Measurement device, measurement method, and program

Abstract

This measurement device (10) measures the hearing of a user by performing a binary tree search on the basis of a response of the user to a measurement sound. A hearing measurement device (10) in which a hearing measurement range is divided into a plurality of groups is provided with: a first search processing unit (11) that selects one group from among the plurality of groups as a selected group; and a second search processing unit (12) that identifies hearing by repeating the binary tree search in the selected group until convergence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a measuring device, a measuring method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] A technique is known in which a plurality of measurement sounds having different volume levels are output to headphones or the like, and the hearing ability of a user who is a subject of measurement is measured based on the user's responses.

[0003] As a related art, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an audio signal processing device including an audiometry unit that outputs a measurement sound and measures the hearing characteristics of a user. In the device, the audiometry unit prompts the user with sounds at various levels for each octave. The audiometry unit can, for example, use a binary tree search method to determine the level of the sound to be prompted. The user presses a confirmation (OK) button of the operation unit only when the prompted sound can be heard. The audiometry unit determines the minimum value of the level at which the confirmation button is pressed among the prompted levels as the minimum audible level of the user. By setting it in this way, the audio signal processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can measure the hearing characteristics of the user based on the response from the user.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-213114. Summary of the invention

[0007] As in the above-mentioned technique, the hearing ability of the user is measured using a binary tree search method. Although the use of the binary tree search method allows for rapid processing, there is a problem that a correct measurement result cannot be obtained if the user gives an incorrect answer.

[0008] For example, in the example of Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the user mistakenly presses the confirmation button even though the measurement sound cannot be heard. In this case, since the sound signal processing device cannot correctly perform the binary tree search, it is sometimes impossible to obtain an appropriate measurement result. In particular, if the response to the measurement sound prompted for the first time among the measurement sounds prompted multiple times is wrong, the measurement result may be greatly different.

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a measurement device, a measurement method, and a program that can prevent a significant deviation in the measurement result in audiometry.

[0010] The measuring device according to the present embodiment measures the hearing of the user by performing a binary tree search based on the user's response to the measurement sound, and the measuring device includes:

[0011] a first search processing unit, wherein the hearing measurement range is divided into a plurality of groups, and the first search processing unit selects one group from the plurality of groups as a selected group; and

[0012] The second search processing unit repeatedly performs a binary tree search in the selection group until convergence to determine the hearing ability.

[0013] The measurement method according to the present embodiment measures the hearing of the user by performing a binary tree search based on the user's response to the measurement sound, and the measurement method includes:

[0014] In a first search processing step, the hearing measurement range is divided into a plurality of groups, and one group is selected from the plurality of groups as a selected group; and

[0015] In the second search processing step, a binary tree search is repeatedly performed in the selected group until convergence to determine the hearing.

[0016] The program according to the present embodiment causes a computer of a measurement device to execute a measurement method, wherein the measurement device measures the hearing of a user by performing a binary tree search based on a response of the user to a measurement sound, the measurement method comprising:

[0017] A first search processing step of dividing the hearing measurement range into a plurality of groups and selecting one group from the plurality of groups as a selected group; and

[0018] In the second search processing step, a binary tree search is repeatedly performed in the selected group until convergence to determine the hearing.

[0019] The measurement device, the measurement method, and the program according to the present embodiment can prevent significant deviations in the measurement results in audiometry. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the measuring device involved in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a display screen output to an input / output unit according to the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a first binary tree according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a second binary tree according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the measurement process performed by the measurement device according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6is a diagram showing a binary tree used in the related art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. For the sake of clarity, repeated descriptions are omitted as needed.

[0027] (Explanation of the topic)

[0028] First, refer to Figure 6 The subject matter involved in the present disclosure will be described in detail. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a binary tree 500 used in the related art. Here, it is assumed that a measurement device 10a (not shown) measures the hearing of a user. The measurement device 10a stores the binary tree 500 in a storage device or the like included in the measurement device 10a, and searches the binary tree 500. Thus, the measurement device 10a performs a measurement process for measuring the hearing of the user.

