DE102020114026A1 - MEDIA SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ACCOUNTING FOR HEARING LOSS - Google Patents

Abstract

A media system and a method of using the media system to account for a user's hearing loss are described. The method includes selecting a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter that corresponds to a hearing loss profile of the user. The personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter can be one of a plurality of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with respective average gain levels and respective gain contours. An accommodation-capable audio output signal can be generated by applying the personal level- and frequency-dependent acoustic filter to an audio input signal in order to improve the audio input signal based on an input level and an input frequency of the audio input signal. The audio output signal can be reproduced by an audio output device to provide speech or music which the user can clearly perceive despite the hearing loss of the user. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Description

STATE OF THE ART

AREA

Aspects related to media systems with audio capabilities are disclosed. More specifically, aspects relating to media systems used to play audio content to a user are disclosed.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Audio-enabled devices, such as laptops, tablets, or other mobile devices, can provide audio content to a user. For example, the user can use the audio-enabled device to listen to audio content. The audio content can be pre-stored audio content, such as a music file, podcast, message from a virtual assistant, etc., which is played to the user through a speaker. Alternatively, the reproduced audio content may be real-time audio content, such as audio content from a phone call, video conference, etc.

Noise exposure, aging, or other factors can cause a person to experience hearing loss. Hearing loss profiles of people can vary widely and can even be attributed to people who have not been diagnosed as having hearing impairment. This means that every person can have some frequency-dependent volume perceptions that differ from a norm. Such differences can vary widely within a human population and correspond to a range of hearing loss profiles for the population. Since every person hears differently, audio content that is played back in the same way for several people can be perceived differently by everyone. For example, a person with significant hearing loss at a particular frequency may perceive playback of audio content that includes essential components at that frequency as being silenced. In contrast, a person without hearing loss can perceive playback of the same audio content as clear at the particular frequency.

A person can customize audio-enabled devices to modify playback of audio content to improve the user's experience. For example, the person with significant hearing loss can set an overall level of the audio signal volume at the particular frequency in order to increase a volume of the reproduced audio signal. Such adjustments can be made in the hope that the modified rendition will compensate for the person's hearing loss.

ABSTRACT

Adjusting the volume to modify the playback as described above may not be able to compensate for the hearing loss in a personalized way. For example, increasing an overall level of the audio signal can increase the volume, but the volume is increased over a range of audible frequencies regardless of whether the user experiences hearing loss over the entire range. The result of such wide-ranging level adjustments can be an uncomfortably loud and annoying listening experience for the user.

A media system and a method of using the media system to account for a user's hearing loss are described. In one aspect, the media system performs the method by selecting an acoustic filter, e.g. B. a level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter, from several acoustic filters, z. A plurality of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters, and applying the acoustic filter to an audio input signal to generate an audio output signal that can be played back to a user. The acoustic filter can be a personal acoustic filter, e.g. B. be a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter, which corresponds to a hearing loss profile of the user.

The selection of the personal level- and frequency-dependent acoustic filter can be made through the media system from level- and frequency-dependent acoustic filters that correspond to the respective preset hearing loss profiles. The level and frequency dependent acoustic filters compensate for the preset hearing loss profiles, since the level and frequency dependent acoustic filters have respective average gain levels and respective gain contours which correspond to the average loss levels and loss contours of the hearing loss profiles. The personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter can amplify the audio input signal based on an input level and an input frequency of the audio input signal, and thus the user can perceive sound from the reproduced audio output signal normally (rather than attenuated as it would be the case if the uncorrected audio input signal were played ).

The selection of the personal level- and frequency-dependent acoustic filter can be done through a short and uncomplicated Registration procedures are carried out. In one aspect, a first audio signal is output in a first step of the registration method using one or more predetermined gain levels or using a first group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different average gain levels. The first audio signal can be provided to a user viewing the audio content, e.g. B. speech, perceived at different volumes, can be reproduced. The user can select the volume that is audible or preferred. More specifically, in response to the output of the first audio signal, the media system receives a selection of a personal average gain level using one or more predetermined gain levels or the one or more level and frequency dependent acoustic filters of the first group. The selection of the personal average gain level may indicate that the first audio signal, e.g. B. a speech signal, is output at a level that is audible to the user. The selection of the personal average gain level can indicate that the first audio signal is being output at a preferred volume. The media system can select the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter based in part on the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter with the personal average gain level. For example, the respective average gain level of the personal level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter can be equal to the personal average gain level.

From one aspect, a second audio signal is output in a second step of the registration method using a second group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different gain contours. The second group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters can be selected for investigation based on the user selections made during the first step of the registration process. For example, each level and frequency dependent acoustic filter in the second group may have the personal average gain level which corresponds to the audibility selection made during the first step. The second audio signal can be played back to the user who receives the audio content, e.g. B. music, perceives with different sound image or sound settings, and selects the sound image or sound setting that is preferred. More specifically, in response to the output of the second audio signal, the media system receives a selection of a personal gain contour. The media system can select the personal level- and frequency-dependent acoustic filter based in part on the personal level- and frequency-dependent acoustic filter with the personal gain contour. For example, the respective gain contour of the personal level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter can be the same as the personal gain contour.

In one aspect, the registration method may modify the first and second audio signals for playback using level and frequency dependent acoustic filters that correspond to preset hearing loss profiles. For example, acoustic filters corresponding to the most common hearing loss profiles in a human population can be used. Alternatively, the acoustic filters may correspond to hearing loss profiles of the human population that are closely related to an audiogram of the user. For example, the media system can receive a personal audiogram of the user and, based on the personal audiogram, can determine a plurality of predetermined hearing loss profiles that include the hearing loss profile of the user represented by the audiogram. The media system can then determine the level and frequency dependent acoustic filters that correspond to the particular hearing loss profiles and use these acoustic filters during the playback of audio signals in the first step or second step of the registration process.

The media system can select the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter based directly on an audiogram of the user without using the registration process. For example, the media system can receive a personal audiogram of the user and, based on the personal audiogram, a predefined personal hearing loss profile can be selected that most closely corresponds to the hearing loss profile of the user represented by the audiogram. For example, the personal audiogram can indicate that the user has an average hearing loss level and contour, and the media system can select a predetermined hearing loss profile that matches the audiogram. The media system can then determine the level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter that corresponds to the personal hearing loss profile. For example, the media system can determine the level and frequency dependent acoustic filter with an average gain level that corresponds to the average hearing loss level of the audiogram and / or with a gain contour that corresponds to the loss contour. The media system can use the acoustic filter as the personal level and Use frequency-dependent acoustic filters to amplify the audio input signal and to compensate for the hearing loss of the user while playing the audio content.

The above summary is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all aspects of the present invention. The invention is intended to encompass all practicable systems and methods from any suitable combination of the various aspects summarized above, as well as those disclosed in the detailed description below and expressly recited in the claims filed with the application. Such combinations have certain advantages that are not specifically mentioned in the summary above.

Figure list

• 1 Figure 3 is a pictorial view of a media system in accordance with one aspect.
• 2 Figure 13 is a graph of the volume curves for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss according to an aspect.
• 3 Figure 13 is a graph of gains required to normalize the perceived loudness of individuals with different hearing loss profiles according to one aspect.
• 4th Figure 13 is a pictorial view of a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter applied to an audio input signal to account for a user's hearing loss in accordance with one aspect.
• 5 Figure 4 is a pictorial view of a user's audiogram in accordance with an aspect.
• 6-8 are pictorial views of hearing loss profiles according to one aspect.
• 9 Figure 13 is a pictorial view of a multiband compression gain table illustrating a level and frequency dependent acoustic filter corresponding to a hearing loss profile according to one aspect.
• 10 FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for enhancing an audio input signal to account for hearing loss in accordance with an aspect.
• 11 Figure 4 is a pictorial view of a user interface for controlling output of a first audio signal in accordance with an aspect.
• 12th Figure 13 is a pictorial view of a selection of groups of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters for examination in a second stage of the registration process in accordance with one aspect.
• 13 Figure 4 is a pictorial view of a user interface for controlling output of a second audio signal in accordance with an aspect.
• 14A-14B Figure 12 are pictorial views of choices of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different gain contours according to one aspect.
• 15th Figure 12 is a flow diagram of a method for selecting a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter having a personal average gain level and personal gain contour according to an aspect.
• 16 Figure 4 is a pictorial view of a user interface for controlling output of a first audio signal in accordance with an aspect.
• 17A-17B Figure 12 are pictorial views of choices of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different average gain levels according to an aspect.
• 18th Figure 4 is a pictorial view of a user interface for controlling output of a second audio signal in accordance with an aspect.
• 19A-19B Figure 12 are pictorial views of choices of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different gain contours according to one aspect.
• 20th Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a method for selecting a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter having a personal average gain level and personal gain contour according to an aspect.
• 21A-21B are a flowchart and pictorial view of a method for determining multiple hearing loss profiles; based on a personal audiogram, according to an aspect.
• 22A-22B 12 is a flowchart and pictorial view of a method for determining a personal hearing loss profile based on a personal audiogram according to an aspect.
• 23 Figure 3 is a block diagram of a media system in accordance with one aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The aspects describe a media system and a method of using the media system to account for a user's hearing loss. The media system can include a mobile device such as a smartphone and an audio output device such as an earphone. However, the mobile device may be another device for reproducing audio signals to the user, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart watch, etc., and the audio output device may be other types of devices such as Include headphones, a headset, a computer speaker, etc., to name a few possible uses.

The description is made from various points of view with reference to the figures. However, certain aspects may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or in combination with other known methods and configurations. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as specific configurations, dimensions, and methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the issues. In other instances, known methods and manufacturing techniques are not described in particular detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the description. Any reference in this specification to “an aspect” or the like means that a particular described feature, structure, configuration, or characteristic is included in at least one aspect. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “an aspect” or the like in different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same aspect. In addition, the particular features, structures, configurations, or properties can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

The use of relative terms throughout the description may indicate a relative position or direction. For example, “in front of” can indicate a first direction away from a reference point. Similarly, “behind” can indicate a location in a second direction away from the reference point and opposite to the first direction. However, such terms are provided to establish relative frames of reference and are not intended to limit the use or orientation of a media system to any specific configuration, the various aspects described below.

