Adaptive multi-band hearing devices

Abstract

The present application relates to an adaptive multi-band hearing device. A hearing device configured for audio communication is disclosed. The hearing device comprises a wireless communication unit and a processing unit, the wireless communication unit being configured to receive and send audio signals. The processing unit is configured to receive audio signals from the wireless communication unit and / or send audio signals to the wireless communication unit, process the audio signals in a first frequency band or in a second frequency band, and detect the quality of the audio communication. Assuming that the audio signal is processed in the first frequency band, if the quality of the audio communication is lower than a first predetermined threshold, the processing unit switches to processing in the second frequency band. Assuming that the audio signal is processed in the second frequency band, if the quality of the audio communication is higher than a first predetermined threshold, the processing unit switches to processing in the first frequency band.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a method and a hearing device for audio communication configured to switch between different frequency bands based on the audio communication quality. Background Art

[0002] Existing hearing devices often have connectivity issues, especially in dual-connection scenarios, i.e. when one hearing device is connected to two hosts and in a high-density environment with many wireless devices. Connectivity issues can lead to signal degradation and signal quality variations over time, even in the case of low signal resolution in audio communications.

[0003] US 8,879,983 discloses a communication system comprising a plurality of complementary radios for transmitting and receiving signals to achieve reliable audio communication. The system disclosed in US 8,879,983 requires at least two radios, which generally increases the cost and complexity of the system. In addition, an existing system comprising one radio cannot be easily upgraded with an additional radio, as it would require significant changes to the hardware equipment of the system.

[0004] There is a need for a simplified, low-cost hearing device with improved connectivity. Additionally, there is a need for a solution that will allow for quick and easy upgrading of existing hearing devices. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a hearing device with improved connection capabilities.

[0006] It is another object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a hearing device with improved range performance.

[0007] Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a hearing device that is reliable and low-cost.

[0008] It is another object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a hearing device that allows active use of two or more channels.

[0009] It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a solution which will allow an easy and low-cost upgrade of existing hearing devices.

[0010] In a first aspect, a hearing device configured for audio communication is disclosed. The hearing device comprises a wireless communication unit and a processing unit. The wireless communication unit is configured to receive and send audio signals. The processing unit is configured to receive audio signals from the wireless communication unit and / or send audio signals to the wireless communication unit. The processing unit is further configured to process the audio signal in a first frequency band or a second frequency band. The processing unit is further configured to detect the quality of the audio communication. Assuming that the audio signal is processed in the first frequency band, the processing unit is configured to switch to the second frequency band if the quality of the audio communication is lower than a first predetermined threshold. Assuming that the audio signal is processed in the second frequency band, the processing unit is configured to switch to the first frequency band if the quality of the audio communication is higher than the first predetermined threshold.

[0011] The hearing device may be a personal communication unit, a headset, a wireless headset, an earphone, a speakerphone, an earphone, an earbud, a smart headset, a communication device, an audio communication device, a wireless audio device, or the like.

[0012] The hearing device performs audio communication with or through at least one electronic device, which is referred to herein as a host device. The hearing device can receive an audio signal sent from the host device, and the host device can receive an audio signal sent from the hearing device. The hearing device can receive an audio signal sent from a far-end caller via the host device, and send the audio signal to the far-end caller via the host device. When on a call, a user who may wish to receive audio from a far-end caller via the host device uses the hearing device. Alternatively and additionally, the user may want to receive audio from, for example, a music application via the host device. The user who may wish to send his or her own voice to the host device uses the hearing device. The host device can send voice from the far-end caller. The host device can also send any other form of audio signal, such as music, audiobooks, movie soundtracks, etc. The host device can be a smartphone, a laptop, a speaker, a television, a game console, a tablet, etc., which communicates with the hearing device on a predetermined ISM band / channel. The host device can run an Internet phone application, an IP phone, etc., which are configured to communicate with the hearing device on a predefined ISM band / channel.

[0013] The hearing device may be in audio communication with two or more hosts over two or more separate channels. Two or more hosts may be used when a user may wish to switch from using, for example, a laptop computer (when sitting next to the laptop) as a host to using a mobile phone (when away from the laptop, such as during a call) as a host. Audio communications on two or more channels may be active simultaneously. In the following, reference will be made to only one host device. However, it should be understood that the entire disclosure is equally applicable to two or more hosts in audio communication with the hearing device.

