EP3101915A1 - Système auditif comprenant un dispositif de commande à distance - Google Patents

Système auditif comprenant un dispositif de commande à distance Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3101915A1
EP3101915A1 EP15170314.7A EP15170314A EP3101915A1 EP 3101915 A1 EP3101915 A1 EP 3101915A1 EP 15170314 A EP15170314 A EP 15170314A EP 3101915 A1 EP3101915 A1 EP 3101915A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
audio
hearing
remote control
control device
hearing aid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15170314.7A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Martin Bergmann
Søren Bredahl Greiner
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Oticon AS
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Oticon AS
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to EP15170314.7A priority Critical patent/EP3101915A1/fr
Publication of EP3101915A1 publication Critical patent/EP3101915A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H04R25/554—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
    • 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
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/55—Communication between hearing aids and external devices via a network for data exchange
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R27/00—Public address systems

Definitions

  • the present application relates to the field of hearing devices, e.g. hearing aids, especially to a hearing system comprising one or more hearing aid systems (each comprising one or a pair of hearing devices) and a number of audio devices in communication with the hearing devices, and in particular to the control of such devices.
  • the disclosure relates specifically to a (first) hearing system comprising at least one hearing aid system, a number N ad of audio devices connectable to the at least one hearing aid system, and a (first) remote control device for controlling connectivity between the at least one hearing aid system and the number of audio devices.
  • the application furthermore relates to a method of controlling a hearing system comprising one or more hearing aid systems and a number of audio devices.
  • Embodiments of the disclosure may e.g. be useful in applications comprising hearing aids, headsets, ear phones, active ear protection systems or combinations thereof.
  • Wireless communication between electronic devices in a user's environment is commonplace, e.g. using Bluetooth or other, short range (low power) standard or proprietary technologies, e.g. inductive communication.
  • auxiliary devices aiming at improving a hearing impaired user's sound experience (e.g. speech intelligibility and sound perception) are now available via wireless communication links, e.g. telephones, music players, TV-sets, microphones, etc.
  • the problem is to present a user interface that gives the hearing aid user the power to achieve what she/he wants with the hearing system.
  • An object of the present application is to provide a relatively simple way to control a relatively complex hearing system.
  • a hearing system :
  • an object of the application is achieved by a hearing system comprising
  • the first remote control device comprises
  • Each of the number of audio devices comprises
  • the first hearing aid system comprises
  • the first remote control device and/or the first hearing aid system comprises
  • an audio device is or comprises an audio delivery device (configured to at least transmit audio).
  • an audio device is or comprises an audio and video delivery device (e.g. a TV-set or a video player or a computer, e.g. a PC, e.g. a laptop or tablet, etc., or a smartphone or the like).
  • controlling connectivity' is in the present context taken to mean allowing the user to selectively control from which of the number of audio devices (each providing an audio stream) that the first hearing aid system currently receives an audio stream (i.e. to selectively enable or disable such reception).
  • the term 'controlling connectivity' is intended to mean that the user is allowed to control audio reception in the hearing aid system (e.g. comprising one or two hearing devices) that he or she wears.
  • the first hearing aid system adapted to be worn by the first user comprises a hearing device or a pair of hearing devices.
  • the first hearing aid system comprises a binaural hearing aid system comprising a pair of hearing devices comprising antenna and transceiver circuitry allowing an inter-aural link for the exchange of data (e.g. control, status, and/or audio data) between them to be established.
  • the hearing aid system is configured to relay an audio signal received at one hearing device to be relayed to the other hearing device of the binaural hearing aid system via the inter-aural link.
  • the wireless transmitter of the first remote control device and the wireless receiver of at least one of the number of audio device are configured to implement an upstream control data channel for transferring the audio device control signal from the first remote control device to the audio device(s) in question.
