correlation, and thereby for one " lobe " as described, the correlation according to discussing by means of Fig. 1 to 4 is defined as an example.
In the another kind of optimised form of carrying out an invention property method, as firm statement itself otherwise combine with any method and to produce the 4th signal, and the 4th signal that particularly has " lobe " characteristic with generation combines, linear dependence with at least one of direct or first and second signals of telecommunication has been proposed, produce the 5th signal of telecommunication, thus preferably one of described first and second signals of telecommunication as the 5th signal of telecommunication.
Therefore, same itself or combine with any method that produces the 4th signal of telecommunication, the 4th signal of telecommunication that particularly has " lobe " correlation with generation combines, proposed to produce the 5th signal of telecommunication that also has from " lobe " correlation of space impingement angle, this realizes with first form by postponing first and one of secondary signal and to another summations of inhibit signal and described first and second signals.Therefore, becoming knows better, and produces the 4th signal of telecommunication with definition " lobe " characteristic, can be directly as the 5th signal of telecommunication that has identical " lobe " characteristic then.
At the another kind of this invention method clearly and with described and run through in any the best form of implementation that combines of best form of implementation that further describes so far, proposed to produce first and second signals of telecommunication, produced the mutual phasing of the corresponding spectral component depend on first and second signals thus and multiply by the constant of a frequency-independent or multiply by at least one the 3rd signal of telecommunication of frequency-dependent factor with its corresponding spectral representation.
In another optimal mode of computing, in first is similar to, the relevant multiplication constant of frequency is chosen to be inversely proportional to frequency at least.
Be conceived to the hearing aids purposes especially, therefore this method is the most suitable, but other can be used for clearly, actual physical that it is generally acknowledged first and second transducers is apart from maximum 20 millimeters, thus the pseudo range that depends on the phase shift multiplication constant at least is chosen to mutual physical distance greater than two transducers, in other words, correlation from the output signal of the sensor unit of Space Angle becomes like this, seems physically transducer is provided at the remarkable big mutual distance of actual range than them.Self-evident, this technology has extraordinary advantage in the purposes of any spatial limitation, particularly in the hearing aids purposes.
In order to achieve the above object with particularly in order to realize a kind of hearing aids, wherein with the physical location of at least two sound/electric transducers irrespectively, the reception lobe that can repair as required and can regulate hope, this realizes by a kind of sound/electric transducer invention for apparatus ground, this equipment comprises the sound/electric transducer of at least two preset distances that separate each other, at least two transducers produce first and second electrical output signals respectively thus, and the output of wherein said sound/electric transducer is operably connected on the electronic sensor unit, this unit is by described first and second output signals of magnification function according to described transducer, produce an output signal, this function depends on the Space Angle that receives acoustical signal at its down described transducer, and this equipment comprises:
-one phase difference detection unit, its input is operably connected in the output of described transducer, and produces the signal that phase difference is relevant in its output place,
-one Phase Processing unit, an one input is operably connected in the output of described phase difference detection unit, at least one of described processing unit second input is operably connected on the factor value selection source, one the 3rd of described Phase Processing unit input is operably connected at least one of output of described two transducers at least, described Phase Processing unit according at the signal of described the 3rd input by means of according in a described input with in the phase shift of the signal of described at least one second input, produce an output signal in its output place
-one Beam-former processing unit has at least two inputs, and an input is operably connected in the output of described Phase Processing unit, and second input is operably connected at least one output of described two transducers at least.
Of the present invention aspect all under, thereby might realize
(9) p v＞p p
This is particularly suitable for little space purposes, as is particularly suitable for the hearing aids purposes.
Therefore, introduce the pseudo range p of transducer here v, the distance of promptly must physics realization being invented the transducer of the angle-dependence that realizes to obtain.
Therefore, according to formula (8), f rCan move on to lower frequency:
Become might by means of significantly than possible so far little microphone physical distance be used for the sonic-frequency band of speech recognition (＜4kHz) realize f well rValue.
