EP4231667A1 - Method for operating a binaural hearing aid system and binaural hearing aid system - Google Patents

Abstract

During operation of a binaural hearing device system (1), which has a hearing device (2, 4) assigned or to be assigned to a left ear (6) and a right ear (10) of a user (8), each of which has at least one microphone (12, 14) have, according to the invention, acoustic information is collected by means of the two hearing devices (2, 4). The acoustic information is then evaluated to determine whether it contains music. It is also determined whether two sources (26) can be detected for the music. Furthermore, a solid angle area (36) in which the respective source (26) of the music is positioned is determined in relation to a viewing direction (30) of the user (8). In the event that the respective solid angle range (36) of the two sources (26) of the music is in a half-space (28) at the front in relation to the viewing direction (30), the probability is increased that the user (8th ) is present, and if a predetermined probability limit is exceeded, signal processing for both hearing devices (2, 4) is adapted with regard to playing the music as naturally as possible.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a binaural hearing device system. The invention also relates to such a binaural hearing device system.

Hearing devices are usually used to output an audio signal to the hearing of the wearer of this hearing device. The output takes place by means of an output converter, usually acoustically via airborne sound using a loudspeaker (also referred to as "listener" or "receiver"). Hearing devices of this type are often used as so-called hearing aid devices (also: hearing aids for short). For this purpose, the hearing devices normally comprise an acoustic input converter (in particular a microphone) and a signal processor which is set up to process the input signal (also: microphone signal) generated by the input converter from the ambient sound using at least one signal processing algorithm which is usually stored in a user-specific manner in such a way that a Hearing loss of the wearer of the hearing device is at least partially compensated. Particularly in the case of a hearing aid device, the output converter can, in addition to a loudspeaker, also alternatively be a so-called bone conduction receiver or a cochlear implant, which are set up for mechanically or electrically coupling the audio signal into the wearer's hearing. The term hearing devices also includes, in particular, devices such as so-called tinnitus maskers, headsets, headphones and the like.

Typical designs of hearing devices, in particular hearing aids, are behind-the-ear ("BTE") and in-the-ear ("ITE" or "ITE") hearing devices. These designations are aimed at the intended wearing position. For example, behind-the-ear hearing devices have a (main) housing that is worn behind the auricle. A distinction can be made between models whose loudspeakers are arranged in this housing. The sound is usually output to the ear by means of a sound tube that is worn in the auditory canal, and in models that have an external loudspeaker that is placed in the auditory canal. In-the-ear hearing devices, on the other hand, have a housing that is worn in the auricle or even completely in the auditory canal.

Depending on the hearing loss, monaural or binaural fittings can also be considered. The former is regularly the case when only one ear has a hearing impairment. The latter usually occurs when both ears have a hearing loss. In the case of binaural supply, data is exchanged between the two hearing devices assigned to the user's ears in order to have more acoustic information available and thus to be able to make the hearing experience even more pleasant, preferably more realistic, for the user.

In addition, a so-called classifier is often used, which recognizes certain hearing situations - e.g. a conversation in quiet, a conversation with background noise, music, quiet, driving and the like - mostly by means of pattern recognition, artificial intelligence and the like. Based on these listening situations, the signal processing can be adjusted to improve the hearing experience of the respective listening situation. For example, in the case of conversations with background noise, a comparatively narrow directivity can be specified and noise suppression can be used. However, this is less useful for music, since the widest possible directivity or omnidirectionality, as well as a low or deactivated noise suppression are advantageous in order to "lose" as little "acoustic information" as possible.

In the case of music in particular, however, the classifier can be misinterpreted - namely, if music is present but the user is not listens or wants to listen - the attitude towards improving listening to music can have a negative impact on language comprehension and the like.

Whereas classic hearing aids referred to so-called “hearing programs”, which have comparatively fixed sets of parameters, modern hearing aids usually use step-by-step adjustment of the individual parameters in order to enable intermediate stages between two hearing situations, gentle crossfading between different settings or the like.

The invention is based on the object of further improving the comfort of use of a hearing device system.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a method having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this object is achieved according to the invention by a hearing device system having the features of claim 11. Advantageous and partly inventive embodiments and developments of the invention are in the dependent claims and the following Description set forth.