  • the wireless transmitter of at least one of the number of audio devices and the wireless receiver of the first remote control device and/or of the first hearing aid system are configured to implement a downstream control data channel for transferring the audio transmission control signal from the audio device(s) in question to the first remote control device and/or to the first hearing aid system.
  • the wireless audio transmitter of an audio device and the wireless audio receiver of a hearing aid system are configured to implement a wireless audio channel for transferring an audio stream from the audio device in question to the hearing id system in question in dependence of the audio transmission control signal received in the first remote control device and/or in the hearing aid system in question.
  • the audio reception control unit (of the first remote control and/or of the hearing aid system) is configured to control the wireless audio receiver of the hearing device as to whether or not an audio stream received from the audio device is extracted and forwarded to the user of the hearing aid system (e.g. via an output unit) dependent of the audio transmission control signal.
  • the first hearing aid system is associated with the first remote control device.
  • the term 'a hearing aid system is associated with a first remote control device' is in the present context taken to mean the hearing aid system and the first remote control device have a unique common identity (e.g. adapted to each other during manufacture or at a specific fitting session) or are mutually aware of each other's identity.
  • the hearing system is configured to provide that the common identity or awareness of each other's identity is established during a predefined bonding or pairing or authentication procedure where identity keys are exchanged between the hearing aid system (e.g. a hearing device of the hearing aid system) and the associated remote control device.
  • identity keys are exchanged between the hearing aid system (e.g. a hearing device of the hearing aid system) and the associated remote control device.
  • such procedure form part of a standardized transmission protocol, e.g. Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy.
  • the hearing system comprises a multitude of hearing aid systems, each comprising a hearing device or a pair of hearing devices, adapted to a corresponding number of different users (e.g. more than 1, such as more than 2, such as more than 5).
  • the hearing system comprises a separate remote control device associated with each user (each hearing aid system).
  • a hearing aid system (comprising a hearing device or a pair of hearing devices) and a remote control associated with a specific user (and thus each other) are configured to have a unique (common) identification code, e.g. a unique name for that specific user, or a configured to know each other's identity, e.g. a Bluetooth identity, a MAC-address, etc.
  • the number of audio devices is 1.
  • the wireless transmitter of the first remote control device is configured to transmit said audio device control signal to one of said number of audio devices at a given point in time.
  • the hearing system (in particular the upstream control data link) is adapted to ensure that the user can point at an audio device of the system without erroneously selecting a neighboring device.
  • the hearing system is configured to provide that the wireless transmitter of the first remote control device provides a focused or collimated beam of acoustic or electromagnetic waves with a field of view allowing a transmission of said audio device control signal to one particular of the number of audio devices.
  • the number of audio devices is larger than 1, such as larger than 2 such as larger than 3.
  • the hearing system is configured to provide that the wireless transmitter of the number of audio devices provides a spatially scattered wireless signal.
  • the spatially scatted signal covers a solid angle larger than 60 degrees around the audio device in question, such as larger than 90 degrees, such as larger than 120 degrees.
  • the wireless transmitter of the number of audio devices is (substantially) omni-directional or semi-omnidirectional (e.g. covering a half plane of the space around (e.g. in front of) the audio device in question).
  • the wireless transmitter of the first remote control device is based on light.
  • the upstream control data channel between the first remote control device and the number of audio devices is based on light, e.g. infrared (IR) light.
  • the wireless transmitter of the first remote control device comprises a light emitting diode or a laser for transmitting light, e.g. infrared light.
  • the wireless receiver of the number of audio devices comprises a photo diode for receiving light, e.g. infrared light.
  • a beam of light of the wireless transmitter of the first remote control device is a collimated beam.
  • the beam of light of the wireless transmitter of the remote control device is focused to a restricted spatial angle, e.g. to a cone of less than 5 to 10 degrees.
  • the field of view of the wireless receiver of the first remote control device is limited.
  • the field of view of the wireless receiver (e.g. an IR receiver) of the first remote control device is limited to a cone of less than 10 to 20 degrees. This can e.g. be achieved by placing the IR Rx diode in a cone shaped light guide.