In one aspect, a media system is used to account for a user's hearing loss. The media system can compensate for both a mild and moderate hearing loss profile of a user. Furthermore, the compensation can be personalized, i.e. it adjusts an audio input signal based on the individual hearing preferences of the person in a level and frequency dependent manner, instead of just adjusting an offset or an overall level of the audio input signal. The media system can personalize the audio setting based on selections made during a short and straightforward registration process. During the registration process, the user can perceive tones from multiple audio signals that have been filtered in various ways, and the user can make the binary choices based on subjective ratings or comparisons of the perceptions to select personal audio settings. The personal audio settings include an average gain level and a gain contour of a preferred acoustic filter. When the user has selected the personal audio settings, the media system can generate an audio output signal by applying a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter with the personal audio settings to amplify an audio input signal based on an input level and an input frequency of the audio input signal. The reproduction of the audio output signal can provide the user with speech or music that can be clearly heard by the user despite the hearing loss profile of the user.

Referring to 1 there is shown a pictorial view of a media system in accordance with one aspect. A media system 100 can be used to provide audio signals to a user. The media system 100 can be an audio signal device 102 for outputting and / or sending an audio output signal and an audio output device 104 for converting the audio output signal (or a signal derived from the audio output signal) into a sound. In one aspect, the audio signal device is 102 a smartphone. The audio signal device 102 however, it may include other types of audio-enabled devices such as a laptop computer, tablet computer, smart watch, television, etc. In one aspect, the audio output device is 104 an earphone (wired or wireless). The audio output device 104 however, other types of Devices that include speakers such as headphones. The audio output device 104 can also be an internal or external speaker of the audio signal device 102 , e.g. B. a speaker of a smartphone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart watch, a television, etc. be. In any case, the media system 100 Hardware, such as one or more processors, memory, etc., that connects the media system 100 enables a method to be implemented for enhancing an audio input signal to account for a user's hearing loss. More precisely, the media system can 100 provide personalized media enhancement by applying a user's personalized acoustic filter to the input audio signal to enable playback of audio content that takes into account the user's listening preferences and / or ability.

Referring to 2 a graph of the volume curves for persons with sensorineural hearing loss is shown according to one aspect. Sensorineural hearing loss is a predominant type of hearing loss, but other types of hearing loss exist, such as sudden hearing loss. Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss have higher hearing thresholds than normal listeners, but similarly perceive loud levels as uncomfortable. The volume curves for people with hearing loss would be different. More precisely, people with sudden hearing loss have higher hearing thresholds and uncomfortably loud levels compared to their counterparts with normal hearing. The volume level curves 200 are used as an example.

The hearing preferences and / or hearing abilities of a user are frequency-dependent and level-dependent. People with hearing impairments require a higher sound pressure level in their ears in order to achieve the same perceived volume as people with less hearing loss. The graph shows the volume level curves 200 which shows the perceived volume (PHON) as a function of the sound pressure level (SPL) for several people at a certain frequency, e.g. B. 1 kHz describe. Curve 202 has a 1: 1 slope and an origin at zero since a volume unit, e.g. B. 50 PHON, as the perceived volume of a 1 kHz tone of the corresponding SPL, e.g. B. 50 dB SPL, defined by a listener with normal hearing. In contrast, a person with hearing impairment feels 204 no perceived volume until the sound pressure level reaches a threshold level. For example, if the person has a hearing loss of 60 dB, the person will not perceive the volume until the sound pressure level reaches 60 dB.

Referring to 3 a graph of gains required to normalize perceived loudness of individuals with different hearing loss profiles according to one aspect is shown. To compensate for a person's hearing loss, amplification can be applied to an input signal to raise the sound pressure level in the ear of the person with a hearing loss. The graph shows the gain curves 302 which describe the gain required to achieve a normal listening volume as a function of the sound pressure level for people with the volume level curves of 2 correspond to. It is obvious that the person has normal hearing 202 No amplification is required at a certain frequency, since the person obviously already has a normal listening volume at all sound pressure levels. In contrast, the person with hearing impairment requires 204 a significant gain at low sound pressure levels to keep the applied sound below the threshold level of 2, e.g. . B. below 60 dB.

The degree of amplification required to compensate for the person's hearing loss decreases as the sound pressure level increases. More specifically, the gain required to compensate for hearing loss depends on both the frequency and the input signal level. That is, if the input signal level of the audio input signal produces a higher sound pressure level for a given frequency, then less amplification is required to compensate for the hearing loss at that frequency. Similarly, people's hearing loss is frequency dependent and so the volume level curves and gain curves at a different frequency, e.g. B. 2 kHz differ. For example, if the gain curves shift upwards for the person with hearing impairment (more hearing loss at 2 kHz than at 1 kHz), more gain is required to normally perceive a tone at this frequency. Accordingly, if the input signal level of the audio input signal has components at the particular frequency (2 kHz), more gain is required to compensate for the hearing loss at the frequency. The method of adjusting the audio input signal to amplify the audio input signal based on an input level and an input frequency of the audio input signal may be referred to herein as multiband upward compression.

Multiband upward compression can achieve the desired enhancement in audio content by bringing sounds that are either imperceptible or perceived as too quiet into an audible range without adjusting sounds that are already deemed appropriate or perceived as normal loud. In other words, multiband upward compression can amplify the audio input signal in a level-dependent and frequency-dependent manner in order to enable a hearing impaired person to perceive noise normally. By normalizing the volume level curve of the hearing impaired person, over- or under-amplification at certain levels or frequencies can be avoided, thereby avoiding problems associated with simply increasing the volume and amplifying the audio input signal over an entire audible frequency range.

Referring to 4th there is shown a pictorial view of a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter applied to an audio input signal to account for a user's hearing loss according to one aspect. In view of the above discussion, it should be understood that the media system 100 the hearing loss of a person by applying a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 on an audio input signal 404 can take into account. The personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 can input audio signal 404 into the audio output signal 406 transform that is perceived normally by the person. For example, the audio input signal 404 Display speech during a phone call, music in a soundtrack, speech from a virtual assistant or other audio content. As indicated by the dashed and dotted guidelines, when playing back without multiband upward compression, a sound at certain frequencies may be heard normally (indicated by a solid guideline), while sounds at other frequencies may be heard as soft (faint or muffled) or not at all (indicated by dashed and dotted guidelines of different densities) can be perceived. In contrast, after applying the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 on the audio input signal 404 the generated audio output signal 406 Contain tones at the specific frequencies that are normally heard (indicated by solid guide lines). Accordingly, the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 Recover details in speech, music, and other audio content to enhance the sound delivered to the user from the audio output device 104 is reproduced.

Referring to 5 there is shown a pictorial view of a user's audiogram according to one aspect. To understand how personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filters 402 or for use in enhancing the input audio signal 404 can be determined, it can be helpful to understand how a hearing loss profile of the user can be identified and mapped onto a user-specific multiband compression filter. From one point of view, it can be a personal audiogram 500 of the user include one or more audiogram graphs that represent audible thresholds as a function of frequency. For example, an initial audiogram curve 502a represent acoustic threshold values for a right ear of the user and a second audiogram curve 502b can represent acoustic thresholds for a left ear of the user. The personal audiogram 500 can be determined using known techniques. From one point of view it can be an average hearing loss 504 from one or both audiogram curves 502a , 502b to be determined. For example, the average hearing loss may be 504 for both curves in the illustrated example are 30 dB. The personal audiogram shows accordingly 500 both the average hearing loss of the user and the frequency dependent hearing loss over a primary audible range of a human, e.g. B. between 500 Hz to 8000 kHz. It should be noted that the primary audible range referred to herein may be smaller than a human hearing range, which is known to be 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

6-8 include pictorial views of hearing loss profiles of a human population. Each hearing loss profile can have a combination of the level and contour parameters, as described below. A level parameter of a hearing loss profile can indicate an average hearing loss, which is determined by pure tone audiometry. A contour parameter can indicate hearing loss variations across the audible frequency range, e.g. B. whether hearing loss is more pronounced at certain frequencies. The ones in the 6-8 Hearing loss profiles shown can be grouped according to level and contour parameters. From one point of view, the hearing loss profiles are the most common profiles for hearing loss in the human population based on analysis of real audiograms. More specifically, each hearing loss profile can be representative of a common audiogram in a three-dimensional audiogram space with individual level and contour parameters.

6th shows a first group 602 of hearing loss profiles. Hearing loss profiles in the first group 602 may have a level parameter that corresponds to listeners with mild hearing loss. For example, there may be an average hearing loss 604 the profiles of the first group 602 20 dB. More specifically, any of the hearing loss profiles included in the first group 602 included, the same average hearing loss 604 exhibit. However, the hearing loss profiles may differ in shape.

In one aspect, the first group can 602 Include hearing loss profiles with different contour parameters. The contour parameters can be a flat loss contour 606 , a notched loss contour 608 and an inclined loss contour 610 lock in. The different shapes can show pronounced hearing loss at the respective frequencies. For example, the flat loss contour 606 at a low band frequency, e.g. B. at 500Hz, have a greater hearing loss than the notched loss contour 608 or the inclined loss contour 610 . In contrast, the notched loss contour 608 at a medium band frequency, e.g. B. at 4 kHz, have a greater hearing loss than the flat loss contour 606 or the inclined loss contour 610 . The inclined loss contour 610 can at a high band frequency, e.g. B. at 8 kHz, have a greater hearing loss than the flat loss contour 606 or the notched loss contour 608 .

The shapes of the hearing loss profiles can have other generalized characteristics. For example, a flat loss contour 606 a slightest variation in hearing loss compared to a notched loss contour 608 and an inclined loss contour 610 exhibit. That is, the flat loss contour 606 shows more even hearing loss at each frequency. In addition, a notched loss contour 608 Have greater hearing loss at the middle band frequency than at other frequencies on the same curve.

