EP1750482B1 - Method for the synchronisation of signal tones and corresponding hearing device - Google Patents

Method for the synchronisation of signal tones and corresponding hearing device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1750482B1
EP1750482B1 EP06117766A EP06117766A EP1750482B1 EP 1750482 B1 EP1750482 B1 EP 1750482B1 EP 06117766 A EP06117766 A EP 06117766A EP 06117766 A EP06117766 A EP 06117766A EP 1750482 B1 EP1750482 B1 EP 1750482B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
counter
signal
hearing
value
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1750482A2 (en
EP1750482A3 (en
Inventor
Robert BÄUML
Wolfgang Sörgel
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Sivantos GmbH
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Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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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
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/558—Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
    • 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
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for synchronizing signal sounds that are output by the hearing aids in the case of a binaural hearing aid supply.
  • the present invention relates to a corresponding hearing aid system for binaural care or a corresponding hearing aid.
  • Wirelessly connected hearing aid systems enable communication between the right and left hearing aid in the case of binaural care.
  • wirelessly received instructions such as program switching
  • the acoustic output is not synchronized in both hearing aids.
  • a time offset is particularly noticeable in the output of beeps ("Beeps").
  • a synchronization master generates a synchronization control block, waiting a predetermined time, starts transmission of the synchronization control block at a time when the value of the clock counter becomes 0, and resets the clock counter at a time when the transmission of the synchronization control block is completed.
  • a synchronization slave receives the synchronization control block and resets the clock counter at the same time.
  • the communication system can be used for audio-video data communications.
  • EP 1 320 213 A1 a network system in which several devices are connected to a network.
  • the network system includes a clock source for transmitting the clock to speakers and displays. Delay times when sending and processing the data are taken into account for the synchronization of the individual components.
  • the object of the present invention is thus to propose a simple synchronization of hearing aids for the sound signal output.
  • the hearing aids in this solution are completely equal to each other. Therefore, no different designs are required for the hearing aids.
  • each counter may represent a clock and the counts absolute times or periods.
  • the beep outputs can be oriented, for example, to a specific daily rhythm.
  • the synchronization signals are sent at regular time intervals to each other hearing aid. This is favorable insofar as the quality of the individual meters does not have to be so demanding because they are always matched to one another.
  • An inventive binaural hearing system consists of a left hearing aid HG1 and a right hearing aid HG2. Between two hearing aids HG1 and HG2, a preferably low-speed data connection for the transmission of control or synchronization signals is constructed. This data connection satisfies low demands and only intermittent and not necessarily continuous signals are exchanged.
  • the hearing aid HG1 has a signal processing SV1, which serves in addition to the usual signal evaluation for transmitting and receiving signals between the hearing aids HG1 and HG2. In addition, it controls a speaker L1, among other things, to emit a beep. Furthermore, the signal processing unit continues SV1 a counter Z1 and reads it out.
  • the hearing aid HG2 is constructed practically identical to the components signal processing SV2, loudspeaker L2 and counter Z2.
  • the hearing aid HG2 can be dispensed with a transmitting unit when it is used as a pure slave hearing aid.
  • the aim is to carry out signal outputs on the right and left hearing aid exactly at the same time or with a precisely predetermined time offset.
  • a clock in the form of a continuously running in the clock digital counter Z1, Z2 is present in each hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid HG1 controls the communication connection as a so-called "master" between both hearing aids.
  • the hearing aid HG1 sends a synchronization signal S correspondingly FIG. 2 to the hearing aid HG2.
  • the counters Z1 and Z2 are reset to their initial value in both devices HG1 and HG2 and thus run synchronously.
  • the reset of the counter or the clock in the hearing aid HG1 takes place here by a delay time T compared to the sending of the synchronization signal S.
  • the delay time T is composed of the signal delay time between the two devices and the processing time of the synchronization signal S.
  • the synchronization of the counters Z1 and Z2 is similar to the first embodiment, but the synchronization signal S additionally contains the absolute time / counter reading of the counter Z1.
  • the hearing aid HG2 then sets its time or its counter reading to the received time / counter reading. After the abovementioned delay time T, the two counters Z1 and Z2 therefore also have the same counter reading and are thus synchronized.
  • the two hearing aids HG1 and HG2 are equal.
  • a memory location for storing a digital numerical value is present in each hearing aid.
  • the counters are started independently of each other.
  • Both devices HG1 and HG2 send for synchronization to the other synchronization signals. These signals each contain the time / counter reading of the sending device.
  • the receiving device calculates from the own time / the own counter reading at the time of receipt and the received time / count value, corrected by the delay time T, a difference value and stores it.
  • the synchronization thus takes place here indirectly in that the difference of the times / counter readings is taken into account in the signal output.
  • the counters Z1 and Z2 of the two hearing aids HG1 and HG2 are now synchronized in accordance with the exemplary embodiments described above. Consequently, processing steps or signal outputs on both devices can now be performed simultaneously.
  • This is done according to a first scheme using an explicit time specification.
  • the hearing aid HG1 initiates an action which is to start simultaneously in both hearing aids.
  • the absolute time specification / absolute counter reading in the future, at which the action should begin is displayed in a control signal K (cf. FIG. 2 ) transmitted to the hearing aid HG2.
  • Both hearing aids HG1 and HG2 compare this time with their current time / their current count and start the action at the specified time.
  • FIG. 2 should the hearing aids at the count 100 output a beep.
  • the hearing aid HG1 must initiate this sound output at the latest the delay time period T before the count 100, so that the hearing aid HG2 can respond in good time.
  • the simultaneous signal output by implicit time can only be started to determine previously known times.
  • the hearing aid HG1 which initiates an action, sends the corresponding command K in good time before the next possible start time, so that the hearing aid HG2 can receive and process this command in good time before the next start time.
  • Both devices then start the action at the same time to the next on the send or the Receiving the command following start time.
  • This method requires no known processing time for the initialization of an action in the hearing aid HG2. It is only necessary to be able to estimate a maximum processing time. Nevertheless, the processing time for the initialization of the counters must be known.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Synchronisieren von Signaltönen, die bei binauraler Hörgeräteversorgung von den Hörgeräten ausgegeben werden. Darüber hinaus betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung ein entsprechendes Hörgerätesystem zur binauralen Versorgung bzw. ein entsprechendes Hörgerät.The present invention relates to a method for synchronizing signal sounds that are output by the hearing aids in the case of a binaural hearing aid supply. In addition, the present invention relates to a corresponding hearing aid system for binaural care or a corresponding hearing aid.