  • a corresponding wireless transmitter of the number of audio devices e.g. an IR transmitter
  • a simple light-guide e.g. an optical fiber
  • the hearing system is configured to provide that a single operation of the audio ON/OFF activation element on a specific remote control device, while pointing it towards a particular audio device, results in the audio transmitter of the audio device in question to issue an audio transmission control signal in response to the reception of an audio device control signal from the specific remote control device.
  • the audio transmission control signal - when received in a hearing aid system associated with the specific remote control device - allows the hearing aid system to start or stop receiving (extracting) the audio signal from the particular audio device.
  • the hearing system is configured to provide that the change of reception in a specific hearing aid system of an audio signal from a particular audio transmitter of a particular audio device requires two steps (two operations of the audio ON/OFF activation element): A first step, where the particular audio device is selected upon the reception of an audio device control signal from the remote control device (after a first operation of the audio ON/OFF activation element).
  • the change of reception is only accepted by the system upon a reception in the specific hearing aid system (possible directly from the particular audio device or via the remote control device associated with the specific hearing aid system) of a transmission control signal (e.g. comprising an identification (ID) code) from the particular audio device whose audio signal is to be either received or terminated.
  • a transmission control signal e.g. comprising an identification (ID) code
  • This (second) additional authorization step requires a 'backlink' from the audio devices to the remote control device(s) and/or to the hearing aid system(s) associated with the specific remote control device(s).
  • the second step where start or termination of reception of audio from a particular audio source may be performed automatically or initiated only after a second operation of the audio ON/OFF activation element.
  • the hearing system is configured to provide visual feedback to the user regarding a status of the system.
  • the hearing system is configured to provide that a successful selection of a particular audio device (e.g. TV adapter or a microphone) is indicated on the audio device in question (e.g. by an LED, e.g. by a blinking diode, when the user successfully operates the device).
  • the hearing system is configured to provide that a successful reception of an audio signal from a particular audio device is indicated on the specific remote control (e.g. on a user interface (e.g. a diode or a display) of the remote control, e.g. a smartphone or the like, or of the specific hearing aid system.
  • the exchange of control signals between the first remote control device and the number of audio devices is uni-directional from the remote control to the number of audio devices.
  • the term 'exchange of control signals between the first remote control device and the number of audio devices' is taken to refer to the transmission of the audio device control signal from the first remote control device to the number of audio devices and the transmission of the audio transmission control signal from the number of audio devices to the first remote control device and/or to the first hearing aid system.
  • the hearing system is configured to provide that the exchange of control signals between the remote control device and the number of audio devices is bi-directional.
  • the remote control device and each of the number of audio devices additionally comprises receiver and transmitter circuitry, respectively, allowing data to be transmitted from each of the number of audio devices (back) to the remote control device(s) (and/or to the hearing device(s)).
  • the wireless data link is a bidirectional link based on infrared light.
  • the upstream control data channel for transferring the audio device control signals from the remote control device to the respective audio devices is based electromagnetic waves, e.g. on light, e.g.
  • the downstream control data channel for transferring the audio transmission control signal from the audio device to the remote control device and/or to the hearing device in question is based electromagnetic waves, e.g. on light, e.g. infrared light, or on electromagnetic waves in the frequency range from 100 MHz to 100 GHz, e.g. in an ISM range, e.g. around 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz.
  • the downstream control data channel for transferring the audio transmission control signal from the audio device to the remote control device and/or to the hearing device in question is integrated with (e.g. embedded in) the audio stream transmitted from the audio device to the at least one hearing device in question, e.g. using Bluetooth/Bluetooth Low Energy or similar technology.
  • the hearing system is configured to provide that a particular audio device intended to be selected by a specific remote control device includes an identification code identifying the particular audio device to the remote control device and/or to the hearing aid system in the audio transmission control signal in response to the audio device control signal from the specific remote control (cf. e.g. FIG. 2 ).