[0029] It is assumed that the measuring device 10a includes a sound output unit 13 and an input-output unit 14, similarly to the measuring device 10 involved in the present embodiment described later. The sound output unit 13 is an output device that outputs the measuring sound. The sound output unit 13 is, for example, an earphone. In addition, the input-output unit 14 is an input-output device that receives an input of a response to the measuring sound from the user. The response to the measuring sound may be information indicating whether the measuring sound can be heard. The input-output unit 14 is, for example, a display with a touch panel that can be input by the user touching it with a finger or the like. In addition, in the following description, the measuring sound is sometimes referred to as "sound" for brevity.

[0030] like Figure 6 As shown, the binary tree 500 has nodes (sections) D11, D21, D22, ..., D99. The binary tree 500 is a binary tree structure for measuring the hearing of the user. In addition, there are also binary trees 500 on the left and right sides of the illustrated range, but they are not illustrated here.

[0031] exist Figure 6 In the example, each node is represented by a rectangular frame. In addition, the volume level of the measured sound corresponding to each node is shown in the frame. The unit of the volume level is dB. When the measuring device 10a reaches a certain node, it outputs the measured sound of the volume level corresponding to the node.

[0032] For example, the measuring device 10a starts the measuring process from the highest node D11, but the node D11 is associated with a volume level of -58 dB. Therefore, the measuring device 10a first outputs the measured sound with a volume level of -58 dB to the sound output unit 13.

[0033] like Figure 6As shown, the binary tree 500 is configured such that the nodes are branched when the measurement sound can be heard and when the measurement sound cannot be heard. Figure 6 In the figure, a solid arrow indicates a case where the measurement sound can be heard, and a dotted arrow indicates a case where the measurement sound cannot be heard.

[0034] The measuring device 10a outputs the measuring sound corresponding to each node, and repeatedly performs the binary tree search according to the user's response to the measuring sound. When reaching the node of the convergence point, the measuring device 10a ends the search. The measuring device 10a determines the user's hearing based on the volume level corresponding to the node of the convergence point. In this way, the measuring device 10a can measure the user's hearing.

[0035] Therefore, the measuring device 10a can measure the hearing of the user using the range in which the convergence point is set as the measuring range. The measuring range can correspond to the range of the volume that can be output by the sound output unit 13 (headphones), for example. The measuring range can be set using the maximum volume and the minimum volume of the volume that can be output by the sound output unit 13. Figure 6 In the figure, the maximum volume and the minimum volume that can be output by the sound output unit 13 are not shown because the left and right sides of the binary tree 500 are omitted. For example, in the binary tree 500, the maximum volume is set to -26dB and the minimum volume is set to -120dB. In this case, the measurement range is -120dB to -26dB. In addition, the measurement range can also be set to a range different from the range of the volume that can be output by the sound output unit 13. For example, the measurement range can also be set to a range smaller than the range of the volume that can be output by the sound output unit 13.

[0036] The following describes the process of measuring the hearing of a user using the binary tree 500 by the measuring device 10a. The measuring device 10a first outputs a -58 dB measurement sound corresponding to the top node D11 of the binary tree 500 to the sound output unit 13. The user inputs to the measuring device 10a via the input / output unit 14 whether or not the measurement sound output by the sound output unit 13 is heard. As described later, it is assumed that the input / output unit 14 displays a Figure 2 The display screen shown.

[0037] When the user determines that the measurement sound can be heard, the user operates the input / output unit 14 and presses the "hearable" button. When the user determines that the measurement sound cannot be heard, the user operates the input / output unit 14 and presses the "inaudible" button. Alternatively, when the user does not operate the input / output unit 14 within a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds), the measurement device 10a determines that the user cannot hear the measurement sound. In this way, the measurement device 10a receives a response from the user.

[0038] Here, it is assumed that the user responded that he can hear the measurement sound of node D11. The measuring device 10a enters node D21 from node D11 of the binary tree 500 and outputs a measurement sound of -90 dB. It is assumed that the user responded that he cannot hear the measurement sound. Based on the user's response, the measuring device 10a enters node D31 and outputs a measurement sound of -74 dB.

[0039] The measurement device 10a advances the search of the binary tree 500 by repeatedly performing such processing. For example, in the subsequent processing, it is assumed that the measurement device 10a performs a binary tree search in the order of nodes D41, D51, D61, and D71. The measurement device 10a obtains a volume level of -88 dB corresponding to the node D71 as a convergence point. The measurement device 10a determines the user's hearing based on the volume level of -88 dB.