Drahtlos verbundene Hörgerätesysteme ermöglichen eine Kommunikation zwischen dem rechten und linken Hörgerät bei binauraler Versorgung. Allerdings erfolgt die Umsetzung drahtlos empfangener Anweisungen, wie beispielsweise das Programmumschalten, und insbesondere die akustische Ausgabe bei beiden Hörgeräten nicht synchronisiert. Ein zeitlicher Versatz macht sich insbesondere bei der Ausgabe von Signaltonfolgen ("Beeps") störend bemerkbar.Wirelessly connected hearing aid systems enable communication between the right and left hearing aid in the case of binaural care. However, the implementation of wirelessly received instructions, such as program switching, and in particular, the acoustic output is not synchronized in both hearing aids. A time offset is particularly noticeable in the output of beeps ("Beeps").

Aus der Druckschrift US 6 839 447 ist ein binaurales Hörsystem mit komplett synchronisierter Mikrofonsignalverarbeitung bekannt. Hierzu werden weitgehend unverarbeitete Mikrofonsignale mit hoher Datenrate zwischen den Hörgeräten übertragen. Es wird ein Datensignal erzeugt, übertragen und daraus ein verarbeitetes Signal zur elektrischen oder akustischen Ausgabe erzeugt. Hierzu wird ein Sequenzgenerator benötigt. Basierend auf einer sich wiederholenden Kodesequenz wird eine Synchronisationssequenz übertragen und mittels Korrelation zurückgewonnen. Dieses Synchronisationsverfahren zur Mikrofonsignalverarbeitung der beiden Hörgeräte ist jedoch sehr aufwändig.From the publication US Pat. No. 6,839,447 is a binaural hearing system with completely synchronized microphone signal processing known. For this purpose, largely unprocessed microphone signals with high data rate are transmitted between the hearing aids. A data signal is generated, transmitted and generated therefrom a processed signal for electrical or acoustic output. This requires a sequence generator. Based on a repetitive code sequence, a synchronization sequence is transmitted and recovered by correlation. However, this synchronization method for microphone signal processing of the two hearing aids is very complicated.

