JPH0243900A - Hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To obtain a response characteristic that is desired by a user by giving a data logging function to memory of a programmable hearing aid. CONSTITUTION: Programmable memory 20 with logic of a programmable hearing aid 4 has also a data logging function, to which a programmable decoder 22 is connected. The decoder 22 responds to an encoded digital control signal that is received by a microphone 10 and transmitted by a speaker of a remote controller. When a user returns the hearing aid 4 to a container after he uses the hearing aid 4 only for a certain time, the container reads data which is stored in data logging information memory and stores a set of new programs in the memory for the user by using the information. The selection of new programs depends on how much the previous program is used. This can modify a prescription for hearing sensation of a personal appliance.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a hearing substitute device, and particularly to a hearing aid with a data logging function.

(Prior art and its problems) Various types of auditory substitute devices are known and commercially available. These include hearing aids, spiral tube implants, implantable hearing aids, and vibrotactile devices. One such substitute device is a programmable hearing aid, which is described, for example, in U.S. Pat.
See No. 481. The device has a programmable memory for controlling a signal processing device that processes various audio signals. In the aforementioned patent, a user can select one of several programs stored in a memory for processing signals by means of a manually operated program control means.

This conventional programmable hearing aid has various signal processing functions such as signal amplification, automatic gain control, filtering, and noise suppression. The main problem therefore lies in selecting the value or set of values of the parameters that control the hearing aid in a manner that is most convenient for each user. Some users require extensive signal processing, while others may benefit from a variety of programs with a more limited range of signal processing. Other conventional hearing aids, although not programmable, can be adjusted by the user and have similar range adjustment limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In summary, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, data logging functionality is provided in memory within or associated with a programmable or manually adjustable auditory substitute. The memory records or logs user-selected events such as changes in settings, parameters, or algorithms, the number of times a given setting is selected, and the amount of time a given setting lasts. It is something.

The memory may also include environmentally selected events, such as settings, parameters, or algorithms, where the selection is based on calculations made automatically in response to the wearer's current acoustic environment. It may also be possible to record the selection. In a preferred embodiment, the method for determining the value of each data log includes approximately 2 minutes (128 seconds).
It takes a considerable amount of calculation time. The duration of each set point is then recorded in 2 minute increments. In a preferred embodiment, individual program settings are not recorded until a given period of time has elapsed for each setting, allowing the user to explore various settings to obtain the desired response characteristics. This eliminates the need to record many setting values.

The control device could be integrated with the processing device of the hearing aid, or could be external to the processing device. However, in preferred embodiments of programmable hearing aids, the control device is remote from the hearing aid processing device and includes a transmitter (e.g.
(acoustic, electromagnetic, or infrared). A datalog memory can be located in the ear part of the hearing aid or in the control device. Using a remote control device with built-in data logging memory would make the ear part smaller, lighter and less noticeable.

When the user returns the hearing aid to the container, the information in the data log can be taken into account to appropriately reprogram or recalibrate the hearing aid. The container can read the data recorded in the datalog memory using a suitable connection to the hearing aid and, based on this information, program a new set of operating parameters for the user. I can do it. The extent to which the user used the original program is interpreted, and a new program is selected based on that interpretation.

For example, consider a scheme in which the memory is initially programmed with a continuum that includes gradual increases in volume, noise suppression, and intelligibility. If all programs are used equally, then the programming can be considered adequate.

However, if all programs have been used, but the signal processing methods at the edges of the programmed range are used more frequently than in the central region, then the parameter range should be spread out. Also, if a program in the central area of signal processing is primarily used, the scope of the program should be reduced so that the user has more control over the settings that he or she finds most useful. It is.

In particular, it will be appreciated that other reprogramming schemes are possible, as well as other initial programming schemes.

In this document, the term "program" refers to any of the following: setting a limited number of parameters, selecting a processing method, partially modifying a substitute device control program, or setting coefficients in a substitute device program. shall be.