7th Figure 12 shows a pictorial view of a second group 702 of hearing loss profiles. The average hearing loss for each of the hearing loss profile groups can be from 6-8 increase sequentially. More specifically, hearing loss profiles can be in the second group 702 have a level parameter that corresponds to a listener with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. For example, there may be an average hearing loss 704 the second group 702 35 dB. The hearing loss profiles of the second group 702 however, different contour parameters, e.g. B. a flat loss contour 706 , a notched loss contour 708 and an inclined loss contour 710 exhibit. Due to regularities in hearing loss within the human population, the shapes of each level group can be related by their shape. More precisely, the shapes of the loss contours 706-710 share the generalized specifics mentioned above with respect to the loss contours 606-610 but the shapes may not be scaled identically. For example, the notched loss contour 708 at the middle band frequency compared to the other loss contours of 7th have the greatest loss, the greatest loss of the notched loss contour 708 can, however, occur at a high band frequency (compared to the medium band frequency in 6th ). The hearing loss profiles of 7th represent the most common hearing loss profiles among individuals within the human population with mild to moderate hearing loss.

8th Figure 12 shows a pictorial view of a third group 802 of hearing loss profiles. An average hearing loss 804 the third group 802 can be greater than the average hearing loss 704 the second group 702 . The average hearing loss of the third group 802 can be representative of people with moderate hearing loss. For example, the average hearing loss may be 804 50 dB. Like the other groups, the hearing loss profiles of the third group can be 802 differ in shape and have a flat loss contour 806 , a notched loss contour 808 and an inclined loss contour 810 lock in. The shapes of the loss contours 806-810 may share the generalized specifics mentioned above with respect to the loss contours 606-610 or 706-710 have been described. The hearing loss profiles of 8th represent the most common hearing loss profiles among those in the human population with moderate hearing loss.

The ones in the 6-8 The hearing loss profiles shown represent 9 presets for hearing loss profiles created by the media system 100 get saved. More precisely, the media system can 100 store any number of hearing loss profile presets taken from the audiogram 3D space described above. Each preset can have a level and contour parameter combination that matches the personal audiogram 500 can be compared. One of the 9 presets of the groups 602 , 702 and 802 can the personal audiogram 500 resemble. For example, by visual inspection, it is evident that the personal audiogram 500 from 5 has an average hearing loss level that matches the hearing loss profile of the second group 702 (30dB vs 35dB) and shows a shape that resembles the flat loss contour 706 is very similar. Accordingly, the flat loss contour 706 identified as a personal hearing loss profile of the user using the personal audiogram 500 having.

The comparison between the audiograms and hearing loss profiles, as described above, is presented as an example and again below in relation to the 21-22 described. At this stage the example illustrates the concept that any person may actually have hearing loss (as represented by an audiogram) that is very similar to a general hearing loss profile (as determined in a human population and in media system 100 saved as a preset). To compensate for the actual hearing loss, the media system 100 the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 that corresponds to the largely congruent hearing loss profile and compensates for it.

Referring to 9 There is shown a pictorial view of a multiband compression gain table representing a level and frequency dependent acoustic filter corresponding to a hearing loss profile, according to one aspect. Each hearing loss profile can be mapped with a corresponding level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter. For example, the hearing loss profile of the groups 602-802 that the personal audiogram 500 corresponds most closely to the level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter, which is the personal level- and frequency-dependent acoustic filter 402 is. Consequently, the media system 100 , e.g. B. in a memory, several predetermined hearing loss profiles and several level and frequency-dependent acoustic filters, which correspond to the hearing loss profiles, store.

From one point of view, the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 be a multiband compression gain table. The multiband compression gain table can be a custom prescription to compensate for a person's hearing loss and thereby provide personalized media enhancement. From one point of view becomes the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 used to be the audio input signal 404 based on an input level 902 and an input frequency 904 to reinforce. The input level 902 of the audio input signal 404 can be determined within a range extending from low sound pressure levels to high sound pressure levels. For example, the audio input signal 404 have the sound pressure level shown on the left-hand side of the gain table, which can be for example 20 dB. The input frequency 904 of the audio input signal 404 can be determined within an audible frequency range. For example, the audio input signal 404 have a frequency in the upper part of the gain table, which can be, for example, 8 kHz. Based on the input level 902 and the input frequency 904 of the audio input signal 404 can the media system 100 determine that a certain gain level, e.g. B. 30 dB, on the audio input signal 404 should be applied to the audio output signal 406 to create. It goes without saying that this example is based on the hearing loss and the gain curves of 2-3 is consistent.

The reinforcement table example from 9 illustrates that, for each hearing loss profile of a user, a corresponding level and frequency dependent acoustic filter can be determined or selected in order to compensate for the hearing loss of the user. The level and frequency dependent acoustic filters can define gain levels at each input frequency which, in turn, corresponds to a person's hearing loss at the frequencies. For example, the user can have a personal audiogram 500 has that of the flat loss contour 706 within the second group 702 corresponds to a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 having an audio input signal 404 more amplified at 8 kHz than at 500 Hz. The amplification applied by the gain table across the audible frequency can cancel out the hearing loss represented by the loss contour.

Referring to 10 A flow diagram of a method for enhancing an audio input signal to account for hearing loss in accordance with one aspect is shown. The media system 100 can perform the method to provide a personalized enhancement of the audio content. During surgery 1002 can be one or more processors of the media system 100 the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 Select from several level and frequency dependent acoustic filters that correspond to the respective hearing loss profiles. The selection process can be carried out in various ways. For example, the selection can be made as mentioned above and further below with reference to FIG 22nd explained, include matching a user's personal audiogram with a preset hearing loss profile. However, it is contemplated that some users of the media system 100 may not have an existing audiogram available for matching. Furthermore, even when such audiograms are present, supra-threshold differences in the volume perception by different users can occur. For example, two users who have similar audiograms may still subjectively perceive sound pressure levels at a given frequency differently, e.g. B. a first user can perceive the sound pressure level as pleasant and a second user can perceive the sound pressure level as unpleasant. Thus, it can be beneficial to personalize the acoustic filter selection for the user rather than relying solely on the audiogram data. More precisely, the user may have preferences that are not fully captured by the audiogram data, and thus it may be advantageous to allow the user to choose from different level and frequency dependent acoustic filters that do not necessarily exactly match the personal audiogram.

In one aspect, a convenient and noise-resistant registration method can be used to control the selection of a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter that takes into account the user's listening preferences. The registration method can reproduce one or more audio signals which are changed by one or more predetermined gain levels and / or one or more level and frequency dependent acoustic filters which correspond to the most common hearing loss profiles of a predetermined target group. The user can make a selection during the registration process, e.g. B. from one or more of the level and frequency dependent acoustic filters, and by the user selection the media system 100 determine and / or select a suitable personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter for application to an audio input signal for the user. Various embodiments of registration procedures are described below. The registration procedures may include multiple steps, and one or more of the steps of the embodiments may differ. For example, describe the 11-15 a registration process including a first step in which a selection by the user indicates whether a reproduced audio signal is audible, and the 16-20 describe a registration method including a first step in which a selection by the user indicates a preferred acoustic filter from a group of acoustic filters having different average gain levels.

Referring to 11 There is shown a pictorial view of a user interface for controlling output of a first audio signal in accordance with an aspect. During the registration process, the media system 100 output a first audible signal using one or more predetermined gain levels. The predetermined gain levels may be scalar gain levels (broadband or frequency independent gains) that are applied to enable the audio signal to be reproduced at different levels for hearing by the user. For example, the media system can generate a first acoustic signal for playback through the loudspeaker for the user. The first audio signal can represent speech, e.g. For example, a voice file that contains recorded greetings spoken in languages from around the world. Speech demonstrates good contrast between gain levels (compared to music), and thus can facilitate the selection of an appropriate average gain level during a first step in the registration process.

During the first step, an audio input signal 404 are displayed to the user at a first predetermined gain level. For example, the speech signal can be output at a low level, e.g. B. 40 dB or less. The first predetermined gain level may correspond to one of the different average hearing loss levels, e.g. B. the levels 604 , 704 or 804 . For example, a level of 40 dB or less can be expected from the target audience with the average hearing loss level 604 can be heard and from those with hearing loss levels 704 and 804 might not.

While playing the first audio signal at the first level of gain, the user can select an audibility selection element 1102 or an inaudibility selection element 1104 Select a graphical user interface on the audio signal device 102 of the media system 100 is shown. More precisely, after listening to the first setting, the user can make a selection that indicates whether the output audio signal has a volume that can be heard by the user. The user can use the audibility selection element 1102 Select to indicate that the output level is audible. In contrast, the user can select the inaudibility selection item 1104 Select to indicate that the output level is inaudible.

After selecting the audibility selection item 1102 or the inaudibility selection element 1104 the user can select the selection item 1106 Select to provide the system with the choice. When the system selects the audibility selection item 1102 receives, the system may determine a personal average gain level of the user based on the selection indicating whether the output audio signal is audible to the user. For example, the system may indicate when the system is selecting the audibility selection item 1102 received during a first phase of the first step, determine that the personal average gain level for the user corresponds to the average hearing loss level 604 the group with corresponds to a mild hearing loss profile. This hearing loss profile group can be used as a basis for a further investigation of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters in a second step of the registration process. In contrast, the selection of the inaudibility selection element 1104 during the first phase, cause the registration process to proceed to a second phase of the first step of the registration process.

In the second phase of the first step, the first audio signal can be played at a second level of gain. For example, the speech signal can be output at a higher level, e.g. B. 55 dB. After listening to the second setting, the user can select the audibility selection item 1102 or inaudibility selection element 1104 Select to indicate if you can hear the voice alert.

After selecting the audibility selection item 1102 or the inaudibility selection element 1104 the user can select the selection item 1106 Select to provide the system with the choice. The system may determine the personal average gain level based on the selection indicating whether the output audio signal is audible to the user. For example, when the system is selecting the audibility selection item 1102 During the second phase of the first step, the system may determine that the personal average gain level for the user corresponds to the average hearing loss level 704 corresponds to the group with mild to moderate hearing loss. This hearing loss profile group can be used as the basis for a further investigation of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters in the second step of the registration process. In contrast, when the system may select the inaudibility selection item 1104 During the second phase, the system will determine that the personal average gain level for the user is the average hearing loss level 804 corresponds to the group with a moderate hearing loss profile. This hearing loss profile group can be used as the basis for a further investigation of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters in the second step of the registration process.

