Keyboard

Abstract

The invention discloses a keyboard, which comprises a shell, at least one dial comprising a rotatable part, and a communication module, the housing comprises a touch-sensitive screen comprising a first user input unit forming part of a user interface presented thereon and a user output unit, the first user input unit being configured to receive a touch input from a user and to provide a corresponding first input signal, the user output unit being configured to provide an output on the touch-sensitive screen; at least one dial comprising a second user input unit configured to control the magnitude and / or magnitude and / or intensity of one or more hearing parameters of the hearing examination via the rotatable portion, the second user input unit configured to provide a second input signal in response to the user rotating the rotatable portion; the user interface is configured to provide one of a plurality of user interface layouts that can be presented on the touch-sensitive screen, and to adaptively adjust / modify the provided user interface layout in response to the first input signal and / or the second input signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a control device.

[0002] The application also relates to a system comprising the control device and the hearing test apparatus.

[0003] The present application also relates to methods of performing one or more types of hearing tests.

[0004] The present application also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when the computer program is run by a control device or a system, causes the control device or the system to perform the method. Background Art

[0005] Conventional stand-alone audiometers typically have several physical push buttons and two dials, each of which includes a rotatable wheel to enable a user, such as a hearing care professional, to perform a hearing test on a patient (i.e., a subject to be tested). To make it easy for users to find the functions they need for a specific hearing test, the number of buttons and, therefore, the size of the audiometer may be high / large. However, this may result in a complex user flow. Furthermore, to enable the audiometer to be used in many different countries and regions around the world, a variety of different designs and markings of buttons and dials may be required.

[0006] As a consequence of the move from stand-alone audiometers to PC-based audiometers, users are demanding audiometer keyboards rather than PC-based keyboards. This is because PC-based keyboards are difficult to use as many keys are dedicated to functions other than those required to control the audiometer. Furthermore, the two dials on the audiometer keyboard are the preferred way to operate the two channels of the audiometer, which further reduces the usability of the PC-based keyboard.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an audiometer keyboard that provides an easy user flow. Summary of the invention

[0008] In one aspect of the present application, a control device is provided.

[0009] In one aspect of the present application, a keyboard is provided.

[0010] For example, the control device may be a keyboard, such as an audiometer keyboard.

[0011] The control device (or keyboard) may be adapted to operate one or more types of hearing tests on the subject.

[0012] The control device (or keyboard) may be adapted to interact / communicate with an auxiliary device such as a hearing test device.

[0013] The control device (or keyboard) may be adapted to remotely control the auxiliary device.

[0014] The control device (or keyboard) may include a housing.

[0015] The housing may contain / enclose at least a portion of the elements of the control device (or keyboard).The housing may form at least a portion of the housing of the control device (or keyboard).

[0016] The control device (or keyboard) may include at least one dial including a rotatable portion.

[0017] The control device (or keypad) may comprise two dials, each dial comprising a rotatable portion.

[0018] For example, the rotatable part may be a rotating wheel.

[0019] The housing may include a touch-sensitive screen.

[0020] The touch sensitive screen may comprise a touch panel, such as a capacitive touch sensitive screen panel, and a display element.

[0021] The touch-sensitive screen may include a first user input unit. The first user input unit may include a touch pad.

[0022] The touch sensitive screen may comprise a user output unit.The user output unit may comprise a display element.

[0023] For example, the touchpad may be laminated on top of the (electronic visual) display element of a control device (or keyboard).

[0024] The first user input unit and the user output unit may form part of a user interface.

[0025] A user interface may be presented / provided on said touch-sensitive screen (at least during operation of the control device (or keyboard)).

[0026] The first user input unit may be configured to receive a touch input from a user.

[0027] Touch input may be provided via a user interface.

[0028] The first user input unit may be configured to provide a corresponding first input signal. In other words, the first user input unit may be configured to provide a first input signal in response to receiving a touch input from a user.

[0029] For example, when a user touches the touch-sensitive screen, the first user input unit may detect the touch as a touch input and generate a corresponding first input signal.

[0030] The first input signal may include at least information about the position, movement, and / or duration of a touch input from a user (on the touch pad). In other words, the first input signal may include data containing at least position, movement, and / or duration input parameters.

[0031] The user output unit may be configured to provide an output on a touch-sensitive screen based on the output signal. In other words, the user output unit provides an output on the display element in response to receiving the output signal. In other words, the user interface may display an output on the touch-sensitive screen in response to receiving the output signal.