Multiply by phase difference with a constant factor and still can not influence decay according to Fig. 4.The remarkable improvement of this decay causes the frequency band B that increases according to Fig. 4 r, condition is as described, and the predefined function of frequency is chosen as one at least at first function that is inversely proportional to the frequency of acoustical signal in approximate.
For example for single order centroid according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, here by the relevant function of corresponding selection frequency multiply by phase difference, can be implemented in 0.5 and 4kHz between smooth frequency characteristic, and thereby be implemented in the remarkable amplification frequency band B that there is clear decay at low and upper frequency place r
Along with connection with figures is described, will understand other purposes of the present invention, wherein accompanying drawing is represented:
Fig. 1: the functional block diagram that has a kind of dual sensor acoustic receiver of directional beam formation according to prior art;
Fig. 2: can be included in one of prior art beam-forming technology in Fig. 1 equipment, represent with block diagram form;
Fig. 3: the bidimensional of three-dimensional centroid wave beam represents, promptly as the amplification characteristic of the function of acoustical signal incidence angle;
Fig. 4: the frequency dependence that is used for the maximum value of magnification of single order and second order according to Fig. 3;
Fig. 5:, still be prior art by the pointer figure that the technology according to Fig. 2 generates;
Fig. 6: based on the pointer figure (prior art) of Fig. 5, but the method according to this invention is realized by a kind of invention equipment;
Fig. 7: a kind of simplification calcspar of first form of implementation of invention equipment, particularly have a kind of hearing aid apparatus of invention, wherein implement the method for this invention;
Fig. 8: the current best simplification calcspar of implementing of the method and apparatus of invention;
Fig. 9: the simplification calcspar according to the invention equipment of the method operation of invention is general type;
Figure 10: according to the general signal flow/functional block diagram of the invention equipment of the method operation of invention;
Figure 11: according to the direction of measurement characteristic curve of Fig. 8 by inventive method and the generation of invention equipment;
Figure 12:, produce by inventive method and invention equipment according to Fig. 8 according to the second party tropism's characteristic curve in the expression of Figure 11.
As described above, in Fig. 1 to 4, known beam-forming technology is based at least two sound/electric transducers and direct based on its mutual physical distance p that separate each other p
In Fig. 5, represent the pointer figure of with good grounds (6).
By means of a ω frequency example of static simplification, will explain basic thought of the present invention now.Working of an invention pointer figure is illustrated among Fig. 6.According to Fig. 6 at signal A 2With A 1Between phase difference ω dt be
Determine this phase difference, and multiply by a value that depends on frequency, thereby with regard to the analog value of function M (ω), M (ω) also can be a constant M o≠ 1.
By according to two signal A of the respective pointer phase shift among Fig. 6 1, A 2One of, for example by following formula phase shift A 2
M ωΔ or pass through M oΔ
This generates phase shift pointer A 2vIf dt is greater than according to M ωOr M oAn amount, this pointer then also appears, if thereby " virtual-sensor " be placed as away from transducer 1 aA pseudo range p v, for:
(11) p v=M ωP pOr
(12) p v＝M o·p p
When we considered a unifrequency for simplicity, we can be write as M o=M ω
For virtual τ v
(13) τ v=M ωτ and ( 3 v ) d t v = M ω · p p sin θ c
We obtain according to the present invention:
(1 v)A 1＝A 1v＝Asinωt
(2 v)A 2v＝Asinω(t+dt v)＝Asinω(t+M ωdt)
(5 v)A 1v＝Asinω(t+M ωτ)
(6 v)A rv＝2Asin((M ω·ω(τ-dt)/2)
We further obtain by means of (8): f rv = c 4 M ω p p = 1 M ω · f r
From then on, we can understand, for causing too high f rGiven p p, f RvReduce factor M ω, get M ω＞1.
