EP0365378B1 - Electronic apparatus for processing a sound signal - Google Patents

Electronic apparatus for processing a sound signal Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0365378B1
EP0365378B1 EP89402598A EP89402598A EP0365378B1 EP 0365378 B1 EP0365378 B1 EP 0365378B1 EP 89402598 A EP89402598 A EP 89402598A EP 89402598 A EP89402598 A EP 89402598A EP 0365378 B1 EP0365378 B1 EP 0365378B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
signal
processing
appliance according
frequency
sound signal
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EP89402598A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0365378A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Dupret
Frank Lefevre
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Laboratoire D'audiologie Dupret-Lefevre Sa SA
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Laboratoire D'audiologie Dupret-Lefevre Sa SA
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Priority to AT89402598T priority Critical patent/ATE98834T1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/35—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using translation techniques
    • H04R25/353—Frequency, e.g. frequency shift or compression

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electronic device for processing a sound signal.
  • the invention applies more particularly to the correction of hearing disorders in a patient, and the apparatus of the invention can therefore be used as a portable hearing aid.
  • conventional hearing aids include an input microphone, amplification means and an output listener. Amplification is carried out across the entire frequency spectrum. This proves, on the one hand, superfluous because, for each particular patient, specific areas of the spectrum are better preserved, and, on the other hand, possibly harmful because there does not exist, therefore, of differentiation between the "useful" frequencies and the others.
  • octave represents the interval of two vibrations, one of which has a frequency twice the other.
  • the signal frequencies can then be in a more favorable area, that is to say a better preserved hearing area of the pathological ear.
  • the signal frequencies are offset by an octave, the corresponding sound will remain recognizable, even if it is perceived as being lower or higher.
  • the present invention aims to improve this device.
  • the electronic device for processing a sound signal is remarkable, according to the invention, in that the amplifier included in said selection and processing means is a clipping amplifier. , in that said selection and processing means also comprise a reconstitution filter, and in that said processing means are adapted to shift the frequencies of said band, depending on said frequency selection means, by a whole number, at least equal to one, of octave (s).
  • Said processing means may comprise either means capable of creating a signal whose frequency is half the corresponding frequency of the received signal, or means capable of creating a signal whose frequencies are each twice that of the received signal.
  • the apparatus comprises means receiving the output signal from the frequency selection means and intended to control said processing means.
  • control means comprise a signal digitization circuit.
  • the apparatus may include means for adjusting the intensity of the processed signal relative to that of the received signal.
  • the means for processing the electrical signal comprise means for detecting at least one amplitude peak of said signal, and means for amplifying said peak, so that the signal restored consisting of the superposition of the received sound signal and said amplified peak, exhibits a more marked emergence of said peak. This allows the patient to more easily recognize the formants (corresponding to the amplitude peaks) of such a vowel or such a consonant.
  • a control line connects the output of the bandpass filter to intensity adjustment means provided downstream of the reconstitution filter.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an apparatus combining the signal processing carried out in the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 3 or 4.
  • the electronic device shown can be in the form of a portable hearing aid.
  • the device comprises a microphone 1 which is connected, by a link 2, to amplification means 3 which can include a preamplifier 4 and an amplifier 5, connected by a link 6.
  • the output of the amplifier 5 is connected, by a link 7, to the input of a bandpass filter 8, the frequency band of which is chosen according to the hearing area affected by each patient, and which was determined by a preliminary examination. We could, for example, consider the frequency band between 750 Hz and 2500 Hz.
  • the bandpass filter 8 is itself connected, by a link 9, to a clipping amplifier 10, in turn connected, by a link 11, to a reconstitution filter 12.
  • the output of the filter 12 is connected, by the link 13, to a first input of adder means 14 via intensity adjustment means 15.
  • a control line 50 connects the output of the bandpass filter 8 to the intensity adjustment means 15, by means of a rectifier 51.
  • the amplitude of the input signal "control" thus the adjustment intensity at the output of the reconstruction filter, so that the processed signal sent to the adding means 14 is of amplitude proportional to that of the input signal.
  • the output of the amplifier 5 is directly connected to a second input of the adder means 14 by the link 16.
  • the adding means 14 can also be provided with intensity adjustment means 17.
  • the output of the adding means 14 is connected, by the link 18, to a listener 19, possibly via an amplifier 20a of the "push-pull" type. ".
  • the sound signal picked up by the microphone 1 is transformed there into an electrical signal, the latter being routed, by the link 2, to the amplification means 3.
  • the signal is routed, via the link 7, to the bandpass filter 8 leaving only the chosen frequency band of the spectrum, which is then amplified and reconstituted in the clipping amplifier 10 and the reconstruction filter 12.
  • the signal thus created is sent to the adding means 14, where it is added to the amplified input signal.