[0032] The at least one dial may include a second user input element.

[0033] The dial may be configured to control, via the rotatable portion, a magnitude and / or size and / or intensity of one or more hearing parameters of a hearing test.

[0034] The second user input unit may be configured to provide a second input signal in response to a user rotating the rotatable portion.

[0035] For example, a user may rotate the rotatable portion to, for example, increase or decrease the intensity of a stimulation signal provided to a patient during a hearing test. In response to the rotation, the second user input unit may generate a second input signal.

[0036] The control device (or keyboard) may also include a communication module.

[0037] The communication module may include an antenna and transceiver circuitry for establishing a communication link.

[0038] The communication module may be adapted to establish a communication link between the control device (or keyboard) and at least one auxiliary device.

[0039] The communication link may enable / facilitate the transmission and / or reception of information and / or data to and / or from the auxiliary device.

[0040] The communication link may be a wireless communication link.

[0041] The wireless link may be based on Bluetooth technology (eg Bluetooth low energy technology) or ultra-wideband (UWB) technology.

[0042] For example, the information and / or data may include configuration data that enables a hearing test device to modulate and / or condition acoustic stimuli and present them to a patient.

[0043] The user interface may be configured to provide one of a plurality of user interface layouts.

[0044] A user interface layout may refer to a user interface design and / or a user interface configuration.

[0045] A user interface layout may be presented on the touch-sensitive screen (display element).

[0046] The user interface may be configured to adaptively adjust / modify the provided user interface layout.

[0047] The user interface may be configured to adaptively adjust / modify the provided user interface layout in response to the first input signal and / or in response to the second input signal.

[0048] The control device (or keyboard) may include a processor.

[0049] The processor may be connected to (in communication with) the first user input unit and the second user input unit.

[0050] The processor may be configured to receive a first input signal from a first user input unit.

[0051] The processor may be configured to receive a second input signal from a second user input unit.

[0052] The processor may be connected to (in communication with) a user output unit.

[0053] The processor may be configured to send the output signal to a user output unit.

[0054] The control device (or keyboard) may include a memory.

[0055] The memory may be connected to (in communication with) the processor.

[0056] The memory may be configured to store a plurality of user interface layouts.

[0057] Hence, a control device (or keyboard) is provided which provides an easy user flow for controlling an auxiliary device, such as a hearing test equipment.

[0058] The assistive device may be a hearing test device.

[0059] The auxiliary device may be a computing device connected to the hearing test equipment.

[0060] Thus, the control device (or keyboard) may be used as a control device (or keyboard) for (remote control of) a hearing test device and / or for (remote control of) a computing device connected to the hearing test device.

[0061] Each user interface layout may display an option for selecting one of a plurality of types of hearing tests and a corresponding user interface layout.

[0062] The options may be represented by buttons or menus on the user interface layout. For example, the user may touch a button or menu presented on the user interface to select a hearing test type.

[0063] For example, each user interface layout may include, for example, a drop-down menu listing a plurality of types of hearing tests. The user may have the possibility to select one of these types of hearing tests.

[0064] For example, various types of hearing tests may be referred to as pediatric tests, or they may be referred to as hearing tests, such as pure tone assessment tests or speech audiometry tests.

[0065] Each user interface layout may be configured to present / display options, each option representing a parameter selectable by a user.

[0066] The options may be related to the type of hearing test selected by the user.

[0067] For example, each type of hearing test may include parameters common to all test types, such as intensity, channel selection, etc., but may also include parameters specific to that type of test.

[0068] Parameters may include ear selection.

[0069] Parameters may include converter selection.

[0070] Parameters may include stimulation type.

[0071] Parameters may include frequency levels.

[0072] Parameters may include channel selection.

[0073] The control device (or keyboard) may be configured to communicate information and / or data to the auxiliary device via the communication link in response to a user providing input to the first user input element.

[0074] The control device (or keyboard) may be configured to communicate information and / or data to the auxiliary device via the communication link in response to a user providing input to the second user input element.

[0075] At least one dial may be disposed at an outer edge of the housing.

[0076] At least one dial may at least partially protrude from the outer edge.

[0077] The wheel of at least one dial may be arranged at an angle relative to the plane of the touch-sensitive screen.