In Fig. 7, schematically illustrate a kind of first best form of implementation of invention equipment with simplified way, particularly be used for inventive method is implemented in the hearing aids of invention.Therefore, sound/electric transducer 2 aWith 2 bOutput signal supply to corresponding analog to digital converter 20a, 20b, its output is input to time domain-frequency domain TFC converter unit, as is input to fast Fourier transform unit 22a, 22b.A spectral phase difference detecting unit 27 is for multiply by one group of constant c then nAll n spectral frequency components with spectral method detected phase difference Δ nIf M is ω, M ωFunction, a c so nMay be different for different frequency, and represent a relevant function of frequency or factor.If phase difference on the other hand nMultiply by identical c 0=c n≠ 1, then this with use constant M oConsistent.
This basis (3 v) multiplication realize at frequency spectrum multiplication units 28 places.Signal A with its frequency spectrum designation 1Pass through multiplication spectral phase difference signal spectral method phase shift then by multiplier unit 28 outputs at frequency spectrum phase shifter element 29 places.
According to Fig. 7, with its frequency spectrum designation and with the invention spectral method phase shift A 1(ω, Δ ' n) signal A 1In a frequency spectrum computing unit 23 with the A of its frequency spectrum designation 2Calculate together, good image sensor 2a away from one of transducer 2b apart from p v=M ωp pThe frequency spectrum that generates is changed back by a frequency time-domain transducer FTC, as being changed back by an inverse fast Fourier transform unit 24 to generate A R#
Therefore, in unit 23, can use the technology of describing by means of Fig. 1 to 4 of removing, though with time delay technology-conversion in frequency domain-outside other beam-forming technologies.However, the time delay technology is best.
Be conceived to Fig. 4, explained, introduce " virtual " transducer with a virtual amplification phase mutual edge distance by invention ground, becoming might be the high-gain frequency f rMove to lower frequency, this is particularly very convenient for the hearing aids purposes.This realizes that condition is if as explaining, multiply by a constant M with phase difference oRather than the relevant function M of frequency ω
In a kind of optimal mode of the present invention, at least first approximate in the relevant function M of frequency ωBe chosen to ( 14 ) M ω ~ 1 ω
Therefore, be different from Fig. 4 and realized not decay, and the gain at target direction will be a constant in whole hope frequency scope.By suitable choice function M ω, for example might be in a scheduled frequency range, for example 0.5 and 4kHz between realize flat characteristic, the decay of qualification is arranged under low and upper frequency.By suitable choice function M ω, the wave beam that in fact can carry out any kind of forms.
In order to produce high-order centroid weighting function, when being calculated to the input signal of unit 23, also definitely might use non-phase shift output signal A in addition 1, as among Fig. 7 by shown in the dotted line, thereby " simulation " three transducers.
Fig. 8 is illustrated in the current most preferred embodiment that is similar to functional block/signal flow that Fig. 7 represents invention equipment in representing.The piece of having explained by means of Fig. 7 and signal in Fig. 8 by identical label definition.
Phase spectrum Δ ' at multiplication units 28 outside places 1 ... nAt a sum unit 29 ' locate to be summed into signal A Kr, 1 ... n(ω, θ), also with frequency spectrum designation, this signal and impingement angle θ have preselected correlation, as particularly single order or high-order centroid correlation.
In order to realize this signal A Kr, 1 ... n(ω 1 ... n, θ) and according to explanation, output signal A with its frequency spectrum designation with respect to Fig. 2 to 4 1(ω) and A 2(ω), be directed to Beam-former unit 32, Beam-former unit 32 can be integrated in Beam-former unit 23 ' in, and for example build up according to the Beam-former of Fig. 2.Therefore, must clearly point out, can realize producing other kind Beam-formers that are different from single order centroid characteristic here, rather than the Beam-former shown in Fig. 8 32.
Frequency spectrum A Kr, 1 ... n(ω 1 ... n, θ) then by phase place adder unit 29 ' phase shift Δ ' 1 ... n, generate this unit 29 ' an output signal, this signal is the frequency spectrum A shown in Fig. 8 Kv, 1 ... n(ω 1 ... n, Δ ' 1 ... n, θ).Signal A Kr, 1 ... n(ω 1 ... n, θ) and sum unit 29 ' output signal be directed to Beam-former unit 23 ', here they are preferably as summation once more shown in 33.