Aus der Druckschrift EP 1 667 354 A1 ist ein Kommunikationssystem bekannt, bei dem eine sehr präzise Taktsynchronisation möglich ist. Ein Synchronisationsmaster erzeugt einen Synchronisationssteuerblock, wartet eine vorbestimmte Zeit, startet die Übertragung des Synchronisationssteuerblocks zu einem Zeitpunkt, an dem der Wert des Taktzählers 0 wird und setzt den Taktzähler zu einem Zeitpunkt zurück, zu dem die Übertragung des Synchronisationssteuerblocks komplett ist. Ein Synchronisationsslave empfängt den Synchronisationssteuerblock und setzt den Taktzähler zum gleichen Zeitpunkt zurück. Das Kommunikationssystem kann für Audio-Video-Datenkommunikationen verwendet werden.From the publication EP 1 667 354 A1 a communication system is known in which a very precise clock synchronization is possible. A synchronization master generates a synchronization control block, waiting a predetermined time, starts transmission of the synchronization control block at a time when the value of the clock counter becomes 0, and resets the clock counter at a time when the transmission of the synchronization control block is completed. A synchronization slave receives the synchronization control block and resets the clock counter at the same time. The communication system can be used for audio-video data communications.

Ferner beschreibt die Druckschrift EP 1 320 213 A1 ein Netzwerksystem, bei dem mehrere Geräte zu einem Netzwerk verschaltet sind. Das Netzwerksystem umfasst eine Taktquelle zur Übertragung des Takts an Lautsprecher und Anzeigen. Verzögerungszeiten beim Senden und beim Verarbeiten der Daten werden für die Synchronisation der einzelnen Komponenten berücksichtigt.Furthermore, the document describes EP 1 320 213 A1 a network system in which several devices are connected to a network. The network system includes a clock source for transmitting the clock to speakers and displays. Delay times when sending and processing the data are taken into account for the synchronization of the individual components.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, eine einfache Synchronisation von Hörgeräten zur Signaltonausgabe vorzuschlagen.The object of the present invention is thus to propose a simple synchronization of hearing aids for the sound signal output.

Die oben genannte Aufgabe wird gelöst durch ein Verfahren nach Anspruch 1.The above object is achieved by a method according to claim 1.

Dementsprechend wird auch bereitgestellt ein Hörgerätesystem nach Anspruch 2.Accordingly, there is also provided a hearing aid system according to claim 2.

Im Gegensatz zu dem Master-Slave-Prinzip sind die Hörgeräte bei dieser Lösung vollkommen gleichberechtigt untereinander. Daher sind für die Hörgeräte keine unterschiedlichen Bauformen notwendig.In contrast to the master-slave principle, the hearing aids in this solution are completely equal to each other. Therefore, no different designs are required for the hearing aids.

Bei einer speziellen Ausgestaltung kann jeder Zähler eine Uhr und die Zählwerte absolute Uhrzeiten oder Zeitspannen darstellen. Damit können die Signaltonausgaben beispielsweise an einem bestimmten Tagesrhythmus orientiert werden.In a particular embodiment, each counter may represent a clock and the counts absolute times or periods. Thus, the beep outputs can be oriented, for example, to a specific daily rhythm.

Vorzugsweise werden die Synchronisationssignale in regelmäßigen zeitlichen Abständen zum jeweils anderen Hörgerät gesandt. Dies ist insoweit günstig, als an die Qualität der einzelnen Zähler nicht so hohe Anforderungen gestellt werden müssen, denn sie werden immer wieder aufeinander abgestimmt.Preferably, the synchronization signals are sent at regular time intervals to each other hearing aid. This is favorable insofar as the quality of the individual meters does not have to be so demanding because they are always matched to one another.

Die vorliegende Erfindung wird nun anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert, in denen zeigen:

FIG 1
ein Prinzipschaltbild eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörgerä- tesystems und
FIG 2
ein Zeitablaufdiagramm zur synchronisierten Signalaus- gabe.
The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
a block diagram of a hearing aid system according to the invention and
FIG. 2
a timing diagram for synchronized signal output.