  • the hearing system is configured to provide that the audio device control signal issued by a specific remote control device in response to an activation of the ON/OFF activation element includes an identification code identifying the specific remote control device to the particular audio device intended to be selected by the specific remote control device.
  • the hearing system is configured to provide that the particular audio device includes the identification code identifying the specific remote control from which the audio device control signal has been received in the audio transmission control signal transmitted to the remote control device and/or to the hearing aid system (cf. e.g. FIG. 3 ).
  • the wireless audio transmitter of a particular audio device for transmitting an audio stream to the at least one hearing aid system and the wireless audio receiver of a specific hearing aid system for receiving said audio stream from said particular audio device implements a wireless audio link based on a standardized of proprietary radio technology in the GHz range.
  • the standardized or proprietary radio technology in the GHz range comprises Bluetooth (e.g. classic Bluetooth, possibly including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or similar proprietary technology).
  • audio devices e.g. a TV adapter or a wireless microphone
  • Bluetooth Low Energy or equivalent 2.4 GHz radio technology to transmit/receive audio and send/receive control commands.
  • the number of audio devices comprises one or more of a TV adapter and a microphone.
  • an audio device is or comprises
  • the hearing aid system(s) (hearing device(s)) is/are adapted to comprise an appropriate wireless interface to the audio device(s), e.g. based on Bluetooth (e.g. classic Bluetooth with or without Bluetooth Low Energy) or some other standardized or proprietary scheme.
  • Bluetooth e.g. classic Bluetooth with or without Bluetooth Low Energy
  • the (first) hearing aid system comprises a headset and/or an active ear protection device.
  • the hearing aid comprises an air conduction hearing aid or a bone conduction hearing aid or a cochlear implant hearing device or combinations thereof.
  • the hearing system is adapted to establish a communication link between the at least one hearing aid system and the number of audio devices to provide that information (e.g. control and/or status signals, and possibly audio signals) can be exchanged or forwarded from one to the other, in particular between the (first) hearing aid system and the respective audio devices.
  • information e.g. control and/or status signals, and possibly audio signals
  • the (first) hearing aid system comprises two hearing devices configured for one specific user.
  • the (first) hearing aid system comprises two hearing devices adapted to implement a binaural hearing system, e.g. a binaural hearing aid system.
  • the hearing system comprises a number (larger than 1) of hearing aid systems (each comprising one device or a device pair), each being configured to a different user.
  • the hearing system comprises a number (larger than 1) of remote control devices, each being associated with a specific user (and/or a specific hearing aid system).
  • a 'hearing device' refers to a device, such as e.g. a hearing instrument or an active ear-protection device or other audio processing device, which is adapted to improve, augment and/or protect the hearing capability of a user by receiving acoustic signals from the user's surroundings, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one of the user's ears.
  • a 'hearing device' further refers to a device such as an earphone or a headset adapted to receive audio signals electronically, possibly modifying the audio signals and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one of the user's ears.
  • Such audible signals may e.g.
  • acoustic signals radiated into the user's outer ears acoustic signals transferred as mechanical vibrations to the user's inner ears through the bone structure of the user's head and/or through parts of the middle ear as well as electric signals transferred directly or indirectly to the cochlear nerve of the user.
  • the hearing device may be configured to be worn in any known way, e.g. as a unit arranged behind the ear with a tube leading radiated acoustic signals into the ear canal or with a loudspeaker arranged close to or in the ear canal, as a unit entirely or partly arranged in the pinna and/or in the ear canal, as a unit attached to a fixture implanted into the skull bone, as an entirely or partly implanted unit, etc.
  • the hearing device may comprise a single unit or several units communicating electronically with each other.
  • a hearing device comprises an input transducer for receiving an acoustic signal from a user's surroundings and providing a corresponding input audio signal and/or a receiver for electronically (i.e. wired or wirelessly) receiving an input audio signal, a signal processing circuit for processing the input audio signal and an output means for providing an audible signal to the user in dependence on the processed audio signal.