[0014] The hearing device comprises a wireless communication unit which is capable of connecting to a host by using any protocol known to those skilled in the art, including Bluetooth (including Bluetooth low energy, Bluetooth Smart, etc.), WLAN standards, manufacturing specific protocols, such as customized proximity antenna protocols, such as proprietary protocols, such as low power wireless communication protocols, such as CSR Mesh, etc. The wireless communication unit can also communicate with a dongle, which can be directly connected to the host device via a USB port to establish a connection between the hearing device and the host. The wireless communication unit receives audio signals sent from the host and sends audio signals to the host. The wireless communication unit is typically connected to a processing unit in the hearing device.

[0015] The wireless communication unit may be a transceiver or a radio. The wireless communication unit may be interconnected with an antenna element. The wireless communication unit is configured for wireless communication, including wireless data communication, and in this respect may be interconnected with an antenna element to transmit and receive electromagnetic fields. The wireless communication unit may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, a receiver-transmitter pair, a transceiver or a radio, thereby including both a receiver and a transmitter. Thus, the wireless communication unit interconnected with the antenna element provides an antenna that can both transmit and receive electromagnetic fields.

[0016] The audio signal may include a user's voice, music data, audio book data, movie soundtrack data, voice from a far-end caller, and the like.

[0017] The processing unit of the hearing device performs digital signal processing on the audio signals received and / or sent via the wireless communication unit. The processing unit is typically an integrated circuit capable of performing many logical functions in order to process the audio signals.

[0018] The processing unit is configured to receive audio signals from the wireless communication unit and to send audio signals to the wireless communication unit. In this way, the hearing device exchanges audio signals with the host device.

[0019] The processing unit is configured to process audio signals in a first frequency band or a second frequency band. Whether the audio signal is processed in one frequency band or the other frequency band depends on the quality of the audio communication between the hearing device and the host. Both the first frequency band and the second frequency band can process all types of audio signals. The processing unit can process audio signals in more than two frequency bands. The difference between the first frequency band and the second frequency band can be that the second frequency band is less sensitive to noise, less sensitive to co-channel interference, and can provide satisfactory communication over a larger range. These advantages come with a price in audio signal quality, i.e., the audio signal processed in the second frequency band may have a lower resolution than the audio signal processed in the first frequency band. The first frequency band can be a wideband that provides an audio signal with high resolution, and the second frequency band can be a narrowband that provides an audio signal with lower resolution compared to the wideband signal. Both the first frequency band and the second frequency band are characterized by a sampling frequency, which in turn defines how much bandwidth / range is sampled, thereby providing the difference between narrowband and wideband. Narrowband audio can be sampled at 8kHz, and wideband can be sampled at 16kHz to provide a wider range of tones to pass through.

[0020] A frequency band can be an interval in the frequency domain, bounded by lower and upper frequencies. A frequency band can refer to a portion of the human hearing range, i.e., the audio frequency range. A portion of an audio signal can occupy a frequency range that carries most of its energy, called bandwidth. A frequency band can represent a communication channel, or it can be subdivided into multiples. Bandwidth is the difference between the upper and lower frequencies in a continuous frequency band. Bandwidth is measured in Hertz (Hz). The characteristic of bandwidth is that any frequency band of a given width can carry the same amount of information, regardless of the location of the band in the spectrum. For example, a 3kHz frequency band can carry a telephone conversation, whether the band is baseband (as in a POTS phone line) or modulated to some higher frequency. For example, in radio communications, bandwidth is the range of frequencies occupied by the modulated carrier signal. The tuner of an FM radio receiver spans a limited range of frequencies. In contexts such as the sampling theorem and the Nyquist sampling rate, bandwidth usually refers to the baseband bandwidth. In some cases, the bandwidth of a signal in Hertz is the frequency range in which the spectral density of the signal (measured in W / Hz or V 2 / Hz) is not zero or is above a smaller threshold. This definition is used to calculate the minimum sampling rate that satisfies the sampling theorem. The term bandwidth applies to signals as described above, but is also used to refer to system bandwidth, for example in filters or communication channel systems.

[0021] The processing unit is also configured to detect the quality of the audio communication. In this context, the quality of the audio communication relates to the overall performance of the communication between the hearing device and the host, in particular the performance seen by the users of the hearing device and the host. In order to quantitatively detect and measure the quality of the audio communication, several aspects of the audio communication may be considered, such as packet loss, latency, signal-to-noise ratio, throughput, etc. Depending on the quality of the audio communication, different levels of performance may be guaranteed. The quality of the audio communication may be affected by various factors, since many things may happen when a data packet of an audio signal is transmitted from the host to the hearing device and vice versa. These factors may be physical factors (distance, environment, device density, etc.) or technical factors (quality and settings of the wireless units of the hearing device and the host, etc.). In order to measure and detect the quality of the audio communication, the processing unit may determine the above factors based on the audio signal to be processed and / or the strength of the wireless signal received from the wireless communication unit.