The method according to the invention serves to operate a binaural hearing device system. The latter has a hearing device assigned or to be assigned to a left ear and a right ear of a user (in normal operation). Each of the hearing devices in turn has at least one microphone. As part of the method (ie in particular during normal operation), acoustic information is collected using the two hearing devices and the acoustic information (in particular in the form of ambient noise, preferably in the form of electronic signals representing the ambient noise) is evaluated to determine whether it contains music. In addition, it is determined whether two (particularly spatially separate) sources can be detected for the music (ie if the presence of music is detected). Furthermore, a solid angle range is determined in relation to a viewing direction of the user, in which the respective source of the music is positioned. In the event that the respective solid angle range of the two sources of the music is in a front hemisphere in relation to the viewing direction, a probability (in particular a probability value) is increased that the user is in a situation of conscious listening to music, and if a predetermined probability limit value is exceeded (i.e. for the case of conscious listening to music), signal processing for both hearing devices adjusted in terms of the most natural possible reproduction of the music.

Here and in the following, the user's "line of sight" refers in particular to the direction in which the user's head is directed, regardless of the actual line of sight of the eyes. With regard to the medical understanding of the body directions, the “direction of gaze” refers here in the following in particular to a (head) direction also referred to as “rostral” (possibly also as “nasal”). This designation is based on the fact that the two hearing devices of the binaural hearing device system are worn approximately symmetrically on the head during normal operation (within the anatomical possibilities), with the viewing direction usually corresponding to a direction used for signal processing as the 0-degree direction of the hearing device system.

Here and in the following, “solid angle area” is understood to mean in particular a comparatively small-angled area, preferably open like a cone and starting from the face of the user and/or the respective hearing device. As a "range" this takes into account the fact that a spatial localization of a source is regularly associated with comparatively high tolerances, so that an exact position statement is usually not possible. However, the term "solid angular range" also covers a vector pointing to the localized source.

The “front hemisphere” referred to above is understood here and in the following in particular as the space that is spanned rostrally by a frontal plane of the head, which is preferably positioned at the ears of the user. Thus, the front hemisphere is the one into which the user "looks".

Adaptation of the signal processing means here and in the following in particular a change in parameters that influence the reproduction of recorded audio signals (in particular the microphone signals representing them recorded by the respective microphone or signals derived from them). These parameters are, for example, amplification factors (particularly frequency-dependent), settings for what is known as compression, filter settings (which are used, for example, for noise suppression) and the like.

In particular, from the information that two sources for the music are "located" in the front hemisphere, i.e. recognized, the conclusion is drawn or at least the probability is increased that the music is being presented in stereo and that the user, since the "music sources" are located in the front hemisphere, facing these stereo sources and thus consciously listening to the music. The classification result that music is present can thus advantageously be “refined” to the effect that the user is also consciously listening to the music (at least with a sufficiently high probability). An adaptation of the signal processing for better playback of the music is therefore less error-prone under these conditions, i.e. more reliable in comparison to the mere recognition that music is present in the ambient noise. In particular, therefore, a risk that the signal processing erroneously switches to a music setting, although the user is not consciously listening to the music, can be reduced. In addition, this creates the possibility of adapting the signal processing comparatively strongly (or also differently strongly or "aggressively" depending on the situation) for the playback of music. Due to the misinterpretations that have been possible up to now, this has been avoided so far, for example, in order not to limit the user's speech understanding too much if, despite the music classification, there is no situation of conscious listening to music. The "localization" of the music sources in the front hemisphere described above thus represents a criterion for increasing the probability of conscious listening to music and, if necessary, adapting the signal processing for better reproduction of music.

Optionally, the probability limit is specified in such a way that the arrangement of the music sources in the front hemisphere is sufficient to exceed the probability limit.

In an expedient variant of the method, it is (preferably additionally) determined whether the acoustic signals emanating from the two music sources are within a range that is typical for music, in particular for a stereo performance of the music, i. H. especially within given limits, are dissimilar to each other. Thus, a stereo performance of a piece of music regularly contains comparatively similar signal components on both stereo channels, but also comparatively dissimilar ones in order to convey the stereo impression. If such a difference between the two music sources is detected, in this optional variant of the method, a particularly high probability of the existence of a genuine stereo performance and in particular also of conscious listening to this stereo performance is assumed (in other words, the probability value described above is further increased ). In this case, the signal processing can be more "aggressive", i. H. with comparatively stronger negative effects on speech understanding or the like, are adapted to the (as natural as possible) reproduction of music. In an optional development, the signal processing is only adapted for better (that is to say as natural as possible) playback of the music if, as above, a situation with a genuine stereo performance is inferred. This determination of whether a genuine stereo presentation is present therefore preferably represents a refined criterion for adapting the signal processing.