The content of the invention, as well as other objects and features, will be more readily understood from the following description and claims, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

(Example) FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a multi-memory programmable hearing aid 2 described in US Pat. No. 4,425,481 (which is incorporated herein by reference). The hearing aid 2 is a signal processing device having a microphone 10 that picks up sound and converts it into an electrical signal, and an attached slave memory 12 that operates on the electrical signal generated by the microphone 10 according to one of a plurality of signal processing programs. and a speaker 14 for transmitting the processed signal audibly. Other signal inputs such as telecoils can also be provided. The programmable memory with logic 16 stores a plurality of programs for controlling a signal processing device that operates on signals from the microphone 10. A manually operated program control switch 18 is provided for use by the user to select from several programs stored in memory 16.

As mentioned above, this conventional programmable hearing aid has a wide range of signal processing capabilities including signal amplification, automatic gain control, filtering, and noise suppression functions. The main problem therefore lies in optimizing the programmability of the hearing aid in a way that is most convenient for each user.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a programmable hearing aid 4 with data logging function, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

This hearing aid also has 10 microphones and 1 slave memory.
2, and a speaker 12. However, according to the present invention, programmable memory with logic 20 also has data logging capabilities. A programmable decoder 22 is connected to the programmable memory 20. The decoder is responsive to encoded digital control signals received by the microphone 10 and transmitted from the speaker of the remote control device of FIG. 3, discussed below. The carrier frequency of this control signal is above the microphone bandwidth and is transparent to hearing aid users.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a remote control device 6 that can be worn, for example, in a user's pocket or wrist. The remote control device 6 includes a manually operated program controller 24 and a logic block 26 that interfaces with a transmit coder 28.

The encoder and decoder of the auditory substitute are programmed to the same ID number contained in the control signal so as not to affect other similar auditory substitutes. The transmitter is connected to the speaker 30 and sends coded commands to the hearing aid, spiral tube implant, or
or to an implanted hearing aid. An automatic program selection system (APS) may be provided to automatically select a program depending on the ambient noise level detected by microphone 32. In one embodiment, the APS passes through each program of programmable block 26 and stops at a program where the ambient sound level is amplified above a predetermined (manually adjustable) level.

This program number is then sent to a programmable proxy device worn on the head, into which the program is entered.

In other embodiments, the sound level and spectrum measured by microphone 32 are calculated to determine the values of each parameter that makes up the program, and those parameters are then transmitted via coder 28 and speaker 30. and sends it to the proxy device through a transmission medium (acoustic medium, infrared medium, electromagnetic medium, etc.).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data logging means records the number of times a setting value changes, the number of times a given setting value is selected, and the duration that a given setting value is selected. A practical method for determining the value of each of these quantities is
Counting is for a long period of time, about 2 minutes (128 seconds). Therefore, the duration is recorded in units of 2 minutes. Furthermore, the setting values are not recorded until the given time period has elapsed for a given time period, thereby saving the user the trouble of recording the setting values when simply looking up the setting values.

4 and 5 respectively show a hearing aid 8 and a remote side according to another embodiment of the invention. ! It is a functional block diagram of I+ device 90. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, and like elements have been given the same reference numerals.

The main difference between the two embodiments is that the programmable memory 20 with logic and data logging function is removed from the hearing aid of FIG. This is given to the remote control device 9. By omitting data logging functionality from the hearing aid, the size and weight of the hearing aid is reduced. Additionally, remote controls with larger size and greater battery power can be equipped with more sophisticated programmable memory and data logging capabilities.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the remotely controlled programmable hearing aid of the embodiment of FIGS. It can also be carried out in-place. In this embodiment, the hand-operated control device 2
9 is connected to a signal processing device 33 by a wire 31.

Data logging device 35 includes memory means for monitoring the control selection device 29 and recording the usage times of the plurality of options. The device 35 is periodically read out from the output 37. Output 39 is, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,497.
or U.S. Pat. No. 4,419.995, incorporated herein by reference. Finally, the present invention can also be used in proxy devices whose operating modes are automatically switched. In this case, data logging information is used to monitor the validity of the decision algorithms used to perform automatic switching or adjustment.

