WO2017025125A1 - Dispositif auditif, système de dispositif auditif, système de mise en place de dispositif auditif et procédé exécuté dans un dispositif auditif - Google Patents

Dispositif auditif, système de dispositif auditif, système de mise en place de dispositif auditif et procédé exécuté dans un dispositif auditif Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017025125A1
WO2017025125A1 PCT/EP2015/068350 EP2015068350W WO2017025125A1 WO 2017025125 A1 WO2017025125 A1 WO 2017025125A1 EP 2015068350 W EP2015068350 W EP 2015068350W WO 2017025125 A1 WO2017025125 A1 WO 2017025125A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hearing device
photovoltaic element
charging
data
mode
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2015/068350
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Matthias Riepenhoff
Original Assignee
Sonova Ag
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sonova Ag filed Critical Sonova Ag
Priority to PCT/EP2015/068350 priority Critical patent/WO2017025125A1/fr
Publication of WO2017025125A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017025125A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
    • H02J50/30—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using light, e.g. lasers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0042—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
    • H02J7/0044—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2310/00—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
    • H02J2310/10—The network having a local or delimited stationary reach
    • H02J2310/20—The network being internal to a load
    • H02J2310/22—The load being a portable electronic device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1025—Accumulators or arrangements for charging
    • 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
    • H04R2225/31—Aspects of the use of accumulators in hearing aids, e.g. rechargeable batteries or fuel cells
    • 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
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/61—Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/03—Aspects of the reduction of energy consumption in hearing devices
    • 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
    • H04R25/556—External connectors, e.g. plugs or modules
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/558—Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/70—Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to a hearing device, a hearing device system, a hearing device fitting system as well as to a method performed in a hearing device.
  • the hearing device can be a hearing aid.
  • Hearing devices are typically used to improve the hearing capability or communication capability of a user.
  • a hearing device may pick up the surrounding sound with a microphone of the hearing device, process the microphone signal thereby taking into account the hearing preferences of the user of the hearing device and providing the processed sound signal into an ear canal of the user via a miniature loudspeaker, commonly referred to as a receiver.
  • a hearing device may also receive sound from an alternative input such as an induction coil or a wireless interface.
  • Rechargeable hearing devices typically comprise electrical contacts used to charge an accommodated secondary battery, to provide an interface, etc. Said electrical contacts require the hearing device to be manually placed on corresponding electrical contacts of a charging and/or interface means. This placing operation is inconvenient and time consuming.
  • hearing devices are known comprising secondary batteries which can be recharged by means of solar power or rather charged optically.
  • said devices comprise a rechargeable battery which is recharged by means of
  • Photovoltaic cells are also called solar cells, because often sun is intended to be used as light source.
  • a photovoltaic cell may also be called photovoltaic element. In the context of this invention all these denominations have the same meaning.
  • a photovoltaic element also designated as PE, stands for a semiconductor component which transforms light to electricity based on the photoelectrical effect.
  • Hearing aids are hearing devices, which are worn at the ear of a user.
  • the sound processing is optimized in order to compensate a hearing impairment of the user.
  • the sound signal is modified by the processor.
  • modifying of the sound signal comprises frequency and amplitude adjustments, it may further comprise shifting of frequencies or other complex signal transformations.
  • the modifying of the sound signal is based on a set of
  • the parameters are stored in the memory of the hearing aid.
  • the memory may also contain program code for the sound processing algorithms or program code which is used for the operation of the hearing aid.
  • All these parameters or codes are referred to as data. Some of the data needs to be updated from time to time.
  • WO2007/056421 A2 discloses a hearing device system comprising a rechargeable hearing device and a recharger. Data transfer is achieved by coupling energy from a
  • the present invention is directed to a hearing device comprising a processor, at least one photovoltaic element, a trans impedance amplifier and a control unit connected to the at least one photovoltaic element and the
  • control unit is adapted to connect or disconnect the at least one
  • photovoltaic element to or from an input of the
  • the control unit is normally steered by the processor according to a program.