  • the electrical signal processing means make it possible to detect at least one amplitude peak of said signal (said peak being representative of the first or of the second forming a vowel or consonant), and amplify said peak, so that the restored sound signal, consisting of the superposition of the received sound signal and said amplified peak, has a more marked emergence of the peak, which helps the patient to recognize the formants (corresponding to the amplitude peaks) of such a vowel or such a consonant.
  • FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
  • three series of elements each successively comprising a bandpass filter 8a, 8b, 8c, a clipping amplifier 10a, 10b, 10c, and a reconstitution filter 12a, 12b, 12c, are used.
  • intensity adjustment means 15a, 15b, 15c are provided for each of said series.
  • Three series of elements have been represented, which should not be considered as limiting. Generally, several sets of elements can be used.
  • each bandpass filter 8a, 8b, 8c works in a particular frequency area, for example, 200-750 Hz, 750-2500 Hz and 2500-5000 Hz, respectively, thereby covering more wide frequency band.
  • the apparatus of the invention likewise comprises a microphone 1 which is connected, by a link 2, to amplification means 3 which may include a preamplifier 4 and an amplifier 5, connected by a link 6.
  • the output of the amplifier 5 is connected, by a link 7, to the input of a bandpass filter 8, the frequency band of which is chosen as a function of the hearing area affected particular to each patient (or this choice results from a compromise between the different auditory zones affected), said band having been determined by a prior examination of the patient.
  • the output of the bandpass filter 8 is connected, by the control link 9, to control means 22 of frequency divider means 20 and frequency multiplier 21.
  • These means 20 and 21 are capable of dividing, respectively multiplying, by two a given frequency, that is to say of shifting said frequency by one octave towards the bass, respectively towards the treble.
  • the frequency could also be shifted by two, three, etc ... octaves towards bass, or treble.
  • the frequency dividing means 20 and frequency multipliers 21 are connected to the output of the amplifier 5 by a power link 40.
  • the control means 22 comprise a clipping amplifier 10, connected to the output of the filter 8 by the link 9 and to the input of a signal digitization circuit 23 by a link 24.
  • the latter acts, by the links 25 and 26, on switches 41 and 42, respectively, connected to the outputs of the frequency divider 20 and multiplier 21 means, the latter operating continuously.
  • the output of the frequency dividing means 20 is connected to a reconstruction filter 27 by the link 28, while the output of the frequency multiplier means 21 is connected to a reconstruction filter 29 by the link 30, via said switches 41 and 42, respectively.
  • the output of the filter 27 is connected, by the link 31, to a first input of adder means 14, via intensity adjustment means 32.
  • the output of the filter 29 is connected, by the link 33, to a second input of said adding means 14 via intensity adjustment means 34.
  • the output of amplifier 5 is directly connected to a third input of said adding means 14 by the link 16.
  • the output of the adding means 14 is connected, as in the case of FIG. 1, to the earpiece 19 via the amplifier 20a.
  • the output of the bandpass filter 8 is connected, by the power link 43, to the frequency dividing means 20 and frequency multipliers 21, which in this case only work in the band of frequencies defined by the filter 8.
  • the output of the filter 8 is also connected, by the control link 9, to control means 22 of said frequency dividing means 20 and frequency multipliers 21 .
  • the control means 22 also comprise a clipping amplifier 10, connected to the output of the filter 8 by the link 9 and to the input of a digitization circuit 23 of the signal by a link 24.
  • the circuit 23 is connected to the dividing means of frequencies 20 and to the frequency multiplier means 21 by the links 25 and 26, respectively.
  • the sound signal picked up by the microphone 1 is transformed there into an electrical signal, the latter being sent, by the link 2, to the amplification means 3.
  • the signal power is transmitted to the frequency dividing means 20 and frequency multipliers 21 by the link 40, the latter operating continuously.
  • the switches 41 and 42 are controlled by the control means 22, under the dependence of the bandpass filter 8 which works on a frequency width adapted to the patient for example, as already indicated, between 750 Hz and 2500 Hz.
  • the signal power is routed to the frequency divider 20 and multiplier means 21 by the link 43 and via the bandpass filter 8.
  • the means 20 and 21 only "work" for frequencies belonging to the selected frequency band (for example between 750 Hz and 2500 Hz), the division or multiplication, for example by two, of the frequencies in said band being controlled by the control means 22.
  • the output signal of the dividing means and frequency multiplier means is thus a signal created, from the received signal, having, in the selected frequency band, frequencies shifted by one octave (possibly by two octaves or more) towards the bass, respectively to the treble, relative to the corresponding frequencies of the received signal.
  • the signal created then passes through the filters 27, 29 to eliminate unwanted harmonic distortions, before being routed to the adding means 14.
  • the relative amplitudes of the output signal of the frequency dividing means and of the output signal of the multiplying means frequencies can be adjusted by means of adjustment 32 and 34.
  • the amplified input signal is also sent directly to the adding means 14, where said input signal and the created signal are added to provide a general output signal routed to the earpiece 19 via the amplifier 20a.
  • the operation of the apparatus of FIG. 5 is identical to that of the apparatus of FIGS. 3 and 4, except that several frequency bands can be selected by the different filters 8a, 8b and 8c.
  • the device combines the signal processing carried out in the devices of FIGS. 1 and 4.
  • the adding means 14 are adapted to add the received signal (link 16), and the signal processed, in a selected frequency band (bandpass filter 8), on the one hand amplified (link 13) and, on the other hand, shifted in frequencies by an integer, at least equal to one, d 'octaves (s) (links 31.33).