In this document, the term "program" refers to specific settings for a limited number of parameters; selection of an alternate device form or processing method in an alternate device designed to be able to select multiple processing modes; selection of an algorithm or algorithm microprocessor configuration or set of microprocessor instructions; or microprocessor controlled, such as digital control or variation of the number and values of filter coefficients in a digitally implemented filter (e.g. a FIR or 11R filter). It must be understood that it refers to either a constant or a modification of the coefficients of a set of commands.

7A, 7B, and 7C are more detailed functional block diagrams of the programmable hearing aid 4 with data logging function shown in the second figure.

This embodiment is built into two integrated circuits 36, 38 with circuit terminals indicated by square symbols. Integrated circuit 36 (FIG. 7A) transfers some of its stored information to line 41.
It consists of a memory 42 which is transferred to a slave memory 82 of the analog signal processing device shown in FIG. 7B via a memory. Integrated circuit 36 includes an analog block 40 containing a voltage multiplier (charge pump) and an oscillator controlled by an external crystal at 32.768 MIIz. The device is
When turned on, the negative pole of the power battery is connected to ground and the oscillator starts with the help of the support battery. The oscillator starts the voltage multiplier, which generates a negative voltage v SS at the voltage multiplier and buffer capacitor. When the device is turned off, the voltage level detector is activated and the support battery is reconnected to protect the data in the RAM.

RAM 24 has a total of 8 bits organized in 118 x 8 bits.
It consists of 96 bits. This one for each hearing condition
The 12 groups of bits are divided into 64 bits for slave memory, 4 bits for telecoil control, and 24 bits for data logging.

Serial channel block 44 is utilized to program and/or read RAM areas by an external programming device. Via the serial line connection 111 data can be written to or read from the hearing aid. The timing program 64 constantly monitors timing for various blocks, transfers data,
Generates clock pulses to slave memory.

Input test block 48 controls the activation of external switches and power reset pulses from the analog block.

Data logging block 50 provides logic to RAM 42, which includes two data logging registers, each of 12 bits, for each program setting. The first register is incremented each time the listening state is used for more than two minutes. The second register is incremented every fourth minute while the listening state is in use.

Another register of 24 bits is incremented after switch 90 is actuated.

The signal processing device of FIG. 7B has a microphone input 52, a telecoil input 54, and an audio input 56. The telecoil and microphone inputs are each connected to a preamplifier (P
RRAMP) 58 and 60 and digitally controlled attenuators (DCA) 59 and 61 and summed with the acoustic input signal in a 30M device 62. Device 6
The output from 2 is sent via line 63 to filter 64 (Figure 7C), which splits the signal into a low-pass signal and a high-pass signal. The crossover frequency between the low-pass and high-pass channels can be varied digitally from 500 Hz to 4 KHz.

The low pass filter 65 and high pass filter 67 are identical and consist of automatic gain control amplifiers (AGC). The AGC recovery time may be controlled to obtain soft clipping (i.e., zero recovery time), short, normal, and long recovery times. The sum is 66.

An output amplifier 72 is provided to receive the summed output of 66 and drive a converter 742. Also,
An external output amplifier can also be used to perform this driving function.

The digital portion of chip 38 includes logic circuitry 80 and slave memory 82 (Figure 7B). Slave memory 82 is a 55-bit non-resettable shift register into which data is serially driven on each positive clock transition. Information in slave memory controls various functions in analog circuitry.

A 64-bit data word is loaded into the slave memory along with 64 clock pulses.

As mentioned above, the data logging logic circuit performs three logic functions. First, record the total number of times new data is sent to the device. A total of 24 bits are available in this register (16.777.21
5 events). This locating function is referred to herein as data logging summation (DLS). The second function of the data logging circuit is to record the number of times a particular register is used for more than 128 seconds (2.13 minutes). This kind of record (
There are 12 bits in each of the 8 registers used for 4095 events). This recording function is referred to as Data Log A (DLA) in this document. The third function is to record the number of times each particular register has been active. Each time count is equal to 256 seconds (4.27 minutes). Again, there are 12 bits in each of the 8 registers (approximately 291 hours). This recording function is referred to as data log B (DLB) in this document. The actual incrementing of the register is performed in the data buffer portion of the three RAM blocks.