[0040] The measurement device 10a according to the related art measures the hearing of the user through the measurement process described above. However, in the measurement using a binary tree such as the binary tree 500, if the user cannot correctly input the response to the measurement sound into the measurement device 10a, the measurement result may not be correctly obtained.

[0041] For example, the user may press the "can hear" button by mistake even though he cannot hear the measurement sound. In addition, the user may press the "cannot hear" button by mistake even though he can hear the measurement sound. In addition, the user may not press the "can hear" or "cannot hear" button correctly even though he intends to press it. In addition, in addition to such pressing errors, it is also conceivable that the user may mistakenly recognize that the measurement sound that is actually inaudible is audible due to the influence of surrounding sounds, etc.

[0042] When such a button is pressed incorrectly or the measurement sound is misheard, the user gives an incorrect response to the measurement device 10a. In such a case, the measurement device 10a cannot perform the hearing test with high accuracy. In particular, when such an incorrect response is given in the early stage of the binary tree search, the measurement result may be greatly different.

[0043] For example, in the above example, it is assumed that the user can hear the measurement sound at the node D11, but the user presses the "cannot hear" button. In this case, the measuring device 10a should correctly proceed to the node D21, but according to the user's wrong answer, it proceeds to the node D22 and performs subsequent processing. In the node D21 and the node D22, the range of the convergence point located at the lower position is different. Therefore, the measuring device 10a cannot accurately measure the hearing of the user. The measuring device 10 involved in the present disclosure copes with such a problem.

[0044] (Structure of the measuring device 10)

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 1 , the measuring device 10 involved in this embodiment is described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the measuring device 10. Figure 1 As shown, the measuring device 10 includes a first search processing unit 11, a second search processing unit 12, a sound output unit 13, and an input / output unit 14. The basic flow of the binary tree search is the same in the processing involved in this embodiment. Therefore, repeated descriptions are sometimes appropriately omitted below.

[0046] The measuring device 10 is a device for measuring the hearing of the user by performing a binary tree search based on the user's response to the measurement sound. Specifically, the measuring device 10 outputs a plurality of measurement sounds with different volume levels according to a predetermined binary tree. The measuring device 10 obtains the user's response to each measurement sound and performs a binary tree search based on the content of the response. The content of the response can be represented by "can hear" or "cannot hear" as in the above example.

[0047] The measuring device 10 can be used in various devices that measure the hearing of the user. For example, the measuring device 10 can be used in a sound receiving device that receives sound from a TV, DVD, etc. and adjusts the volume of the output sound according to the hearing of the user. The hearing of the user is measured by the measuring device 10, and the result can be reflected in the volume adjustment. Not limited to this, the measuring device 10 can also be used in a communication device, etc. In addition, the measuring device 10 can also be used only in a hearing test for measuring hearing.

[0048] The measuring device 10 may or may not be implemented using a dedicated device. The measuring device 10 may be configured using, for example, a smartphone, a mobile phone terminal, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), etc. In this embodiment, an example in which the measuring device 10 is implemented in an information terminal such as a smartphone is used for explanation. The measuring device 10 may also be implemented as the measuring device 10 by installing a predetermined application in the terminal, etc.

[0049] The measuring device 10 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device as a structure not shown in the figure. A computer program for the processing involved in this embodiment is stored in the storage device. The processor can read the computer program from the storage device into the memory and execute the computer program. Thus, the processor realizes the functions of the first search processing unit 11, the second search processing unit 12, the sound output unit 13, and the input and output unit 14.

[0050] Alternatively, the first search processing unit 11, the second search processing unit 12, the sound output unit 13, and the input-output unit 14 may also be implemented by dedicated hardware, respectively. In addition, part or all of the components of each device may also be implemented by general or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or a combination thereof. They may be composed of a single chip or a plurality of chips connected via a bus. Part or all of the components of each device may also be implemented by a combination of the above-mentioned circuits, etc. and programs. In addition, as a processor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), a quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc. may be used.