[0078] For example, the dial may include a first longitudinal axis extending from a first end to a second end of the dial. When the control device (or keyboard) is placed on a table, the first end of the dial may be located on the table to increase the stability of the control device (or keyboard) on the table. The second end of the dial may be located at a distance from the table, which may be greater than the distance of an adjacently placed portion of the housing (and thus the touch-sensitive screen) from the table. Thus, the dial may protrude from the housing along the first longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

[0079] For example, the rotating wheel may be arranged at the second end of the dial. The rotating wheel may have a rotating axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis. Thus, the rotating wheel may be configured to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

[0080] The dial may include at least one key (eg, a button), wherein the at least one key is dedicated to operating a predetermined function of the hearing test type.

[0081] For example, the dial may include a first button such as a primary button and a second button such as a secondary button. Each of the first button and the second button may be dedicated to controlling a function essential to the type of hearing test selected by the user.

[0082] For example, the function to be controlled by the first or second button may be a save function or a speak forward function.

[0083] At least one button can be configured to operate a save function. For example, the save function can be used to save the current parameter settings.

[0084] At least one button can be configured to operate the start of the speech forwarding function.

[0085] At least one button can be configured to operate the deactivation of the speech forwarding function.

[0086] The speak-forward feature can be configured to enable the user to communicate with the patient.

[0087] The user interface may be disabled for user input in response to activation of the speak-forward function. The user interface may be enabled for user input in response to deactivation of the speak-forward function.

[0088] At least one of the wheels may be configured to provide feedback to a user in response to the user rotating the wheel.

[0089] Feedback may refer to providing audio feedback (eg, via a speaker), visual feedback (eg, via a light), or tactile feedback.

[0090] Feedback may refer to modifying the functionality of the wheel. For example, modifying the functionality of the wheel may include adjusting the resistance required for a user to rotate the wheel.

[0091] For example, the wheel may be configured to adjust the intensity of channel 1. Light indicators may provide visual feedback (e.g., by flashing multiple times) around the wheel when the extended intensity range is reached. Additionally or alternatively, when the extended intensity range is reached, further rotation of the wheel in the same direction requires the use of greater force.

[0092] The control device (or keyboard) may include a light (light indicator) disposed adjacent to each of the at least one rotating wheel. The light (light indicator) may be configured to change the color, intensity and / or appearance of the light in response to a control signal from the processor.

[0093] The control device (or keypad) may include two dials, each of which may include a rotary wheel.

[0094] Each dial may be configured to operate one channel of the hearing test device.

[0095] For example, one channel may be configured to present a stimulus signal to an ear of a subject.

[0096] For example, one channel may be configured to present a masking signal to the subject's ear.

[0097] The control device (or keyboard) may be configured to activate one or two channels simultaneously. Thus, it may be the case that only the channel for presenting the stimulation signal is activated. It may also be the case that one channel presents the stimulation signal and the other channel presents the masking signal for masking the stimulation signal.

[0098] system

[0099] In another aspect, there is provided a system comprising the control device (or keyboard) and a hearing test apparatus as described above, in detail in the “Detailed Description of the Invention” and defined in the claims.

[0100] The system may be configured to establish a communication link between the control device and the hearing test device. The communication link may enable information and / or data to be transmitted between the control device (or keyboard) and the hearing test device.

[0101] method

[0102] In one aspect, the present application also provides methods for operating one or more types of hearing tests.

[0103] The method may include providing a control device (or keyboard) including a housing and at least one dial.

[0104] The method may comprise providing a first user input unit and a user output unit forming part of a user interface presented on a touch sensitive screen of the housing.

[0105] The method may include receiving a touch input from a user via a first user input unit.

[0106] The method may include providing a corresponding first input signal.

[0107] The method may include providing an output on the touch-sensitive screen based on the output signal.

[0108] Output on the touch sensitive screen may be provided via a user output unit.

[0109] The method may comprise providing a second user input element on the at least one dial.

[0110] In other words, at least one dial may include a second user input unit for detecting a user touching (eg, rotating) the dial.

[0111] The method may include controlling the magnitude and / or size and / or intensity of one or more hearing parameters of the hearing test via a rotatable portion of at least one dial.

[0112] The method may include providing a second input signal in response to a user rotating the rotatable portion.

[0113] The method may include transmitting information and / or data to an auxiliary device via a communications link.

[0114] The method may include receiving information and / or data from a secondary device via a communications link.

[0115] The method may include providing one of a plurality of user interface layouts on the touch-sensitive screen.

[0116] The method may comprise adaptively adjusting / modifying the provided user interface layout in response to the first and / or second input signal.