[0022] The processing unit can detect the quality of the audio communication, for example, every millisecond, every second, every 10 seconds, every 20 seconds, every 30 seconds, every minute, every two minutes, or every three minutes. The processing unit can also continuously monitor the quality of the audio communication in a specific time period (for example, one minute or five minutes), and decide how to proceed based on all monitored values. When it is observed that the quality of the audio communication changes sharply, the processing unit can also perform switching at irregular time intervals. The processing unit can monitor the quality of the audio communication in a predetermined time period (for example, 10 seconds or shorter or longer), and the quality of the audio communication will be detected multiple times (for example, more than 50 times) in the predetermined time period. Then the detected values ​​can be averaged, and only after the predetermined time period can the switching decision be made based on the average value obtained. For example, in the first measurement, it can be detected that the quality of the audio communication is lower than the first threshold, but the switching can only occur after the predetermined switching time. Establish a predetermined switching time to avoid frequent switching between frequency bands.

[0023] Once the quality of the audio communication is detected, the processing unit can compare it with a predetermined threshold. Depending on the result of the comparison, the processing unit can determine whether the processing should remain within the same frequency band or whether it needs to switch to another processing frequency band. The predetermined thresholds are typically values ​​defined by firmware executed on the processing unit. They provide guidance on how to process the audio signals so that the user experience of the hearing device and the host device is best served. The predetermined thresholds can be static values, and they can have different values, for example, depending on the type of audio communication being conducted (phone call, listening to music, games, etc.). The predetermined thresholds for dual connection can be different from the thresholds for single connection, i.e., when the hearing device communicates with only one host. In addition, the predetermined thresholds can depend on requirements set by the user, who can set, for example, the required signal-to-noise ratio.

[0024] If the audio signal is processed in a first frequency band and the quality of the audio communication is below a first predetermined threshold, the processing unit will switch to processing in a second frequency band. If the first frequency band is wideband, the wideband signal can cover frequencies in the range of 50Hz–7kHz, and the communication quality is below the first predetermined threshold, the processing unit will switch to a narrowband, where the narrowband can cover frequencies in the range of 300Hz–3.4kHz, which will be more stable when it comes to lower audio communication quality. That is, narrowband signals are sent / received at a lower data stream and sampling rate, which allows the hearing device / host to resend data packets for data correction without occupying the entire communication capacity of the audio communication channel when data packets are lost. Switching between the two frequency bands is usually performed by switching the sampling frequency from one value to another, such as from 16kHz to 8kHz. If the quality of the audio communication is above the first predetermined threshold, the processing unit will continue to process the audio signal in the first frequency band.

[0025] If the audio signal is processed in the second frequency band, and if the quality of the audio communication is above the first predetermined threshold, the processing unit will then switch to processing in the first frequency band. In this case, due to the high quality of the audio communication, a better signal quality can be provided to the user. If the quality of the audio communication is below the first predetermined threshold, the processing unit will continue to process the audio signal in the second frequency band.

[0026] The switching may be performed by the hearing device firmware, which may be executed on the processing unit. The firmware may also be responsible for identifying the quality of the audio communication and comparing it with a first predetermined threshold. Once the comparison result is obtained, an application command may be sent and the switching may be performed in real time without any delay.

[0027] By adapting the audio signal in which the frequency band is processed, the range performance, connectivity performance, noise immunity, signal-to-noise ratio sensitivity and the quality of the audio communication between the hearing device and the host are improved. The switch also adapts the sensitivity of the audio communication to interference.

[0028] By switching the frequency band based on the audio communication quality, the range performance, i.e. the range over which the hearing device works effectively and without any interruption in data communication with other electronic devices, is improved. By switching from a first frequency band to a second frequency band, a greater distance between the hearing device and another electronic device may be allowed.

[0029] By allowing switching between different frequency bands with different noise margins, noise immunity can be improved, especially in high-density environments with multiple wireless electronic devices.

[0030] Furthermore, the user experience is improved since high wireless link performance and sound quality are always ensured during audio communications.

[0031] The frequency band switching according to the invention is obtained by an additional signal processing step performed by a processing unit, which is present in all hearing devices similar to the claimed hearing device. The advantage is that, since the solution does not require additional hardware components, a low-cost solution with improved performance can be provided. Furthermore, the solution can be quickly implemented on existing hearing devices by upgrading the signal processing model performed by the processing unit.

[0032] By adaptively switching the frequency bands used for signal processing, the hearing device can allow active use of two or more channels, i.e. active connections with two or more hosts, exchanging data with the hearing device independently of each other. Since the number of host devices can affect the quality of audio communication, the frequency band switching inhibition can be used to enable all hosts communicating with the hearing device to have a sufficiently good communication quality.