[0051] In addition, when part or all of the components of the measuring device 10 are implemented by multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be centrally configured or distributed. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be implemented in a client server system, a cloud computing system, etc., each connected via a communication network. In addition, the functions of the measuring device 10 may be provided in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0052] Here, refer to Figure 2 , an overview of the processing performed by the measuring device 10 is described. Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen output to the input / output unit 14. The input / output unit 14 displays a selection display area for receiving input from a user on the screen. Figure 2 As shown, the selection display area may be a button indicating characters "can hear" or "cannot hear". Not limited to this, the selection display area may be set in any manner as long as it can accept the user's response to the output measurement sound. For example, the selection display area may also be composed of an "OK" button and a "Cancel (NG)" button.

[0053] In addition, as shown in the figure, the input / output unit 14 displays various messages related to the measurement on the screen. The user can proceed with the measurement process according to the process performed by the measurement device 10 by visually recognizing the screen of the input / output unit 14.

[0054] The measuring device 10 outputs the measured sound according to a predetermined binary tree. As described later, a volume level indicating the volume of the measured sound is associated with each node of the binary tree. When the user can hear the sound from the sound output unit 13, he presses the "can hear" button, and when the user cannot hear the sound, he presses the "cannot hear" button. Thus, the user responds to the measuring device 10 that he can hear or cannot hear the measured sound.

[0055] Alternatively, the input / output unit 14 may display only the "can hear" button and not accept input from the user if the user cannot hear the sound. In this case, the measurement device 10 determines that the user cannot hear the sound if the "can hear" button is not pressed for a predetermined time after outputting the measurement sound.

[0056] When receiving the user's response, the measurement device 10 outputs the next measurement sound from the sound output unit 13 according to the binary tree. In response, the user responds as described above whether the measurement sound can be heard. The measurement device 10 repeats such processing until the convergence point where the binary tree converges. When the convergence point is reached, the measurement device 10 determines the user's hearing based on the volume level at the convergence point.

[0057] By performing such processing, the measuring device 10 measures the hearing of the user within a specified measurement range. The specified measurement range can be fixed or appropriately changed. The measurement range can correspond to, for example, the range of volume that can be output by the sound output unit 13 (headphones, etc.). The measurement range can be set using the largest maximum volume and the smallest minimum volume among the volumes that can be output by the sound output unit 13. In addition, the measurement range can also be set to a range different from the range of the volume that can be output by the sound output unit 13. For example, the measurement range can also be set to a range smaller than the range of the volume that can be output by the sound output unit 13.

[0058] return Figure 1 , each structure of the measuring device 10 is described in detail. Figure 6 Unlike the related technology described above, in this embodiment, the hearing measurement range is divided into a plurality of groups. The first search processing unit 11 performs a first search process to select one group from the plurality of groups as a selected group based on the user's response. The selected group selected by the first search processing unit 11 is used in the second search process.

[0059] Reference Figure 3 , the first binary tree 100 used in the first search process is described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the first binary tree 100. Figure 4 Provide explanation. Figure 42 is a diagram showing a second binary tree 200 used in the second search process. The first binary tree 100 and the second binary tree 200 may be stored in advance in a storage device (not shown).

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the first binary tree 100 has nodes X11, X21, X22, ..., X34. Each node is associated with the volume level of the measurement sound output from the measurement device 10. For example, the volume level of the top node X11 is -52 dB.

[0061] The first binary tree 100 is set so that the volume level of the measurement sound decreases from the upper node to the lower node. Therefore, the first search processing unit 11 outputs the measurement sound with a smaller volume level as the first binary tree 100 becomes deeper. As a result, the user can perform the hearing test without feeling uncomfortable.

[0062] The first binary tree 100 has a number of nodes corresponding to the number of division points that divide the hearing measurement range. Here, the measurement range may represent the maximum level to the minimum level of hearing that the measurement device 10 is the measurement object. Figure 4 The convergence point of the second binary tree 200 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to the range where the convergence point exists. In the second binary tree 200, the maximum volume Vmax and the minimum volume Vmin are used to set the measurement range. Vmax corresponds to the node C48, and its volume level is -36dB. In addition, Vmin corresponds to the node A41, and its volume level is -82dB. Therefore, the measurement range is -82dB to -36dB.

[0063] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2 , the measurement range shown in the second binary tree 200 is divided into three groups. The number of division points for dividing the measurement range is 2. Figure 3 As shown, the first binary tree 100 has three nodes X11, X21, and X22 corresponding to the number of segmentation points. For example, when the number of segmentation points is greater than 3, the first binary tree 100 may also have nodes below the nodes X21 and X22. That is, the greater the number of segmentation points, the greater the depth of the first binary tree 100. Multiple groups represent Figure 4 The binary trees A to C are shown. The binary trees A to C will be described in detail later.