Output place in Beam-former unit 32, produce a signal by means of real centroid correlation with impingement angle θ, and in the unit 29 ' output place, and thereby after phase shift, realize correlation function according to the transducer of virtual location with respect to impingement angle θ.When summation, with regard to Beam-former unit 23 ' interior unit 33, generate output signal A according to the second order centroid here rWith the correlation of impingement angle θ, condition is that the real centroid correlation of 32 output place in the unit is the single order centroid.
Thereby, in expression more generally, as shown in Figure 9, make in the unit phase difference spectrum of 27 output place stand the processing of a phase shifter element 35, wherein it is as pressing c 1To c nImprove.
Vague generalization phase shifter element 35 can directly receive one of output signal of one of two transducer 2a, 2b and/or a signal that is formed generation by the wave beam from the described transducer output signal of wanting phase shift.In Fig. 9, this is represented by the signal path that feeds back to phase shifter 35 from Beam-former 37.This feedback is conceived to Fig. 8, with Beam-former 32 and sum unit 29 ' between signal path consistent.According to Fig. 9, the Beam-former unit 32 of Fig. 8 is integrated in synthesized beam forms in the device 37.
Beam-former 37 in its vague generalization form of Fig. 9, the output signal of at least one of the output signal of receiving converter 2a, 2b and vague generalization phase shifter 35.
For those skilled in the art
Can use true translation device more than two, and/or
Can be M more than one ωFunction or c 0Or c 1 ... nGroup produces " virtual-sensor " signal more than with one of cause or respectively by more than one true translation device signal.
Virtual " relocating " of quantity, its characteristic and these transducers by selecting physics and virtual transducer can optionally be repaired the spatial weighting function.
Because electronics provides the fact that physics provides a virtual mutual transducer position of transducer, under its main purpose, the invention enables at least two transducers that separate by a predetermined small distance for only, might actually realize that the wave beam of any hope forms.
Therefore, decay can significantly be reduced by this virtual-sensor, and by realizing depending on frequency, particularly inverse ratio depends on frequency, the pseudo range of transducer, set up this virtual-sensor especially.By selecting the frequency M of transducer ωRelevant pseudo range is set up row's frequency selectivity transducer virtually.For hearing-aid device, at least two transducers, i.e. microphone, between real distance be chosen as maximum 20 millimeters, preferably littler.
Figure 10 represents according to of the present invention and to the general principle method and apparatus structure of all embodiment of the invention described above with the most general form.
By from least two sound/electric transducers 2 a, 2 bFirst and second signal of telecommunication S that derive of output signal 1, S 2, be input to sensor unit 3.In unit 3, provide one with Fig. 7,8 or 9 unit 27 respective phase difference detecting units.Phase difference detection unit 27 has in the input that selectively is connected to unit 3 and thereby is connected to corresponding input in the output of transducer 2a, 2b.The output of phase difference detection unit 27 is operably connected in the input of a Phase Processing unit 40 that is represented by dotted lines among Figure 10.The Phase Processing unit has one and is connected to second input on the factor value selection source 42, produces a constant or frequency-dependent factor h.One the 3rd of Phase Processing unit input operationally by at " AND (with) " or the assembled unit 44 in " EX-OR (different) " correlation, is connected at least two transducers 2 shown in signal a, 2 bCorresponding output on.Phase Processing unit 40 is according to a signal S in the 3rd input that is applied to processing unit 40 4, and according to from 27 and from 42 be applied to the Phase Processing unit first and second the input on signal, produce an output signal S 3
The signal of first input of the Phase Processing unit in the output that is operably connected to phase difference detection unit, by unit 28 multiplication by constants or frequency-dependent factor, and at signal combination unit 46 places, thus according to the mutual phasing of transducer output signal, multiply by a constant or frequency pertinency factor and according to the signal S in the 3rd input that is applied to processing unit 40 4, the output signal that produces processing unit is signal S 3, this back one signal S 4Depend on transducer 2 a, 2 bAt least one of output signal.In unit 46, produce signal S 3With both, i.e. signal S 4With the multiplication phase shift signal of 28 output place in the unit, correlation F 1
A with Fig. 7 1(ω) or the A of Fig. 8 and 9 Kr, 1 ... n(ω 1 ... n, θ) Yi Zhi signal S 3, be input to one with the unit 23 or 23 of Fig. 7 to 9 ' or 37 consistent Beam-former processing units 48.The Beam-former processing unit comprises that one depends on transducer 2 to its supply a, 2 bAt least one S of output signal 5Later signal thereby schematically be expressed as, by in " EX-OR " or the piece 50 in " AND " combination be operably connected on the Beam-former processing unit 48.