Figures 8-13 illustrate in more detail the circuitry of Figure 7B that performs the data recording function. Although this implementation is hard-wired, it will be appreciated that the functions of the circuit could be performed by, for example, a programmed microprocessor.

In FIG. 8, since the data logging record holding circuit has an UP button and a DOWN button 90 that count down the 8-bit counter 91, only one of the eight outputs BO-87 is active (high) at any time. ). When this output changes to a new value and is stable, the DELTA D output generates a pulse called Memory Select Load.

Each time a memory select load (MSL) pulse is generated, it increments the DLS counter 92, which is the number of switching events. At this time, 22
The stage frequency divider 93 and the divide-by-2 flip-flop 94 are also reset to a zero state. The MSL pulse also sets RS flip-flop 95, which is connected to DLA register 98.
allows loading.

When the divider 93.94 is reset, the automatic 3276
The 8 Hz crystal oscillator 96 causes the frequency divider 93 to start counting up. When divider 93 counts 222, its output goes high (old G11), which means that the MS
This is after 128 seconds have passed since the L pulse was generated.

The output of the 22-stage frequency divider 93 outputs a pulse, which is connected to one of the selectively connected bits BO-87 of the up/down counter 91 and the Q of the RS flip-flop 95 set by MSL. It is ANDed with the output. As a result, DLA register 98 is incremented.

Since a change in the input to the KLA register is used to reset the RS flip-flop 95, the DLA register is incremented by 1 for each change in the 8-bit amplifier down counter, and since there is a frequency divider 93, the DLA register is incremented by 1. , this increment occurs only if the state of the counter remains constant for more than two minutes.

When the output of the 22-stage frequency divider 93 is divided by 2 by the divide-by-2 FF 94, the result is sent to the associated DLB register 99 every 256 seconds when the attached bit BO-87 of the up-down counter is selected. Used to increment.

Also, every register can be provided with an RS flip-flop (identified by a prime number), which is set each time the associated register overflows.

In this way, the data read out from the hearing aid can be interpreted even if the usage time exceeds 256 x 2'' seconds.

The hearing aid communicates with the outside world through a serial interface 100 shown in FIG. This communication is managed by normal logic, which the programmer
Detecting appropriate commands to load the hearing aid from or send information regarding the hearing aid settings or data logging information back to the programmer. The access code is also checked on input from the programmer to ensure that the hearing aid program is not changed accidentally.

The data in the selected register 102 passes through the shift register 101. This is data logging information (D
LS, DLA, and DLB registers), global programming information (eg, number of active memories), and individual parameter registers 102 (for memories 0-7).

Once the MSL pulse is generated, the contents of the appropriate parameter register 102 (selected by BO-87) are loaded into the second shift register 103, which data is then transferred to the slave of the analog integrated circuit 38 (iTB diagram). Serially clocked and loaded into memory 82.

Logic circuits such as those shown in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. The operation is shown in FIG. 9 to clarify the details of the communication between the hearing aid circuit and the analog hearing aid circuit. Functionally, the circuit works as described above, but there may be one large RAM random access memory structure, there should be no separate data registers, and there may be only one large RAM random access memory structure as the heart of the transmission and reception to and from the digital control circuitry. There may be a single 16-bit shift register at work.