[0064] In addition, each of the plurality of nodes of the first binary tree 100 is associated with a volume level that is a boundary value in the second binary tree 200. Here, the boundary value indicates a volume level corresponding to a boundary node located at a boundary of a group in the second binary tree 200. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , nodes B48 and A48 indicated by shadows are used as boundary nodes.

[0065] The volume levels of the nodes B48 and A48 as boundary nodes are set to the first volume level and the second volume level, respectively. The first volume level is -52 dB corresponding to the node B48, and the second volume level is -68 dB corresponding to the node A48.

[0066] The first binary tree 100 has nodes corresponding to the first and second volume levels. Specifically, in the first binary tree 100, node X11 corresponds to -52dB as the first volume level. In addition, nodes X21 and X22 are both corresponding to the volume level of -68dB as the second volume level. Regardless of whether the user's answer at node X11 is "can hear" or "can't hear", the first search processing unit 11 outputs the measured sound of the same volume level at node X21 or X22. In addition, for example, when the number of split points is 3, the lower nodes of nodes X21 and X22 correspond to the measured sound of the third boundary value.

[0067] The first search process is specifically described using the first binary tree 100. First, the first search processing unit 11 outputs the measured sound of the first volume level (-52dB) at the top node X11. When there is a response from the user that the sound is heard, the first search processing unit 11 enters the node X21 and outputs the measured sound of the second volume level (-68dB). The first search processing unit 11 receives the user's response to the measured sound.

[0068] The first search processing unit 11 determines whether a contradiction occurs between the response to the measured sound of the first volume level and the response to the measured sound of the second volume level. If the first search processing unit 11 determines that a contradiction occurs, it determines that an error has occurred and performs error processing. If the first search processing unit 11 determines that no contradiction occurs, it continues searching according to the first binary tree 100.

[0069] In node X21, there is no contradiction in the content of the response, whether there is a response in which the user hears the sound or a response in which the user does not hear the sound. Therefore, if there is a response in which the user hears the sound, the first search processing unit 11 enters node X31 and selects binary tree A as the selection group. In addition, if there is a response in which the user does not hear the sound, the first search processing unit 11 enters node X32 and selects binary tree B as the selection group.

[0070] On the other hand, assuming that when the top node X11 outputs the measured sound at the first volume level, there is a response from the user that the sound cannot be heard. The first search processing unit 11 proceeds to the node X22 and outputs the measured sound at the second volume level. The first search processing unit 11 receives the response to the measured sound at the second volume level.

[0071] Here, it is assumed that there is a response from the user that a sound is heard. In this case, although the user responds that the sound of the first volume level is not heard, the response is that the sound of the second volume level whose volume is lower than the first volume level is heard. In this case, the user may mistake the response in the node X11 or the response in the node X22. Alternatively, the user may mistake the responses of both nodes X11 and X22.

[0072] Therefore, the first search processing unit 11 determines that there is a contradiction between the response to the measured sound of the first volume level and the response to the measured sound of the second volume level. The first search processing unit 11 proceeds to the next node X33 and performs error processing. Figure 3 In the figure, node X33 is indicated by shadow.

[0073] As an error processing, for example, the first search processing unit 11 regards the measurement result in the node X22 output later as correct, such as Figure 3 As shown, the binary tree A is selected as the selection group. Alternatively, as an error processing, the first search processing unit 11 may perform the first search processing again. In this case, the first search processing unit 11 returns to the node X11, outputs the measurement sound of the first volume level again, and receives the response to the measurement sound again. Thus, the user can give a correct response in the second measurement.

[0074] Furthermore, at node X22, when the user responds that the sound cannot be heard with respect to the second volume level measurement sound, the first search processing unit 11 determines that the response is not contradictory. The first search processing unit 11 proceeds to node X34 and selects the binary tree C as the selection group.