[0117] When appropriately replaced by corresponding processes, part or all of the structural features of the control device (or keyboard) and the system described above, described in detail in the "Detailed Description of the Invention" or defined in the claims may be combined with the implementation of the method, and vice versa. The implementation of the method has the same advantages as the corresponding control device (or keyboard) and / or system.

[0118] use

[0119] In one aspect, there is provided a use of a control device (or keyboard) as described above, described in detail in the "Detailed Description of the Invention" or defined in the claims.

[0120] Computer Programs

[0121] In addition, the present application provides a computer program (product) comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, such as a control device (or keyboard) or system (described above), causes the computer to execute (the steps of) the method described above and defined in the claims.

[0122] The present application also provides a computer program (product) comprising instructions, which, when the program is executed by a control device (or keyboard) comprising a touch-sensitive screen, a processor for receiving a first input signal from a first user input unit and a second input signal from a second user input unit, and a communication module, the instructions cause the control device (or keyboard) to be used as a control device (or keyboard) for an auxiliary device (as disclosed above).

[0123] The instructions may cause the control device (or keyboard) to convert at least the first and second input signals into information and / or data.

[0124] The instructions may cause the control device (or keyboard) to send information and / or data to the auxiliary device.

[0125] The information and / or data may comprise at least first and second input signals.

[0126] The first and second input signals may be interpreted by the auxiliary device as one of a plurality of possible commands in a provided user interface layout.

[0127] The auxiliary device may be configured to interpret the first and second input signals in conjunction with the provided user interface layout to determine appropriate commands for the provided user interface layout, and to update (eg, adaptively adjust / modify) the user interface layout in response to the appropriate commands.

[0128] The instructions may cause the control device (or keyboard) to receive appropriate commands from the auxiliary device.

[0129] The instructions may cause the control device (or keyboard) to adaptively adjust / modify the provided user interface layout in response to appropriate commands.

[0130] The adaptive adjustment / modification may be performed via a processor and / or a control unit.

[0131] The adaptive adjustment / modification may be performed based at least in part on parameters stored in memory.

[0132] For example, the parameters stored in the memory may represent ear selection, transducer selection, stimulation type, frequency level, and / or channel selection.

[0133] Data processing system

[0134] In one aspect, the present invention further provides a data processing system comprising a processor and a program code, the program code causing the processor to perform at least some (eg most or all) of the steps of the method described above and defined in the claims.

[0135] APP

[0136] On the other hand, the present application also provides a non-transient application called APP. The APP includes executable instructions configured to run on the control device (or keyboard) to implement the user interface of the control device (or keyboard) described above, described in detail in the "Detailed Description" and defined in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0137] Various aspects of the present invention will be best understood from the detailed description below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the drawings are schematic and simplified, and only the details necessary for understanding the present invention are given, while other details are omitted. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts. The various features of each aspect may be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features and / or technical effects will be apparent from and illustrated in conjunction with the following figures, in which:

[0138] Figure 1 An exemplary system according to the present application is shown;

[0139] Figure 2 An exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application is shown;

[0140] Figure 3 shows a side view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application;

[0141] Figure 4 An exemplary block diagram of a control device (or keyboard) according to the present application is shown;

[0142] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application;

[0143] Figure 6 A rear view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application is shown.

[0144] By the detailed description given below, the further scope of application of the present invention will be apparent. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples show the preferred embodiments of the present invention, they are only provided for illustrative purposes. For those skilled in the art, based on the following detailed description, other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0145] The detailed description proposed below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings serves as a description of a variety of different configurations. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of a number of different concepts. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. Several aspects of the control device (or keyboard), system and method are described by a number of different blocks, functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). Depending on the specific application, design limitations or other reasons, these elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer programs or any combination thereof.

[0146] Figure 1 An exemplary system according to the present application is shown.

[0147] The system 1 is shown to include a hearing test device 2 , an audio device 3 , a monitor 43 , and a control device (or keyboard) 4 .

[0148] The hearing test device 2 may comprise a stimulation generator SG and an analyzing unit AU.

[0149] The audio device 3 may include at least one audio output unit 5. Figure 1 In the example shown, the audio device 3 is shown to have two audio output units 5.

[0150] The monitor 43 may be connected to the hearing test apparatus 2 via a wired or wireless connection 6 so that the monitor may present a software program for conducting the hearing test.