  • a hearing device which can be charged optically by converting light impinging on the at least one photovoltaic element into electrical energy which is stored by means of a rechargeable battery. Additionally, improved data transmission is achieved. Since the control unit controls the operating mode of the at least one photovoltaic element , mechanical switches and/or electrical contacts can be omitted in the hearing device resulting in reduced costs.
  • the transimpedance amplifier can be
  • the transimpedance amplifier When the transimpedance amplifier is connected to the photovoltaic element, it keeps the voltage across the photovoltaic element constant while providing a signal which is
  • the photovoltaic element Is connected to or disconnected from the- transimpedance amplifier. Disconnecting the PE from the ⁇ transimpedance amplifier is important in ordex to save- power.
  • the hearing device further comprises a secondary battery and a charging circuitry connected to the secondary battery, wherein the control unit is further adapted to connect or disconnect the at least one
  • photovoltaic element to or from the charging circuitry.
  • a hearing device including the at least one photovoltaic element at the hearing device outer surface (housing) .
  • the hearing device further comprises the control unit coupled to at least one of the photovoltaic elements.
  • Said control unit provides the at least one photovoltaic element to be operated in the voltage mode or in the measuring mode.
  • the voltage mode the internal rechargeable battery is charged with energy input from the at least one photovoltaic element.
  • the hearing device should be exposed to illumination, e.g. sunlight or indoor illumination.
  • the current flow of the one or more photovoltaic elements is determined allowing detection of a modulation of light that impinges the at least one photovoltaic element.
  • the measuring mode can therefor also be called current mode. Both denominations are equivalent.
  • the circuit may detect a slow modulation of the intensity of the light but also a modulation at high frequency ⁇ e.g. more than 100kHz) .
  • the internal rechargeable battery of the hearing device may be charged from the PE, while, in the measuring mode, optical data transfer to the hearing device can be achieved.
  • the control unit provides transition between the operating modes of the at least one
  • photovoltaic elements can also be connected in series to allow for proper voltage values.
  • the charging circuitry may be connected to more than one photovoltaic element.
  • the hearing device may use one of its photovoltaic elements as light measuring means (measuring mode) , while the remainder thereof
  • the secondary battery (preferably more than one photovoltaic element) is used for charging the secondary battery (PE in voltage mode) .
  • control unit is
  • the processor steers the control unit and thereby the transitions between the measuring mode and voltage mode.
  • the measuring mode also denominated as current mode
  • current flowing through said at least one photovoltaic element is determined or rather measured, while the voltage of the photovoltaic element is kept substantially constant.
  • optical modulation is electrically
  • the photovoltaic element current is measured by the transimpedance amplifier.
  • the output of said transimpedance amplifier provides a voltage signal which is a function of the current flowing through the photovoltaic element. Said function normally is a linear function.
  • the output signal of the transimpedance amplifier is
  • the photovoltaic element is neither charged nor uncharged. Due to this feature, the measuring mode allows detection of a fast modulation of the modulated illumination.
  • the at least one photovoltaic element of the hearing device can be used as optical data input at high data rates (e.g. more than 100kHz) . While further methods may be used, it is essential, that in the mode, voltage variation at the photovoltaic element remains low, for example less than 0.1V, in particular less than 0.05V.
  • the- hearing device is a hearing aid. Since hearing aids are fitted according to the needs of a user there is a necessity to transmit fitting data to the hearing aid. Hearing aids may need to be updated in order to provide a desired set of features to the user.
  • the hearing device further comprises at least one LED exposed to the outside, said LED is connected to the processor.
  • the proposed hearing device not only allows to receive data input via the at least one
  • the photovoltaic element but also allows to transmit data, for example operational data, to the outside .
  • data for example operational data
  • an optical interface can be realized.