[0075] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example in which the number of division points for dividing the measurement range is 2 is used, but it is not limited to this. The number of division points may also be 3 or more. Therefore, the measurement range may also be divided into 4 or more groups. The first binary tree 100 may also be configured so that the depth increases as the number of division points increases. In this case, the first search processing unit 11 may also perform error processing by making a judgment using a prescribed judgment condition. For example, the first search processing unit 11 judges whether the user's answer is contradictory based on the response to the measurement sound at more than three volume levels. The first search processing unit 11 performs error processing based on the judgment result. The first search processing unit 11 selects a group from the second binary tree 200 by performing the first search processing again through error processing. The first search processing unit 11 may use various judgment conditions for error processing.

[0076] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first binary tree 100 is configured so that the volume level decreases as the volume level decreases from the upper node to the lower node, but is not limited thereto. For example, the volume level of the upper node may be less than the volume level of the lower node. In addition, when a binary tree with a greater depth than the first binary tree 100 in the present embodiment is used, there may also be a lower node corresponding to the same volume level as the upper node.

[0077] return Figure 1 The description continues. The second search processing unit 12 repeatedly performs the second search process for determining the hearing of the user using the second binary tree 200 until the binary tree search converges in the selection group. The selection group is any one of the binary trees A to C selected in the first search process. Similar to the first binary tree 100, the second binary tree 200 can be pre-stored in a storage device not shown.

[0078] Here, refer to Figure 4 The second binary tree 200 is further described. As described above, the second binary tree 200 corresponds to the measurement range set using the maximum volume Vmax and the minimum volume Vmin. In addition, the second binary tree 200 has binary trees A to C that divide the measurement range into three. Binary tree A has nodes A11 to A48, binary tree B has nodes B11 to B48, and binary tree C has nodes C11 to C48. The second search processing unit 12 uses the binary tree selected in the first search processing among the binary trees A to C to perform a binary tree search from the top node until the convergence point is reached.

[0079] The convergence point is represented by nodes A41, A42, ..., C48. As with other nodes, the volume level of the measured sound is associated with the convergence point. The second search processing unit 12 determines the user's hearing based on the volume level associated with the convergence point. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the convergence points are set at intervals of 2 dB, but the intervals of the convergence points are not limited thereto. The intervals of the convergence points may be set to be less than 2 dB or greater than 2 dB. In addition, the intervals of the convergence points may not be set at regular intervals.

[0080] In addition, the binary trees A to C have a volume range defined by an upper volume limit and a lower volume limit, respectively, and the volume ranges are set so as not to overlap with each other. For example, the binary tree A has a volume range defined by an upper volume limit Amax and a lower volume limit Amin. Amax is -68dB corresponding to the node A48. In addition, Amin is -82dB corresponding to the node A41. Therefore, the binary tree A has a volume range of -82dB to -68dB. As shown in nodes A41 to A48, the binary tree A has 8 convergence points at intervals of 2dB.

[0081] Binary trees B and C have the same structure as binary tree A. Binary tree B has nodes B48 and B41 corresponding to the upper volume limit Bmax and the lower volume limit Bmin. The upper volume limit Bmax and the lower volume limit Bmin are -52dB and -66dB, respectively. Therefore, binary tree B has a volume range of -66dB to -52dB. Similarly, binary tree C has nodes C48 and C41 corresponding to the upper volume limit Cmax and the lower volume limit Cmin. The upper volume limit Cmax and the lower volume limit Cmin are -36dB and -50dB, respectively. Therefore, binary tree C has a volume range of -50dB to -36dB.

[0082] In this way, the binary trees A to C are set so that their respective volume ranges do not overlap. By setting the volume ranges so that they do not overlap with other groups, the second search processing unit 12 can reduce the number of responses of the user involved in the second search process. Therefore, the second search processing unit 12 can efficiently perform the second search process. In addition, by reducing the number of responses, the burden on the user can be reduced. In addition, without limitation to this, multiple groups can also be set so that the volume ranges overlap.

[0083] return Figure 1 The description continues. The sound output unit 13 is a sound output device that outputs the measurement sound. The sound output unit 13 may be, for example, a listening device such as an earphone or a headphone. The sound output unit 13 may be configured to be able to communicate with the measurement device 10 by wire or wirelessly. The sound output unit 13 may be, for example, a wireless earphone connected to the measurement device 10 using a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (a registered trademark). In addition, the sound output unit 13 may be a left-right separated type earphone (fully wireless type) with independent left and right output units, or a left-right integrated earphone such as a neckband type with left and right output units connected.