Die nachfolgend näher geschilderten Ausführungsbeispiele stellen bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiments described in more detail below represent preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Ein erfindungsgemäßes binaurales Hörsystem besteht aus einem linken Hörgerät HG1 und einem rechten Hörgerät HG2. Zwischen beiden Hörgeräten HG1 und HG2 ist eine vorzugsweise niederratige Datenverbindung zur Übertragung von Kontroll- oder Synchronisationssignalen aufgebaut. Diese Datenverbindung genügt niedrigen Ansprüchen und es werden nur zeitweise und nicht notwendigerweise kontinuierlich Signale ausgetauscht.An inventive binaural hearing system consists of a left hearing aid HG1 and a right hearing aid HG2. Between two hearing aids HG1 and HG2, a preferably low-speed data connection for the transmission of control or synchronization signals is constructed. This data connection satisfies low demands and only intermittent and not necessarily continuous signals are exchanged.

Das Hörgerät HG1 besitzt eine Signalverarbeitung SV1, die neben der üblichen Signalauswertung zum Senden und Empfangen von Signalen zwischen den Hörgeräten HG1 und HG2 dient. Darüber hinaus steuert sie einen Lautsprecher L1 unter anderem zur Ausgabe eines Signaltons an. Weiterhin setzt die Signalverarbeitungseinheit SV1 einen Zähler Z1 und liest diesen aus.The hearing aid HG1 has a signal processing SV1, which serves in addition to the usual signal evaluation for transmitting and receiving signals between the hearing aids HG1 and HG2. In addition, it controls a speaker L1, among other things, to emit a beep. Furthermore, the signal processing unit continues SV1 a counter Z1 and reads it out.

Das Hörgerät HG2 ist mit den Komponenten Signalverarbeitung SV2, Lautsprecher L2 und Zähler Z2 praktisch identisch aufgebaut. Gegebenenfalls kann in dem Hörgerät HG2 auf eine Sendeeinheit verzichtet werden, wenn es als reines Slave-Hörgerät eingesetzt wird.The hearing aid HG2 is constructed practically identical to the components signal processing SV2, loudspeaker L2 and counter Z2. Optionally, in the hearing aid HG2 can be dispensed with a transmitting unit when it is used as a pure slave hearing aid.

Ziel ist es, Signalausgaben am rechten und linken Hörgerät genau gleichzeitig oder mit genau vorgegebenem Zeitversatz auszuführen. Zu diesem Zweck ist in jedem Hörgerät eine Uhr in Form eines kontinuierlich im Takt laufenden digitalen Zählers Z1, Z2 vorhanden.The aim is to carry out signal outputs on the right and left hearing aid exactly at the same time or with a precisely predetermined time offset. For this purpose, a clock in the form of a continuously running in the clock digital counter Z1, Z2 is present in each hearing aid.

Im Folgenden werden drei Beispiele beschrieben, bei denen das Synchronisieren der Zähler Z1 und Z2 unterschiedlich realisiert ist, von denen aber nur das letzte beansprucht wird. Die beiden ersten Beispiele dienen lediglich zur näheren Erläuterung.In the following, three examples are described in which the synchronization of the counters Z1 and Z2 is realized differently, but of which only the last one is claimed. The first two examples are for explanation only.

Gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform kontrolliert das Hörgerät HG1 als sogenannter "Master" die Kommunikationsverbindung zwischen beiden Hörgeräten. Im Zuge der erstmaligen Synchronisation nach Verbindungsaufnahme mit dem Hörgerät HG2 sowie weiterhin in gewissen Zeitabständen sendet das Hörgerät HG1 ein Synchronisationssignal S entsprechend FIG 2 an das Hörgerät HG2. Aufgrund dieses Synchronisationssignals S werden in beiden Geräten HG1 und HG2 die Zähler Z1 und Z2 auf ihren Ausgangswert zurückgesetzt und laufen somit synchron. Die Rücksetzung des Zählers bzw. der Uhr im Hörgerät HG1 erfolgt hierbei um eine Verzögerungszeit T gegenüber dem Versenden des Synchronisationssignals S. Die Verzögerungszeit T setzt sich aus der Signallaufzeit zwischen beiden Geräten und der Verarbeitungszeit des Synchronisationssignals S zusammen.According to a first embodiment, the hearing aid HG1 controls the communication connection as a so-called "master" between both hearing aids. In the course of the first synchronization after establishing connection with the hearing aid HG2 and furthermore at certain time intervals, the hearing aid HG1 sends a synchronization signal S correspondingly FIG. 2 to the hearing aid HG2. Because of this synchronization signal S, the counters Z1 and Z2 are reset to their initial value in both devices HG1 and HG2 and thus run synchronously. The reset of the counter or the clock in the hearing aid HG1 takes place here by a delay time T compared to the sending of the synchronization signal S. The delay time T is composed of the signal delay time between the two devices and the processing time of the synchronization signal S.