The first audio signal may be generated and / or output during the first step using the one or more predetermined gain levels in an increasing gain order. For example, as described above, the first audio signal may be output at 40 dB during the first phase and then at 55 dB during the second phase while the user is going through the first stage of the registration process. Reproduction of the speech signal using the increasing predetermined gain levels may continue until the personal average gain level is determined. The determination of the personal average gain level can be made by selecting the audibility selection element 1102 or selecting the inaudibility selection item 1104 be made. For example, when the user selects the audibility selection item 1102 selects when the speech signal is output at 55 dB, determines that the personal average gain level corresponds to the mild to moderate hearing loss profiles. In contrast, when the user selects the inaudibility selection item 1104 after outputting the speech signal at 55 dB, determines that the personal average gain level corresponds to the moderate hearing loss profile.

The first audio signal can be set to a calibrated level and thus a volume adjustment can be prevented during the first step of the registration process. More precisely, one or more processors of the media system 100 the volume adjustment of the media system 100 disable during the output of the first audio signal. By locking the volume controls of the media system 100 During the first step of the registration process, the gain levels that compensate for the hearing loss can be set to the predetermined gain levels that correspond to the most common hearing loss profiles being tested for. Accordingly, the levels can be tried using the speech stimulus at predetermined levels determined during the evaluation.

Referring to 12th there is shown a pictorial view of the selections of groups of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters for investigation in a second step of the registration process according to one aspect. The selections made during the first step of the registration process control the sets of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters that are made available for the investigation during the second step of the registration process.

When the voice signal is at a first level, e.g., during the first phase of the first step of the registration process. 40 dB, is presented, the user makes a selection to indicate whether the output audio signal is audible. The selection of the audibility selection element 1102 indicates that the first level can be heard, and can be used as a first phase audibility selection 1200 are designated. The system can be based on the audibility selection of the first phase 1200 determine that a zero gain acoustic filter and / or a first group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters (1F, 1N and 1S) have respective average gain levels that are equal to a personal average gain level of the user. More specifically, the system may be responsive to the first phase audibility selection 1200 determine that the user's personal average gain level corresponds to one of the average gain levels of the zero gain acoustic filters or the first group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters (1E, 1N, and 1S). For example, the zero gain acoustic filter may have an average gain level of zero and the first group of filters may have an average gain level that of the first group 602 of hearing loss profiles. One or more of the acoustic filters can be tried during the second step of the registration process to further narrow the determination, as described below.

When the speech signal is at a second level, e.g., during the second phase of the first step of the registration process. 55 dB, is presented, the user makes a selection to indicate whether the output audio signal is audible. The selection of the audibility selection element 1102 indicates that the second level is audible and can be used as a second phase audibility selection 1204 are designated. The system can be based on the second phase audibility selection 1204 determine that a second group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters (2F, 2N and 2S) have an average gain level that is equal to a personal average gain level of the user. More specifically, it can be determined that the personal average gain level of the user is the average gain level of the second group. For example, the second group of filters can have an average gain level that of the second group 702 of hearing loss profiles. One or more of the acoustic filters of the second group can be tried during the second phase of the registration process, as described below.

The selection of the inaudibility selection 1104 during the presentation of the speech signal at the second level indicates that the second level is inaudible and can be used as an inaudibility selection of the second phase 1206 are designated. The system can be based on the second phase inaudibility selection 1206 determine that a third group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters (3F, 3N, and 3S) have an average gain level that is equal to a personal average gain level of the user. More specifically, it can be determined that the personal average gain level of the user is the average gain level of the third group. For example, the third group of filters may have an average gain level that of the third group 802 corresponds to the hearing loss profile. One or more of the acoustic filters of the third group can be tried in the second phase of the registration process, as described below.

In the second step of the registration process, the user can try out the specific group (s) of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters in order to select a personal gain contour. The personal amplification contour can correspond to the amplification contour preferred by the user (flat, notched or inclined), which adjusts the tonal properties of the audio input signal according to the wishes of the user.

Referring to 13 there is shown a pictorial view of a user interface for controlling the output of a second audio signal in accordance with an aspect.

During the registration process, the media system 100 output a second audio signal using a set of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters. The second audio signal can represent music, e.g. B. a music file that contains recorded music. Music demonstrates good contrast between timbres (compared to speech) and thus can facilitate the selection of an appropriate average gain level during a second step of the registration process. More specifically, playing music instead of speech during the second step enables a timbre or a tone preference of the user to be accurately determined.

During the second step, the audio input signal 404 for the users sequentially with different tonal enhancement settings. More specifically, the group (s) of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters are made in response to the audibility selection of the first phase 1200 , the audibility selection of the second phase 1204 or the inaudibility selection of the second phase 1206 used to output the second audio signal. Any of the elements of the groups can have different reinforcement contours. For example, each group (except for the zero gain acoustic filter) can have a flat acoustic filter that corresponds to a flat loss contour of a common hearing loss profile, a notched acoustic filter that corresponds to a notched loss contour of a common hearing loss profile, and a sloped acoustic filter that corresponds to a sloped Loss contour corresponds to a common hearing loss profile. It is understood that, with reference to the above loss contours and the inverse relationship between the loss contours and the respective gain contours, the gain contour of the flat acoustic filter has a highest gain at a low frequency band, the gain contour of the notched acoustic filter has a highest gain in one has medium frequency band and the gain contour of the inclined acoustic filter has a highest gain in a high frequency band. The acoustic filters are applied to the second audio signal in order to reproduce the audio signal in such a way that different frequencies corresponding to different hearing loss contours can be perceived.

The user can change the current setting item 1304 Select to play the second audio signal with a first playback setting. For example, when audibility selection can be the first phase 1200 in 12th the second audio signal without acoustic filter (filter with zero gain) will be reproduced as the current setting. The user can change the setting item 1306 select to play the second audio signal with a second acoustic filter with a respective gain contour that is different from the gain contour of the first setting. For example, the changed setting can play the second audio signal with the (1F) acoustic filter. When the user has identified the preferred setting, e.g. B. the setting that enables the user to hear the music of the second audio signal better, the user can use the selection element 1106 choose. Alternatively, the user can make a selection via a physical switch, such as by pressing a button on the audio signal device 102 or the audio output device 104 .

Referring to 14A there is shown a pictorial view of the choices of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different gain contours according to one aspect. During the second step of the registration process, the user is presented with different enhancement settings and the user is prompted to select a preferred setting. The enhancement settings include the group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters that are applied to the second audio signal based on the selection made during the first step of the registration process. The acoustic filters in the group can correspond to the hearing loss profiles with different loss contours.

In the illustrated example, audibility selection became the second phase 1204 in 12th met. As a result, the system can select the second group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters for examination. The selection of the current setting item 1304 reproduces the second audio signal using the flat gain contour acoustic filter (2F), that of the flat loss contour 706 from 7th corresponds. In contrast, there is the selection of the changed setting element 1306 the second audio signal using the acoustic filter of the notched gain contour (2N), that of the notched loss contour 708 from 7th corresponds. The user can select the preferred setting and then the selection item 1106 Select to proceed to a next operation in the second step. For example, as shown, the user can select the current setting item 1304 Select to choose the filter that corresponds to the flat loss contour and go to the next operation.

The second step of the registration process can display all settings of the reinforcement contours in the vertical direction over the grid of 14A require away. More specifically, even if the user selects the current setting during the second step, e.g. B. the (2F) acoustic filter, the registration process provide an additional comparison between the current setting and a subsequent setting. The other settings that can be applied to the second audio signal are in the columns of the grid from 14A shown. More specifically, the additional changed settings for each of the possible average gain level settings may correspond to the sloped loss contour.

Referring to 14B there is shown a pictorial view of the choices of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different gain contours according to one aspect. In a next operation in the second registration step, the second audio signal can be modified by the (2F) level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter, which corresponds to the previously selected gain contour setting and a next gain contour setting (2S). From one point of view, all of the settings exhibit during the second Step of registration applied to the second audio signal have the same average gain level. More specifically, the flat gain contour (2F), the notched gain contour (2N), and the sloping gain contour (2S) applied to the second audio signal for comparison of tone adjustments may all have the personal average gain level obtained during the first step of registration is determined. The personal average gain level can be, for example, the average gain loss 704 for the mild to moderate hearing loss group profiles. When the user has heard the second audio signal changed by all filters, the user can select a preferred setting, e.g. B. the changed setting 1306 . The media system 100 the user selection can be a selection of a personal reinforcement contour 1402 receive. For example, the personal reinforcement contour 1402 be an inclined reinforcement contour (2S).

In contrast to the first step in the registration process, you can adjust the volume of the media system 100 can be activated during the output of the second audio signal. Allowing volume adjustment can help distinguish between the tonal characteristics of the various audio signal settings. More specifically, the user can control the volume of the media system 100 using a volume control 1302 ( 13 ), allow the user to hear differences between each of the tonal settings. Thus, the second step of the registration process allows the user to try out gain contours using a musical stimulus that excites all frequencies in the acoustic frequency range, and volume changes are encouraged to enable the user to distinguish between tonal properties of the changed musical stimuli.

A sequence of representation of filtered acoustic signals enables the user to go through the registration process to first determine a personal average gain level and then to determine a personal gain contour. More specifically, the user can first select the personal average gain level by selecting a setting at which the first audio signal is audible and then the personal gain contour 1402 Select by traversing the grid in the vertical direction along a shape axis. Each square of the grid represents a level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter with a respective average gain level and a gain contour, and thus the illustrated example (3 X 3 grid) assumes that the personal level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter 402 resulting from the registration process will be one of 9 level and frequency dependent acoustic filters corresponding to 9 common hearing loss profiles. It has been shown that this level of granularity, e.g. B. three level groups and three contour groups, consistently causes users to select the preset consistently preferred by the users, regardless of whether the selected preset corresponds exactly to their hearing loss profile or not. It should be understood, however, that the number of presets used in the registration process may vary. For example, the first step of the registration process could allow users to cycle through four or more predetermined gain levels to control the selection of acoustic filter groups with their personal average gain level. Similarly, more or less reinforcement contours can be displayed across the shape axis of the grid to allow the user to assess different tonal improvements.

Referring to 15th A flow diagram of a method for selecting a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter having a personal average gain level and a personal gain contour according to an aspect is shown. The flowchart illustrates the steps in the registration process for selecting the level and frequency dependent acoustic filter from a grid of acoustic filters with columns and rows.