[0151] The stimulus generator SG may be configured to generate at least one stimulus 7 , such as a stimulus signal and a masking signal, and transmit the at least one stimulus to the audio device 3 .

[0152] For example, the stimulus generator SG may be configured to provide a plurality of consecutive stimuli 7 according to an examination protocol of a specific (selected) examination type.

[0153] The stimulus generator SG can transmit the stimulus 7 to the audio device 3 via a wired or wireless connection 8 .

[0154] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the audio device 3 is shown as an earphone placed at the ear of the subject 9, but the audio device 3 can also be placed at / in only one ear, and other earphones or other devices including a transducer can also be used. The two output units 5 of the audio device 3 can (each) include a transducer, and each of the acoustic output units 5 can be configured to provide at least one stimulus to the ear of the subject 9 via the transducer. Thus, continuous stimulus 7 can be transmitted to the audio device 3, and each of the output units 5 can present the stimulus 7 to the ear of the subject 9 via the transducer.

[0155] The analysis unit AU may be adapted to analyze, for example, the correspondence between each provided stimulus 7 and a subsequent input by the examination subject (eg detected by an auxiliary device such as an examination subject remote control or expressed verbally by the examination subject).

[0156] The analysis unit AU may be configured to adapt the examination protocol of the selected examination type depending on the analyzed correspondence.

[0157] The control device (or keyboard) 4 may be connected to the hearing test apparatus 2 via a wired or wireless connection 10. In case of a wireless connection, the control device (or keyboard) 4 may be moved around by a user operating the hearing test apparatus 2.

[0158] The control device (or keyboard) 4 may include a housing 11 and at least one dial 12 including a rotatable portion 13. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the control device (or keyboard) 4 includes two dials 12.

[0159] The housing 11 of the control device (or keyboard) 4 is shown to include a touch sensitive screen 14 presenting a user interface 15. The user interface 15 is shown presenting a plurality of parameters or objects on the touch sensitive screen 14.

[0160] The parameter or object may represent a parameter that can be selected by the user and give the user the possibility to modify its size / amplitude, or may represent the current settings and type of examination selected by the user. For example, the parameter or object may represent ear selection, transducer selection, stimulation type, frequency level, and / or channel selection.

[0161] For example, a parameter (e.g., an option / button / menu presented on a user interface) may represent an option for the user to select a stimulus to be transmitted in a first channel 16 and / or a second channel 17. Additionally or alternatively, the parameter may represent a button 18 between multiple user interface layouts, and / or a button 19 representing the type of hearing test to be performed. Additional options / buttons / menus 20 may be presented representing other selections related to the test.

[0162] Figure 2 An exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application is shown.

[0163] exist Figure 2 In more detail, it is shown as follows Figure 1 A top view of the control device (or keyboard) shown in FIG. Figure 1 Similar features shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0164] It is shown that one or more parameters, illustrated by a button 19 on the user interface 15 for selecting the type of hearing test to be performed, may include a drop down menu 21 listing a number of further options / buttons / menus 22 that may be selected by the user.

[0165] For example, option / button / menu 22 may provide the user with the option of selecting a pediatric exam or a hearing exam such as a pure tone assessment exam or a speech audiometry exam.

[0166] The touch-sensitive screen 14 may comprise a first user input unit and a user output unit, both forming part of a user interface 15 presented on the touch-sensitive screen 14. The first user input unit may be configured to receive a touch input from a user when the user touches a (e.g. capacitive) touch pad of the touch-sensitive screen 14. The first user input unit may generate a corresponding first input signal, which may be sent to a processor of the control device (or keyboard).

[0167] The touch-sensitive screen 14 may include a user output unit configured to provide an output on a display element of the touch-sensitive screen 14 based on the output signal.

[0168] Each of the two dials 12 is shown to be arranged at an outer edge 23 of the housing 4 and to at least partially protrude from the outer edge 23 .

[0169] exist Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , each of the two dials 12 includes a first button 24 and a second button 25, each of which is dedicated to executing a predetermined function of the selected type of hearing test. The first button 24 can be configured to execute a storage function for saving current parameters, and the second button 25 can be configured to start / stop a talk forwarding function that enables a user to communicate with the subject of the test. The user interface 15 can prohibit additional user input in response to the activation of the talk forwarding function.