Entsprechend einer zweiten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung erfolgt die Synchronisation der Zähler Z1 und Z2 ähnlich wie bei der ersten Ausführungsform, wobei jedoch das Synchronisationssignal S zusätzlich die absolute Uhrzeit/den Zählerstand des Zählers Z1 enthält. Das Hörgerät HG2 stellt dann seine Uhrzeit bzw. seinen Zählerstand auf die empfangene Zeit/den empfangenen Zählerstand. Nach der oben genannten Verzögerungszeit T besitzen also auch hier die beiden Zähler Z1 und Z2 den gleichen Zählerstand und sind somit synchronisiert.According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the synchronization of the counters Z1 and Z2 is similar to the first embodiment, but the synchronization signal S additionally contains the absolute time / counter reading of the counter Z1. The hearing aid HG2 then sets its time or its counter reading to the received time / counter reading. After the abovementioned delay time T, the two counters Z1 and Z2 therefore also have the same counter reading and are thus synchronized.

Entsprechend einer dritten Ausführungsform sind die beiden Hörgeräte HG1 und HG2 gleichberechtigt. Neben den beiden Zählern Z1 und Z2 ist in jedem Hörgerät eine Speicherstelle zur Speicherung eines digitalen Zahlenwerts vorhanden. Die Zähler werden unabhängig voneinander gestartet. Beide Geräte HG1 und HG2 schicken zur Synchronisation dem jeweils anderen Synchronisationssignale. Diese Signale enthalten jeweils die Uhrzeit/den Zählerstand des sendenden Geräts. Das empfangende Gerät berechnet aus der eigenen Uhrzeit/dem eigenen Zählerstand zum Empfangszeitpunkt und der empfangenen Zeitangabe/Zählwert, korrigiert um die Verzögerungszeit T, einen Differenzwert und speichert diesen ab. Somit ist es jedem Gerät zu jedem Zeitpunkt möglich, die am jeweils anderen Gerät vorliegende Uhrzeit/den vorliegenden Zählerstand zu berechnen. Die Synchronisation findet hier also indirekt dadurch statt, dass die Differenz der Uhrzeiten/der Zählerstände bei der Signalausgabe berücksichtigt wird.According to a third embodiment, the two hearing aids HG1 and HG2 are equal. In addition to the two counters Z1 and Z2, a memory location for storing a digital numerical value is present in each hearing aid. The counters are started independently of each other. Both devices HG1 and HG2 send for synchronization to the other synchronization signals. These signals each contain the time / counter reading of the sending device. The receiving device calculates from the own time / the own counter reading at the time of receipt and the received time / count value, corrected by the delay time T, a difference value and stores it. Thus, it is possible for each device at any time to calculate the present on the other device time / the present meter reading. The synchronization thus takes place here indirectly in that the difference of the times / counter readings is taken into account in the signal output.

An dieser Stelle sei angemerkt, dass die Zähler der beiden Hörgeräte aufgrund einer Taktabweichung nach einer gewissen Zeitdauer eine Differenz aufweisen können. Darauf wird hier jedoch nicht näher eingegangen.It should be noted at this point that the counters of the two hearing aids can have a difference after a certain period of time due to a clock deviation. This will not be discussed here.