  • the LED is connected to the processor
  • the LED can be switched on or off by software running on the processor.
  • the at least one photovoltaic element and the at least one LED may constitute a
  • This interface can be designed to transform optical signals derived from the at least one LED of the hearing device into a digital signal. Further, the optical interface can be designed to transform a digital signal derived from an apparatus remote from, the hearing device into an optical signal which is transmitted to the at least one photovoltaic element of the hearing device.
  • optical fibers can be used to transmit light for transmittance and reception of data, respectively. In an alternative example, only one fiber is used to transmit light for sending and receiving data.
  • a coupling means can be provided which is adapted to attach the one or two fibers to at least one of the LED(s) and/or photovoltaic element (s) . In case of appliance of the coupling means, in order to exclude reception of (interfering) ambient light, the at least one photovoltaic element should be covered completely against ambient light.
  • optical connector means in order to exclude reception of (interfering) ambient light
  • transmitter for example LEDs, and/or optical
  • the optical coupling between the light emitting element, for example the LED, and the light receiving element, for example the photovoltaic element, can be enhanced by means of lenses, mirrors, fibers or the like.
  • the proposed solution provides increased data rate. Increased data rate in turn allows to completely read and rewrite a memory, which is embedded into the hearing device, during each charging cycle .
  • assembling of a hearing device without a large non-volatile memory is allowed. While the large non-volatile memory is omitted, only a small ROM would be needed for controlling the
  • the present invention is directed to a hearing device system comprising a hearing device according to one of claims 1 to 4 and a charging container, said hearing device system is adapted to switch between charging the hearing device and providing data-transfer between the hearing device and the charging container.
  • the charging container comprises at least one light source and a charging container control unit connected to the at least one light source, wherein said charging container control unit is adapted to control the operation mode of said light source such in order to operate in a charging mode or a data-transfer mode.
  • the hearing device is placed inside the charging container.
  • the light sources of the charging container illuminate the photovoltaic elements of the hearing device thus supplying energy to the hearing device in the charging mode.
  • the incident light received by the photovoltaic elements of the hearing device is converted into electrical energy and stored into a rechargeable battery embedded into the hearing device .
  • the charging container is equipped with light sources which emit light at optimum wavelengths, which wavelengths match with respective photovoltaic element wavelengths
  • the wavelengths of the light emitted by the light sources typically range between 400nm and lOOOnm, which covers the visible and the near infrared spectrum.
  • charging container are modulated, for example at high frequencies (e.g. more than 100kHz) , in response to data to be transmitted to the hearing device, in order to optically transmit said data to the hearing device.
  • This measuring mode allows fast data transmission and can be used to update hearing device firmware ' , for example.
  • the charging container further comprises at least one optical receiving means adapted to receive an optical signal output from the at least one LED of the hearing device.
  • the optical receiving means of the charging container comprises at least one photoelement adapted to detect the LED activity of the hearing device.
  • the optical receiving means of the charging container is able to detect a signal output from the LED of the hearing device.
  • the hearing device comprises at least one LED which may operate as indicator to indicate a status, for example. As mentioned above, this ' LED may also operate as data sending component of a high speed optical interface.
  • Switching the LED on or off may represent binary values, it is also possible to transmit more than just binary information by using the intensity of the emitted light.
  • the at least one hearing device LED can be used to generate handshake signals according to a transmission protocol. Additionally or as an alternative, the at least one hearing device LED can transmit data to the outside.
  • the invention allows wireless charging without electromagnetic pollution.
  • the bi-directional interface might use different optical wavelengths for the two directions of information transmission .
  • the charging container further comprises a memory for storing hearing device related data such as fitting data of a hearing device or program code to be executed in a hearing device processor.
  • the proposed solution is adapted to transmit software maintained in the charging container memory to the memory embedded into the hearing device without the necessity of any mechanically conductors.
  • the charging container can be filled up with cleaning liquid while immersing the hearing device into said cleaning liquid in order to clean the hearing device.