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Tone Control, Compression And Expansion, Limiting Amplitude (AREA)
  • Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)
  • Circuits Of Receivers In General (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention concerns an electronic device for processing a sound signal, said device being of the type comprising: means for receiving said sound signal and for transforming it into an electric signal, means for processing said electric signal, and means for restoring a modified sound signal from said processed electric signal. According to the invention, the device includes means (8) for selecting at least one band of frequencies of said signal, said means being disposed between said means (1) receiving the sound signal and said processing means (10) of the corresponding electric signal. In particular, the invention is applicable to hearing aids.

Description

La présente invention concerne un appareil électronique de traitement d'un signal sonore.The present invention relates to an electronic device for processing a sound signal.

Quoique non exclusivement, l'invention s'applique plus particulièrement à la correction de troubles auditifs chez un patient, et l'appareil de l'invention peut donc être utilisé comme prothèse auditive portative.Although not exclusively, the invention applies more particularly to the correction of hearing disorders in a patient, and the apparatus of the invention can therefore be used as a portable hearing aid.

De façon générale, les prothèses auditives classiques comportent un microphone d'entrée, des moyens d'amplification et un écouteur de sortie. L'amplification est réalisée dans tout le spectre de fréquences. Cela se révèle, d'une part, superflu car, pour chaque patient particulier, des zones spécifiques du spectre se trouvent mieux conservées, et, d'autre part, éventuellement nuisible du fait qu'il n'existe pas, de ce fait, de différentiation entre les fréquences "utiles" et les autres.In general, conventional hearing aids include an input microphone, amplification means and an output listener. Amplification is carried out across the entire frequency spectrum. This proves, on the one hand, superfluous because, for each particular patient, specific areas of the spectrum are better preserved, and, on the other hand, possibly harmful because there does not exist, therefore, of differentiation between the "useful" frequencies and the others.

Par ailleurs, il apparaît que, pour certaines oreilles pathologiques, les pertes auditives se traduisent par une incapacité de l'oreille non pas véritablement à "entendre", mais à analyser correctement le son émis. Les essais cliniques montrent, de plus, que cette incapacité d'analyse correcte est plus ou moins marquée selon les zones de fréquences considérées, et variable suivant le type et la forme de la perte auditive qui sont particuliers à chaque patient. Dans une zone auditive gravement atteinte, un signal sonore ayant des fréquences données peut être alors perçu comme un signal présentant des fréquences différentes, et, par conséquent, le son "entendu" par le patient risque d'être différent du son émis. Par exemple, le patient entendra un "s" pour un "f", ou inversement. De ce fait, un signal sonore, même amplifié, risque d'être toujours aussi mal perçu par l'oreille pathologique qui, en quelque sorte, "déforme" le son émis quelle que soit l'intensité de celui-ci.In addition, it appears that, for certain pathological ears, hearing loss results in an inability of the ear not really to "hear", but to correctly analyze the sound emitted. Clinical trials also show that this inability to correctly analyze is more or less marked depending on the frequency zones considered, and variable depending on the type and form of hearing loss that are specific to each patient. In a severely affected hearing area, a sound signal with given frequencies can then be perceived as a signal with different frequencies, and therefore the sound "heard" by the patient may be different from the sound emitted. For example, the patient will hear an "s" for an "f", or vice versa. As a result, a sound signal, even amplified, risks being always as badly perceived by the pathological ear which, in a way, "distorts" the sound emitted regardless of its intensity.

On a donc imaginé de décaler les fréquences du spectre sonore d'un nombre entier, au moins égal à un, d'octave(s). (Il est bien entendu que le terme "octave", tel qu'il est utilisé ici, représente l'intervalle de deux vibrations dont l'une a une fréquence double de l'autre). Les fréquences du signal peuvent alors se trouver dans une zone plus favorable, c'est-à-dire une zone auditive mieux conservée de l'oreille pathologique. En outre, les fréquences du signal étant décalées d'une octave, le son correspondant restera reconnaissable, même s'il est perçu comme étant plus grave ou plus aigu.We have therefore imagined shifting the frequencies of the sound spectrum by an integer, at least equal to one, of octave (s). (It is understood that the term "octave", as used here, represents the interval of two vibrations, one of which has a frequency twice the other). The signal frequencies can then be in a more favorable area, that is to say a better preserved hearing area of the pathological ear. In addition, since the signal frequencies are offset by an octave, the corresponding sound will remain recognizable, even if it is perceived as being lower or higher.

Cependant, également dans ce cas, toutes les fréquences du spectre subissent ce décalage, ce qui, en définitive, entraîne des inconvénients analogues à ceux indiqués précédemment.However, also in this case, all the frequencies of the spectrum undergo this shift, which, ultimately, leads to drawbacks similar to those indicated above.

On connaît également, par le document PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, vol.10, No.99 (E-396) [2156], 16 avril 1986 (JP-A-60 239 200), un appareil électronique de traitement d'un signal sonore, du type comportant :

  • des moyens de réception du signal sonore et de transformation de celui-ci en un signal électrique ;
  • des moyens de traitement dudit signal électrique ;
  • des moyens de restitution d'un signal sonore modifié, à partir dudit signal électrique traité ;
  • des moyens de sélection d'au moins une bande de fréquences dudit signal, disposés entre lesdits moyens de réception du signal sonore et lesdits moyens de traitement du signal électrique correspondant, en parallèle sur une liaison reliant lesdits moyens de réception du signal sonore et lesdits moyens de restitution du signal ;
  • des moyens pour additionner le signal reçu et le signal traité, et
  • lesdits moyens de sélection et de traitement comportant au moins une série d'éléments comprenant un filtre passe-bande et un amplificateur.
We also know, from the document PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, vol.10, No.99 (E-396) [2156], April 16, 1986 (JP-A-60 239 200), an electronic signal processing device sound, of the type comprising:
  • means for receiving the sound signal and transforming it into an electrical signal;
  • means for processing said electrical signal;
  • means for restoring a modified sound signal from said processed electrical signal;
  • means for selecting at least one frequency band of said signal, disposed between said means for receiving the sound signal and said means for processing the corresponding electrical signal, in parallel on a link connecting said means for receiving the sound signal and said means signal restitution;
  • means for adding the received signal and the processed signal, and
  • said selection and processing means comprising at least one series of elements comprising a bandpass filter and an amplifier.

La présente invention a pour but de perfectionner cet appareil.The present invention aims to improve this device.

A cet effet, l'appareil électronique de traitement d'un signal sonore, du type décrit ci-dessus, est remarquable, selon l'invention, en ce que l'amplificateur compris dans lesdits moyens de sélection et de traitement est un amplificateur écrêteur, en ce que lesdits moyens de sélection et de traitement comportent en outre un filtre de reconstitution, et en ce que lesdits moyens de traitement sont adaptés pour décaler les fréquences de ladite bande, sous la dépendance desdits moyens de sélection de fréquences, d'un nombre entier, au moins égal à un, d'octave(s).To this end, the electronic device for processing a sound signal, of the type described above, is remarkable, according to the invention, in that the amplifier included in said selection and processing means is a clipping amplifier. , in that said selection and processing means also comprise a reconstitution filter, and in that said processing means are adapted to shift the frequencies of said band, depending on said frequency selection means, by a whole number, at least equal to one, of octave (s).

