公开(公告)号：US20100158262A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-24

申请号：US12716647

申请日：2010-03-03

申请人： Daniel R. Schumaier ,  David M. Campbell, II ,  Stephen W. Armstrong

发明人： Daniel R. Schumaier ,  David M. Campbell, II ,  Stephen W. Armstrong

IPC分类号： H04R29/00

CPC分类号： H04R25/70 ,  H04R25/43 ,  H04R25/75 ,  H04R2225/39 ,  H04R2225/61 ,  H04R2430/23

摘要： A hearing aid which is operable in an audiometric testing mode includes an audio output section, a volume control, a switching device, and a processor. The audio output section sequentially generates a number of testing sounds at a corresponding number of testing frequencies and provides each testing sound to the person who will be using the hearing aid. The volume control is used to adjust the amplitude of each testing sound to a level of audibility just above the person's threshold of hearing at the corresponding testing frequency. When the appropriate threshold volume level is set, the switching device is operated to generate a control signal. Based on operation of the volume control and the switching device for each of the testing sounds at each of the testing frequencies, the processor sets a plurality of threshold hearing levels associated with the corresponding testing frequencies. The threshold hearing levels collectively define an amplitude-versus-frequency profile which the processor applies in processing digital audio signals during normal use of the hearing aid.

摘要翻译： 在听力测试模式中可操作的助听器包括音频输出部分，音量控制器，开关装置和处理器。 音频输出部分依次产生相应数量的测试频率的多个测试声音，并且将向使用助听器的人提供每个测试声音。 音量控制用于将每个测试声音的振幅调整到在相应测试频率下高于人的听觉阈值的可听度。 当设置适当的阈值音量电平时，操作开关装置以产生控制信号。 基于在每个测试频率处的每个测试声音的音量控制和开关装置的操作，处理器设置与相应测试频率相关联的多个阈值听力水平。 阈值听力水平共同定义了在正常使用助听器期间处理器处理数字音频信号的幅度 - 频率分布。

公开(公告)号：US07242778B2

公开(公告)日：2007-07-10

申请号：US10815050

申请日：2004-03-31

申请人： Brian D. Csermak ,  Jim G. Ryan ,  Stephen W. Armstrong

发明人： Brian D. Csermak ,  Jim G. Ryan ,  Stephen W. Armstrong

IPC分类号： H04R29/00

CPC分类号： H04R25/305 ,  H04R1/1016 ,  H04R25/356 ,  H04R25/505 ,  H04R29/006 ,  H04R2460/05

摘要： In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for a hearing instrument with self-diagnostics. A detection circuitry may be used to monitor the functional status of at least one transducer by measuring an energy level output of the transducer and comparing the energy level output to a pre-determined threshold level. The detection circuitry may generate an error message output if the measured energy level output of the transducer falls below the pre-determined threshold level. A memory device may be used to store the error message output generated by the detection circuitry.

摘要翻译： 根据本文所述的教导，为具有自我诊断的听力仪器提供系统和方法。 检测电路可以用于通过测量换能器的能级输出并将能级输出与预定阈值水平进行比较来监视至少一个换能器的功能状态。 如果传感器的测量能量输出下降到预定的阈值水平以下，则检测电路可以产生错误消息输出。 存储器件可用于存储由检测电路产生的错误信息输出。

公开(公告)号：US07181034B2

公开(公告)日：2007-02-20

申请号：US10125184

申请日：2002-04-18

申请人： Stephen W. Armstrong

发明人： Stephen W. Armstrong

IPC分类号： H04R25/00

CPC分类号： H04R25/356 ,  H04R25/407 ,  H04R25/453 ,  H04R25/505 ,  H04R2225/43

摘要： A multi-channel digital hearing instrument is provided that includes a microphone, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, a sound processor, a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter and a speaker. The microphone receives an acoustical signal and generates an analog audio signal. The A/D converter converts the analog audio signal into a digital audio signal. The sound processor includes channel processing circuitry that filters the digital audio signal into a plurality of frequency band-limited audio signals and that provides an automatic gain control function that permits quieter sounds to be amplified at a higher gain than louder sounds and may be configured to the dynamic hearing range of a particular hearing instrument user. The D/A converter converts the output from the sound processor into an analog audio output signal. The speaker converts the analog audio output signal into an acoustical output signal that is directed into the ear canal of the hearing instrument user.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种包括麦克风，模数（A / D）转换器，声音处理器，数模（D / A）转换器和扬声器）的多声道数字助听器。 麦克风接收声信号并产生模拟音频信号。 A / D转换器将模拟音频信号转换为数字音频信号。 声音处理器包括将数字音频信号过滤到多个频带限制音频信号中并且提供自动增益控制功能的通道处理电路，其允许以比较大声音更高的增益放大更安静的声音，并且可以被配置为 特定听力仪器用户的动态听力范围。 D / A转换器将声音处理器的输出转换为模拟音频输出信号。 扬声器将模拟音频输出信号转换成被引导到听力仪器用户耳道的声输出信号。