  • the charging container is used for charging and data transfer performances, as mentioned above, as well as for cleaning the hearing device.
  • the hearing device is able to be charged or to exchange data to the outside while completely immersed into cleaning liquid. This provides reduced costs as well as less time required for maintenance .
  • the present invention is directed to a hearing device fitting system comprising at least one hearing device according to claim 3 or 4 and a remote fitting computer, communicatively connected to each other via an optical interface.
  • the optical interface comprises at least one optical fiber, wherein a respective distal end thereof is adapted to be coupled to the at least one photovoltaic element and/or LED of the hearing device.
  • the optical interface further comprises at least one coupling means connected to a respective drstal end of the at least one optical fiber, said coupling means is adapted to mechanically couple said at least one optical fiber to the at least one photovoltaic element of the hearing device ⁇ .
  • the present invention is directed to a method performed in a hearing device comprising a processor, at least one photovoltaic element, a transimpedance amplifier and a control unit connected to the photovoltaic element and to the transimpedance amplifier, wherein said method comprises the step of changing an operation mode of the photovoltaic element between a voltage mode and a current mode, wherein the current mode is achieved when the photovoltaic element is connected to the transimpedance amplifier and the voltage mode is achieved when the at least one photovoltaic element is disconnected from the transimpedance amplifier.
  • the proposed method further comprises the steps of: operating the at least one photovoltaic element in the current mode, monitoring an output signal of the transimpedance amplifier, generating a data-stream based on said monitoring, and storing data provided in the data- stream in a memory of the hearing device.
  • container control -unit connected to the at least one light source, wherein said method further comprises the step of, in the- charging container, controlling the operation mode of said light source such to operate' in a charging mode or a data-transfer mode-.
  • the proposed method further comprises the step of transferring and/or receiving data to and/or from the charging container and the hearing device.
  • Fig. la depicts a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing devi
  • Fig. lb depicts an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing device in a schematic illustration
  • Fig. 2 depicts the BTE hearing device as shown in Figure la in an operational mode
  • Fig. 3 depicts a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing device in a perspective view
  • Fig. 4a depicts a circuit diagram of a photovoltaic
  • Fig. 4b shows a diagram depicting the relationship of
  • FIG. 5a depicts a circuit diagram of a transimpedance amplifier connected to a photovoltaic element
  • Fig, 5b shows a diagram depicting the relationship of output voltage from the transimpedance amplifier versus current flowing through a photovoltaic element coupled to the transimpedance amplifier
  • Fig. 5c shows a block diagram of the hearing device
  • a processor comprising a processor, a control unit, a PE, a transimpedance amplifier and an LED.
  • Fig. 6a depicts a hearing device placed inside an optical charging container
  • Fig. 6b depicts the optical charging container with the hearing device placed ' inside while completely immersed into a liquid
  • Fig. 7 depicts a hearing device fitting system.
  • Figures la, b illustrate hearing devices 10, respectively.
  • Figure la shows a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing device 10
  • the hearing device 10 shown in Figure lb is an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing device.
  • BTE behind-the-ear
  • ITE in-the-ear
  • the hearing device 10 comprises a processor 12 and a control unit 14 connected to the processor 12, The hearing device 10 further comprises photovoltaic elements 16', 16'' exposed to the outside, and a ED 18 exposed to the
  • the photovoltaic elements 16,16' as well as the LED 18 are electrically connected to the control unit 14. While two photovoltaic elements 16', 16'' are described and shown in the drawings, the invention is not restricted to this number of photovoltaic elements. As a matter of design, application, etc., less or more
  • photovoltaic elements can be used as well. Further, photovoltaic elements can be used as well. Further, photovoltaic elements can be used as well. Further, photovoltaic elements can be used as well. Further, photovoltaic elements can be used as well. Further, photovoltaic elements can be used as well. Further, photovoltaic elements can be used as well. Further, photovoltaic elements can be used as well. Further, photovoltaic elements can be used as well. Further <extra_id_22>
  • the secondary battery 20 used to feed hearing device 10 components with electrical energy.