  • an amplifier may constitute the signal processing circuit.
  • the output means may comprise an output transducer, such as e.g. a loudspeaker for providing an airborne acoustic signal or a vibrator for providing a structure-borne or liquid-borne acoustic signal.
  • the output means may comprise one or more output electrodes for providing electric signals.
  • the vibrator may be adapted to provide a structure-borne acoustic signal transcutaneously or percutaneously to the skull bone.
  • the vibrator may be implanted in the middle ear and/or in the inner ear.
  • the vibrator may be adapted to provide a structure-borne acoustic signal to a middle-ear bone and/or to the cochlea.
  • the vibrator may be adapted to provide a liquid-borne acoustic signal to the cochlear liquid, e.g. through the oval window.
  • the output electrodes may be implanted in the cochlea or on the inside of the skull bone and may be adapted to provide the electric signals to the hair cells of the cochlea, to one or more hearing nerves, to the auditory cortex and/or to other parts of the cerebral cortex.
  • a 'hearing aid system' refers to a system comprising one or two hearing devices
  • a 'binaural hearing aid system' refers to a system comprising one or two hearing devices and being adapted to cooperatively provide audible signals to both of the user's ears.
  • Hearing aid systems or binaural hearing aid systems may further comprise 'auxiliary devices', which communicate with the hearing devices and affect and/or benefit from the function of the hearing devices.
  • Auxiliary devices may be e.g. remote controls, or audio devices, such as audio gateway devices, mobile phones, public-address systems, car audio systems or music players.
  • Hearing devices, hearing aid systems or binaural hearing aid systems may e.g. be used for compensating for a hearing-impaired person's loss of hearing capability, augmenting or protecting a normal-hearing person's hearing capability and/or conveying electronic audio signals to a person.
  • the hearing device has a maximum outer dimension of the order of 0.15 m (e.g. a handheld mobile telephone). In an embodiment, the hearing device has a maximum outer dimension of the order of 0.08 m (e.g. a head set). In an embodiment, the hearing device has a maximum outer dimension of the order of 0.04 m (e.g. a hearing instrument).
  • the hearing device is portable device, e.g. a device comprising a local energy source, e.g. a battery, e.g. a rechargeable battery.
  • a local energy source e.g. a battery, e.g. a rechargeable battery.
  • the number of audio devices (or at least some of them, e.g. the ones that are of current interest to the user) are within eye sight of the user (e.g. in that there is a direct line of sight from the remote control device of the user to the number of audio devices).
  • the hearing device comprises a listening device, e.g. a hearing aid, e.g. a hearing instrument, e.g. a hearing instrument adapted for being located at the ear or fully or partially in the ear canal of a user, e.g. a headset, an earphone, an ear protection device or a combination thereof.
  • a listening device e.g. a hearing aid, e.g. a hearing instrument, e.g. a hearing instrument adapted for being located at the ear or fully or partially in the ear canal of a user, e.g. a headset, an earphone, an ear protection device or a combination thereof.
  • use is provided in a system comprising audio distribution.
  • use is provided in a system comprising one or more hearing instruments, headsets, ear phones, active ear protection systems, etc., e.g. in handsfree telephone systems, teleconferencing systems, public address systems, karaoke systems, classroom amplification systems, etc.
  • a method of controlling a hearing system comprising a first hearing aid system adapted to be worn by a first user, a number of audio devices connectable to the first hearing aid system, and a first remote control device for controlling connectivity between the first hearing aid system and the number of audio devices is furthermore provided by the present application.
  • the method comprises that
  • the electronic hardware may include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure.
  • Computer program shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.
  • FIG. 1 shows a uses case comprising a hearing system according to the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 shows a user (U) wearing a hearing aid system comprising a pair of hearing devices (here left HI l and right HI r hearing instruments) adapted to be located at a left and right ear, respectively, of the user.