公开(公告)号：US20050232452A1

公开(公告)日：2005-10-20

申请号：US11150896

申请日：2005-06-13

申请人： Stephen W. Armstrong ,  Frederick E. Sykes ,  David R. Brown ,  James G. Ryan

发明人： Stephen W. Armstrong ,  Frederick E. Sykes ,  David R. Brown ,  James G. Ryan

IPC分类号： H04R25/00

CPC分类号： H04R25/407 ,  H04R25/356 ,  H04R25/453 ,  H04R25/505 ,  H04R2225/43 ,  H04R2460/05

摘要： A digital hearing aid is provided that includes front and rear microphones, a sound processor, and a speaker. Embodiments of the digital hearing aid include an occlusion subsystem, and a directional processor and headroom expander. The front microphone receives a front microphone acoustical signal and generates a front microphone analog signal. The rear microphone receives a rear microphone acoustical signal and generates a rear microphone analog signal. The front and rear microphone analog signals are converted into the digital domain, and at least the front microphone signal is coupled to the sound processor. The sound processor selectively modifies the signal characteristics and generates a processed signal. The processed signal is coupled to the speaker which converts the signal to an acoustical hearing aid output signal that is directed into the ear canal of the digital hearing aid user. The occlusion sub-system compensates for the amplification of the digital hearing aid user's own voice within the ear canal. The directional processor and headroom expander optimizes the gain applied to the acoustical signals received by the digital hearing aid and combine the amplified signals into a directionally-sensitive response.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种数字助听器，包括前置和后置麦克风，声音处理器和扬声器。 数字助听器的实施例包括遮挡子系统以及定向处理器和净空扩展器。 前麦克风接收前麦克风声信号并产生前麦克风模拟信号。 后麦克风接收后麦克风声音信号并产生后麦克风模拟信号。 前和后麦克风模拟信号被转换成数字域，并且至少前麦克风信号耦合到声音处理器。 声音处理器选择性地修改信号特性并产生处理的信号。 经处理的信号耦合到扬声器，扬声器将该信号转换成被引导到数字助听器用户的耳道中的声学助听器输出信号。 闭塞子系统补偿耳道内数字助听器用户自己的声音的放大。 定向处理器和净空扩展器优化了应用于由数字助听器接收的声学信号的增益，并将放大的信号组合成方向敏感的响应。

公开(公告)号：US5029281A

公开(公告)日：1991-07-02

申请号：US354327

申请日：1989-05-19

申请人： Stephen W. Armstrong

发明人： Stephen W. Armstrong

IPC分类号： H03G11/00 ,  H03G11/04

CPC分类号： H03G11/00

摘要： The clipping circuit has a voltage reference and a transconductance connected to a voltage input. The input is connected through the transconductance to an output resistor. The voltage output is taken between the output resistor and the transconductance. The voltage reference has a third current source feeding a diode connected transistor and a resistor. A second current source feeds into the resistor after the transistor. The base of the diode connected transistor is connected to the voltage input. The transconductance has a second transistor whose base is connected to the voltage input, collector sinks current from a fourth current source and emitter feeds current to a resistor. A first current source feeds current to a third transistor and to a current mirror. The base of the third transistor is connected between the fourth current source and the collector of the second transistor. The current mirror draws current from the output resistor and feeds current to between the emitter of the second transistor and its associated resistor. The transconductance creates a feed back loop such that a change in the first and second current sources creates a steady-state current drawn through the resistor that is one-half of the first current source current. The circuit produces symmetrical clipping of an input voltage signal at the voltage output.