For example, for the above-described detection of the true stereo performance, a preferably frequency-dependent correlation (ie carried out separately in particular on different frequency bands) is determined between the acoustic signals assigned to the two music sources. For this (particularly The respective frequency-dependent) stereo correlation coefficients are preferably given limits within which this stereo correlation coefficient must lie in order to conclude that there is a dissimilarity that is typical for stereo.

The limits mentioned above (in particular the upper and lower limits) for the (in particular the respective, frequency-dependent) stereo correlation coefficient are preferably selected in such a way that they are below values that are typical for a mono presentation and above those for uncorrelated ones (or only slightly correlated) noises. On the one hand, a mono performance could theoretically be assumed to be 100 percent, but in a normal listening environment, e.g. B. tolerances of the microphones used, ambient noise, etc., regularly lower values of the correlation coefficient for a mono performance (e.g. "only" 90 percent). On the other hand, correlation values of completely uncorrelated signals are usually above "zero" percent, since this value can only be assumed for white noise, but regularly for ambient noise (and thus also music from just one music source or "mono music" from several music sources ) are picked up equally by all microphones used. For example, the limits mentioned above are therefore specified in such a way that they delimit a range between 40 and 90 percent, further for example between 50 and 80 or even only 70 percent (the latter to allow a sufficient distance to a mono presentation).

In an expedient variant of the method (particularly within the framework of a further refined criterion that is additional or alternative to the detection of the genuine stereo presentation), the situation of the user consciously listening to music is inferred (or at least the probability value that such a situation exists is further increased), if the respective solid angle range of the music sources is in an angular range of up to about +/- 60 degrees, preferably up to about +/- 45 degrees, to the viewing direction. Such a situation indicates with a comparatively high probability of conscious listening to a stereo performance, since the stereo loudspeakers in private rooms in particular of the limited spatial boundary are usually in such an angular range in relation to the position of the listener. When consciously listening in stereo, a listener will usually also have their line of sight, at least the associated sagittal plane (or in particular median plane), directed at least roughly between the stereo loudspeakers.

In a further expedient variant of the method, each hearing device has two microphones. In this case, the respective solid angle range of the two music sources is determined in particular using a time delay of a signal associated with the music, expediently between the two microphones of a hearing device. Here, in particular, a “direction of arrival” or “direction of arrival” is determined. This is exemplified on WO 2019 086 435 A1 and WO 2019 086 439 A1 referenced, the content of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

For example, the recognition or detection of the music sources described at the outset takes place by means of a so-called (in particular “blind”) source separation. The music sources, in particular the two “stereo sources”, are optionally identified before the associated solid angle range is determined. Alternatively, however, the solid angle range in which a signal source is located can also be determined first and only then can it be determined whether this signal source represents a music source. In the latter case, for example, a solid angle range is assigned to different (particularly separable) sound sources. The source separation described above, for example using frequency bands to which a source type (for example music, speech, natural sounds) is assigned, optionally also takes place in parallel. In a subsequent step, the information about the localization of the individual sources and about the type of source is then brought together. In the event that the sources are localized based on an increased level in a specific segment, the type of source can be assigned, for example, by determining whether the frequencies of the source assigned to this level value sufficiently match the frequencies recognized for music, or also, whether the for the music frequency band detected level value corresponds sufficiently to the level value assigned to the source. If the levels and/or frequencies match, a probability value is increased that the determined source type can be assigned to this specific source (and thus also to the solid angle range determined for this). If the probability value is sufficiently high (e.g. based on a threshold value comparison), the source type (ie in particular the source type "music") is assigned to the localized source.