  • a number N ad of audio devices (AD1, AD2, ..., ADN ad ) are shown in eye sight of the user, e.g. located within a distance of less than 10 m of the user, e.g. in the same room as the user.
  • Each of the audio devices comprises an audio transmitter (TxAC) for establishing a wireless (audio) communication link (WLAC) and transmitting an audio stream to the left and/or right hearing instruments (HI l , HI r ).
  • TxAC audio transmitter
  • WLAC wireless (audio) communication link
  • RC remote control device
  • Reception of the audio stream in the hearing instrument(s) from a given audio device (here AD2) is controlled by a remote control device (RC) associated with the left and right hearing instruments (HI I , HI r ).
  • the remote control device (RC) and the left and right hearing instruments (HI l , HI r ) are adapted to each other in advance of their use, e.g. have been configured to have a common identity, e.g. unique for the user (U).
  • the remote control device (RC) and the left and right hearing instruments (HI I , HI r ) are subject to a 'pairing procedure' allowing them to share a common identity (or to be aware of each other's identity (e.g. a Bluetooth or MAC address), or at least allowing the remote control device to be aware of the hearing device's identity) before use in the hearing system according to the present disclosure.
  • a 'pairing procedure' allowing them to share a common identity (or to be aware of each other's identity (e.g. a Bluetooth or MAC address), or at least allowing the remote control device to be aware of the hearing device's identity) before use in the hearing system according to the present disclosure.
  • the remote control device (RC) comprises a user interface (UI) for controlling functionality of the hearing system (e.g. implemented as a dedicated remote control or as an APP of a more general device, e.g. a smartphone or the like).
  • the user interface comprises an audio ON/OFF (or CONNECT) activation element for initiating enablement or disablement of reception of an audio stream in the hearing device(s) associated with the remote control.
  • the remote control device (RC) further comprises a control unit (ARC) for generating an audio device control signal ADCS for controlling at least one of the audio devices in response to an activation of the audio ON/OFF activation element.
  • the remote control device (RC) further comprises a wireless transmitter (TxC) for transmitting the audio device control signal ADCS to at least one of the audio devices.
  • TxC wireless transmitter
  • Each of the number of audio devices comprises a wireless receiver (RxC) for receiving the audio device control signal ADCS from the remote control device (RC) and an audio device control unit (ACU) for generating an audio transmission control signal ATCS for the audio device in question (here AD2) in response to the reception of the audio device control signal ADCS from the remote control device (RC).
  • RxC wireless receiver
  • ACU audio device control unit
  • Each of the number of audio devices (AD1, AD2, ..., ADN ad ) further comprises a wireless transmitter (TxAC) for transmitting the audio transmission control signal ATCS to the left and/or right hearing instruments (HI l , HI r ).
  • Each of the number of audio devices further comprises a wireless audio transmitter (TxAC) for transmitting an audio stream AS to the left and/or right hearing instruments (HI l , HI r ).
  • TxAC wireless audio transmitter
  • the audio transmission control signal ATCS is transmitted directly to the left and right hearing instruments (HI l , HI r ) together with the audio stream ( AS, cf. wireless audio link WLAC).
  • the audio transmission control signal ATCS is transmitted to the remote control device (RC) and then forwarded from the remote control device to the hearing device or to at least one (e.g.
  • the audio transmission control signal ATCS may preferably be forwarded from one hearing device to the other, e.g. via an inter-aural wireless link, e.g. an inductive link, cf. WLIA in FIG. 1 ).
  • At least one of, such as each of, the left and right hearing instruments (HI l , HI r ). comprise(s) a wireless audio receiver (RxAC) for receiving the audio stream AS from at least one of the of audio devices (here from AD2).