[0033] In some embodiments, the quality of the audio communication may be determined based on signal quality and / or based on wireless connection quality.

[0034] When the processing unit receives an audio signal, it can measure the quality of the received signal by determining various parameters of the audio signal, thereby deriving the quality of the audio communication. These various parameters may include signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), packet loss, errors, delays, packet delay variation, etc. These parameters are often interrelated and can be calculated from one another. For example, packet delay variation can be estimated from packet loss and delay. Once the processing unit determines the signal quality, the quality of the audio communication can be determined and compared to a predetermined threshold.

[0035] A processing unit, typically connected to the wireless communication unit, can determine the quality of the wireless connection. The quality of the wireless connection may be affected by the increase in the distance between the hearing device and the host, the presence of other electronic devices operating in the same ISM band (same channel) as the hearing device, or by people in the hearing device environment. The more devices operating on the same channel, the greater the interference each device will suffer, ultimately leading to packet loss in the audio signal communicating with the hearing device, or even disconnection from the host device. The processing unit can determine the quality of the wireless connection based on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI). The processing unit that detects the quality of the wireless connection should typically perform a switch when the RSSI drops sharply (preferably before a possible disconnection occurs). Measurements of SNR, RSSI, packet loss, etc. can be performed by a processing unit of a hearing device existing in the art. That is, the built-in chipset of a hearing device commercially available on the market can perform these measurements, and there is no need to upgrade the hearing device.

[0036] In some embodiments, the quality of audio communication can be quantified by bit error rate (BER), packet error rate (PER), or cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The quality of audio communication can also be quantified by measuring RSSI. These parameters are easy to measure by well-known techniques, which makes the hearing device of the present invention easy to implement. The quality of audio communication may be reduced due to a variety of reasons. The more Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices there are in the same room / space, the greater the impact on the quality of its audio communication. Hearing devices typically use the 2.4GHz ISM band for communication. Bluetooth and Wi Fi devices (such as wireless gaming or communication headsets, wireless mice / keyboards, wireless microphones, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.) may also all use the 2.4GHz band for communication, thereby affecting the quality of audio communication between the hearing device and the host. That is, a large number of wireless devices operating on the same channel increases the possibility of co-channel frequency interference, which subsequently leads to an increase in PER and packaging loss. In addition, the longer distance between the hearing device and the host, the human body, various objects in the room, etc., also affects the quality of audio communication between the hearing device and the host. When a hearing device is connected to two hosts, the quality of the audio communication can even be affected by other wireless devices, people, objects, etc. in the environment surrounding the hearing device. This is because the hearing device will expend additional load to maintain a connection to the second host even if that connection is idle.

[0037] Audio delay is one of the audio communication quality parameters. Hearing device users usually do not accept long delays, especially for audio communications such as phone calls and games. Band switching can also reduce the delay of audio signals, for example when the user of the hearing device listens to music (receive mode) or when the user sends his voice through the host (transmit mode).

[0038] In addition, poor connectivity to the host device may also affect the quality of the audio communication between the hearing device and the host. Band switching can also compensate for this degradation in quality signal.

[0039] In some embodiments, the processing may include sampling the audio signal at a predetermined sampling frequency. Each frequency band may be characterized by its own predetermined sampling frequency. The first frequency band may be characterized by a first sampling frequency and the second frequency band may be characterized by a second sampling frequency. The processing unit may be configured to sample the received audio signal at at least two predetermined sampling frequencies. The audio signal sent from the hearing device to the host may also be sampled with at least two sampling frequencies. The processing unit may change the sampling frequency so as to always maintain a good user experience and good sound quality.

[0040] In some embodiments, the processing unit may be further configured to process audio signals in a third frequency band and may be configured to switch to the third frequency band if the quality of the audio communication is above a second predetermined threshold. The third frequency band may be an ultra-wideband covering frequencies in the range of 30 Hz–12 kHz. The corresponding sampling frequency may be approximately 32 kHz. The third frequency band may transmit signals with ultra-high resolution and ultra-high precision. Naturally, these high-quality signals may require ultra-high-quality audio communication between the hearing device and the host. The present invention is not limited to switching between only three frequency bands, but may support four, five, six, etc. frequency bands.