Lesdits moyens de traitement peuvent comporter soit des moyens susceptibles de créer un signal dont chaque fréquence est la moitié de la fréquence correspondante du signal reçu, soit des moyens susceptibles de créer un signal dont les fréquences sont, chacune, doubles de celles du signal reçu.Said processing means may comprise either means capable of creating a signal whose frequency is half the corresponding frequency of the received signal, or means capable of creating a signal whose frequencies are each twice that of the received signal.

Avantageusement, l'appareil comporte des moyens recevant le signal de sortie des moyens de sélection de fréquences et destinés à piloter lesdits moyens de traitement.Advantageously, the apparatus comprises means receiving the output signal from the frequency selection means and intended to control said processing means.

De préférence, lesdits moyens de pilotage comportent un circuit de numérisation du signal.Preferably, said control means comprise a signal digitization circuit.

De plus, l'appareil peut comporter des moyens de réglage de l'intensité du signal traité par rapport à celle du signal reçu.In addition, the apparatus may include means for adjusting the intensity of the processed signal relative to that of the received signal.

Dans un appareil particulièrement adapté au traitement de la parole, les moyens de traitement du signal électrique comprennent des moyens de détection d'au moins un pic d'amplitude dudit signal, et des moyens d'amplification dudit pic, de sorte que le signal restitué constitué de la superposition du signal sonore reçu et dudit pic amplifié, présente une émergence plus marquée dudit pic. Cela permet au patient de reconnaître plus facilement les formants (correspondant aux pics d'amplitude) de telle voyelle ou de telle consonne.In an apparatus particularly suitable for speech processing, the means for processing the electrical signal comprise means for detecting at least one amplitude peak of said signal, and means for amplifying said peak, so that the signal restored consisting of the superposition of the received sound signal and said amplified peak, exhibits a more marked emergence of said peak. This allows the patient to more easily recognize the formants (corresponding to the amplitude peaks) of such a vowel or such a consonant.

Avantageusement, une ligne de commande relie la sortie du filtre passe-bande à des moyens de réglage d'intensité prévus en aval du filtre de reconstitution.Advantageously, a control line connects the output of the bandpass filter to intensity adjustment means provided downstream of the reconstitution filter.

Les figures du dessin annexé feront bien comprendre comment l'invention peut être réalisée. Sur ces figures, des références identiques désignent des éléments semblables.The figures of the appended drawing will make it clear how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements.

La figure 1 est un schéma synoptique d'un exemple de réalisation de l'appareil selon l'invention.Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

La figure 2 illustre une variante de réalisation de l'appareil de la figure 1.FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

La figure 3 est un schéma synoptique d'un autre exemple de réalisation de l'appareil de l'invention.Figure 3 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention.

La figure 4 illustre une variante de réalisation de l'appareil de la figure 3.FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 3.

La figure 5 illustre une variante de réalisation de l'appareil de la figure 4.FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 4.

La figure 6 est un schéma synoptique d'un appareil combinant les traitements du signal réalisés dans les appareils des figures 1 et 3 ou 4.FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an apparatus combining the signal processing carried out in the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 3 or 4.

Comme déjà indiqué, l'appareil électronique représenté peut se présenter sous forme d'une prothèse auditive portative.As already indicated, the electronic device shown can be in the form of a portable hearing aid.

Dans tous les exemples de réalisation représentés, l'appareil comprend un microphone 1 qui est relié, par une liaison 2, à des moyens d'amplification 3 pouvant comprendre un préamplificateur 4 et un amplificateur 5, reliés par une liaison 6.In all the embodiments shown, the device comprises a microphone 1 which is connected, by a link 2, to amplification means 3 which can include a preamplifier 4 and an amplifier 5, connected by a link 6.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 1, la sortie de l'amplificateur 5 est reliée, par une liaison 7, à l'entrée d'un filtre passe-bande 8, dont la bande de fréquences est choisie en fonction de la zone auditive atteinte particulière à chaque patient, et qui a été déterminée par un examen préalable. On pourra, par exemple, considérer la bande de fréquences comprise entre 750 Hz et 2500 Hz. Le filtre passe-bande 8 est lui-même relié, par une liaison 9, à un amplificateur écrêteur 10, à son tour relié, par une liaison 11, à un filtre de reconstitution 12. La sortie du filtre 12 est reliée, par la liaison 13, à une première entrée de moyens additionneurs 14 via des moyens de réglage d'intensité 15.In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the output of the amplifier 5 is connected, by a link 7, to the input of a bandpass filter 8, the frequency band of which is chosen according to the hearing area affected by each patient, and which was determined by a preliminary examination. We could, for example, consider the frequency band between 750 Hz and 2500 Hz. The bandpass filter 8 is itself connected, by a link 9, to a clipping amplifier 10, in turn connected, by a link 11, to a reconstitution filter 12. The output of the filter 12 is connected, by the link 13, to a first input of adder means 14 via intensity adjustment means 15.

Par ailleurs, une ligne de commande 50 relie la sortie du filtre passe-bande 8 aux moyens de réglage d'intensité 15, par l'intermédiaire d'un redresseur 51. L'amplitude du signal d'entrée "commande" ainsi le réglage d'intensité à la sortie du filtre de reconstitution, de façon que le signal traité acheminé aux moyens additionneurs 14 soit d'amplitude proportionnelle à celle du signal d'entrée.Furthermore, a control line 50 connects the output of the bandpass filter 8 to the intensity adjustment means 15, by means of a rectifier 51. The amplitude of the input signal "control" thus the adjustment intensity at the output of the reconstruction filter, so that the processed signal sent to the adding means 14 is of amplitude proportional to that of the input signal.