The internal RAM on digital circuit 36 is arranged in an XY matrix as shown in FIG. Selecting a memory places a value Y between O and 7 into RAM and loads the memory into analog circuitry 38 or data logging registers 92, 98 or 99 (Figure 8).
A special function such as incrementing selects the X value (ie, the particular 16-bit cell of the matrix) that is being used for the current operation. The contents of random access memory 104 (FIG. 11) are maintained by continuously applying a backup voltage. This is the only voltage that is maintained when the hearing aid is not actively being used. Standard 1.3V hearing aid battery 1
When 27 is in the hearing aid, the backup voltage is obtained via a voltage doubler 119 (necessary due to the characteristics of the integrated circuit process used). normal 1.3
When the V battery 127 is removed, the minimum current necessary to prevent changes to the memory contents is provided by the internal 3.1v lithium battery.

RAM 104 is actually divided into a 64-bit parameter field 105 for each memory and a 48-bit field for data logging. - The configuration of the data logging area is shown in more detail in the RAM layout diagram (Figure 11).

The heart of the logic functionality supporting the programmable hearing aid is the 16-bit register 11 shown in Figure 12.
0, which acts as a serial power/parallel output register for incoming data; acts as a parallel power/serial output register for programming the hearing aid or reading the RAM back to the host; for data logging records. Acts as a parallel output/parallel input incrementing register. Communication functions (host programming, hearing aid programming, and data readback) are controlled upon receipt of the appropriate code.

The preamble access code is access control block 1.
15 and successfully received from the host, the serial power/output control circuit 116 resets the address counter 112 and clocks the data in via serial line 111, 16 bits at a time. As each 16 bits are stored, they are transferred to RAM memory 104. This process continues until the entire memory has been rewritten.

When the read access code is received from the host, the serial input/output control circuit 116 registers the address counter 1.
Reset 12 and shift 16 bits to register 11
0 and start clocking them out on serial line 111. This process uses memory 104
This continues until the entire contents are sent over serial line 111.

When a new memory is selected, the Y register 113 is changed to reflect the different memory selected.

The X register 112 is set to zero and four consecutive 16-bit words are loaded into the shift register 110 and commenced to be shifted out to the analog circuitry 38 via line 114. Thus, 64 bits of programming information are sent to analog chip 38.

An overview of the operation of incrementing the data logging bits is described in the basic structure of FIG. Each time the active memory is changed manually or automatically, this:
) generates an interrupt and starts the 23-stage counters 93 and 94.
(2) change the addresses of logic circuits 112 and 113, take out the value of f3) DLSa, and (4)
Increment 1 DLSa, (5) DL S
Return a to the memory 104, (6) If step 4 overflows (if the count exceeds 12 bits), repeat steps 3.4 and 5 in DLSb,
(7) Set the latches so that DLA and DLB can be incremented on future clock pulses. If the active memory was changed after 128 seconds, the memory select load would not have been pulsed again and a positive transition from the outputs of the 23-stage counters 93 and 94 would cause the D
An increment cycle is triggered in LA: (1
Take out 1D LA, increment (2), and (
3) Return to memory. Subsequent counters 93 and 94
A positive-going cycle causes DLB to be incremented as well.

Therefore, the counting operation performed is as follows: (
a) Every time there is a change from one memory to another, DLSa (LSB) and DLSb (MSB
) and increment the first 128 in the same memory.
Increment DLA by − degrees after seconds have elapsed and (C
) Increment DLB every 256 seconds after incrementing DLA. This means that D.L.B.
first increment of 128+ from memory change
This means that it is done when 256 seconds have elapsed. This structure is implemented using positive transitions at the outputs of 23-bit counters 93 and 94, whose first positive transition occurs 128 seconds after reset, but whose period is actually The configuration is such that there is 256 seconds between positive transitions.

The increment logic is part of the 16-bit shift register 110. Incrementing is performed by appending the 12 half-addresses to the 12 least significant bits (LSBs) of the shift register of incrementer 117. Carry register 118 is used for DLS calculations to generate a second increment cycle for D L Ab if necessary.

In the structure of the data logging area of RAM, address generation for DLSa and DLSb in devices 112 and 113 detects an exceptional condition and temporarily sets the Y register 113, corrects the register direction suitable for memories 0 and 1, and changes the register direction to the X register. This is facilitated by redirecting 112 to the last word in these registers.