In Figure 11, represent " lobe " or directivity characteristic with dB, according to a kind of invention equipment place of Fig. 8, in collision at two sound/electric transducers 2 a, 2 bThe unifrequency 1kHz of acoustical signal measures this characteristic down.In this equipment effectively:
Transducer 2 a, 2 b: omnidirectional microphone, KNOWLES EK 7263
Physical distance p p: 12 millimeters
τ: 35 microseconds
C: under 1kHz and under 4kHz, be 2
Here generate a directivity index, as at SPEECHCOMMUNICATION (speech communication) 20 (1996), 229 to 240, be used for the microphone array system of hand freedom (hand-free) telecommunication, what define among the Gary W.Elco is such, is 8.83.
In Figure 12, ecbatic at a kind of invention equipment place that is used to measure according to Figure 11 but under 4kHz signal frequency sound collision alarm.Directivity index becomes 7.98.
Here produce the directivity characteristic consistent by method with the second order centroid according to Fig. 8.These routinely must be by means of four as 2 a, 2 bSuch sound/electric transducer realization, these four transducers are defined in 24 millimeters intervals between corresponding two of four transducers.Thereby, can understand, by means of the method for invention with only have the result that equipment reached of two sound/electric transducers of 12 millimeters spaces, used four sound/electric transducers as with 24 millimeters intervals.

Claims (22)

1. the method for the correlation of electrical output signal that is used for an electronic sensor unit of electronic selection and direction in space, collide at least one the first and rising tone/electric transducer from this direction in space acoustical signal, this transducer is operably connected in the input of described sensor unit, and import first and second signals of telecommunication to it thus, the method comprising the steps of
According to the mutual phasing of first and second signals of telecommunication that multiply by a constant or a frequency-dependent factor with further according at least one the 4th signal of telecommunication that depends on described first and second signals of telecommunication, produce at least one the 3rd signal of telecommunication;
According to the 3rd signal with further by at least one the 5th signal of telecommunication that depends on first and second signals of telecommunication, produce the described output signal of described sensor unit.
2. method according to claim 1 produces described the 4th signal of telecommunication thus, as depending on described first or a signal of second signal of telecommunication.
3. method according to claim 1 produces described the 4th signal of telecommunication thus, as depending on described first or second signal of telecommunication.
4. method according to claim 1 produces described the 4th signal of telecommunication thus, as with described direction in space a signal of predetermined or scalable correlation being arranged, as having the centroid correlation.
5. method according to claim 1 by one of described first and second signals of telecommunication of delay and summation inhibit signal and described first and second signals another, produces described the 4th signal of telecommunication thus.
6. according to the described method of one of claim 1 to 4, produce described the 5th signal of telecommunication thus, as depending on one of described first and second signals of telecommunication.
7. according to the described method of one of claim 1 to 4, produce described the 5th signal of telecommunication thus, as depending on described first and described second signal of telecommunication.
8. according to the described method in one of claim 1 to 5 or 7, produce described the 5th signal of telecommunication thus, as a signal of predetermined or scalable correlation being arranged, as having the centroid correlation with described direction in space.
9. according to one of claim 1 to 5 or 7 or 8 described method, by one of delay described first and described second signal of telecommunication and summation inhibit signal and described first and second signals another, produce described the 5th signal of telecommunication thus.