En outre, la sortie de l'amplificateur 5 est directement reliée à une seconde entrée des moyens additionneurs 14 par la liaison 16.Furthermore, the output of the amplifier 5 is directly connected to a second input of the adder means 14 by the link 16.

Les moyens additionneurs 14 peuvent également être munis de moyens de réglage d'intensité 17. De plus, la sortie des moyens additionneurs 14 est reliée, par la liaison 18, à un écouteur 19, éventuellement via un amplificateur 20a du type "push-pull".The adding means 14 can also be provided with intensity adjustment means 17. In addition, the output of the adding means 14 is connected, by the link 18, to a listener 19, possibly via an amplifier 20a of the "push-pull" type. ".

On expliquera ci-après le fonctionnement de cet exemple de réalisation de l'appareil selon l'invention, en particulier en tant que prothèse auditive.The operation of this embodiment of the device according to the invention will be explained below, in particular as a hearing aid.

Le signal sonore capté par le microphone 1 y est transformé en un signal électrique, ce dernier étant acheminé, par la liaison 2, aux moyens d'amplification 3.The sound signal picked up by the microphone 1 is transformed there into an electrical signal, the latter being routed, by the link 2, to the amplification means 3.

Puis, le signal est acheminé, par la liaison 7, vers le filtre passe-bande 8 ne laissant passer que la bande de fréquences choisie du spectre, qui est alors amplifiée et reconstituée dans l'amplificateur écrêteur 10 et le filtre de reconstitution 12. Le signal ainsi créé est acheminé aux moyens additionneurs 14, où il est additionné au signal d'entrée amplifié.Then, the signal is routed, via the link 7, to the bandpass filter 8 leaving only the chosen frequency band of the spectrum, which is then amplified and reconstituted in the clipping amplifier 10 and the reconstruction filter 12. The signal thus created is sent to the adding means 14, where it is added to the amplified input signal.

Dans le cas où l'appareil est plus particulièrement adapté au traitement de la parole, les moyens de traitement du signal électrique permettent de détecter au moins un pic d'amplitude dudit signal (ledit pic étant représentatif du premier ou du deuxième formant d'une voyelle ou d'une consonne), et d'amplifier ledit pic, de sorte que le signal sonore restitué, constitué de la superposition du signal sonore reçu et dudit pic amplifié, présente une émergence plus marquée du pic, ce qui aide le patient à reconnaître les formants (correspondant aux pics d'amplitude) de telle voyelle ou de telle consonne.In the case where the device is more particularly adapted to speech processing, the electrical signal processing means make it possible to detect at least one amplitude peak of said signal (said peak being representative of the first or of the second forming a vowel or consonant), and amplify said peak, so that the restored sound signal, consisting of the superposition of the received sound signal and said amplified peak, has a more marked emergence of the peak, which helps the patient to recognize the formants (corresponding to the amplitude peaks) of such a vowel or such a consonant.

Sur la figure 2, on a représenté une variante de réalisation de l'appareil de la figure 1. Sur cette figure, trois séries d'éléments, comportant chacune successivement un filtre passe-bande 8a,8b,8c, un ampli écrêteur 10a,10b,10c, et un filtre de reconstitution 12a,12b,12c, sont utilisées. Par ailleurs, des moyens de réglage d'intensité 15a,15b,15c sont prévus pour chacune desdites séries. Trois séries d'éléments ont été représentées, ce qui ne doit pas être considéré comme limitatif. D'une façon générale, plusieurs séries d'éléments peuvent être utilisées. Dans ce cas, chaque filtre passe-bande 8a,8b,8c travaille dans une zone de fréquences particulière, à titre d'exemple, 200-750 Hz, 750-2500 Hz et 2500-5000 Hz, respectivement, en couvrant ainsi une plus large bande de fréquences.FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1. In this figure, three series of elements, each successively comprising a bandpass filter 8a, 8b, 8c, a clipping amplifier 10a, 10b, 10c, and a reconstitution filter 12a, 12b, 12c, are used. Furthermore, intensity adjustment means 15a, 15b, 15c are provided for each of said series. Three series of elements have been represented, which should not be considered as limiting. Generally, several sets of elements can be used. In this case, each bandpass filter 8a, 8b, 8c works in a particular frequency area, for example, 200-750 Hz, 750-2500 Hz and 2500-5000 Hz, respectively, thereby covering more wide frequency band.

On se référera maintenant aux exemples de réalisation des figures 3 et 4, dans lesquels l'appareil de l'invention comprend de même un microphone 1 qui est relié, par une liaison 2, à des moyens d'amplification 3 pouvant comprendre un préamplificateur 4 et un amplificateur 5, reliés par une liaison 6.Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, in which the apparatus of the invention likewise comprises a microphone 1 which is connected, by a link 2, to amplification means 3 which may include a preamplifier 4 and an amplifier 5, connected by a link 6.

Egalement, la sortie de l'amplificateur 5 est reliée, par une liaison 7, à l'entrée d'un filtre passe-bande 8, dont la bande de fréquences est choisie en fonction de la zone auditive atteinte particulière à chaque patient (ou ce choix résulte d'un compromis entre les différentes zones auditives atteintes), ladite bande ayant été déterminée par un examen préalable du patient.Also, the output of the amplifier 5 is connected, by a link 7, to the input of a bandpass filter 8, the frequency band of which is chosen as a function of the hearing area affected particular to each patient (or this choice results from a compromise between the different auditory zones affected), said band having been determined by a prior examination of the patient.