[0170] The user interface 15 may present / display one of a plurality of user interface layouts on the touch-sensitive screen 14. Each user interface layout presents / displays parameters that can be selected by the user, wherein these parameters are related to the type of hearing test selected by the user. In other words, when the user selects a specific type of hearing test, a user interface layout specially designed for the selected test is presented, and a plurality of parameters and objects related to the selected test are displayed, such as allowing the user to enable / disable parameters and / or adjust the size of the parameters.

[0171] Figure 3 A side view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application is shown.The control device (or keyboard) is in a stationary position, for example on a table.

[0172] For Figure 1 and 2 Similar features shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0173] exist Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the dial 12 is shown as seen from the side. The dial 12 is shown to include a rotatable portion 13 disposed on top of a tower 26.

[0174] The tower 26 of the dial 12 may have a lower flat surface 27 that contacts a surface such as a table when the control device (or keyboard) 4 is placed on the surface, thereby supporting the stability of the control device (or keyboard) 4. It is shown that the two sides of the tower 26 can have a truncated cone shape, and other shapes such as tubular, elliptical or many angular shapes are also foreseeable. Thus, it is shown that the tower 26 can have a front surface portion 28 that is inclined at a smaller angle relative to the lower flat surface 27 than the rear surface portion 29. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the dial (i.e., the tower 26 and the rotatable portion 13) is tilted away from the touch-sensitive screen 14. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the dial 12 (see FIG. 1 ) is oriented in a direction opposite to the longitudinal axis of the dial 12. Figure 6 ) has an angle relative to the normal to the surface 30 on which the control device (or keyboard) 4 is located.

[0175] Thus, the dial 12 is angled toward the user and away from the touch-sensitive screen 14, which facilitates the ergonomic position of the user's hand.

[0176] Figure 4 An exemplary block diagram of a control device (or keyboard) according to the present application is shown. Lines indicate connection / communication lines between elements in the block diagram.

[0177] The control device (or keyboard) may include a mainboard 31 including a processor 32 and a memory 33 for storing parameters.

[0178] The control device (or keyboard) may also include a power controller 34 connected to a battery 35 and a power source 36, for example via a USB cable.

[0179] The control device (or keyboard) may further comprise a communication module 37 for establishing a (wireless or wired) communication link between the control device (or keyboard) and at least one auxiliary device, wherein the communication link enables information and / or data to be transmitted to the auxiliary device and / or to be received from the auxiliary device.

[0180] Each of the first dial 12A and the second dial 12B may include at least one button 38 and a rotatable portion 13. The at least one button 38 and the rotatable portion 13 together with the encoder filter 39 and the button logic and debounce 40 form part of a second user input unit for providing a second input signal to the processor 32.

[0181] The touch-sensitive screen 14 may include a portion forming a first user input unit for providing a first input signal in response to receiving a touch input from a user.

[0182] The touch-sensitive screen 14 may further comprise a display element 42 forming part of a user output unit configured to provide an output on the display element 42 of the touch-sensitive screen 14 in response to receiving an output signal from the processor 32 .

[0183] Figure 5 A perspective view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application is shown.The control device (or keyboard) is in a stationary position, for example on a table.

[0184] For Figure 1-4 Similar features shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0185] Figure 6 A rear view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application is shown.The control device (or keyboard) is in a stationary position, for example on a table.

[0186] For Figure 1-5 Similar features shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0187] exist Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , the longitudinal axes A1 , A2 of the two dials 12 are shown. In each case, the longitudinal axes A1 , A2 are arranged at an angle relative to the normal to the surface 30 on which the control device (or keyboard) 4 is placed. Thus, the dials 12 are angled away from the touch-sensitive screen 14 .

[0188] The structural features of the apparatus described above, described in detail in the "Detailed Description of the Invention" and defined in the claims may be combined with the steps of the method of the present invention when appropriately replaced by corresponding processes.

[0189] Unless expressly stated, the singular forms "one", "the" used herein include the plural form (i.e., have the meaning of "at least one"). It should be further understood that the terms "having", "including" and / or "comprising" used in the specification indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. It should be understood that, unless expressly stated, when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate intervening element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more listed related items. Unless expressly stated, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed.

[0190] It should be appreciated that reference to "an embodiment" or "embodiment" or "aspect" or features that "may" include in this specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the specific features, structures or characteristics may be appropriately combined in one or more embodiments of the present invention. The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement the various aspects described herein. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0191] The claims are not limited to the various aspects shown herein, but rather have the full scope consistent with the claim language wherein, unless expressly stated otherwise, elements referred to in the singular do not mean "one and only one" but rather "one or more." Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "some" means one or more.