[0041] The processing unit may support dual operation modes (dual channels), where the hearing device is connected to two hosts via the same wireless communication unit. Different channels may have different requirements on signal quality. One operation mode (channel) may utilize one frequency band, while another operation mode (channel) may utilize the same frequency band or another frequency band. Moreover, switching between frequency bands on different channels may be performed independently of each other.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first frequency band may have a sampling frequency in the range of 10 kHz to 17 kHz, the second frequency band may have a sampling frequency in the range of 1 kHz to 9 kHz, and the third frequency band may have a sampling frequency in the range of 30 kHz or more. The higher the sampling frequency, the higher the resolution of the audio signal, and thus the higher the signal quality. In order to send / receive signals with higher resolution, a higher quality of audio communication between the hearing device and the host may be required. As a result, a higher sampling frequency may be utilized over a shorter range than a lower sampling frequency.

[0043] The first frequency band may be referred to as wideband. Audio signals processed in the first frequency band may have high clarity and resolution, and thus higher signal quality, compared to signals processed in the second frequency band. Audio signals processed in the second frequency band may be referred to as narrowband signals, which typically have lower clarity and lower resolution than wideband signals. The third frequency band may define audio signals having the highest resolution and clarity compared to the first and second frequency bands. In order to send / receive audio signals at high resolution, a correspondingly high audio communication quality may need to be established between the hearing device and the host.

[0044] The number of frequency bands in which the audio signal can be processed may not be limited to only three, and may not be limited to the above-mentioned specific ranges. The audio signal may also be processed in a fourth frequency band having a sampling frequency in the range of 17kHz to 29kHz. In addition, each range may include sub-ranges defining different signal quality requirements.

[0045] In some embodiments, the audio communication may be a telephone call with a remote caller. In this embodiment, the host is a telephone or another device that receives a call from the remote caller, such as a computer, laptop, personal computer, tablet, etc. The quality of the audio communication may be affected by the quality of the phone itself, for example, the quality of the communication between the remote caller's phone and the user's phone, and the processing unit may need to take the quality of the phone itself into account. Even in another embodiment, when the hearing device is receiving a music recording, the processing unit may need to take the quality of the music recording into account in addition to the quality of the audio communication when determining whether a band switch is required.

[0046] In some embodiments, the audio signal may include a speech signal. The speech signal may come from a telephone, from a television, or from other media connected to the hearing device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the hearing device is a headset. The headset may include one or more earphones. The headset may include one or more microphones, for example in / on a microphone boom arm, to capture the user's voice.

[0048] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to monitor the quality of the audio communication over a predetermined period of time, and wherein the switching occurs after the predetermined period of time.

[0049] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for audio communication in a hearing device. The hearing device comprises a wireless communication unit and a processing unit. The method comprises receiving and / or sending an audio signal by the wireless communication unit. The audio signal can be sent from the wireless communication unit to the processing unit. The method also comprises processing the audio signal in a first frequency band or a second frequency band by the processing unit and detecting the quality of the audio communication. Assuming that the audio signal is processed in the first frequency band, if the quality of the audio communication is below a first predetermined threshold, switching to the second frequency band will be performed. Assuming that the audio signal is processed in the second frequency band, if the quality of the audio communication is above a first predetermined threshold, switching to the first frequency band will be performed.

[0050] In a third aspect, a system is disclosed that includes a hearing device and a first electronic device. The first electronic device is paired with the hearing device. The hearing device includes a wireless communication unit and a processing unit. The wireless communication unit is configured to receive an audio signal from the first electronic device (i.e., a first host device) and send the audio signal to the first electronic device (i.e., the first host device). The processing unit is configured to:

[0051] - receiving audio signals from a wireless communication unit and / or sending audio signals to a wireless communication unit;

[0052] - processing the audio signal in the first frequency band or the second frequency band; and

[0053] - Detecting the quality of the audio communication. If the audio signal is processed in the first frequency band, the processing unit is configured to switch to the second frequency band if the quality of the audio communication is below a first predetermined threshold. If the audio signal is processed in the second frequency band, the processing unit is configured to switch to the first frequency band if the quality of the audio communication is above a first predetermined threshold.

[0054] In some embodiments, the system may further include a second electronic device, ie, a second host device. The hearing device may be paired with the second electronic device. At least one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device may be connected to the hearing device via a Bluetooth connection.

[0055] The system may further include a wireless dongle. The dongle may be physically connected to the first electronic device or the second electronic device. Once the dongle is connected to the first electronic device / the second electronic device, the dongle may automatically establish pairing with the hearing device. The dongle may be a hearing device accessory. The dongle may advantageously serve as a bridge between the hearing device and the first electronic device / the second electronic device, thereby allowing faster pairing between the two.

[0056] The method according to the second aspect of the invention may be performed on a hearing device according to the first aspect of the invention. Therefore, the skilled person will readily appreciate that any feature described in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention may also be combined with the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. Therefore, the descriptions made above with reference to the first aspect of the invention apply equally here. Furthermore, any feature described in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention may be combined with the third aspect of the invention.