Die Zähler Z1 und Z2 der beiden Hörgeräte HG1 und HG2 sind nun entsprechend den oben geschilderten Ausführungsbespielen synchronisiert. Folglich können nun Verarbeitungsschritte oder Signalausgaben an beiden Geräten zeitgleich durchgeführt werden. Dies erfolgt nach einem ersten Schema unter Verwendung einer expliziten Zeitangabe. Hierzu initiiert beispielsweise das Hörgerät HG1 eine Aktion, die in beiden Hörgeräten zeitgleich beginnen soll. Zusammen mit dem entsprechenden Aktionskommando wird die in der Zukunft liegende absolute Zeitangabe/absoluter Zählerstand, zu welcher die Aktion beginnen soll, in einem Kontrollsignal K (vgl. FIG 2) an das Hörgerät HG2 übertragen. Beide Hörgeräte HG1 und HG2 vergleichen diese Zeitangabe mit ihrer aktuellen Uhrzeit/ihrem aktuellen Zählerstand und starten die Aktion zum angegebenen Zeitpunkt. In dem Bespiel von FIG 2 sollen die Hörgeräte beim Zählerstand 100 einen Signalton ausgeben. Das Hörgerät HG1 muss diese Tonausgabe spätestens die Verzögerungszeitspanne T vor dem Zählerstand 100 initiieren, so dass auch das Hörgerät HG2 rechtzeitig reagieren kann.The counters Z1 and Z2 of the two hearing aids HG1 and HG2 are now synchronized in accordance with the exemplary embodiments described above. Consequently, processing steps or signal outputs on both devices can now be performed simultaneously. This is done according to a first scheme using an explicit time specification. For this purpose, for example, the hearing aid HG1 initiates an action which is to start simultaneously in both hearing aids. Together with the corresponding action command, the absolute time specification / absolute counter reading in the future, at which the action should begin, is displayed in a control signal K (cf. FIG. 2 ) transmitted to the hearing aid HG2. Both hearing aids HG1 and HG2 compare this time with their current time / their current count and start the action at the specified time. In the example of FIG. 2 should the hearing aids at the count 100 output a beep. The hearing aid HG1 must initiate this sound output at the latest the delay time period T before the count 100, so that the hearing aid HG2 can respond in good time.

Entsprechend einem zweiten Schema erfolgt die zeitgleiche Signalausgabe durch implizite Zeitangabe. Demnach können Aktionen nur zu bestimmen, vorher bekannten Zeitpunkten gestartet werden. Das Hörgerät HG1, welches eine Aktion initiiert, sendet das entsprechende Kommando K so rechtzeitig vor dem nächstmöglichen Startzeitpunkt, dass das Hörgerät HG2 dieses Kommando rechtzeitig vor dem nächsten Startzeitpunkt empfangen und verarbeiten kann. Beide Geräte beginnen die Aktion dann gleichzeitig zum nächsten auf das Versenden bzw. das Empfangen des Kommandos folgenden Startzeitpunkt. Dieses Verfahren setzt keine bekannte Verarbeitungszeit für die Initialisierung einer Aktion im Hörgerät HG2 voraus. Es muss lediglich eine maximale Verarbeitungszeit abschätzbar sein. Trotzdem muss jedoch die Verarbeitungszeit für die Initialisierung der Zähler bekannt sein.According to a second scheme, the simultaneous signal output by implicit time. Thus, actions can only be started to determine previously known times. The hearing aid HG1, which initiates an action, sends the corresponding command K in good time before the next possible start time, so that the hearing aid HG2 can receive and process this command in good time before the next start time. Both devices then start the action at the same time to the next on the send or the Receiving the command following start time. This method requires no known processing time for the initialization of an action in the hearing aid HG2. It is only necessary to be able to estimate a maximum processing time. Nevertheless, the processing time for the initialization of the counters must be known.

Erfindungsgemäß ist es somit möglich Verarbeitungsschritte und Signalausgaben in beiden Hörgeräten HG1 und HG2 zeitgleich oder mit definiertem Zeitabstand auszuführen. Dies betrifft beispielsweise die zeitgleiche Ausgabe von Kontrolltonsequenzen bzw. -Melodien, bei welchen ein, auch geringer, Zeitversatz massiv störend auf den Benutzer wirkt. Weiterhin können Umschaltvorgänge, z. B. Programmwechsel, zeitsynchron vorgenommen werden, was den Hörkomfort ebenfalls verbessert.According to the invention it is thus possible to carry out processing steps and signal outputs in both hearing aids HG1 and HG2 at the same time or with a defined time interval. This concerns, for example, the simultaneous output of control tone sequences or melodies, in which a, even less, time offset massively disturbing the user. Furthermore, switching operations, z. B. program change, be made synchronous, which also improves the hearing comfort.