As described above, the registration process allows the user to try the levels first to determine a correct column within the acoustic filter grid for further contour inspection. During surgery 1502 , the first step in the registration process, the user hears an audible signal at a predetermined level, e.g. B. a 40 dB level. The predetermined level is a representation level resulting from a predetermined gain level applied to the speech audio signal. During surgery 1504 determines the media system 100 whether the user can hear the current display level. For example, if the user can hear the 40 dB level resulting from the predetermined gain level of the acoustic filter, the user selects the audibility selection item 1102 to identify the current level as corresponding to the personal average gain level. In such a case, the system determines that the personal average gain level is the is the average gain level of the zero gain filter or the (1F, 1N, 1S) acoustic filter group. However, if the user selects the inaudibility selector 1104 selects, repeats the first decision sequence in operation 1506 the process at a next predetermined level, e.g. B. a 55 dB level. The next predetermined level is a presentation level resulting from a next predetermined gain level applied to the speech audio signal. The audio signal can be used during the operation 1502 presented at the next predetermined level. During surgery 1504 determines the media system 100 whether the user can hear the current level. When the user can hear the current level, the user selects the audibility selection item 1102 to identify the current level as corresponding to the personal average gain level. In such a case, the system determines that the personal average gain level is the average gain level of the (2F, 2N, 2S) acoustic filter group. When the user selects the inaudibility selection item 1104 however, the system determines that the personal average gain level is the average gain level of the (3F, 3N, 3S) acoustic filter group. Whatever level the user selects as audible during the iterations can be used to control the determination of the personal average gain level. When the user selects the audible level, the system can determine for further investigation the acoustic filter groups that have average gain levels corresponding to the selected predetermined gain level. More specifically, the personal average gain level can be determined from the audibility selections and the registration process can proceed to the second step.

As described above, the registration method allows the user to try out gain contours within the selected acoustic filter groups to determine a correct row within the acoustic filter grid, and thus at the square within the grid that represents the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 represents to arrive. During surgery 1508 , in the second step of the registration process, the user compares several shape audio signals.

In a special case, the user makes the audibility selection of the first phase 1200 and the system determines that the zero gain acoustic filter or the (1F, 1N, 1S) acoustic filter group corresponds to the personal average gain level of the user. In such a case, the music file becomes the decision sequence 1508 played. In the decision-making sequence 1508 For example, a comparison can be made between the zero gain acoustic filter (or no filter) applied to the music audio signal and the low gain flat acoustic filter (1F) applied to the music audio signal. If the acoustic filter with zero gain is selected again, e.g. B. via the current setting element 1304 , the process can be repeated to compare the zero gain acoustic filter to the notched low gain acoustic filter (1N). If the acoustic filter with zero gain is selected again, e.g. B. by the current setting element 1304 , the registration process can end and no acoustic filter is applied to the audio input signal 404 applied. More specifically, as the flowchart proceeds through the sequence with the user selecting the zero gain acoustic filter rather than the various level and frequency dependent acoustic filters corresponding to the hearing loss profiles, media system determines 100 that the user has normal hearing and no adjustments are made to the default acoustic settings of the system. This can also be described as a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter with a personal average gain level of zero and a personal gain contour without adaptation.

In the event that the user selects a non-zero personal average gain level, however, e.g. B. the audibility selection of the second phase 1204 or the second phase inaudibility selection 1206 selected during the first step or the (1F) or (1N) acoustic filters are selected during the first operation 1508 of the second step is selected, the shape-audio signal comparison in operation 1508 is applied between the acoustic filters with non-zero gain on the music audio signal. If, for example, the second phase audibility selection 1204 the selection of the (2F, 2N, 2S) acoustic filter group controls for further examination, then can be performed during surgery 1508 the (2F) acoustic filter can be applied as the current setting to the music audio signal, and the notched acoustic filter (2N) of low level can be applied to the music audio signal as a changed setting. The filtered audio signals can be presented to the user as corresponding form audio signals. During surgery 1510 determines the media system 100 whether the user has a personal reinforcement contour 1402 selected. The personal reinforcement contour 1402 is selected after the user has listened to all of the shape audio signals and a preferred one Form audio signal. For example, if the user uses the (2F) acoustic filter instead of the (2N) acoustic filter in operation 1508 selects, the (2F) acoustic filter is a candidate for the personal gain contour 1402 . During surgery 1512 the second step is repeated until the next shape-audio signal comparison. For example, the (2F) acoustic filter selected during a previous iteration can be applied to the music audio signal and the sloping acoustic filter (2R) of low level can be applied to the music audio signal. The filtered audio signals can be presented to the user during operation 1508 are presented as respective shape audio signals, and the user can select the preferred shape audio signal. During surgery 1510 determines the media system 100 whether the user has the personal reinforcement contour 1402 selected. For example, when the user selects the (2S) acoustic filter, the media system identifies 100 the selection as a personal reinforcement contour 1402 , provided that the user has selected the acoustic filter and all of the shape audio signals have been presented to the user for selection.

After the level and contour settings have been tried, the media system selects on operation 1002 the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 out. More specifically, the user identifies a particular square in the grid, e.g. B. partly based on the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 with the personal average gain determined in the first step and partly based on the personal level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter 402 with the personal reinforcement contour determined in the second step 1402 . The selected filter with the personal average gain level and the personal gain contour 1402 can be used by the process in a verification operation. In the verification operation, an audio signal, e.g. B. a music audio signal, output and through the media system 100 using the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 identified during the registration process. The verification operation enables the user to make an adjustment between the selected default and normal playback (no adjustment) so that the user can confirm that the adjustment is indeed an improvement. When the user confirms that the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter improves a listening experience, the user can select an item, e.g. B. "Done" to complete the registration process.

At the end of the registration process, a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter is created 402 as the acoustic filter with the preferred personal average gain level and / or personal gain contour 1402 identified by the user. Accordingly, the media system 100 during surgery 1002 the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 based in part on the personal level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter 402 with the personal average gain level and partly based on the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 with the personal gain level 1402 as determined by the registration process.

In an alternative embodiment, the registration method may differ from the process described above with reference to FIG 11-15 has been described. The alternative embodiment is described below with reference to FIG 16-20 described. Like the embodiment of the 11-15 , allows the embodiment of 16-20 the user to select one or more of the level and frequency dependent acoustic filters, and through the user selection the media system 100 determine and / or select a suitable personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter for application to an audio input signal for the user. Referring to 16 There is shown a pictorial view of a user interface for controlling output of a first audio signal in accordance with an aspect. During the registration process, Media System 100 output a first audio signal using a first group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters. For example, the first audio signal can represent speech, e.g. For example, a voice file that contains recorded greetings spoken in languages from around the world. Speech demonstrates good contrast between gain levels (compared to music), and thus can facilitate the selection of an appropriate average gain level during a first step in the registration process. During the first step, the audio input signal 404 for the users sequentially with different enhancement settings. More specifically, level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different average gain levels can be applied to the first audio signal in order to reproduce the audio signal at different average gain levels corresponding to different average hearing loss levels, e.g. B. Level 604 , 704 , or 804 .

The user can set a current setting item 1602 one on the audio signal device 102 of the media system 100 displayed graphical user interface to play the first audio signal at a first gain level. After listening to the first setting, the user can choose a changed setting item 1604 of the graphical user interface to play the first audio signal with a second level of gain that is higher than the first level of gain. When the user has identified the preferred setting, e.g. B. the setting that enables the user to hear the language of the first audio signal better, the user can use a selection element 1606 on the graphical user interface. Alternatively, the user can make a selection via a physical switch, such as by pressing a button on the audio signal device 102 or the audio output device 104 . When the user selects the 1606 while selects the current setting item 1602 is enabled, the selection can be a personal average gain level 1702 his. More specifically, the personal average gain level 1702 be the average gain level applied to the first audio signal when the user elects to proceed with the registration process using the current setting.

Alternatively, the user can choose to continue registration with the changed setting item 1604 is released. In such a case, the selection causes the registration process to proceed to a next operation in the first step. During the next operation, the first audio signal can be reproduced through a further pair of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters.

Referring to 17A there is shown a pictorial view of the choices of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different average gain levels according to one aspect. During the first step of the registration process, various enhancement settings are presented to the listener and the listener is prompted to select a preferred setting. The enhancement settings include the first group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters that are applied to the first audio signal, and the filters can correspond to hearing loss profiles with different average gain levels. For example, the current setting may initially be an average gain level of zero (no gain level is applied to the input signal, or “switched off”). The changed setting can be the level and frequency dependent acoustic filter (1F), which is one of the loss contours in the first group 602 from 6th (first level, flat contour). It goes without saying that the subsequent settings that can be applied to the first audio signal are shown in the top line of the grid from 17A are shown. More precisely, additional changed settings (2F) and (3F) correspond to a loss contour of the second group 702 from 7th (second level, flat contour) and a loss contour of the third group 802 from 8th (third level, flat contour). The in 17A As shown in the first step, the user can listen to the first audio signal with the current setting and changed setting applied and select the changed setting, indicating a user's preference for a higher applied gain to the first audio signal. Referring to 17B there is shown a pictorial view of the choices of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different average gain levels according to one aspect. In a next operation in the first step of the registration, the first audio signal can be modified as the current setting by the (1F) level and frequency dependent acoustic filter. The first audio signal can also be modified by the (2F) level and frequency dependent acoustic filter as the changed setting. In one aspect, all of the adjustments applied to the first audio signal during the first step of registration have the same gain contour. For example, the settings can be filters that match the 6-8 correspond to the flat loss contours shown, and thus can all have flat gain contours (inversely proportional to the flat loss contours). The current setting in 17B have an average gain level that is the average loss level 604 from 6th and the changed setting may have an average gain level that is equal to the average loss level 704 from 7th corresponds. When the user has listened to the first audio signal that is changed by both filters, the user can select the current setting as the preferred setting. The media system 100 can be user selection as a selection of personal average gain level 1702 received, e.g. B. 20 dB.

It goes without saying that if the user should change the setting in 17B prefer, selecting the changed setting would cause the registration process to proceed to a next operation in the first step. In the next operation, the first audio signal can be reproduced using the level and frequency dependent acoustic filters (2F) and (3F) that the loss contours in 7th and 8th correspond. A description of such an operation is omitted here for the sake of brevity.