In an alternative, but also optional, variant of the method, in which each hearing device preferably also has two microphones, the respective solid angle range of the two sources is determined by means of a type of scanning using a directional sensitivity, which is formed in particular by means of two microphones of a hearing device. Optionally, the directional sensitivity is formed by a binaural combination of both hearing devices. In the latter case, there is also talk of binaural directional microphones. In this case, each hearing device can in principle only have one microphone. In the present variant of the method, the front hemisphere is preferably scanned. In particular, in the present case, the space around the head of the user of the hearing device, preferably the front hemisphere, is divided into sectors. A type of directional lobe or "sensitivity range" of the directional microphone formed is directed into each of these sectors. The acoustic intensities (also "levels") recorded for the respective sectors are compared with one another and, compared to other sectors, increased intensity or level values are used as an indicator that a signal source is arranged in this sector. By interpolating between two sectors, a signal source arranged at the edge of the sector or between two sectors can also be detected, specifically a solid angle area in which it is arranged can be assigned to it.

In a further expedient variant of the method, only sources with a comparatively directional radiation characteristic—as is the case, for example, with loudspeakers—are recognized. For example, only beam angles of around 90 degrees are recognized for a source.

In addition or as an alternative, only sources up to a specified distance from the user, for example up to 8 or only up to 5 meters, are recognized as (music) sources.

In a further expedient variant of the method--as already mentioned in the above variant of the method--binaural processing and evaluation of the information recorded by both hearing devices with regard to the presence of the music and the solid angle range of the respective source is carried out. In particular, therefore, data is exchanged between the two hearing devices. As part of such binaural signal processing, the acoustic information from both hearing devices in particular is further processed together in order, for example, to increase the spatial information content in the context of binaural directional microphones and, if necessary, to bring the sound experience even closer to the real hearing situation and/or (in particular using the increased information content) to improve speech understanding, noise reduction and the like. In the context of the evaluation, the situation classification (in particular whether music is present at all) and also the recognition and localization of individual music sources are carried out - in particular also using the increased information content.

In an advantageous variant of the method, it is monitored that the two music sources (ie in particular the stereo sources for the music) move relative to one another only within a predetermined, permissible (spatial) angle range. In particular, the two music sources are each "tracked". This means that a change in the position of the respective source, in particular its solid angle range in which it was localized, is detected and “tracked” (e.g. by aligning a directional effect with it). A movement of the sources relative to the viewing direction can occur, for example, when the user of the hearing device turns his head and/or changes his (body) position in space relative to the music sources. If the music sources are loudspeaker boxes, the two music sources remain constant to one another or only move within a comparatively narrow solid angle range. In the case of a pure head rotation, it can be assumed that an angle between the two (from user outgoing) vectors pointing to the two music sources remains constant. For example, if the user bends forward out of an armchair, for example to have something to drink, eat or the like, the angle between the two vectors will change, but usually only comparatively slightly (for example by a maximum of 20 degrees). If the two music sources remain within this permissible angular range (e.g. up to 10 or up to 20 degrees), the situation of conscious listening to music is still assumed to exist. If there is a greater movement of the music sources towards each other, e.g. because the user of the hearing device gives up his position in the room or even leaves the room, it is assumed that the situation of conscious listening to music no longer exists and in particular the signal processing for the previous settings reset or a new classification of the hearing situation. Optionally, especially as long as the two music sources are still available (e.g. because the user has just moved to another area of the room), a waiting time is started and the user waits to see whether the user has returned to his previous position relative to the two music sources. source switches back. This can be useful, for example, if the user is only briefly away from the same room, e.g. B. only gets something (e.g. to drink), but basically wants to continue listening to the music.

In a further advantageous variant of the method, the existence of the situation of conscious listening to music is ruled out if movement is detected for only one of the two music sources. In particular, such a movement is detected as described above. The fact that only one source is moving can be recognized in particular by the fact that the solid angle range that was detected for the other source remains constant, but changes for the "first" source. In particular, such a case cannot be combined with a stereo performance and rather indicates a different situation, for example two music sources that are independent of one another and possibly different.

In a further expedient variant of the method, spectral differences between the means of the respective hearing device and/or for the respective Source detected music determined. Based on these differences, conclusions are then drawn about a type of music. For classical music, in particular orchestral music, a comparatively large spectral difference between the two stereo channels and thus the sound emitted by the two (stereo) music sources is regularly to be expected due to the classical orchestra structure that is usually used. A comparatively larger spectral difference can also be expected for recordings of jazz bands. For pop, rock or electronic music, on the other hand, a comparatively small spectral difference is to be expected. In order to further differentiate between the respective subtypes of music, for example as pop and rock music, a further spectral (for example with regard to an "emphasis" on certain frequencies) and/or also a harmonic evaluation can be carried out. This embodiment is based on the knowledge that each hearing device primarily, ie in particular with a stronger level, detects the acoustic signals in the assigned front quarter space. In contrast, the acoustic signals from the other quarter of the room (i.e. assigned to the other half of the face) are usually not detected or are detected only weakly due to shadowing effects.