  • At least one (e.g. both) of the left and right hearing instruments (HI l , HI r ) comprise(s) a wireless receiver (RxAC) for receiving the audio transmission control signal ATCS from at least one of the audio devices (here from AD2), and an audio reception control unit (ARC) for controlling audio reception in left and right hearing instruments (HI l , HI r ) based on the audio transmission control signal ATCS from at least one of the audio devices (here from AD2).
  • ARC audio reception control unit
  • the left and right hearing instruments (HI l , HI r ) each comprise appropriate antenna and transceiver circuitry for establishing an interaural wireless link IAWL between them (allowing control and/or audio signals to be exchanged or forwarded from one to the other).
  • left and right hearing instruments may be configured to receive respective audio streams from more than one of the audio devices number of audio devices (AD1, AD2, ..., ADNad), e.g. by selectively selecting (via the remote control device) and allowing the audio stream(s) from the more than one audio devices to be received.
  • the hearing instruments comprise a mixer for mixing (possibly weighting) the individual audio streams.
  • the hearing system is preferably configured to allow such weighting to be controlled via the remote control device (RC) associated with the hearing instrument(s) in question.
  • the left and right hearing instruments may each comprise a forward path for processing an audio signal.
  • the forward path comprises an input transducer (here a microphone M) for picking up a sound signal from the environment of the user (U) wearing the hearing instruments and converting it to an electric input signal.
  • the forward path further comprises a signal processing unit (SPU) for processing the electric input signal providing a processed signal.
  • the forward path further comprises an output transducer (here a loudspeaker SP) for generating stimuli perceivable by the user of the hearing instruments as sound based on the processed signal from the signal processing unit (SPU).
  • the user interface (UI) of the remote control device (RC) in addition to the ON/OFF activation element further comprises (optional) activation elements (VOL+, VOL-) for increasing and decreasing, respectively, volume of the selected and transmitted audio signal in the left and/or right hearing instruments (HI I , HI r ).
  • Other remote control functions may be implemented in the remote control device.
  • the remote control and each of the audio devices each comprise transmitter and receiver circuitry, respectively, to allow wireless link WLC to be established for transferring control signals between them.
  • the wireless link WLC is based on a (preferably focused, e.g. collimated) beam of acoustic or electromagnetic waves.
  • the wireless link is based on a focused beam of light, e.g. infrared light.
  • the beam focus and the distance between remote control device (RC) and the audio device (ADi) to be selected are adapted to allow the focused beam to only cover the audio device (here AD2) that is intended to be selected.
  • the audio devices comprise an indicator (IND in FIG. 1 , e.g. an LED) to indicate a mode of operation of the audio device (e.g.
  • the indicator (IND) of the selected audio device (AD2) is provided with hatching to differentiate from the non-selected audio devices (AD1 and ADN ad ).
  • the proposed solution implements a 'Point and Play' remote control device.
  • the remote control device (RC) of the embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises three buttons:
  • the remote control device works like this:
  • the selection of an audio device is performed without manipulation of activation elements of the remote control device, e.g. solely based on an 'always on' beam from the remote control device being received by a particular audio device.
  • An indication element IND in FIG. 1 preferably indicates whether or not a selection has been successfully achieved.
  • the embodiment of the hearing system described above allows a user to control multiple devices.
  • the user can even add streaming devices that are then mixed in the stream by simply pointing towards a device and pressing connect.
  • Volume of individual streaming devices can also be controlled by pointing and pressing volume up / down buttons.
  • FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a hearing system according to the present disclosure wherein the audio device comprises an IR-transmission unit.
  • the hearing system comprises a number (here 2) of audio devices (AD1, AD2), and a multitude (here 2) of hearing aid systems (HI User: Alice, HI User: Bob) and associated remote control devices (RD User: Alice, RD User: Bob).
  • the remote control device(s) (RD) comprises wireless receiver in the form of an infrared receiver (IR-Rx) part with limited field of view (FOV), while the audio device(s) comprises an omnidirectional wireless transmitter in the form of an infrared transmitter (IR-Tx).