[0084] In addition, since these are just examples, other sound output devices may be provided as the sound output unit 13. In addition, the sound output unit 13 may output sounds other than the measurement sound. For example, the sound output unit 13 may be configured to output sounds related to the measurement process.

[0085] The input-output unit 14 is an input-output device that receives input of a response to the measured sound from the user. The input-output unit 14 includes an input unit that receives input from the user and an output unit that outputs display information to the user. In the present embodiment, as an example of the input-output unit 14, a display with a touch panel that the user can touch with a finger or the like to perform input operations is used. Not limited to this, the input-output unit 14 may also be provided with an input unit and an output unit separately. For example, the input unit may be an input device such as a keyboard, and the output unit may be a display device such as a liquid crystal panel. Not limited to this, the input-output unit 14 may also be configured in various ways. For example, the input-output unit 14 may also be configured to be able to input the response content using the user's voice. The input unit may also be configured using physical buttons or touch sensors configured on headphones. In addition, the input unit may also be configured to be able to input through existing physical buttons in the display with a touch panel of the present embodiment.

[0086] The input / output unit 14 outputs information related to the measurement process and notifies the user. Figure 2 As shown, a message such as “If you can hear the sound, please click 'Yes'” is displayed. Thus, the input / output unit 14 prompts the user to respond to the measurement sound.

[0087] After outputting the measurement sound, the input / output unit 14 receives the user's response to the measurement sound. Figure 2 The input / output unit 14 may receive a response from the user when the "can hear" button or "cannot hear" button shown in the figure is pressed. Alternatively, the input / output unit 14 may regard that the user cannot hear the measurement sound when there is no response from the user for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) or more after the measurement sound is output. The input / output unit 14 may output the measurement sound again when it is determined that there is no response.

[0088] (Processing of the measuring device 10)

[0089] Next, refer to Figure 5 , the measurement process performed by the measurement device 10 of this embodiment is described. Figure 5 : is a flowchart showing the measurement process performed by the measurement device 10.

[0090] The measuring device 10 uses Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first binary tree 100 and the second binary tree 200 shown perform measurement processing. Specifically, the first search processing unit 11 performs a first search processing (S1 to S4) using the first binary tree 100. The second search processing unit 12 performs a second search processing (S5) using the second binary tree 200.

[0091] First, the first search processing unit 11 outputs the measurement sound from the sound output unit 13 (S1). The volume level of the measurement sound is determined according to the first binary tree 100. For example, at the start time of measurement, the first search processing unit 11 outputs the measurement sound of the volume level corresponding to the top node X11 of the first binary tree 100.

[0092] The user inputs a response indicating whether the user can hear the measurement sound to the measurement device 10 via the input / output unit 14. For example, if the user can hear the measurement sound, the user presses (clicks) a "can hear" button displayed on the screen of the input / output unit 14. If the user cannot hear the measurement sound, the user presses a "cannot hear" button displayed on the screen. The first search processing unit 11 receives the response from the user (S2).

[0093] The first search processing unit 11 determines whether the processing of steps S1 and S2 has reached a prescribed number of times (S3). The prescribed number of times is set according to the number of division points that divide the hearing measurement range. Here, the number of division points is 2, so the prescribed number of times is 2. In the case of more division points, the prescribed number of times can be set to a larger number. In the case that the processing of steps S1 and S2 has not reached the prescribed number of times (No in S3), the process returns to step S1. The first search processing unit 11 repeatedly performs the processing of steps S1 and S2 until the prescribed number of times is reached.

[0094] For example, the first search processing unit 11 receives a response from the user after outputting a measurement sound of -52 dB corresponding to the node X11 of the first binary tree 100. The first search processing unit 11 enters the node X21 or X22 according to the response content. The first search processing unit 11 outputs a measurement sound of -68 dB corresponding to the node X21 or X22, and receives a response from the user. Thus, the processing of steps S1 and S2 reaches the specified number of times.

[0095] When the predetermined number of times is reached (Yes in S3), the first search processing unit 11 selects a group according to the user's answer result (S4). The first search processing unit 11 determines whether there is a contradiction in the answer content, and selects a group according to the judgment result. When the first search processing unit 11 determines that there is a contradiction, it determines that an error has occurred and performs error processing. In addition, when the first search processing unit 11 determines that there is no contradiction, it selects a binary tree according to the first binary tree 100.