Claims

1. A control device, comprising: case; and at least one dial including a rotatable portion; wherein the housing comprises a touch-sensitive screen, the touch-sensitive screen comprising a first user input unit and a user output unit forming part of a user interface presented thereon, the first user input unit being configured to receive a touch input from a user and provide a corresponding first input signal, the user output unit being configured to provide an output on the touch-sensitive screen based on the output signal; wherein the at least one dial comprises a second user input unit, the dial being configured to control the magnitude and / or size and / or intensity of one or more hearing parameters of the hearing test via the rotatable portion, the second user input unit being configured to provide a second input signal in response to a user rotating the rotatable portion; wherein the control device further comprises a communication module for establishing a communication link between the control device and at least one auxiliary device, wherein the communication link enables information and / or data to be transmitted to the auxiliary device and / or received from the auxiliary device; and The user interface is configured to provide one of a plurality of user interface layouts presentable on the touch-sensitive screen, wherein the user interface is configured to adaptively adjust / modify the provided user interface layout in response to the first input signal and / or the second input signal.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The auxiliary device is a hearing test device or a computing device connected to a hearing test device.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the user interface layouts displays an option for selecting one of a plurality of hearing test types and a corresponding user interface layout.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the user interface layouts is configured to present options, each option representing a parameter selectable by a user, wherein the options are related to a hearing test type selected by the user.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein: The parameters include ear selection, transducer selection, stimulation type, frequency level, and / or channel selection.

6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control device is configured to transmit information and / or data to the auxiliary device via the communication link in response to a user providing input to the first user input element.

7. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one dial is disposed at the outer edge of the housing and at least partially protrudes from the outer edge.

8. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The rotatable portion of at least one dial is arranged at an angle relative to the plane of the touch-sensitive screen.

9. The control device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The dial includes at least one button, wherein the at least one button is dedicated to operating a predetermined function of the hearing test type.

10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein: A button is configured to operate a save function for saving current parameter settings, and / or a button is configured to operate an activation / deactivation of a speech forwarding function that enables a user to communicate with an examination subject, wherein the user interface is prohibited from user input in response to activation of the speech forwarding function.

11. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one rotatable portion is configured to provide feedback to a user in response to the user rotating the rotatable portion.

12. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control device includes two dials, each dial being configured to operate one channel of the hearing test device.

13. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The communication link is a wireless communication link.

14. A system comprising: A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and Hearing testing equipment; Therein, the system is configured to establish a communication link between the control device and the hearing test equipment, wherein the communication link enables information and / or data to be transmitted between the control device and the hearing test equipment.

15. Methods for performing one or more types of hearing tests, including: Providing a control device including a housing and at least one dial; providing a first user input unit and a user output unit forming part of a user interface presented on a touch sensitive screen of the housing; receiving a touch input from a user via a first user input unit and providing a corresponding first input signal; providing an output on the touch-sensitive screen via a user output unit based on the output signal; providing a second user input unit on the at least one dial; Controlling the magnitude and / or size and / or intensity of one or more hearing parameters of the hearing test via the rotatable portion of at least one dial; providing a second input signal in response to a user rotating the rotatable portion; transmitting information and / or data to the auxiliary device via the communication link, and / or receiving information and / or data from the auxiliary device via the communication link; providing one of a plurality of user interface layouts on the touch-sensitive screen; and The provided user interface layout is adaptively adjusted / modified in response to the first and / or second input signal.

16. A computer program product comprising instructions, when the computer program is run by the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or the system according to claim 14, the control device or the system performs the method according to claim 15.

17. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a control device comprising a touch-sensitive screen, a processor for receiving a first input signal from a first user input unit and a second input signal from a second user input unit, and a communication module, cause the control device to function as a control device for an auxiliary device, wherein the instructions cause the control device to: converting at least first and second input signals into information and / or data; sending information and / or data to the auxiliary device, the information and / or data comprising at least first and second input signals, wherein the first and second input signals are interpreted by the auxiliary device as one of a plurality of possible commands in a provided user interface layout, wherein the auxiliary device is configured to interpret the first and second input signals in conjunction with the provided user interface layout to determine an appropriate command for the provided user interface layout, and to update the user interface layout in response to the appropriate command; receiving the appropriate command from the auxiliary device; and The provided user interface layout is adaptively adjusted / modified in response to the appropriate command.

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