Dans le cas de la figure 3, la sortie du filtre passe-bande 8 est reliée, par la liaison de commande 9, à des moyens de pilotage 22 de moyens diviseurs de fréquences 20 et multiplicateurs de fréquences 21. Ces moyens 20 et 21 sont susceptibles de diviser, respectivement multiplier, par deux une fréquence donnée, c'est-à-dire de décaler ladite fréquence d'une octave vers les graves, respectivement vers les aigus.In the case of FIG. 3, the output of the bandpass filter 8 is connected, by the control link 9, to control means 22 of frequency divider means 20 and frequency multiplier 21. These means 20 and 21 are capable of dividing, respectively multiplying, by two a given frequency, that is to say of shifting said frequency by one octave towards the bass, respectively towards the treble.

La fréquence pourrait également être décalée de deux, trois, etc... octaves vers les graves, ou les aigus. Par ailleurs, les moyens diviseurs de fréquences 20 et multiplicateurs de fréquences 21 sont reliés à la sortie de l'amplificateur 5 par une liaison de puissance 40.The frequency could also be shifted by two, three, etc ... octaves towards bass, or treble. Furthermore, the frequency dividing means 20 and frequency multipliers 21 are connected to the output of the amplifier 5 by a power link 40.

Les moyens de pilotage 22 comprennent un amplificateur écrêteur 10, relié à la sortie du filtre 8 par la liaison 9 et à l'entrée d'un circuit de numérisation 23 du signal par une liaison 24. Ce dernier agit, par les liaisons 25 et 26, sur des interrupteurs 41 et 42, respectivement, reliés aux sorties des moyens diviseurs 20 et multiplicateurs 21 de fréquences, ces derniers fonctionnant en permanence.The control means 22 comprise a clipping amplifier 10, connected to the output of the filter 8 by the link 9 and to the input of a signal digitization circuit 23 by a link 24. The latter acts, by the links 25 and 26, on switches 41 and 42, respectively, connected to the outputs of the frequency divider 20 and multiplier 21 means, the latter operating continuously.

De plus, la sortie des moyens diviseurs de fréquences 20 est reliée à un filtre de reconstitution 27 par la liaison 28, tandis que la sortie des moyens multiplicateurs de fréquences 21 est reliée à un filtre de reconstitution 29 par la liaison 30, via lesdits interrupteurs 41 et 42, respectivement.In addition, the output of the frequency dividing means 20 is connected to a reconstruction filter 27 by the link 28, while the output of the frequency multiplier means 21 is connected to a reconstruction filter 29 by the link 30, via said switches 41 and 42, respectively.

La sortie du filtre 27 est reliée, par la liaison 31, à une première entrée de moyens additionneurs 14, via des moyens de réglage d'intensité 32. De même, la sortie du filtre 29 est reliée, par la liaison 33, à une deuxième entrée desdits moyens additionneurs 14 via des moyens de réglage d'intensité 34.The output of the filter 27 is connected, by the link 31, to a first input of adder means 14, via intensity adjustment means 32. Likewise, the output of the filter 29 is connected, by the link 33, to a second input of said adding means 14 via intensity adjustment means 34.

En outre, la sortie de l'amplificateur 5 est directement reliée à une troisième entrée desdits moyens additionneurs 14 par la liaison 16. La sortie des moyens additionneurs 14 est reliée, comme dans le cas de la figure 1, à l'écouteur 19 via l'amplificateur 20a.In addition, the output of amplifier 5 is directly connected to a third input of said adding means 14 by the link 16. The output of the adding means 14 is connected, as in the case of FIG. 1, to the earpiece 19 via the amplifier 20a.

Dans la variante de la figure 4, la sortie du filtre passe-bande 8 est reliée, par la liaison de puissance 43, aux moyens diviseurs de fréquences 20 et multiplicateurs de fréquences 21, qui ne fonctionnent, dans ce cas, que dans la bande de fréquences définie par le filtre 8. Comme dans le cas de la figure 3, la sortie du filtre 8 est également reliée, par la liaison de commande 9, à des moyens de pilotage 22 desdits moyens diviseurs de fréquences 20 et multiplicateurs de fréquences 21.In the variant of FIG. 4, the output of the bandpass filter 8 is connected, by the power link 43, to the frequency dividing means 20 and frequency multipliers 21, which in this case only work in the band of frequencies defined by the filter 8. As in the case of FIG. 3, the output of the filter 8 is also connected, by the control link 9, to control means 22 of said frequency dividing means 20 and frequency multipliers 21 .

Les moyens de pilotage 22 comprennent également un amplificateur écrêteur 10, relié à la sortie du filtre 8 par la liaison 9 et à l'entrée d'un circuit de numérisation 23 du signal par une liaison 24. Le circuit 23 est relié aux moyens diviseurs de fréquences 20 et aux moyens multiplicateurs de fréquences 21 par les liaisons 25 et 26, respectivement.The control means 22 also comprise a clipping amplifier 10, connected to the output of the filter 8 by the link 9 and to the input of a digitization circuit 23 of the signal by a link 24. The circuit 23 is connected to the dividing means of frequencies 20 and to the frequency multiplier means 21 by the links 25 and 26, respectively.

Le restant de l'appareil est identique à la partie correspondante de l'appareil de la figure 3, décrite ci-dessus.The remainder of the apparatus is identical to the corresponding part of the apparatus of Figure 3, described above.

Dans le cas de la figure 5, trois filtres passe-bande 8a,8b,8c sont prévus, lesquels travaillent dans trois zones de fréquences distinctes, comme pour la variante de l'appareil de la figure 1 montrée sur la figure 2, et pour les mêmes raisons (les filtres 27,29 sont alors bien sûr adaptés aux filtres passe-bande 8a,8b,8c). Une telle variante montrée pour l'appareil de la figure 4 pourrait, bien évidemment, s'appliquer également à l'appareil de la figure 3.In the case of FIG. 5, three bandpass filters 8a, 8b, 8c are provided, which work in three distinct frequency zones, as for the variant of the apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in FIG. 2, and for the same reasons (the filters 27, 29 are then of course adapted to the bandpass filters 8a, 8b, 8c). Such a variant shown for the apparatus of FIG. 4 could, of course, also apply to the apparatus of FIG. 3.