[0057] In a fourth aspect, a hearing device configured for audio communication is disclosed, the hearing device comprising a wireless communication unit and a processing unit, the wireless communication unit being configured to receive and send audio signals, the processing unit being configured to

[0058] - receiving audio signals from a wireless communication unit and / or sending audio signals to a wireless communication unit;

[0059] - Check the quality of audio communication;

[0060] - processing the audio signal in a first frequency mode or a second frequency mode, selecting the first frequency mode when the quality of the audio communication is above a first predetermined threshold, and selecting the second frequency mode when the quality of the audio communication is below the first predetermined threshold; and

[0061] Wherein, the processing unit is further configured to switch between the first frequency mode and the second frequency mode based on the detected quality of the audio communication.

[0062] The present invention relates to different aspects, including hearing devices described above and below, and corresponding systems and methods, each of which produces one or more of the advantages and benefits described in conjunction with the above-mentioned first aspect, and each having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in conjunction with the mentioned first aspect and / or disclosed in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The above and other features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device according to the first aspect of the invention,

[0065] Figure 2 Schematically illustrating an exemplary method according to the second aspect of the present invention,

[0066] Figure 3 Schematically illustrating an exemplary system according to the third aspect of the present invention,

[0067] Figure 4 A single connection range comparison between processing in broadband and narrowband is graphically shown,

[0068] Figure 5 A graphical representation of the dual connection range comparison between processing in broadband and narrowband, and

[0069] Figure 6 Narrowband a) and wideband b) processing of audio signals are schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the text, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements. Therefore, similar elements will not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the illustrated embodiments do not necessarily have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment, and may be practiced in any other embodiment even if not so shown or so explicitly described.

[0071] Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts.

[0072] Figure 1An example of a hearing device 2 configured for audio communication is schematically shown. The hearing device 2 comprises a wireless communication unit 4 and a processing unit 6. The wireless communication unit 4 is configured to receive and send an audio signal 8. The processing unit 6 is configured to receive an audio signal 8' from the wireless communication unit 4 and / or to send an audio signal 8' to the wireless communication unit 4. The processing unit 6 is further configured to process the audio signal in a first frequency band or a second frequency band and detect the quality of the audio communication. Assuming that the audio signal is processed in the first frequency band, if the quality of the audio communication is or is below a first predetermined threshold, the processing unit 6 will switch to processing in the second frequency band. Assuming that the audio signal is processed in the second frequency band, if the quality of the audio communication is or is above a first predetermined threshold, the processing unit 6 will switch to processing in the first frequency band.

[0073] The hearing device 2 may comprise a loudspeaker 10 which receives the processed audio signal 8 ′ from the processing unit 6 . The loudspeaker 10 transmits a sound signal 12 to a user of the hearing device 2 .

[0074] The wireless communication unit 4 is configured to receive and send audio signals 8 from one or more host devices. The one or more host devices may be, for example, smart phones and Internet phones in a PC. The wireless communication unit 4 may receive and send audio signals 8 from one or more host devices via one or more antennas 5 connected to the wireless communication unit 4.

[0075] The hearing device 2 may include a microphone 14 which may receive a user's speech 16 and send it to the processing unit 6 for processing. The processing unit 6 may process the speech 16 in the first frequency band or in the second frequency band based on the quality of the audio communication between the hearing device and the host device.

[0076] When the hearing device 2 receives audio signals 8, these signals are typically transmitted to the user in the form of sound signals 12. When the hearing device 2 transmits audio signals 8, these signals typically contain the user's speech 16.

[0077] Due to the automatic switching in the signal processing in the first frequency band or in the second frequency band, a high quality of received and transmitted audio signals is always obtained.

[0078] Figure 2An example of a method 20 for audio communication in a hearing device is schematically shown, the hearing device comprising a wireless communication unit and a processing unit. The method is defined by a number of steps. In a first step 22, an audio signal is received and / or sent by the hearing device, i.e. by the wireless communication unit. Then, the processing unit processes 24 the audio signal in a first frequency band 24a or a second frequency band 24b. The processing unit detects 26 the quality of the audio communication, i.e. the quality of service (QoS). The processing unit compares 28 the detected audio communication quality with a first predetermined threshold (TH1). If the audio signal is processed in the first frequency band and the quality of the audio communication is at or below the first predetermined threshold, the processing unit will switch 21 the processing to the second frequency band. If the audio signal is processed in the first frequency band and the quality of the audio communication is not below the first predetermined threshold, the processing unit will continue processing 21a in the first frequency band. If the audio signal is processed in the second frequency band and the quality of the audio communication is not below and above the first predetermined threshold, the processing unit will switch 23 the processing to the first frequency band. If the audio signal is processed in the second frequency band and the quality of the audio communication is below the first predetermined threshold, the processing unit will continue processing 23a in the second frequency band.