The signal processing is then preferably adapted to the type of music, in particular in a further refined manner. For example, the parameters mentioned above are adapted to the type of music in a manner known per se (compare, for example, equalizer presettings in audio systems). For example, in classical music, the "trebles", i.e. high frequencies, are emphasized ("emphasized") compared to the other frequencies, in jazz, the most balanced possible setting is selected, while in hip-hop or pop, for example, bass is emphasized.

In an expedient variant of the method, the signal processing is performed for cases in which several of the criteria described above are considered, e.g Stereo performance is present, smoothly matched to music playback. In other words, the signal processing becomes less "aggressive", ie different Aspects of hearing (especially speech comprehension) have a comparatively small negative influence, changed if the two music sources are only localized in the front hemisphere. With a further increasing probability (i.e. cumulative fulfillment of several criteria) for the situation of conscious listening to music, e.g. if the solid angle range is reduced, the signal processing is adapted increasingly aggressively in the direction of music reproduction, e.g. by reducing noise suppression and/or directivity and the like.

As described above, the binaural hearing device system according to the invention has the hearing devices assigned or to be assigned to the left ear and the right ear of the user. These each have at least one microphone. In addition, the hearing device system has a controller that is set up to carry out the method described above automatically or in interaction with the user.

Thus, the hearing device system equally has the physical features described above in the respective method variants in corresponding embodiments. The controller is also set up accordingly to carry out the measures described in the context of the above method variants in assigned versions.

The controller is embodied, for example, in one of the two hearing devices or in a control device assigned to them but separate from them. In particular, however, each of the two hearing devices has its own controller (also referred to as a signal processor), which communicate with one another in binaural operation and preferably together form the controller of the hearing device system under master-slave regulation.

In a preferred embodiment, the (or the respective) controller is formed at least in its core by a microcontroller with a processor and a data memory in which the functionality for carrying out the method according to the invention in the form of operating software (firmware) is implemented programmatically, so that the method - possibly in interaction with users - at Execution of the operating software in the microcontroller is carried out automatically. Alternatively, the respective controller is formed by an electronic component that is not or not fully freely programmable, for example an ASIC, in which the functionality for carrying out the method according to the invention is implemented using circuitry means.

The hearing device system described above and the method described above also function advantageously in sound systems with more than two sound sources, for example a 5.1 system or the like. As described above, the presence of two music sources in the front hemisphere is used as a basic criterion as to whether a situation of conscious listening to music is present. If more than these two music sources are present, especially in the rear hemisphere, these are not recorded, for example, or are ignored as not relevant for the assessment of the current (music) listening situation.

The conjunction "and/or" is to be understood here and in the following in particular such that the features linked by means of this conjunction can be configured both together and as alternatives to one another.

Fig. 1

in einer schematischen Darstellung ein binaurales Hörvorrichtungssystem,

Fig. 2

in einer schematischen Ansicht von oben einen Kopf eines Nutzers der Hörvorrichtung mit dem Hörvorrichtungssystem im Betrieb,

Fig. 3

in Ansicht gemäß Fig. 2 das Hörvorrichtungssystem in einem alternativen Ausführungsbeispiel des Betriebs, und

Fig. 4

anhand eines schematischen Blockschaltbilds beider Hörvorrichtungen das von diesen durchgeführte Betriebsverfahren.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Show in it:

1

in a schematic representation a binaural hearing device system,

2

in a schematic view from above, a head of a user of the hearing device with the hearing device system in operation,

3

in view according to 2 the hearing device system in an alternative embodiment of operation, and

4

using a schematic block diagram of both hearing devices, the operating method carried out by them.

Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

In 1 a binaural hearing device system 1 is shown schematically. This has two hearing devices 2 and 4 . The hearing device 2 is in normal operation - shown schematically in 2 or 3 - Assigned to a left ear 6 of a user 8. The hearing device 4 is correspondingly assigned to the right ear 10 of the user 8 . Each hearing device 2, 4 has a front microphone 12 and a rear microphone 14. In addition, both hearing devices 2 and 4 have a signal processor 16 and a loudspeaker 18 , a communication device 20 and an energy source 22 .