In one aspect, the first audio signal is output to the user using level and frequency dependent acoustic filters of the first group in an order of increasing average gain levels. For example, in 17A the first audio signal is presented with the current setting with zero gain and the changed setting (1F), which corresponds to the average hearing loss 604 from 6, e.g. . B. corresponds to the average gain level of 20 dB. In 17B the first audio signal was presented with the settings (1F) and (2F) corresponding to the average hearing loss of 6th and 7th correspond, e.g. B. average gain levels of 20 dB and 35 dB, respectively. Consequently, the audio signal changes can be presented in an order of increasing gain levels. It goes without saying that the presentation of the level comparison of the audio signal in ascending order, as described above, can speed up the registration process. More specifically, since it would be unusual for a user to want a third level of gain more than a first level of gain but not want a second level of gain more than the first level of gain, it makes no sense to want the third Present level of gain if the user has selected the first level of gain instead of the second level of gain. Eliminating the additional comparison (comparing the third gain level with the first gain level) can shorten the registration process.

In one aspect, some noise can be embedded in the first audio signal to add realism to the listening experience. For example, the first audio signal may include a speech signal representing speech and a noise signal representing noise. The speech signal and the noise signal can be embedded in a certain ratio so that an increase in the level of the first audio signal increases the level of both the speech and the noise audio content in the speech file. For example, a ratio of speech signal to noise signal can be in a range of 10 to 30 dB, e.g. B. 15 dB. The ratio can be high enough that the noise does not drown out the speech. However, progressive amplification of the noise with each increase in the average amplification level can discourage the user from selecting a level and frequency dependent acoustic filter that unnecessarily amplifies the volume of the audio signal. In particular, the embedded noise provides realism to aid the user in selecting a gain level that will compensate for, but not over-compensate for, the hearing loss of the user. The first audio signal can be set to a calibrated level and thus a volume adjustment can be prevented during the first step of the registration process. More precisely, one or more processors of the media system 100 the volume adjustment of the media system 100 disable during the output of the first audio signal. By locking the volume controls on the media system 100 During the first step of the registration process, the gain levels that compensate for hearing loss can be set to the average gain levels of the level and frequency dependent acoustic filters that correspond to the most common hearing loss profiles being tested for. Similarly, the levels can be tried using a speech stimulus at a fixed level.

In addition to having a choice of personal average gain level during the first step 1702 is enabled, the registration process can include a second step of selecting a personal reinforcement contour. The personal amplification contour can correspond to the amplification contour preferred by the user (flat, notched or inclined), which adjusts the tonal properties of the audio input signal according to the wishes of the user.

Referring to 18th there is shown a pictorial view of a user interface for controlling the output of a second audio signal in accordance with an aspect. During the registration process, the media system 100 output a second audio signal using a second group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters. The second audio signal can represent music, e.g. B. a music file that contains recorded music. Music demonstrates good contrast between timbres (compared to speech) and thus can facilitate the selection of an appropriate average gain contour during a second step of the registration process. More specifically, playing music instead of speech during the second step enables a timbre or a tone preference of the user to be accurately determined.

During the second step, the audio input signal 404 for the users sequentially with different tonal enhancement settings. More precisely, the second group of level- and frequency-dependent acoustic filters that are used to output the second audio signal can be have different reinforcement contours. The second group may include a flat acoustic filter corresponding to a flat loss contour of a common hearing loss profile, a notched acoustic filter corresponding to a notched loss contour of a common hearing loss profile, and a sloped acoustic filter corresponding to a sloped loss contour of a common hearing loss profile. It will be understood that, with reference to the above loss contours and the inverse relationship between the loss contours and the respective gain contours, the gain contour of the flat acoustic filter has a highest gain at a low frequency band and the gain contour of the notched acoustic filter has a highest gain in one has medium frequency band and the gain contour of the inclined acoustic filter has a highest gain in a high frequency band. The acoustic filters are applied to the second audio signal in order to reproduce the audio signal in such a way that different frequencies corresponding to different hearing loss contours can be perceived.

The user can change the current setting item 1602 Select to play the second audio signal with a first acoustic filter with a corresponding gain contour. After listening to the first setting, the user can use the changed setting item 1604 select to play the second audio signal with a second acoustic filter with a corresponding gain contour that differs from the gain contour of the first acoustic filter. When the user has identified the preferred setting, e.g. B. the setting that enables the user to hear the music of the second audio signal better, the user can use the selection element 1606 choose. Alternatively, the user can make a selection via a physical switch, such as by pressing a button on the audio signal device 102 or the audio output device 104 .

Referring to 19A there is shown a pictorial view of the selection of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different gain contours according to one aspect. During the second step of the registration process, different enhancement settings are presented to the listener and the listener is prompted to select a preferred setting. The enhancement settings include the second group of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters that are applied to the second audio signal, and the filters can correspond to hearing loss profiles with different loss contours. For example, the current setting may initially be a flat gain contour (1F), that of the flat loss contour 606 from 6th corresponds. The changed setting can be the (1N) level- and frequency-dependent acoustic filter, which is the notched loss contour 608 from 6th corresponds. The user can prefer the filter corresponding to the flat loss contour and the selection item 1606 Select to proceed to a next operation in the second step.

While the first step of the registration process does not require displaying all of the average gain level settings as shown in the horizontal direction across the grid of 17A are shown across, the second step of the registration process can be a representation of all gain contour settings in the vertical direction across the grid of 19A require away. More specifically, even if the user selects the current setting during the second step, the registration process can provide an additional comparison between the current setting and a subsequent setting. The other settings that can be applied to the second audio signal are in the columns of the grid from 19A shown. More specifically, the additional changed settings for each of the possible average gain level settings may correspond to the sloped loss contour.

Referring to 14B there is shown a pictorial view of the choices of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters with different gain contours according to one aspect. In a next operation in the second registration step, the second audio signal can be modified by the (1F) level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter, which corresponds to the previously selected gain contour setting and a next gain contour setting (1S). In one aspect, all of the adjustments applied to the second audio signal during the second step of registration will have the same average gain level. More specifically, the flat gain contour (1F), the notched gain contour (1N), and the sloped gain contour (1S) applied to the second audio signal for comparison of tone adjustments may all represent the personal average gain level 1702 selected during the first step of registration. When the user has heard the second audio signal changed by all filters, the user can select a preferred setting, e.g. B. the changed setting. The media system 100 can be the user selection as a selection of a personal reinforcement contour 1902 receive. For example, the personal reinforcement contour 1902 be an inclined reinforcement contour (1S).

In contrast to the first step in the registration process, you can adjust the volume of the media system 100 can be activated during the output of the second audio signal. Allowing volume adjustment can help distinguish between the tonal characteristics of the various audio signal settings. More specifically, the user can control the volume of the media system 100 using a volume control 2302 ( 18th ), allow the user to hear differences between each of the tonal settings. Thus, the second step of the registration process allows the user to try out gain contours using a musical stimulus that excites all frequencies in the acoustic frequency range, and volume changes are encouraged to enable the user to distinguish between tonal properties of the changed musical stimuli.

A sequence of displaying filtered audio signals enables the user to traverse the grid in the horizontal direction during the first step and in the vertical direction during the second step. More precisely, the user can first determine the personal average gain level 1702 by traversing the grid in a horizontal direction along a level axis, and then the personal reinforcement contour 1902 by traversing the grid in the vertical direction along a shape axis. Each square of the grid represents a level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter with a respective average gain level and a gain contour, and thus the illustrated example (3 X 3 grid) assumes that the personal level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter 402 resulting from the registration process will be one of 9 level and frequency dependent acoustic filters corresponding to 9 common hearing loss profiles. It has been shown that this level of granularity, e.g. B. three level groups and three contour groups, consistently causes users to select the preset consistently preferred by the users, regardless of whether the selected preset corresponds exactly to their hearing loss profile or not. It should be understood, however, that the number of presets used in the registration process may vary. For example, the first step in the registration process could allow users to cycle through four or more average gain levels in a grid with more columns. Similarly, more or less reinforcement contours can be displayed across the shape axis of the grid to allow the user to assess different tonal improvements.

Referring to 20th A flow diagram of a method for selecting a personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter having a personal average gain level and a personal gain contour according to an aspect is shown. The flowchart illustrates the steps in the registration process for selecting the level and frequency dependent acoustic filter from a grid of acoustic filters with columns and rows.

As described above, the registration method allows the user to try the levels first to determine a correct column within the acoustic filter grid. During surgery 2002 in the first step of the registration process the user compares level audio signals, e.g. B. a current gain level and a next gain level. For example, the zero gain acoustic filter (no gain or "off") can be applied to the speech audio signal as a current gain level and the flat low gain acoustic filter (1F) can be applied to the speech audio signal as a next gain level will. The filtered audio signals can be presented to the user as corresponding level audio signals. During surgery 2004 determines the media system 100 whether the user is satisfied with the current level. For example, if the user is satisfied with the zero gain acoustic filter, the user selects the zero gain acoustic filter as the personal gain level 1702 out. However, when the user selects the next acoustic level, e.g. B. the (1F) level and frequency dependent acoustic filter is used in the operation 2006 the first decision sequence is repeated for a next level-audio signal comparison. For example, the (1F) filter can be applied to the speech audio signal as a current gain level, and the flat acoustic filter (2F) of medium gain can be applied to the speech audio signal as a next gain level. The filtered audio signals can be presented to the user during operation 2002 are represented as corresponding level audio signals and the user can select the preferred level audio signal. During surgery 2004 determines the media system 100 whether the user is satisfied with the current level. When the user is satisfied with the current level, the user selects the current level which the system will use as the personal gain level 1702 certainly. When the user is more satisfied with the next level the user selects the next gain level and the system repeats to allow comparison of a next group of level audio signals. For example, the sequence advances to allow the user to also compare the medium gain flat acoustic filter (2F) and the high gain flat acoustic filter (3F). Whatever level the user selects during the iterations can be used as the personal average gain level 1702 to be determined. More specifically, if the user selects the zero gain acoustic filter, the (1F) filter, the (2F) filter, or the (3F) filter at the point in the process when the selected filter is the current (versus the next) acoustic filter, it can be determined that the selected acoustic filter is the personal gain contour 1702 and the registration process can proceed to the second step.