  • the (omni-directional) infrared transmitter of the audio device and the infrared receiver (of limited field of view) of the remote control device implements a downstream control data channel for transferring an audio transmission control signal from the audio device (here AD1) to the remote control device (here RD User: Alice).
  • the configuration of transmitter and receiver enables a link to be established to one device at a time, simply by pointing the remote control towards the audio device to be enabled (or disabled).
  • the remote control devices may comprise a wireless transmitter and the audio devices may comprise a wireless receiver configured to implement an upstream control data channel for transferring an audio device control signal from the remote control device to the audio device in question.
  • the upstream control data channel is implemented as an RF-link, e.g. based on Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy or similar (e.g. low-power, short range) technologies.
  • the upstream control data channel may be implemented in any other appropriate technology compatible with the system application in question, e.g. as an infrared link or an inductive link or an acoustic or supersonic link.
  • the remote control device comprises a wireless link (denoted 'RF: CMD start Audio 1' in FIG. 2 ) to the hearing aid system, which it is associated with (here 'HI User: Alice').
  • 'RF CMD start Audio 1' in FIG. 2
  • the wireless link between the remote control and its associated hearing aid system is based on radiated fields, e.g. Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy or similar (e.g. low-power, short range) technologies.
  • the audio devices are broadcasting their audio streams (cf. 'RF: Audio1' and 'RF: Audio 2' from audio devices AD1 and AD2, respectively) to the users of the hearing aid systems (HI User: Alice, HI User: Bob).
  • a specific user may select to listen to none, one or more of the audio streams provided by the audio devices (AD1, AD2).
  • the audio transmission links from the audio devices (AD1, AD2) to the hearing aid systems (HI User: Alice, HI User: Bob) are indicated to be RF-links, e.g. based on Bluetooth/Bluetooth Low Energy or similar (e.g. low-power, short range) standardized or proprietary technologies.
  • FIG. 2 indicates the assumed current state of the system:
  • FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a hearing system according to the present disclosure wherein the remote control unit comprises an IR-transmission unit.
  • the scenario of FIG. 3 is similar to that of FIG. 2 as described above.
  • the difference lies in the implementation of the upstream control data channel for transferring an audio device control signal from a remote control device to an audio device and in the implementation of the downstream control data channel for transferring the audio transmission control signal from the (selected) audio device to the remote control device and/or to the hearing device(s) in question.
  • the combined audio and control data link may e.g. be based on radiated fields, e.g. Bluetooth/Bluetooth Low Energy or similar (e.g. low-power, short range) technologies.
  • FIG. 3 indicates the assumed current state of the system:
  • connection or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled.
  • the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The steps of any disclosed method is not limited to the exact order stated herein, unless expressly stated otherwise.
EP15170314.7A 2015-06-02 2015-06-02 Système auditif comprenant un dispositif de commande à distance Withdrawn EP3101915A1 (fr)

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120321112A1 (en) * 2011-06-16 2012-12-20 Apple Inc. Selecting a digital stream based on an audio sample
EP2773135A1 (fr) * 2013-02-28 2014-09-03 GN Resound A/S Système audio pour lecture audio en continu et procédé associé
WO2015001135A2 (fr) * 2014-11-03 2015-01-08 Phonak Ag Procédé d'assistance auditive utilisant un flux de diffusion audio
US20150146879A1 (en) * 2013-11-25 2015-05-28 EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C. Multiuser audiovisual control

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120321112A1 (en) * 2011-06-16 2012-12-20 Apple Inc. Selecting a digital stream based on an audio sample
EP2773135A1 (fr) * 2013-02-28 2014-09-03 GN Resound A/S Système audio pour lecture audio en continu et procédé associé
US20150146879A1 (en) * 2013-11-25 2015-05-28 EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C. Multiuser audiovisual control
WO2015001135A2 (fr) * 2014-11-03 2015-01-08 Phonak Ag Procédé d'assistance auditive utilisant un flux de diffusion audio

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