  • the secondary battery 20 is rechargeable and adapted to be stored inside the hearing device 10 housing.
  • the secondary battery 20 can be recharged by photovoltaic energy output from the photovoltaic elements 16', 16'' while being illuminated. A detailed description thereof will be provided in the following.
  • the secondary battery 20 is electrically connected to the control unit 14 as well as to the processor 12 for providing thereof with electrical energy.
  • the hearing device 10 further comprises one (Fig. la) or two (Fig. lb) microphones 22; 22', 22'' for picking up surrounding sound, and a loudspeaker 24 for providing processed (e.g. amplified) sound signals into an ear canal of the user .
  • a hearing device 10 having a secondary battery 20 which can be charged by means of the photovoltaic elements 16', 16''.
  • this mode is referred to as a "charging mode”.
  • the hearing device 10 is capable- of switching to a mode in which modulated optical signals bearing data are measured (received) from the photovoltaic elements 16', 16''.
  • this mode is referred to as a "measuring mode".
  • the current flowing in some of the photovoltaic elements 16', 16'' is measured by the current measurement circuitry, which at its output provides a signal which is proportional to the received optical signal even if the signal is modulated at high speed (100kHz or more) .
  • Measuring mode may therefore be used for
  • the switching in-between the voltage mode and the- measuring mode is performed by the control unit 14.
  • Switching from the voltage mode to the measuring mode may automatically be done from time to time or periodically in order to detect, if a modulated optical signal is present.
  • the PE could then be kept in measuring mode in order to receive data until the data transfer is completed.
  • the switching could also depend on a monitoring of the voltage of the PE.
  • the switching could also be triggered by the user .
  • control unit 14 connects the photovoltaic
  • control unit 14 connects the photovoltaic elements 16', 16'' to a transimpedance
  • the current flowing through at least one of said photovoltaic elements 16', 16'' is measured, resulting in an output which is substantially free of delay in relation to the optical signal input to the photovoltaic elements 16', 16''. Details thereof will be discussed in the following.
  • the LED 18 can be switched on or off by software running on the processor 12.
  • the LED 18 transmits hearing device related data from the hearing device 10 to the outside.
  • an optical interface is provided.
  • a bi-directional interface is realized comprising, on the hearing device side , the photovoltaic elements 16', 16'' for reception and the LED 18 for transmittance, both coordinated and
  • Figure 2 shows the hearing device 10 of the embodiment shown in Figure la (BTE hearing device) in an operational mode.
  • the wording is not limited to
  • operational mode refers to operations of the user in order to manipulate the hearing device 10 such to control respective conditions thereof.
  • user operations include switching on/off the hearing device 10, adjusting the loudness of the loudspeaker 24, switching between different amplification conditions, etc.
  • the user manipulates the hearing device 10 by simply covering one of the photovoltaic elements, e.g. photovoltaic element 16' , by his finger. Assuming that the hearing device 10 is exposed to ambient light (e.g. daylight, indoor light) , this covering results in a substantially drop of the current flowing through the photovoltaic element 16' . If completely covered, the current flowing through the photovoltaic element 16' is rather zero. This current drop is monitored by the
  • a predetermined operation is initiated by at least the processor 12.
  • photovoltaic element 16' can result in switching on/off the hearing device 10, Further, in an example, by
  • the present invention allows multi-usage of the photovoltaic elements 16', 16''. At least one of said usages comprise charging the secondary battery 20, providing a data interface and providing a user interface to allow user manipulations in order to input instructions.
  • photovoltaic elements 16', 16'' allow the hearing device 10 to detect manual manipulations at its housing surface in a reliable manner. Hence, mechanical switches, electrical contacts or rather a remote control can be omitted
  • Figure 3 illustrates a hearing device 10 in a perspective view.