The signal processor 16 is set up to process ambient sound, which was detected by the microphones 12 and 14 and converted into microphone signals MS, depending on a hearing impairment of the user 8, specifically to filter and amplify it as a function of frequency, and as an output signal AS to the loudspeaker 18 to spend. The latter in turn converts the output signal AS into sound for output to the hearing of the user 8 .

In binaural operation of the hearing device system 1, both hearing devices 2 and 4 are in communication with one another. Specifically, both signal processors 16 transmit data to one another by means of the respective communication devices 20 (indicated by a double arrow 24). One of the signal processor 16 forms a "master" and the other a "slave". Together, the two signal processors 16 thus also form a controller of the hearing device system 1. The controller (usually the signal processor 16 acting as master) processes, among other things, the microphone signals MS of both hearing devices 2 and 4 to form a binaural directional microphone signal. Furthermore, the controller is set up to classify different hearing situations based on the information contained in the microphone signals MS and to change the signal processing of the microphone signals MS depending on the classification, ie to adapt signal processing parameters. In addition, the signal processors 16, specifically the controller, are set up to carry out an operating method that is described in more detail below.

The controller determines whether there is music in the ambient noise. However, in order to avoid the signal processing being incorrectly set to music, although music is only accidentally included in the ambient noise, the controller determines whether several sound sources for the music, indicated here by two loudspeaker boxes 26, are present in the vicinity of the user 8 . Specifically, the controller determines whether the two loudspeaker boxes 26 are located in a front hemisphere 28 . The front hemisphere 28 represents the area viewed in the direction of view 30 (see 2 ) in front of a frontal plane 32 that intersects the two ears 6 and 10.

According to a based on 2 and 4 In the exemplary embodiment described, both signal processors 16 use a "detection stage 34" (see 4 ), which uses the two microphones 12 and 14 in a known manner to determine a so-called direction of arrival for the sound emanating from the two loudspeaker boxes 26 . The respective direction of arrival is used as a solid angle region 36 (related to the viewing direction 30 as the zero-degree direction) (in particular in the form of a vector), in which the respective loudspeaker box 26 is arranged. At the same time, the current hearing situation is classified in a classification stage 38. Here it is determined whether music is present. If this is the case and two different sound sources, i.e. arranged in a solid angle area 36, are detected, a fusion stage 40, in which the information from the classification stage 38 and the detection stage 34 are combined, checks whether both sound sources are outputting the same music. If, for both hearing devices 2 and 4, a sound source is determined for the music recognized in the classification stage 38 within a solid angle region 36 arranged in the front hemisphere 28 - which is determined on the basis of the communication between the two hearing devices 2 and 4 (cf. 4 ) - the controller assumes in the fusion stage 40 that there is a situation with a stereo performance of the music. The controller takes this as an indication to increase a probability value that a situation of conscious listening to music is present. If the probability is sufficiently high (which is the case if it is only checked that the two sound sources are arranged in the front hemisphere 28), the controller fits parameters for a subsequent processing stage 42 for signal processing of music. For example, the controller sets a so-called linear compression and reduces noise reduction.

In an optional variant, the fusion stage 40 is preceded by a stereo detection stage 44, in which it is determined whether both sound sources emit sufficiently similar but not exactly the same sound signals. unless the output is set to "mono", the case. In this variant, the probability value is further increased compared to the previously described variant if such a stereo presentation is recognized. Here, the probability value only reaches a limit value with this "additional" increase, from which the parameters for the signal processing of music are changed.

Additionally or alternatively, in an optional further variant, the probability value is also increased if the two sound sources are not only in the front hemisphere 28, but also in a narrow spatial area of 60 degrees on both sides of the viewing direction 30.

As a further option, the controller does not switch the signal processing between two sets of parameters when the probability limit value is reached, but changes the parameters increasingly with increasing probability, so that a situation-dependent increasing change in the signal processing is implemented.