[0079] Figure 3 An example of a system 30 comprising a hearing device 2 and a first electronic device 32 is schematically shown. The first electronic device 32 may be a host device of the hearing device 2. The first electronic device 32 is paired with the hearing device 2, and thereby a first wireless communication link 34 for audio communication is established between them. The system 30 may further comprise a second electronic device 33. The second electronic device 33 may also be a host device of the hearing device 2. The hearing device 2 is paired with the second electronic device 33, and a second wireless communication link 35 is established therebetween.

[0080] The hearing device 2 comprises a wireless communication unit and a processing unit (not shown), the wireless communication unit being configured to receive and send audio signals from and to the first electronic device 32. The processing unit is configured to receive and / or send audio signals from and to the wireless communication unit, process the audio signal 8 in a first frequency band or a second frequency band, and detect the quality of the audio communication. Assuming that the audio signal 8 is processed in the first frequency band, if the quality of the audio communication is or is below a first predetermined threshold, the hearing device 2 will switch to processing in the second frequency band. Assuming that the audio signal is processed in the second frequency band, if the quality of the audio communication is or is above a first predetermined threshold, the hearing device 2 will switch to processing in the first frequency band.

[0081] The system 30 may include a dongle 36 that may automatically establish a wireless connection with the hearing device 2, and since the dongle may be physically connected to the second electronic device 33, pairing between the second electronic device 33 and the hearing device 2 may not be required. Alternatively or additionally, the dongle 36 may be physically connected to the first electronic device 32.

[0082] Figure 4 A single connection range comparison between processing in wideband and narrowband is shown graphically. Figure 4 a) shows a single connection range test when the audio signal is processed in broadband. In the test, the hearing device only communicates audio with one host device, and the audio signal is processed in broadband. The dark gray area indicates the operating range of the hearing device when the user wearing the hearing device faces the host device (F). The light gray area shows the operating range of the hearing device when the user has his back to the host device (B). These positions are the best and worst positions relative to the host device. In this test, the antenna of the hearing device is located at the back of the user's neck. Within the shaded area, the quality of the transmitted / received audio signals is at an acceptable level. By comparison Figure 4 a) and Figure 4 b) of the graph, it can be seen that when processing audio signals in a narrow band ( Figure 4 b)), the operating range is greater for both the front (F) and rear (B) sides. This means that by switching from wideband to narrowband processing, a greater range can be achieved while optimizing the audio signal quality.

[0083] Figure 5 A graphical comparison of the dual connection range between processing in broadband and narrowband is shown. Figure 4 a) is similar to Figure 5 a) illustrates a dual connection range test when the audio signal is processed in a wideband. In this test, the hearing device performs audio communication with two host devices and the audio signal is processed in a wideband. The dark grey area indicates the operating range of the hearing device when the user wearing the hearing device faces one of the host devices (F). The light grey area shows the operating range of the hearing device when the user faces away from the same host device (B). These positions are the best and worst positions relative to the host devices. In this test, the antenna of the hearing device is located at the back of the user's neck. Within the shaded area, the quality of the transmitted / received audio signal is at an acceptable level. By comparison Figure 5 a) and Figure 5 b) of the graph, it can be seen that when processing the audio signal in a narrow band ( Figure 5When b) is used, the operating range is greater for both the front (F) and rear (B) facing directions. This means that by switching from wideband to narrowband processing, a greater range can be achieved while optimizing the audio signal quality.

[0084] Figure 6 Schematically illustrated are narrowband a) and wideband b) processing of audio signals. Figure 6 a) shows processing in a narrowband defining lower data streams and sampling rates. The audio signal is being sent slowly with longer time slots, allowing the hearing device to resend data packets for data correction without occupying the full communication capacity of the audio communication channel when / if data packets are lost. Figure 6 b) shows the processing in broadband defining a higher data stream and sampling rate. When / if a packet is lost, the audio signal is quickly sent in a much shorter time slot for data correction.

[0085] In a real-time audio system, if packet loss is severe due to noise interference, short RF range, high density, etc., the hearing device as a transmitter may not always resend data on time. The lost data will cause the sound quality to deteriorate or even become so bad that the sound may not be recognized. The hearing device can send and resend data in longer time slots processed by narrowband. It will ensure proper sound quality in the worst case of poor connection. And it will bring better user experience in harsh electromagnetic environments and longer ranges.