  • photovoltaic elements 16 1 - 16 vi at least on the behind-the- ear (BTE) part and lateral part thereof. Increasing the number of photovoltaic elements 16 or rather increasing the total area of photovoltaic elements 16 results in increased charging power. Hence, the incorporated secondary battery (not shown) of the hearing device 10 can be recharged more reliably in less time.
  • BTE behind-the- ear
  • At least one of lateral surfaces of the hearing device 10 is provided with photovoltaic elements 16 v , 16 vi which surface area is increased compared to the surface area of respective photovoltaic elements disposed on the behind- the-ear (BTE) part of the hearing device 10.
  • Both laterally disposed photovoltaic elements 16 v , 16 vi may be covered by skin of the user during wearing. This covexage is observed or rather monitored, for example by the processor or one or more additional monitoring devices (not shown) incorporated into the hearing device 10. Hence , monitoring coverage or not allows the hearing device 10 to indicate that the hearing device 10 is worn or not.
  • at least the laterally disposed photovoltaic elements 16 v , 16 vi allow the hearing device 10 to determine whether it is worn or not without requiring respective inputs (on/off switching) of the user.
  • Figure 4a depicts a simple circuit diagram of a commonly known photovoltaic element PE.
  • Figure 4b shows a diagram depicting the relationship of voltage V oc output form the photovoltaic element PE versus the intensity of light I L illuminating the photovoltaic element PE. Electricity is generated because of the photoelectric effect when sunlight or any other light is incident upon the photovoltaic element PE surface.
  • the measured voltage V oc value hardly undergoes a change in line with varying current I t values. In other words, current I L values can be mapped insufficiently. If incident light is modulated, the voltage at the PE changes with a delay. The reason for this is the electrical capacitance of the photovoltaic element PE. Hence, optical transmission of data could only be relatively slow.
  • Figure- 5a depicts a circuit diagram of a transimpedance amplifiex TA connected to the output of the photovoltaic element PE in order to measure- I pe of the photovoltaic element PE.
  • Figure 5b shows a diagram depicting the
  • V ref is not zero the output signal of the- TA is a linear function of the photocurrent I pe :
  • V out V xef + I pe *R f - If a resistance R f would be chosen which has a non-linear behaviour (for example a diode or a network of complex resistances) the relationship between the current flowing through the PE and the output signal of the TA would have a non-linear characteristic.
  • a resistance R f would be chosen which has a non-linear behaviour (for example a diode or a network of complex resistances) the relationship between the current flowing through the PE and the output signal of the TA would have a non-linear characteristic.
  • transimpedance amplifier would have the advantage, that the output signal can be evaluated in a straightforward
  • the output voltage of the transimpedance amplifier TA is proportional to the short circuit current I pe of the photovoltaic element PE.
  • the transimpedance amplifier in this example is realized by an operational amplifier, whose negative ' input is connected to the PE and whose output is connected to the negative input through a feedback resistor .
  • the operational amplifier is connected to a reference voltage source V ref .
  • V ref a reference voltage source
  • transimpedance amplifier is any circuitry which keeps the voltage across the PE substantially constant.
  • transimpedance amplifier normally provides an output signal (typically a voltage) which is a function, in particular a linear function of the current flowing through a component which is connected to the input of the transimpedance amplifier ' .
  • the PE is connected to the input of the transimpedance amplifier.
  • the photovoltaic element PE can be used as optical data input at high rates (more than 100 kHz) .
  • FIG. 5c shows a block diagram of the hearing device 10 in a more detailed view.
  • the hearing device 10 comprises the microphone 22, the processor 12, the speaker 24, the photovoltaic element PE, the control unit 14 comprising a switch SW, the transimpedance amplifier TA, the LED 18, the secondary battery 20 connected to a charging circuitry CC, and a memory ME.