As described above, the registration method enables the user to try out gain contours within the selected gain level in order to determine a correct row within the acoustic filter grid, and thus at the square within the grid which is the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 represents to arrive. During surgery 2008 in the second step of the registration process, the user compares multiple shape audio signals.

In a specific case, the user selects the zero gain acoustic filter as the personal gain level during the first step. In such a case, the voice file is used in the decision sequence 2008 played. Similar to decision sequence 2002 , can in the decision sequence 2008 a comparison can be made between the zero gain acoustic filter applied to the speech audio signal and the notched low gain acoustic filter (1N) applied to the speech audio signal. If the zero gain acoustic filter is re-selected, the process can be repeated to compare the zero gain acoustic filter to the sloped high gain acoustic filter (1S). If the acoustic filter with zero gain is selected again, the registration process may end and no acoustic filter will be applied to the audio input signal 404 applied. More specifically, as the flowchart proceeds through the sequence with the user selecting the zero gain acoustic filter rather than the various level and frequency dependent acoustic filters corresponding to the hearing loss profiles, media system determines 100 that the user has normal hearing and no adjustments are made to the default acoustic settings of the system.

In the event that the user selects a non-zero personal gain level during the first step, the comparison of the shape audio signal is performed on operation 2008 is applied between the acoustic filter with a gain other than zero on the music audio signal. If, for example, the (1F) acoustic filter as the personal gain level in operation 2004 has been selected, then operation 2008 the (1F) acoustic filter can be applied to the music audio signal, and the notched acoustic filter (1N) of low level can be applied to the music audio signal. The filtered audio signals can be presented to the user as corresponding form audio signals. During surgery 2010 determines the media system 100 whether the user has a personal reinforcement contour 1902 selected. The personal reinforcement contour 1902 is selected after the user has listened to all of the shape audio signals and selected a preferred shape audio signal. For example, if the user uses the (1F) acoustic filter instead of the (1N) acoustic filter in operation 2008 selects, then the (1F) acoustic filter is a candidate for the personal gain contour 1902 . During surgery 2012 the second step is repeated until the next shape-audio signal comparison. For example, the (1F) acoustic filter selected during a previous iteration can be applied to the music audio signal, and the sloped acoustic filter (1R) of low level can be applied to the music audio signal. The filtered audio signals can be presented to the user during operation 2008 are presented as corresponding shape audio signals and the user can select the preferred shape audio signal. During surgery 2010 determines the media system 100 whether the user has the personal reinforcement contour 1902 selected. For example, when the user selects the (1S) acoustic filter, the media system identifies 100 the selection as a personal reinforcement contour 1902 , provided that the user has selected the acoustic filter and all of the shape audio signals have been presented to the user for selection.

After the level and contour settings have been tried, the media system selects on operation 1002 the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 out. More specifically, the user identifies a particular square in the grid, e.g. B. partly based on the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 with the personal average gain level 1702 and partly based on the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 with the personal average reinforcement contour 1902 . The selected filter with the personal gain level 1702 and the personal reinforcement contour 1902 can be used by the process in a verification operation. In the verification operation, an audio signal, e.g. B. a music audio signal, output and through the media system 100 using the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 identified during the registration process. The verification operation enables the user to make an adjustment between the selected default and normal playback (no adjustment) so that the user can confirm that the adjustment is indeed an improvement. When the user confirms that the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter improves a listening experience, the user can select an item, e.g. B. "Done" to complete the registration process.

Upon completion of the registration process, the personal level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter will be used 402 than the acoustic filter with the preferred personal average gain level 1702 and the personal reinforcement contour 1902 identified by the user. Accordingly, the media system 100 during surgery 1002 the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 based in part on the personal level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter 402 with the personal average gain level 1702 and based in part on the level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 with the personal reinforcement contour 1902 as determined by the registration process.

The registration procedures described above control the media system 100 towards the selection of the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 , based on the assumption that the user's actual hearing loss will be similar to the most common hearing loss profile presets stored by the system. Via the personal audiogram 500 no knowledge of the user is required to complete the registration process. When the personal audiogram 500 however, it may produce as good or better results as the selection process described above.

With reference to the 21A-21B a flowchart and a pictorial view of a method for determining multiple hearing loss profiles based on a personal audiogram according to an aspect are shown, respectively. The personal audiogram 500 can be used to define user-specific preferences, as opposed to the general preferences stored for use in the registration process described above. If, for example, a personal audiogram 500 is known, the media system can 100 Select hearing loss profile presettings and corresponding level and frequency-dependent acoustic filters that include the known audiogram. The determination of user-specific presets can limit the range of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters available for selection during the registration process, which can allow the user greater granularity in the selection of the personal preset.

In one aspect, the use of the personal audiogram 500 to control the presets available for selection during the registration process, will be particularly useful for a user who has an unusual hearing loss profile. The media system 100 can do the personal audiogram 500 at the operation 2102 receive. During surgery 2104 can the media system 100 based on the personal audiogram 500 multiple hearing loss profiles 2110 determine. Similarly, the media system 100 during surgery 2106 Determine level and frequency dependent acoustic filters that correspond to the user-specific hearing loss profile presets. The determined hearing loss profiles and / or level- and frequency-dependent acoustic filters can be user-specific presets that are personalized for the user in order to ensure a good listening experience. For example, there may be an average hearing loss 504 of the user from the personal audiogram 500 and the multiple custom presets that are determined may include hearing loss profiles all of which have average hearing loss scores similar to the average hearing loss score of the personal audiogram 500 exhibit. In one aspect, the average hearing loss values for each of the user-specific presets are within a predetermined difference, e.g. B. +/- 10 dB hearing loss, the average hearing loss score of the personal audiogram 500 . As in 21B As shown, each of the user-specific presets may have differing hearing loss contours, although the average loss levels of the presets are similar. For example, one of the hearing loss profiles can be a flat loss contour 2112 which gradually decreases with increasing frequency, with one of the hearing loss profiles having a flat loss contour 2114 may have that at about 4 kHz has an ascending inflection point, and one of the hearing loss profiles may have a flat loss contour 2116 have, which has a descending inflection point at about 2 kHz. Such loss contours can be unusual within the human population, the media system 100 however, can use acoustic filters that match the unusual profiles during the registration process.

From one point of view, the specific level and frequency dependent acoustic filters, which correspond to the user-specific presets, are applied to the speech and / or music audio signals. More specifically, the acoustic filters can be evaluated in a decision tree, such as that with reference to FIG 20th described sequence. Using the registration method, the user can choose one of the acoustic filters as the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 identify that will be used to compensate for the user's hearing loss. Accordingly, in operation 2108 the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 from the several level and frequency dependent acoustic filters 2110 for use in surgery 1004 ( 10 ) selected.

With reference to the 22A-22B a flowchart and a pictorial view of a method for determining a personal hearing loss profile based on a personal audiogram according to an aspect are shown, respectively. The personal audiogram 500 can be used to select a particular hearing loss profile and a corresponding level and frequency dependent acoustic filter from the range of presets provided in the audio signal device 102 is stored and / or available to her. More precisely, the personal audiogram can 500 can be used to determine the preset that most closely matches the known audiogram.

In one aspect, the media system can 100 at the operation 2202 the personal audiogram 500 receive. During surgery 2204 can the media system 100 a personal hearing loss profile 2205 based on the personal audiogram 500 determine and / or select. For example, the personal hearing loss profile 2205 can be selected from several hearing loss profiles available in the media system 100 are stored or are available to him. The selection of the personal hearing loss profile 2205 can through an algorithm to adapt the personal audiogram 500 can be controlled to the known hearing loss profiles. More precisely, the media system can 100 the personal hearing loss profile 2205 select the same average hearing loss and hearing loss contour as the personal audiogram 500 having. When the closest match is found, the media system can 100 the personal hearing loss profile 2205 and determine the level and frequency-dependent acoustic filter that suits your personal hearing loss profile 2205 corresponds. More precisely, the media system can 100 during surgery 2206 the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 select or determine the personal hearing loss profile 2205 that can be used to compensate for the hearing loss of the user.

During surgery 1004 ( 10 ) becomes the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 selected using one of the selection processes described above on the audio input signal 404 applied. The application of the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 on the audio input signal 404 can output the audio signal 406 produce. More precisely, the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 the audio input signal 404 based on the input level 902 and the input frequency 904 of the audio input signal 404 amplify. The amplification can be the audio input signal 404 in a way that enables the user to amplify audio input signal 404 normal perception.

During surgery 1006 ( 10 ) becomes the audio output signal 406 from one or more processors of the media system 100 issued. The audio output signal 406 can be output for reproduction by an output device. For example, the audio signal device 102 the audio output signal 406 via a wired or wireless connection to the audio output device 104 transfer. The audio output device 104 can output audio signal 406 and play the audio content to the user. The reproduced audio signal may be audio from a phone call, music played through a personal media device, voice of a virtual assistant, or any other audio content produced by audio signal device 102 to the audio output device 104 is delivered.

Referring to 23 There is shown a block diagram of a media system in accordance with one aspect. The audio signal device 102 can be any of several types of portable devices or devices with switching logic suitable for a specific functionality. Accordingly, the switching logic shown in the diagram is provided in an exemplary and non-limiting manner. The audio signal device 102 can be one or more device processors 2302 to carry out instructions for performing the various functions and capabilities described above. Instructions issued by the one or more device processors 2302 the audio signal device 102 can be executed from device memory 2304 which may include a non-transitory machine or computer readable medium. The instructions can be in the form of an operating system program with the device drivers and / or an accessibility engine for performing the registration process and setting the audio input signal 404 based on the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 are present, according to the procedures described above. The device processors 2302 can use the audio data 2306 also from the storage device 2304 , including audiograms or audio signals associated with telephone and / or music playback functions controlled by the telephony or music application programs running on the operating system. To perform such functions, the one or more device processors 2302 Directly or indirectly implement control loops and receive input signals from other electronic components and / or provide output signals to other electronic components. For example, the audio signal device 102 Receiving input signals from microphone (s), menu buttons or physical switches. Audio signal device 102 can output the audio signal 406 and to a device speaker of the audio signal device 102 (which is an internal audio output device 104 can be) and / or to an external audio output device 104 output. For example, the audio output device 104 a wired or wireless earphone to receive the audio output signal 406 via a wired or wireless communication link. More specifically, the processors of the audio signal device 102 and the audio output device 104 be connected to appropriate RF circuits to receive and process audio signals. For example, the communication link can be established through a wireless connection using a Bluetooth standard, and the device processor 2302 can be an audio output signal 406 wirelessly to the audio output device via the communication link 104 transfer. The wireless output device can output audio signal 406 receive and process the audio content as sound, e.g. B. play a phone call, podcast, music, etc. More specifically, the audio output device 104 the audio output signal 406 Receive and play back to play sound from an earphone speaker.