On expliquera ci-après le fonctionnement des exemples de réalisation de l'appareil montrés sur les figures 3 à 5.The operation of the examples of embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 will be explained below.

Le signal sonore capté par le microphone 1 y est transformé en signal électrique, ce dernier étant acheminé, par la liaison 2, aux moyens d'amplification 3.The sound signal picked up by the microphone 1 is transformed there into an electrical signal, the latter being sent, by the link 2, to the amplification means 3.

Dans le cas de la figure 3, la puissance du signal est transmise aux moyens diviseurs de fréquences 20 et multiplicateurs de fréquences 21 par la liaison 40, ces derniers fonctionnant en permanence. Les interrupteurs 41 et 42 sont commandés par les moyens de pilotage 22, sous la dépendance du filtre passe-bande 8 qui travaille sur une largeur de fréquences adaptée au patient par exemple, comme déjà indiqué, entre 750 Hz et 2500 Hz.In the case of FIG. 3, the signal power is transmitted to the frequency dividing means 20 and frequency multipliers 21 by the link 40, the latter operating continuously. The switches 41 and 42 are controlled by the control means 22, under the dependence of the bandpass filter 8 which works on a frequency width adapted to the patient for example, as already indicated, between 750 Hz and 2500 Hz.

Dans le cas de la figure 4, la puissance du signal est acheminée vers les moyens diviseurs 20 et multiplicateurs 21 de fréquences par la liaison 43 et via le filtre passe-bande 8. Les moyens 20 et 21 ne "travaillent" que pour des fréquences appartenant à la bande de fréquences sélectionnée (par exemple entre 750 Hz et 2500 Hz), la division ou la multiplication, par exemple par deux, des fréquences dans ladite bande étant commandée par les moyens de pilotage 22.In the case of FIG. 4, the signal power is routed to the frequency divider 20 and multiplier means 21 by the link 43 and via the bandpass filter 8. The means 20 and 21 only "work" for frequencies belonging to the selected frequency band (for example between 750 Hz and 2500 Hz), the division or multiplication, for example by two, of the frequencies in said band being controlled by the control means 22.

Le signal de sortie des moyens diviseurs et des moyens multiplicateurs de fréquences est ainsi un signal créé, à partir du signal reçu, présentant, dans la bande de fréquences choisies, des fréquences décalées d'une octave (éventuellement de deux octaves ou plus) vers les graves, respectivement vers les aigus, par rapport aux fréquences correspondantes du signal reçu. Le signal crée passe alors dans les filtres 27,29 pour éliminer les distorsions harmoniques non voulues, avant d'être acheminé vers les moyens additionneurs 14. Les amplitudes relatives du signal de sortie des moyens diviseurs de fréquences et du signal de sortie des moyens multiplicateurs de fréquences peuvent être réglées grâce aux moyens de réglage 32 et 34.The output signal of the dividing means and frequency multiplier means is thus a signal created, from the received signal, having, in the selected frequency band, frequencies shifted by one octave (possibly by two octaves or more) towards the bass, respectively to the treble, relative to the corresponding frequencies of the received signal. The signal created then passes through the filters 27, 29 to eliminate unwanted harmonic distortions, before being routed to the adding means 14. The relative amplitudes of the output signal of the frequency dividing means and of the output signal of the multiplying means frequencies can be adjusted by means of adjustment 32 and 34.

Le signal d'entrée amplifié est également envoyé directement aux moyens additionneurs 14, où ledit signal d'entrée et le signal créé sont additionnés pour fournir un signal de sortie général acheminé vers l'écouteur 19 via l'amplificateur 20a.The amplified input signal is also sent directly to the adding means 14, where said input signal and the created signal are added to provide a general output signal routed to the earpiece 19 via the amplifier 20a.

A la sortie de l'appareil, le signal est ainsi constitué par :

  • le signal d'entrée amplifié,
  • un signal créé dont, dans la bande de fréquences du filtre passe-bande, les fréquences sont décalées d'une octave (éventuellement de deux octaves ou plus) vers les graves, par rapport aux fréquences correspondantes du signal d'entrée, et/ou
  • un signal créé dont, dans la bande de fréquences du filtre passe-bande, les fréquences sont décalées d'une octave (éventuellement de deux octaves ou plus) vers les aigus, par rapport aux fréquences correspondantes du signal d'entrée.
At the output of the device, the signal is thus constituted by:
  • the amplified input signal,
  • a created signal whose frequencies in the band pass filter are shifted by one octave (possibly two octaves or more) towards the bass, relative to the corresponding frequencies of the input signal, and / or
  • a created signal whose frequencies in the bandpass filter frequency are shifted by an octave (possibly two octaves or more) towards the treble, with respect to the corresponding frequencies of the input signal.

Le fonctionnement de l'appareil de la figure 5 est identique à celui des appareils des figures 3 et 4, à l'exception que plusieurs bandes de fréquences peuvent être sélectionnées par les différents filtres 8a,8b et 8c.The operation of the apparatus of FIG. 5 is identical to that of the apparatus of FIGS. 3 and 4, except that several frequency bands can be selected by the different filters 8a, 8b and 8c.