  • the transimpedance amplifier TA is described in more detail having regard to Fig. 5a in the above.
  • the control unit 14, in particular the switch SW comprised in the control unit 14, is steered by the
  • the switch SW comprised in the control unit 14, steered by the processor 12, connects or disconnects the photovoltaic element PE to or from the trans impedance amplifier TA. Further, the switch SW, steered by the processor 12, connects or disconnects the photovoltaic element PE to or from the charging circuitry CC for charging the secondary battery 20.
  • the switching between the operational modes, i.e. the switching between the voltage mode and the measuring mode, the evaluation of the output signal of the trans impedance amplifier TA and the activity of the LED 18 can follow a program which is executed by the processor 12.
  • the data which is transmitted to the hearing device 10 is stored in the memory ME which is accessible to the processor 12 which in turn can write data to the memory ME, Further, the processor 12 can amplify sound according to the needs of the user.
  • the transimpedance amplifier TA in the measuring mode (also referred to as current mode) is connected to the photovoltaic elements PE, while In the voltage mode (also referred to as charging mode) the photovoltaic element PE is disconnected from the measuring mode (also referred to as current mode) the transimpedance amplifier TA is connected to the photovoltaic elements PE, while In the voltage mode (also referred to as charging mode) the photovoltaic element PE is disconnected from the measuring mode (also referred to as current mode) the transimpedance amplifier TA is connected to the photovoltaic elements PE, while In the voltage mode (also referred to as charging mode) the photovoltaic element PE is disconnected from the
  • transimpedance amplifier TA transimpedance amplifier
  • Figure 6a depicts the hearing device 10 placed inside an optical charging container 30 according to an embodiment.
  • the hearing device 10 in the charging mode, the hearing device 10 is charged via its photovoltaic elements 16 l - 16 vi by using the charging container 30, which is equipped with high power LEDs While not shown, the charging container 30 can be equipped with other strong optical emitters (e.g. lasers) .
  • the LEDs e.g. lasers
  • the LEDs emit light having optimum
  • the- LEDs 32 1 - 32 iv are modulated at a high frequency (e.g. more than 100kHz ) in order to send data to the hearing device 10 (for example firmware update) via its photovoltaic elements
  • An optical sensor 34 mounted to the charging container 30 may detect a signal of the LED 18 of the hearing device 10.
  • the LED 18 of the hearing device 10 can be used as high speed optical interface, as well.
  • the LED 18 is adapted to transmit data.
  • the LED 18 can be used to generate handshake signals, if required, by a respective transmission protocol.
  • the hearing device 10 and charging container 30 form a hearing device system adapted to switch between charging the hearing device 10 and providing data-transfer between the hearing device 10 and the charging container 30.
  • the charging container 30 comprises the light sources 32 i - 32 v and a charging container control unit (not shown) connected to at least one of said light sources 32 i - 32 v , wherein said charging container control unit is adapted to control the operation mode of said light sources 32 1 - 32 v such in order to operate' in a charging mode or a data-transfer mode.
  • the optical receiving means 34 is adapted to receive an optical signal output from the at least one LED 18 of the hearing device 10.
  • the charging container 30 can comprise a memory (not shown) for storing hearing device related data such as fitting data of the hearing device 10 or program code to be executed in the processor thereof.
  • Figure 6b depicts the optical charging container 30 with the hearing device 10 placed inside while completely immersed into a liquid (indicated as dotted space) .
  • the hearing device 10 can be charged while it is completely immersed into the liquid, e.g. a cleaning agent, for cleaning purposes.
  • Figure 7 shows a hearing device fitting system comprising the hearing device 10, wherein one photovoltaic element 16' and the LED 18 are optically coupled to an optical
  • the optical interface 36 is designed to transform optical signals derived from the LED 18 of the hearing device 10 into a digital signal and to transform a digital signal into an optical signal which is conducted to the photovoltaic element 16' of the hearing device 10.