公开(公告)号：US08121323B2

公开(公告)日：2012-02-21

申请号：US11656678

申请日：2007-01-23

申请人： Stephen W. Armstrong

发明人： Stephen W. Armstrong

IPC分类号： H04R25/00

CPC分类号： H04R25/356 ,  H04R25/407 ,  H04R25/453 ,  H04R25/505 ,  H04R2225/43

摘要： A multi-channel digital hearing instrument is provided that includes a microphone, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, a sound processor, a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter and a speaker. The microphone receives an acoustical signal and generates an analog audio signal. The A/D converter converts the analog audio signal into a digital audio signal. The sound processor includes channel processing circuitry that filters the digital audio signal into a plurality of frequency band-limited audio signals and that provides an automatic gain control function that permits quieter sounds to be amplified at a higher gain than louder sounds and may be configured to the dynamic hearing range of a particular hearing instrument user. The D/A converter converts the output from the sound processor into an analog audio output signal. The speaker converts the analog audio output signal into an acoustical output signal that is directed into the ear canal of the hearing instrument user.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种包括麦克风，模数（A / D）转换器，声音处理器，数模（D / A）转换器和扬声器）的多声道数字助听器。 麦克风接收声信号并产生模拟音频信号。 A / D转换器将模拟音频信号转换为数字音频信号。 声音处理器包括将数字音频信号过滤到多个频带限制音频信号中并且提供自动增益控制功能的通道处理电路，其允许以比较大声音更高的增益放大更安静的声音，并且可以被配置为 特定听力仪器用户的动态听力范围。 D / A转换器将声音处理器的输出转换为模拟音频输出信号。 扬声器将模拟音频输出信号转换成被引导到听力仪器用户耳道的声输出信号。

公开(公告)号：US07433481B2

公开(公告)日：2008-10-07

申请号：US11150896

申请日：2005-06-13

申请人： Stephen W. Armstrong ,  Frederick E. Sykes ,  David R. Brown ,  James G. Ryan

发明人： Stephen W. Armstrong ,  Frederick E. Sykes ,  David R. Brown ,  James G. Ryan

IPC分类号： H04R25/00

CPC分类号： H04R25/407 ,  H04R25/356 ,  H04R25/453 ,  H04R25/505 ,  H04R2225/43 ,  H04R2460/05

摘要： A digital hearing aid is provided that includes front and rear microphones, a sound processor, and a speaker. Embodiments of the digital hearing aid include an occlusion subsystem, and a directional processor and headroom expander. The front microphone receives a front microphone acoustical signal and generates a front microphone analog signal. The rear microphone receives a rear microphone acoustical signal and generates a rear microphone analog signal. The front and rear microphone analog signals are converted into the digital domain, and at least the front microphone signal is coupled to the sound processor. The sound processor selectively modifies the signal characteristics and generates a processed signal. The processed signal is coupled to the speaker which converts the signal to an acoustical hearing aid output signal that is directed into the ear canal of the digital hearing aid user. The occlusion sub-system compensates for the amplification of the digital hearing aid user's own voice within the ear canal. The directional processor and headroom expander optimizes the gain applied to the acoustical signals received by the digital hearing aid and combine the amplified signals into a directionally-sensitive response.

摘要翻译： 提供了一种数字助听器，包括前置和后置麦克风，声音处理器和扬声器。 数字助听器的实施例包括遮挡子系统以及定向处理器和净空扩展器。 前麦克风接收前麦克风声信号并产生前麦克风模拟信号。 后麦克风接收后麦克风声音信号并产生后麦克风模拟信号。 前和后麦克风模拟信号被转换成数字域，并且至少前麦克风信号耦合到声音处理器。 声音处理器选择性地修改信号特性并产生处理的信号。 经处理的信号耦合到扬声器，扬声器将该信号转换成被引导到数字助听器用户的耳道中的声学助听器输出信号。 闭塞子系统补偿耳道内数字助听器用户自己的声音的放大。 定向处理器和净空扩展器优化了应用于由数字助听器接收的声学信号的增益，并将放大的信号组合成方向敏感的响应。

公开(公告)号：US07430299B2

公开(公告)日：2008-09-30

申请号：US10822519

申请日：2004-04-12

申请人： Stephen W. Armstrong ,  Brian D. Csermak

发明人： Stephen W. Armstrong ,  Brian D. Csermak

IPC分类号： H04R25/00 ,  H04R29/00

CPC分类号： H04R25/70 ,  H04R25/30 ,  H04R25/558 ,  H04R2225/55 ,  H04R2225/81 ,  H04R2225/83

摘要： In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for transmitting audio via the serial data port of a hearing instrument. At least one hearing instrument microphone may be used for receiving an audio input signal. A sound processor may be used for processing the audio input signal to compensate for a hearing impairment and generate a processed audio signal. At least one hearing instrument receiver may be used for converting the processed audio signal into an audio output signal. A serial data port may be used to couple the hearing instrument to an external device in order to transmit bi-directional audio signals between the hearing instrument and the external device. The serial data port may be coupled to the external device to transmit at least one of the audio input signal, the processed audio signal and the audio output signal to the external device. In addition, a selection circuitry may be used to select at least one of the audio input signal, the processed audio signal and the audio output signal for transmission to the external device via the serial data port.