Durch gezielt vorgegebenen Zeitversatz können ferner Ausgaben erzeugt werden, welche dem Benutzer eine gewünschte Herkunft zur Richtung des Signals anzeigen oder welche gezielt abwechselnd wahrgenommen werden.By specifically predetermined time offset further outputs can be generated, which indicate to the user a desired origin to the direction of the signal or which are selectively perceived alternately.

Claims (6)

  1. Method for synchronising signal tones which are output by hearing aids (HG1, HG2) in binaural hearing aid coverage,
    having the synchronisation steps:
    - transmitting a synchronisation signal (S) from a first of the hearing aids (HG1), in which a first counter (Z1) is continuously counted up or down, together with the current counter reading of the first counter (Z1), to a second of the hearing aids (HG2),
    - transmitting a synchronisation signal (S) from the second hearing aid (HG2), in which a second counter (Z2) is continuously counted up or down, together with the current counter reading of the second counter (Z2), to the first hearing aid (HG1),
    - receiving the counter reading of the respectively other hearing aid,
    - storing a difference value between the received and own counter readings in each of the hearing aids (HG1, HG2), taking into account a predetermined signal transit time between the two hearing aids,
    and the subsequent steps:
    - transmitting a first control signal (K) with a first count value, at which a first signal tone is to be emitted from the second hearing aid (HG2), from the first hearing aid (HG1) to the second hearing aid (HG2) and
    - emitting the first signal tone from the second hearing aid (HG2) when the second counter (Z2) has reached the first count value and
    - emitting a second signal tone from the first hearing aid (HG1) when the first counter (Z1) has reached a value which is different from the first count value by the difference value stored in the first hearing aid (HG1) and also
    - transmitting a second control signal (K) with a second count value, at which a third signal tone is to be emitted from the first hearing aid (HG1), from the second hearing aid (HG2) to the first hearing aid (HG1) and
    - emitting the third signal tone from the first hearing aid (HG1), when the first counter (Z1) has reached the second count value and
    - emitting a fourth signal tone from the second hearing aid (HG2), when the second counter (Z2) has reached a value which is different from the second count value by the difference value stored in the second hearing aid.
  2. Hearing aid system for binaural coverage comprising two hearing aids (HG1, HG2), each having
    - a counter (Z1), which can be continuously counted up or drown,
    - a transmit unit for transmitting a synchronisation signal (S) together with the current counter reading of the counter (Z1),
    - a receive unit for receiving the counter reading of the respectively other hearing aid,
    - a memory unit for storing a difference value between the received and own counter readings, taking into account a predetermined signal transit time (T) between the two hearing aids (HG1, HG2) and
    - a signal output unit for emitting a signal tone, when the counter (Z1) has reached a predeterminable count value, with
    - a control signal with a value which is different by the difference value being able to be transmitted by the transmit unit to the respectively other hearing aid (HG2), so that the other hearing aid (HG2) can emit a signal tone when a counter (Z2) of the other hearing aid (HG2) reaches the value, with
    - the hearing aid system being configured to perform the method according to claim 1.
  3. Method according to claim 1, with each counter (Z1, Z2) representing a clock and the count values representing absolute times or time periods.
  4. Method according to claim 1 or 3, with synchronisation signals (S) being transmitted to the respectively other hearing aid at regular time intervals.
  5. Hearing aid system according to claim 2, with each counter (Z1, Z2) representing a clock and the count values representing absolute times or time periods.
  6. Hearing aid system according to claim 5, with synchronisation signals (S) being able to be transmitted from the first hearing aid (HG1) to the second hearing aid (HG2) at regular time intervals.
EP06117766A 2005-08-04 2006-07-25 Method for the synchronisation of signal tones and corresponding hearing device Active EP1750482B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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DE102005036851A DE102005036851B3 (en) 2005-08-04 2005-08-04 Synchronizing signal tones output by hearing aids for binaural hearing aid supply involves sending control signal with count value at which signal tone is to be output from first to second hearing aid, outputting tones when values reached

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EP1750482A2 EP1750482A2 (en) 2007-02-07
EP1750482A3 EP1750482A3 (en) 2010-08-04
EP1750482B1 true EP1750482B1 (en) 2011-11-30

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EP (1) EP1750482B1 (en)
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DK1750482T3 (en) 2012-03-19
DE102005036851B3 (en) 2006-11-23
US7844062B2 (en) 2010-11-30
US20070030988A1 (en) 2007-02-08
EP1750482A3 (en) 2010-08-04

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