10. according to the described method of one of claim 1 to 9, by producing described the 5th signal of telecommunication, produce described the 4th signal of telecommunication thus.
11. according to the described method of one of claim 1 to 10, produce described first and second signals of telecommunication thus with its frequency spectrum designation, and produce mutual phasing, multiply by described factor according to the respective tones spectral component of described first and second signals, with described the 4th signal of telecommunication of foundation, produce described at least one the 3rd signal of telecommunication.
12., thus described factor is chosen to be inversely proportional to frequency according to the described method of one of claim 1 to 11.
13. sound/electric transducer equipment, sound/the electric transducer that comprises at least two predetermined physical distances that separate each other, at least two transducers produce first and second electrical output signals respectively thus, and the output of wherein said sound/electric transducer is operably connected on the electronic sensor unit, this unit is by described first and second output signals of magnification function according to described transducer, produce an output signal, this function depends on described transducer in its Space Angle that receives acoustical signal down, and this equipment comprises:
-one phase difference detection unit, its input is operably connected in the output of described transducer, and produces a signal relevant with phase difference in its output place,
-one Phase Processing unit, an one input is operably connected in the output of described phase difference detection unit, at least one of described processing unit second input is operably connected on the factor value selection source, one the 3rd of described Phase Processing unit input is operably connected at least one of output of described two transducers at least, described Phase Processing unit according at the signal of described the 3rd input by means of according in a described input with in the phase shift of the signal of described at least one second input, produce an output signal in its output place
-one Beam-former processing unit has at least two inputs, and an input is operably connected in the output of described Phase Processing unit, and second input is operably connected at least one output of described two transducers at least.
14. equipment according to claim 13, wherein said factor value selection source produces a constant or the relevant signal value of frequency.
15. according to claim 13 or 14 described equipment, described the 3rd input of wherein said Phase Processing unit is operably connected in the output of described two transducers at least.
16. according to the described equipment of one of claim 13 to 15, described the 3rd input of wherein said Phase Processing unit is connected in the output of a Beam-former unit, its input is operably connected in the output of described two transducers at least.
17. method according to claim 16, described Beam-former unit comprises an other sum unit, an one input is operably connected in the output of one of described two transducers at least, and its another input operationally is connected in another the output of described two transducers through time delay unit at least.
18. according to the described equipment of one of claim 13 to 17, described second input of wherein said Beam-former processing unit is operably connected on one of described two transducers at least.
19. according to the described equipment of one of claim 13 to 18, described second input of wherein said Beam-former processing unit is operably connected in the output of a sum unit, an one input is connected in the output of one of described two transducers through a time delay unit at least, and one second input of described sum unit is operably connected in described second output of described two transducers at least.
20. according to the described equipment of one of claim 13 to 19, the output of wherein said at least two transducers is operably connected in the input of another sum unit, it connects once a time delay unit, the output of described another sum unit is operably connected in described the 3rd input of described Phase Processing unit, and is connected in described second input of described Beam-former processing unit.
21. according to the described equipment of one of claim 13 to 20, the output of wherein said at least two transducers produces through respective mode number converter and time-domain and frequency-domain converter unit, described phase difference detection unit, described Phase Processing unit and described Beam-former processing unit are operated in frequency domain, and the output of described sensor unit produces through a time domain frequency domain converter unit.
22. according to the described equipment of one of claim 13 to 21, be a hearing-aid device, described at least two transducers have maximum 20 millimeters mutual physical distance.
CN98808183A 1997-07-16 1998-07-14 Method for electronically selecting dependency of output signal from spatial angle of acoustic signal impingement and hearing aid apparatus Pending CN1267444A (en)

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TR200000119T2 (en) 2000-05-22
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EP0802699A3 (en) 1998-02-25
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IL133999A (en) 2004-03-28
AU749652B2 (en) 2002-06-27
EP0997055A1 (en) 2000-05-03
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KR20010021877A (en) 2001-03-15
NZ502350A (en) 2002-10-25
ATE218025T1 (en) 2002-06-15
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JP2001510975A (en) 2001-08-07

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