The audio output device 104 can use an earphone processor 2320 and an earphone memory 2322 lock in. The earphone processor 2320 and the earphone memory 2322 can perform functions, the functions of the device processor 2302 and the device memory described above 2304 be performed. For example, the audio signal device 102 one or more from audio input signal 404 , Hearing loss profiles or level and frequency-dependent acoustic filters to the earphone processor 2320 transmitted, and the audio output device 104 can use the input signals in a registration process and / or audio rendering process to produce the audio output signal 406 using the personal level and frequency dependent acoustic filter 402 to create. More specifically, the earphone processor 2320 be configured to output the audio signal 406 and to present the signal for audio playback through the earphone speaker. The media system 100 can include multiple earphone components, although in 23 only a single earbud is shown. Consequently, a first audio output device 104 configured to present an audio output for the left channel and a second audio output device 104 can be configured to display audio output for the right channel.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology is to collect and use data available from various sources to perform personalized media improvement. The present disclosure assumes that this collected data can in some cases contain personal data that clearly identify a specific person or that can be used to contact or locate them. This personal data can be demographic data, location-related data, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, TWITTER IDs, private addresses, data or records about the health or fitness level of a user (e.g. audiograms, vital parameter measurements, medication information, training information), the Include date of birth or other identifying or personal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal data in the present technology can be used for the benefit of users. For example, the personal data can be used to carry out a personalized media improvement. Accordingly, the use of such personal data enables users to have an improved acoustic To have a listening experience. Furthermore, other uses of personal data that are beneficial to the user are contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into a user's overall wellbeing, or it can be used as positive feedback to people using technology to pursue wellness goals.

This disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information will comply with generally established privacy policies and / or practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently apply data protection regulations and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for the confidential and secure retention of personal information. Such guidelines should be readily available to users and should be updated as the collection and / or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and meaningful uses by the entities and should not be shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Furthermore, such collection / disclosure should take place after the informed consent of the users has been obtained. In addition, such entities should consider taking all necessary steps to protect and secure access to such personal data and ensure that others who have access to the personal data comply with their data protection rules and procedures. Such bodies may also submit to a third party evaluation to confirm that they are complying with commonly accepted data protection rules and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be tailored to the particular types of personal data that are collected and / or accessed, and should be adapted to applicable laws and standards, including court-specific considerations. For example, in the United States, the collection or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); while health data in other countries may be subject to different regulations and guidelines and should be treated accordingly. Therefore, different data protection practices should be followed for the different types of personal data in each country.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates aspects in which users selectively block the use of or access to personal data. That is to say, the present disclosure assumes that hardware and / or software elements can be provided in order to prevent or block access to such personal data. For example, in the case of personalized media enhancement, the present technology can be configured to enable users to "give" or "deny" consent to participate in the collection of personal data during registration for services. In addition to the "agree" and "disapprove" options, this disclosure contemplates providing notifications of access to or use of personal data. For example, when a user is downloading an app, they can be notified that their personal data is being accessed and then be reminded again shortly before the app accesses the personal data.

Furthermore, it is the intention of the present disclosure that personal data be managed and treated in such a way that the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use is minimized. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data as soon as it is no longer needed. In addition, and when needed, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user's privacy. De-identification may be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g. date of birth, etc.), checking the amount or specificity of the data stored (e.g. collecting location data at city level instead of address level), the way in which Data is stored (e.g. aggregation of data across users) is controlled and / or through the use of other methods.

Although the present disclosure broadly covers the use of personal data to implement one or more different disclosed aspects, the present disclosure also assumes that the different aspects can also be implemented without the need for access to such personal data. That is, the various aspects of the present technology will not become inoperable due to the absence of all or part of such personal data. For example, the registration process may be performed based on non-personal information or a minimum amount of personal information, such as an approximate age of the user, other non-personal information available to the device processors, or publicly available information.

To assist the Patent Office and any reader of patents issued on this application in interpreting the appended claims, applicants cautioned that they do not intend to include the appended claims or claim elements in 35 U.S.C. 112 (f) unless the terms “means for” or “step for” are specifically used in the specific claim.

In the foregoing patent specification, the invention has been described with reference to certain aspects which are exemplary thereof. Obviously, various modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

Claims (20)

A method of enhancing an audio input signal to account for hearing loss, comprising: Outputting, by the one or more processors of a media system, an audio signal using a plurality of acoustic filters, the plurality of acoustic filters corresponding to a plurality of hearing loss profiles and having corresponding gain contours; Receiving, in response to outputting the audio signal using the plurality of acoustic filters, the one or more processors a selection of a personal gain contour; Selecting, by the one or more processors, a personal acoustic filter from a plurality of acoustic filters based in part on the personal acoustic filter whose respective gain contour is the same as the personal gain contour; and Generating, by the one or more processors, an audio output signal by applying the personal acoustic filter to an audio input signal, the personal acoustic filter amplifying the audio input signal based on an input level and an input frequency of the audio input signal. Procedure according to Claim 1 , wherein the respective gain contours of the plurality of acoustic filters are different from each other. Procedure according to Claim 2 , the audio signal representing music. Procedure according to Claim 2 wherein the plurality of acoustic filters includes a flat acoustic filter, a notched acoustic filter and a sloped acoustic filter with different gain contours, the gain contour of the flat acoustic filter having a highest gain in a low frequency band, the gain contour of the notched acoustic filter a has highest gain in a medium frequency band, and wherein the gain contour of the inclined acoustic filter has a highest gain in a high frequency band. Procedure according to Claim 2 , further comprising enabling the one or more processors to adjust the volume of the media system while the audio signal is being output. Procedure according to Claim 1 further comprising: receiving, by one or more processors, a personal audiogram; Determining, by the one or more processors, the plurality of hearing loss profiles based on the personal audiogram; and determining, the one or more processors, the plurality of acoustic filters that correspond to the hearing loss profiles. Procedure according to Claim 1 further comprising: receiving, by the one or more processors, a personal audiogram; and selecting a personal hearing loss profile from the plurality of hearing loss profiles based on the personal audiogram; wherein the personal acoustic filter corresponds to the personal hearing loss profile. Procedure according to Claim 1 , further comprising transmitting the audio output signal to an audio output device for playback by the audio output device. A media system comprising: a memory configured to store a plurality of hearing loss profiles and a plurality of acoustic filters corresponding to the plurality of hearing loss profiles, the plurality of acoustic filters having respective gain contours; and one or more processors configured to: output an audio signal using the plurality of acoustic filters; Received in response to outputting the audio signal using the plurality of acoustic filters, a selection of a personal gain contour; Selecting a personal acoustic filter from the plurality of level and frequency dependent acoustic filters which are based in part on the personal acoustic filter whose respective gain contour is the same as the personal gain contour; and generating an audio output signal by applying the personal acoustic filter to an audio input signal, wherein the personal acoustic filter amplifies the audio input signal based on an input level and an input frequency of the audio input signal. Media system according to Claim 9 , wherein the respective gain contours of the plurality of acoustic filters are different from each other. Media system according to Claim 10 , the audio signal representing music. Media system according to Claim 10 wherein the plurality of acoustic filters includes a flat acoustic filter, a notched acoustic filter and a sloped acoustic filter with different gain contours, the gain contour of the flat acoustic filter having a highest gain in a low frequency band, the gain contour of the notched acoustic filter a has highest gain in a medium frequency band, and wherein the gain contour of the inclined acoustic filter has a highest gain in a high frequency band. Media system according to Claim 10 wherein the one or more processors are further configured to enable volume adjustment of the media system during the output of the audio signal. Media system according to Claim 9 wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: receive a personal audiogram; Determining the plurality of hearing loss profiles based on the personal audiogram; and determining the plurality of acoustic filters that correspond to the hearing loss profiles. Media system according to Claim 9 wherein the one or more processors are further configured to: receive a personal audiogram; and selecting a personal hearing loss profile from the plurality of hearing loss profiles based on the personal audiogram; wherein the personal acoustic filter corresponds to the personal hearing loss profile. Non-transitory, computer-readable medium containing instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors of a media system, cause the media system to perform a method, comprising: Outputting, by the one or more processors, an audio signal using a plurality of acoustic filters, the plurality of acoustic filters corresponding to a plurality of hearing loss profiles and each having a gain contour; Receiving, in response to outputting the audio signal using the plurality of acoustic filters, the one or more processors, a selection of a personal gain contour; Selecting, by the one or more processors, a personal acoustic filter from the plurality of acoustic filters based in part on the personal acoustic filter whose respective gain contour is equal to the personal gain contour; and Generating, by the one or more processors, an audio output signal by applying the personal acoustic filter to an audio input signal, the personal acoustic filter amplifying the audio input signal based on an input level and an input frequency of the audio input signal. Non-transitory computer readable medium after Claim 16 , wherein the respective gain contours of the plurality of acoustic filters are different from each other. Non-transitory computer readable medium after Claim 17 , wherein the plurality of acoustic filters includes a flat acoustic filter, a notched acoustic filter and an inclined acoustic filter having different gain contours, the gain contour of the flat acoustic filter having a highest gain in a low frequency band, the gain contour of the notched acoustic filter a has highest gain in a medium frequency band, and wherein the gain contour of the inclined acoustic filter has a highest gain in a high frequency band. Non-transitory computer readable medium after Claim 16 , the method further comprising: receiving, by the one or more processors, a personal audiogram; Determining, by the one or more processors, the plurality of hearing loss profiles based on the personal audiogram; and determining, by the one or more, the plurality of acoustic filters that correspond to the hearing loss profiles. Non-transitory computer readable medium after Claim 16 , the method further comprising: receiving, by the one or more processors, a personal audiogram; and selecting a personal hearing loss profile from the plurality of hearing loss profiles based on the personal audiogram; wherein the personal acoustic filter corresponds to the personal hearing loss profile.

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