Dans la variante de la figure 6, l'appareil combine les traitements du signal réalisés dans les appareils des figures 1 et 4. Dans ce cas, en particulier, les moyens additionneurs 14 sont adaptés pour additionner le signal reçu (liaison 16), et le signal traité, dans une bande de fréquences choisie (filtre passe-bande 8), d'une part amplifié (liaison 13) et, d'autre part, décalé en fréquences d'un nombre entier, au moins égal à un, d'octaves (s) (liaisons 31,33).In the variant of FIG. 6, the device combines the signal processing carried out in the devices of FIGS. 1 and 4. In this case, in particular, the adding means 14 are adapted to add the received signal (link 16), and the signal processed, in a selected frequency band (bandpass filter 8), on the one hand amplified (link 13) and, on the other hand, shifted in frequencies by an integer, at least equal to one, d 'octaves (s) (links 31.33).

Claims (9)

  1. Electronic appliance for processing a sound signal, of the type including:
    - means for receiving (1) the sound signal and for transforming the latter into an electrical signal;
    - means for processing (10; 20, 21) the said electrical signal;
    - means for reproducing a modified sound signal, from the said processed electrical signal;
    - means for selecting (8) at least one band of frequencies of the said signal, arranged between the said means for receiving (1) the sound signal and the said means for processing (10; 20, 21) the corresponding electrical signal, in parallel with a link (16) linking the said means for receiving (1) the sound signal and the said means for reproducing (19) the signal;
    - means (14) for adding the received signal and the processed signal, and
    - the said selection and processing means including at least one series of elements comprising a bandpass filter and an amplifier, characterised in that the amplifier comprised in the said selection and processing means is a clipper amplifier (10), in that the said selection and processing means further include a reconstitution filter (12, 27, 29), and in that the said processing means (20, 21) are configured to shift the frequencies of the said band, dependent on the said frequency selection means (8), by a whole number, at least equal to one, of octaves.
  2. Appliance according to Claim 1, characterised in that the said processing means include means (20) capable of creating a signal in which each frequency is half of the corresponding frequency of the received signal.
  3. Appliance according to Claim 1, characterised in that the said processing means include means (21) capable of creating a signal whose frequencies are each double those of the received signal.
  4. Appliance according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it includes means (22) receiving the output signal from the frequency selection means (8) and intended to drive the said processing means (20, 21).
  5. Appliance according to Claim 4, characterised in that the said drive means (22) include a circuit (23) for digitising the signal.
  6. Appliance according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it comprises means for adjusting (32, 34) the intensity of the processed signal with respect to that of the received signal.
  7. Appliance according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, particularly configured for speech processing, characterised in that the said means for processing (10) the electrical signal comprise means for detecting at least one amplitude peak of the said signal, and means for amplifying the said peak, so that the reproduced signal, consisting of the superimposition of the received sound signal and of the said amplified peak, exhibits a more marked emergence of the said peak.
  8. Appliance according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a control line (50) links the output of the bandpass filter (8) to means of intensity adjustment (15) provided downstream from the reconstitution filter (12).
  9. Portable hearing aid, characterised in that it comprises an appliance according to any one of Claims 1 to 8.
EP89402598A 1988-10-14 1989-09-22 Electronic apparatus for processing a sound signal Expired - Lifetime EP0365378B1 (en)

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AT89402598T ATE98834T1 (en) 1988-10-14 1989-09-22 ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PROCESSING A SOUND SIGNAL.

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FR8813541 1988-10-14
FR888813541A FR2638048B1 (en) 1988-10-14 1988-10-14 ELECTRONIC APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING A SOUND SIGNAL

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DE4340817A1 (en) * 1993-12-01 1995-06-08 Toepholm & Westermann Circuit arrangement for the automatic control of hearing aids
US5909497A (en) * 1996-10-10 1999-06-01 Alexandrescu; Eugene Programmable hearing aid instrument and programming method thereof
SE9902057D0 (en) * 1999-06-03 1999-06-03 Ericsson Telefon Ab L M A Method of Improving the Intelligence of a Sound Signal, and a Device for Reproducing a Sound Signal
US8676361B2 (en) * 2002-06-05 2014-03-18 Synopsys, Inc. Acoustical virtual reality engine and advanced techniques for enhancing delivered sound
US20040022404A1 (en) * 2002-07-30 2004-02-05 Ryuichi Negishi Sound processing apparatus and hearing aid
US7787640B2 (en) * 2003-04-24 2010-08-31 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology System and method for spectral enhancement employing compression and expansion
AU2004301961B2 (en) * 2003-08-11 2011-03-03 Vast Audio Pty Ltd Sound enhancement for hearing-impaired listeners
AU2003904207A0 (en) * 2003-08-11 2003-08-21 Vast Audio Pty Ltd Enhancement of sound externalization and separation for hearing-impaired listeners: a spatial hearing-aid
EP1806720A3 (en) 2005-04-15 2009-09-09 LG Electronics Inc. Plasma display aparatus and method of driving the same
US7672842B2 (en) * 2006-07-26 2010-03-02 Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. Method and system for FFT-based companding for automatic speech recognition
CN103581815A (en) * 2012-08-08 2014-02-12 杨国屏 Method for improving correctness of sounds heard by hearing-impaired listeners and hearing aid
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JPS60239200A (en) * 1984-05-14 1985-11-28 Hitachi Ltd Hearing aid
DE3802903A1 (en) * 1988-02-01 1989-08-10 Siemens Ag LANGUAGE TRANSFER DEVICE

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ATE98834T1 (en) 1994-01-15
FR2638048A1 (en) 1990-04-20
EP0365378A1 (en) 1990-04-25
FR2638048B1 (en) 1994-06-10
JPH02223210A (en) 1990-09-05
ES2048855T3 (en) 1994-04-01
JPH077897B2 (en) 1995-01-30
DE68911470T2 (en) 1994-05-19
DE68911470D1 (en) 1994-01-27
US5077800A (en) 1991-12-31

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