As mentioned above, the user returns the hearing aid to the container after using it for a certain amount of time. The container then uses the appropriate connection to the hearing aid to read the data stored in the data logging information memory. Using this information, a new set of programs can be stored in memory for the user. The choice of the new program depends on how much the original program was used.

It is clear that the data logging concept relies on the ability to provide multiple settings for the auditory substitute and the ability to record the duration of those settings. This information can be adapted to memory residing in the surrogate equipment memory controlled from a remote control source, or to memory residing in the remote control source; in the latter case, the data logging means is adapted to the remote control source. It is advantageous to have it built into the II source.

Data logging information can be used not only to modify the auditory prescription of a personal device, but also to refine the initial prescription for future patients whose tension properties are similar to that of the user. .

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications and uses will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a programmable auditory substitute device according to the prior art. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a remotely controlled programmable auditory substitute device having a data logging function, which is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a remote control device used in the auditory substitute device of FIGS. 3 and 2; FIG. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a remotely controlled programmable auditory substitute device that is another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a remote control device having a data logging function used in the auditory substitute device of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a manually adjustable, unprogrammed auditory surrogate device that is another embodiment of the present invention. 7A, 7B, and 7C are detailed functional block diagrams of the programmable auditory substitute device of FIG. 2. FIGS. 8 to 13 are functional block diagrams showing the operation of data logging in the auditory substitute device. 6...Remote control device 10.32...Microphone (signal input means) 20.
...Programmable memory 22...Programmable decoder 4...Programmable hearing aid 14.30...Speaker

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) Signal input means for providing an electrical signal representing an audio signal; signal processing means connected to receive the electrical signal and processing the electrical signal according to a control program; and the signal programmable memory means operatively coupled to the processing means for storing a plurality of control programs for controlling the signal processing means; and data logging operatively connected to said programmable memory means and said control means to record the selection of a control program by the user and the period of use of the selected control program. means connected to said data logging means for reading said data logging means; and a converter connected to said signal processing means for receiving a processed electrical signal and generating an electrical signal in response thereto. A programmable auditory substitute device comprising: (2) The control means is connected to the signal processing means from a remote location, and the control means includes signal transmission means for transmitting a control signal to the signal processing means. Programmable hearing substitute device. (3) The programmable auditory substitute device according to claim 2, wherein the control signal is transmitted as an audio signal, and the signal input means includes a microphone for receiving the control signal. 4. The programmable auditory substitute of claim 2, wherein said programmable memory means and said data logging means are located within said control means. (5) The programmable auditory substitute device according to claim 2, wherein the programmable memory means and the data logging means are electrically connected to the signal processing means. (6) The control means includes microphone means for receiving an audio signal, and automatic program selection means for automatically selecting a control program according to the characteristics of the audio signal received by the microphone means. The programmable auditory substitute device according to claim 2. (7) The data logging means records the total number of times the control program for the signal processing means has been changed, the number of times each control program has been used for at least the shortest period of time, and the total number of times each control program has been used. 7. The programmable auditory substitute device according to claim 6, wherein the programmable auditory substitute device records information. (8) The programmable auditory substitute device according to claim 7, wherein each control program controls amplification of the electrical signal, noise suppression, and improvement of clarity by the signal processing means. (9) an auditory substitute device capable of being adjusted in a plurality of processing modes, comprising: signal processing means for providing an electrical signal representative of an audio signal; and a plurality of said electrical signals operatively connected to receive said electrical signal; signal processing means for processing said electrical signal according to a selected one of said plurality of processing modes; and operatively connected to said signal processing means for controlling said signal processing means to select one of said plurality of processing modes. control means for single actuation; data logging means connected to said control means for recording selections of said plurality of processing operating modes; A hearing substitute device comprising: readout means for reading out said selections that have been selected; and transducer means connected to said signal processing means for generating an electrical signal in response to said processed electrical signal. (10) recording the selection of the plurality of processing operation modes;
The auditory substitute device according to claim 9, further comprising a memory for storing a usage period of the processing operation mode.