  • Optical fibers 38 ',38'' are used to guide light for sending and receiving. It is also possible to use just one fiber for both receiving and sending of data.
  • a coupling means 40 attaches the fibers 38 ',38'' to the hearing device 10.
  • the photovoltaic element 16' is completely covered in order to exclude entrance of ambient light.
  • Optical transmitters (LED) or receivers could also be integrated into the coupling means 40. Since the data rate is very high, this solution could be used to completely read and rewrite the hearing device 10 memory (refer to
  • Fig. 5c during a charging cycle.
  • a remote fitting computer 42 communicatively connected to the hearing system 10 via the optical interface 36 and the fibers 38 ',38''.
  • the optical coupling 40 between a light emitting and a light receiving component may be enhanced lenses, mirrors, fibers or the like.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif auditif (10) comprenant un processeur (12), au moins un élément photovoltaïque (PE), un amplificateur d'adaptation d'impédance (ΤA) et une unité de commande (14) reliée audit au moins un élément photovoltaïque (PE) et à l'amplificateur d'adaptation d'impédance (TA). Ladite unité de commande (14) est conçue pour connecter ledit au moins un élément photovoltaïque (PE) à une entrée de l'amplificateur d'adaptation d'impédance (TA) ou pour le déconnecter de cette entrée.
PCT/EP2015/068350 2015-08-10 2015-08-10 Dispositif auditif, système de dispositif auditif, système de mise en place de dispositif auditif et procédé exécuté dans un dispositif auditif WO2017025125A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2015/068350 WO2017025125A1 (fr) 2015-08-10 2015-08-10 Dispositif auditif, système de dispositif auditif, système de mise en place de dispositif auditif et procédé exécuté dans un dispositif auditif

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2015/068350 WO2017025125A1 (fr) 2015-08-10 2015-08-10 Dispositif auditif, système de dispositif auditif, système de mise en place de dispositif auditif et procédé exécuté dans un dispositif auditif

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021064368A1 (fr) * 2019-09-30 2021-04-08 Sintef Tto As Charge sans fil de dispositifs

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5210804A (en) * 1991-03-18 1993-05-11 Schmid Guenther W Solar powered hearing aid and reenergizer case
US20040234090A1 (en) * 2000-02-18 2004-11-25 Phonak Ag Fitting-setup for hearing device
US20070104343A1 (en) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-10 Zounds, Inc. Rechargeable hearing aid
US20090290738A1 (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-26 Zounds, Inc. Light powered hearing aid
WO2014044292A1 (fr) * 2012-09-18 2014-03-27 Phonak Ag Procédé de charge d'une batterie nimh, chargeur de batterie et système comprenant un chargeur de batterie et un dispositif auditif

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5210804A (en) * 1991-03-18 1993-05-11 Schmid Guenther W Solar powered hearing aid and reenergizer case
US20040234090A1 (en) * 2000-02-18 2004-11-25 Phonak Ag Fitting-setup for hearing device
US20070104343A1 (en) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-10 Zounds, Inc. Rechargeable hearing aid
US20090290738A1 (en) * 2008-05-23 2009-11-26 Zounds, Inc. Light powered hearing aid
WO2014044292A1 (fr) * 2012-09-18 2014-03-27 Phonak Ag Procédé de charge d'une batterie nimh, chargeur de batterie et système comprenant un chargeur de batterie et un dispositif auditif

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Title
GENNUM CORPORATION: "High Gain Class A Amplifier with Peak Clipping, LS505 Data Sheet", 12 September 2006 (2006-09-12), XP002756015, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/155882/GENNUM/LS505.html> [retrieved on 20160404] *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021064368A1 (fr) * 2019-09-30 2021-04-08 Sintef Tto As Charge sans fil de dispositifs
US11728686B2 (en) 2019-09-30 2023-08-15 Sintef Tto As Wireless charging of devices

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