[0086] Although specific features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

[0087] Reference Numbers List

[0088] 2 Hearing devices

[0089] 4 Wireless communication unit

[0090] 5 Antenna

[0091] 6 Processing Units

[0092] 8 Audio signal

[0093] 10 Speakers

[0094] 12 Sound signal

[0095] 14 Microphone

[0096] 16 User's Voice

[0097] 20 Method for audio communication in a hearing aid

[0098] 21 Switch to the second frequency band

[0099] 21a Continue processing in the first frequency band

[0100] 22 Receive / send audio signal

[0101] 23 Switch to the first frequency band

[0102] 23a Continue processing in the second frequency band

[0103] 24 Processing unit processes audio signals

[0104] 24a Processing in the first frequency band

[0105] 24b Processing in the second frequency band

[0106] 26 Check the quality of audio communication

[0107] 28 Comparing the detected quality of the audio communication with a first threshold

[0108] 30 Systems

[0109] 32 First Electronic Equipment

[0110] 33 Second electronic device

[0111] 34 First wireless communication link

[0112] 35 Second wireless communication link

[0113] 36 dongle.

Claims

1. A hearing device (2) for audio communication with a first electronic device (32), the hearing device comprising a wireless communication unit (4) and a processing unit (6), the wireless communication unit (4) being configured to receive and send audio signals (8) from / to the first electronic device (32), the processing unit (6) being configured to: - receiving and / or sending the audio signal from / to the wireless communication unit (4); - processing the audio signal in a first frequency band or in a second frequency band (8); - detecting the quality of the audio communication; as well as - assuming that the audio signal (8) is processed in the first frequency band, switching to the second frequency band if the quality of the audio communication is below a first predetermined threshold; - assuming that the audio signal is processed in the second frequency band (8), switching to the first frequency band if the quality of the audio communication is above the first predetermined threshold, wherein switching between the first frequency band and the second frequency band is performed by switching the sampling frequency from one value to another value, wherein the first frequency band has a sampling frequency in the range of 10 kHz to 17 kHz, and the second frequency band has a sampling frequency in the range of 1 kHz to 9 kHz, Therein, the first frequency band covers frequencies in the range of 50 Hz to 7 kHz, and the second frequency band covers frequencies in the range of 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz.

2. The hearing device (2) according to claim 1, wherein The quality of the audio communication is determined based on a signal quality of a received audio signal (8) and / or based on a quality of a wireless connection between the hearing device (2) and a first electronic device (32).

3. The hearing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The quality of the audio communication is quantified by a bit error rate, a packet error rate or a cyclic redundancy check.

4. The hearing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processing comprises sampling the audio signal (8) at a predetermined sampling frequency.

5. The hearing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processing unit (6) is further configured to process the audio signal (8) in a third frequency band and to switch to the third frequency band if the quality of the audio communication is above a second predetermined threshold.

6. The hearing device (2) according to claim 5, wherein The third frequency band has a sampling frequency above 30 kHz.

7. The hearing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The hearing device (2) is configured to receive audio signals (8) from and send audio signals (8) to a telephone of a far-end caller via a host device, and wherein the audio communication is a telephone call with the far-end caller.

8. The hearing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The audio signal (8) comprises a speech signal.

9. The hearing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The hearing device (2) is a headset.

10. The hearing device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processing unit (6) is configured to monitor the quality of the audio communication over a predetermined period of time, and wherein the switching occurs after the predetermined period of time.

11. A method (20) for performing audio communication with a first electronic device (32) in a hearing device (2), the hearing device (2) comprising a wireless communication unit (4) and a processing unit (6), the method comprising: - receiving and / or sending (22) an audio signal (8) from / to the first electronic device (32) by the wireless communication unit (4); - processing (24) the audio signal by the processing unit (6) in a first frequency band or in a second frequency band; - detecting (26) the quality of the audio communication; as well as - assuming that the audio signal is processed in the first frequency band (8), switching (21) to the second frequency band if the quality of the audio communication is below a first predetermined threshold; - assuming that the audio signal is processed in the second frequency band (8), switching (23) to the first frequency band if the quality of the audio communication is above the first predetermined threshold, wherein switching between the first frequency band and the second frequency band is performed by switching the sampling frequency from one value to another value, wherein the first frequency band has a sampling frequency in the range of 10 kHz to 17 kHz, and the second frequency band has a sampling frequency in the range of 1 kHz to 9 kHz, Therein, the first frequency band covers frequencies in the range of 50 Hz to 7 kHz, and the second frequency band covers frequencies in the range of 300 Hz to 3.4 kHz.

12. A system (30) comprising a hearing device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a first electronic device (32), the first electronic device (32) being paired with the hearing device (2).

13. The system (30) of claim 12, wherein: The system further comprises a second electronic device (33), and the hearing device (2) is paired with the second electronic device (33).

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