In 3 an alternative embodiment is shown. Instead of detecting the arrival direction, a directional sensitivity of a binaural directional microphone is set in the detection stage 34 in such a way that several sectors 46 with increased sensitivity compared to the other spatial areas are distributed in a fan-like manner in the front hemisphere 28 . A level value is recorded for each sector 46 and compared with those of the other sectors 46 . An increased level value indicates a sound source in the area of sector 46. For a more precise localization In an optional variant, an interpolation is carried out between the sectors 46, so that a sound source arranged between two sectors 46 (in 3 indicated by the loudspeaker box 26) shown on the left, specifically whose solid angle range 36 can be narrowed down.

The further procedure in turn corresponds to the previous exemplary embodiment and, if applicable, its variants.

In a variant of the exemplary embodiments described above, the decision as to whether there are two sound sources for the music and the resulting measures, in particular the decision on changing the signal processing parameters, is made by the signal processor 16 acting as the master and to the signal processor 16 acting as the slave transmitted.

Because of the procedure described above, the signal processing is only changed by the controller when two sound sources for the music, in this case the two loudspeaker boxes 26, are recognized. A misinterpretation and adaptation of the signal processing for music for cases in which, for example, only one sound source is present, for example in the case of an advertising loudspeaker in a pedestrian zone or the like, is thus effectively avoided.

The subject matter of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, further embodiments of the invention can be derived by the person skilled in the art from the above description. In particular, the individual features of the invention and their design variants described with reference to the various exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways.

Reference List

1

hearing aid system

2

hearing device

4

hearing device

6

Ear

8th

user

10

Ear

12

microphone

14

microphone

16

signal processor

18

speaker

20

communication facility

22

energy source

24

double arrow

26

speaker box

28

half space

30

line of sight

32

frontal plane

34

detection level

36

solid angle range

38

classification level

40

fusion stage

42

processing level

44

Stereo detection level

46

sector

AS

output signal

MS

microphone signal

Claims (11)

Method for operating a binaural hearing device system (1) with a hearing device (2, 4) assigned or to be assigned to a left ear (6) and a right ear (10) of a user (8), each of which has at least one microphone (12, 14) have, according to the method - acoustic information is collected by means of the two hearing devices (2, 4), - the acoustic information is evaluated to determine whether it contains music, - it is determined whether two sources (26) can be detected for the music, - a solid angle area (36), in which the respective source (26) of the music is positioned, is determined in relation to a viewing direction (30) of the user (8), and - In the event that the respective solid angle range (36) of the two sources (26) of the music is in relation to the viewing direction (30) front hemisphere (28), a probability is increased that a situation of conscious music listening of the user ( 8) is present, and if a predefined probability limit value is exceeded, signal processing for both hearing devices (2, 4) is adapted with regard to playing the music as naturally as possible. Method according to claim 1,
determining whether the acoustic signals emanating from the two sources (26) are dissimilar to each other within a framework typical of music, and wherein the probability that the situation of conscious listening to music is present is further increased if such dissimilarity is detected. Method according to claim 1 or 2,
the probability that the situation conscious listening to music is present, is further increased if the respective solid angle range (36) of Sources (26) of the music are in an angular range of up to about +/- 60 degrees, preferably up to about +/- 45 degrees, to the viewing direction (30). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein each hearing device (2, 4) has two microphones (12, 14) and wherein the respective solid angle range (36) of the two sources (26) is determined using a time delay of a signal associated with the music. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4,
the respective solid angle range (36) of the two sources (26) being determined by means of a type of scanning, in particular of the front hemisphere (28), by means of a directional sensitivity. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5,
binaural processing and evaluation of the information recorded by means of both hearing devices (2, 4) with regard to the presence of the music and the solid angle range (36) of the respective source (26) being carried out. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6,
it being monitored that the two sources (26) only move within a predetermined, permissible angular range relative to one another. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7,
the existence of the situation of conscious listening to music being ruled out if movement is detected for only one of the two sources (26). Method according to one of claims 1 to 8,
wherein spectral differences between the music recorded by means of the respective hearing device (2, 4) and/or for the respective source (26) are determined and a type of music is inferred therefrom. Method according to claim 9,
whereby the signal processing is adapted to the type of music. Binaural hearing device system (1) having a left ear (6) and a right ear (10) of a user (8) assigned or to be assigned hearing device (2, 4), each having at least one microphone (12, 14) and a Controller set up to carry out a method according to one of Claims 1 to 10.

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