摘要翻译： 根据本文所述的教导，提供了用于经由听力仪器的串行数据端口传输音频的系统和方法。 可以使用至少一个听力仪器麦克风来接收音频输入信号。 可以使用声音处理器来处理音频输入信号以补偿听力损伤并产生经处理的音频信号。 至少一个听力仪器接收器可以用于将经处理的音频信号转换成音频输出信号。 可以使用串行数据端口将听力仪器耦合到外部设备，以便在听力仪器和外部设备之间传输双向音频信号。 串行数据端口可以耦合到外部设备，以将至少一个音频输入信号，经处理的音频信号和音频输出信号传输到外部设备。 此外，可以使用选择电路来选择音频输入信号，经处理的音频信号和音频输出信号中的至少一个，以经由串行数据端口传输到外部设备。

公开(公告)号：US07076073B2

公开(公告)日：2006-07-11

申请号：US10125185

申请日：2002-04-18

申请人： Stephen W. Armstrong

发明人： Stephen W. Armstrong

IPC分类号： H04R25/00

CPC分类号： H04R25/505 ,  G01R19/02 ,  G01R29/04

摘要： A digital quasi-RMS detector is provided that approximates the time-varying RMS energy of a signal. The digital quasi-RMS detector rectifies the signal and compares the rectified signal with an estimated present energy value of the audio signal. If the difference between the rectified signal and the estimated present energy value is not greater than zero, then the digital quasi-RMS detector multiplies the rectified signal by a first time constant to generate a first filtered signal and sums the first filtered signal with the estimated present energy value to determine the approximate RMS energy. If the difference between the rectified signal and the estimated present energy is greater than zero, however, then the digital quasi-RMS detector multiplies the rectified signal by a second time constant to generate a second filtered signal and sums the second filtered signal with the estimated present energy value to determine the approximate RMS energy.

公开(公告)号：US5832097A

公开(公告)日：1998-11-03

申请号：US530049

申请日：1995-09-19

申请人： Stephen W. Armstrong ,  Frederick E. Sykes ,  Ronald J. D. Csermak

发明人： Stephen W. Armstrong ,  Frederick E. Sykes ,  Ronald J. D. Csermak

IPC分类号： H04R25/00

CPC分类号： H04R25/356 ,  H04R25/502

摘要： A multi-channel synchronous compander for hearing aids, in which the input signal from an input transducer is directed through a 2:1 front compressor, then through a band splitting filter to divide it into a desired number of frequency bands, then through expander/compressors to provide selected expansion/compression of each frequency band depending on the user's hearing impairment. The outputs of the expander/compressors are summed, amplified and directed to the hearing aid output transducer. The compressor and each expander/compressor are all controlled by control signals derived from the compressed signal level at the output of the front compressor. The use of common control signals for both the front end compression and the expansion removes the need for close matching of temporal performance and improves the output signal fidelity. The front compressor allows the filter capacitors to be reduced in size so that they can be integrated. Sounds above a high level threshold do not change the gain applied to input signal, even when changes are made in the expansion/compression ratios of the expander/compressors.

摘要翻译： 用于助听器的多通道同步压缩扩展器，其中来自输入换能器的输入信号通过2:1前置压缩器，然后通过频带分离滤波器将其分成期望数量的频带，然后通过扩展器/ 压缩机根据用户的听力损伤提供每个频段的选择的扩展/压缩。 扩张器/压缩机的输出被相加，放大并定向到助听器输出换能器。 压缩机和每个膨胀机/压缩机都由前压缩机输出端的压缩信号电平得到的控制信号控制。 使用公共控制信号进行前端压缩和扩展消除了对时间性能的紧密匹配的需要，并提高了输出信号的保真度。 前压缩机允许滤波电容器的尺寸减小，以便它们可以集成。 即使在膨胀机/压缩机的膨胀/压缩比发生变化时，超过高电平阈值的声音也不会改变施加到输入信号的增益。