[0096] For example, suppose that the user responds at node X22 that he can hear the measurement sound. In this case, the response in node X11 conflicts with the response in node X22. In this case, the first search processing unit 11 enters node X33 and performs error processing. As an error processing, the first search processing unit 11 regards the measurement result in node X22 output later as correct and selects binary tree A. Alternatively, as an error processing, the first search processing unit 11 may perform the first search processing again. In this case, the first search processing unit 11 returns to node X11 and outputs a measurement sound of -52dB again, and accepts a response to the measurement sound again. In this way, the first search processing unit 11 selects a binary tree from binary trees A to C.

[0097] Next, the second search processing unit 12 repeatedly performs binary tree search in the selected group until convergence to determine the user's hearing (S5). Specifically, the second search processing unit 12 uses the second binary tree 200 to perform a binary tree search. The second search processing unit 12 searches the binary tree selected from the binary trees A to C until convergence. The second search processing unit 12 determines the user's hearing based on the volume level corresponding to the node of the convergence point. Thus, the measurement of the user's hearing is completed. The measuring device 10 can also output the measurement result using the sound output unit 13 or the input and output unit 14. In addition, the measuring device 10 can also change the frequency of the measurement sound and start the measurement process again. In addition, the measuring device 10 can start the measurement process for the ear on the opposite side of the measured ear.

[0098] As described above, in the measurement device 10 according to the present embodiment, the hearing of the user is measured by performing a binary tree search using the first binary tree 100 and the second binary tree 200. In the second binary tree 200, the hearing measurement range is divided into a plurality of groups, and the first search processing unit 11 selects one group from the plurality of groups as a selected group. In addition, the second search processing unit 12 repeats the binary tree search in the selected group until convergence, thereby determining the hearing of the user.

[0099] With such a configuration, the measurement device 10 according to the present embodiment can prevent significant deviations in measurement results caused by mishearing or erroneous button pressing by the user during audiometry.

[0100] (Hardware Configuration Example)

[0101] Each functional component of the above-mentioned measuring device 10 can be realized by hardware that realizes each functional component (for example, a hard-wired electronic circuit, etc.), or by a combination of hardware and software (for example, a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls the electronic circuit, etc.). For example, the present disclosure can also realize arbitrary processing by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a computer program.

[0102] The program includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments when read into the computer. The program may also be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, a non-transitory computer readable medium or a tangible storage medium includes a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, a CD-ROM, a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc or other optical disc storage, a cassette, a tape, a disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may be sent on various types of transitory computer readable media or communication media. By way of example and not limitation, a transitory computer readable medium or communication medium includes a propagation signal in electrical, optical, acoustic or other form.

[0103] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within a scope not departing from the gist.

[0104] This disclosure contributes to the realization of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of "health and well-being for all", including matters that contribute to value creation based on health products and services.

[0105] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2022-112550, filed on July 13, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0106] Industrial Applicability

[0107] The present disclosure can be utilized in a measurement device or the like used for audiometry.

[0108] Explanation of symbols

[0109] 10.10a Measurement device

[0110] 11First search processing unit

[0111] 12 Second search processing unit

[0112] 13 Sound output unit

[0113] 14 Input and output unit

[0114] 100 First Binary Tree

[0115] 200 Second Binary Tree

[0116] 500 Binary Tree

[0117] A~C binary tree

[0118] A11~A48 nodes (sections)

[0119] Nodes B11 to B48

[0120] C11~C48 nodes

[0121] D11~D99 nodes

[0122] X11~X34 nodes

[0123] Amax, Bmax, Cmax upper limit volume

[0124] Amin, Bmin, Cmin lower volume limit

[0125] Vmax Maximum volume

[0126] Vmin minimum volume.

Claims

1. A measuring device for measuring the hearing of a user by performing a binary tree search based on a user's response to a measuring sound, the measuring device comprising: a first search processing unit, wherein the hearing measurement range is divided into a plurality of groups, and the first search processing unit selects one group from the plurality of groups as a selected group; as well as The second search processing unit repeatedly performs a binary tree search in the selection group until convergence to determine the hearing ability.

2. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein The first search processing unit selects the selection group by searching a binary tree having a number of nodes corresponding to the number of division points dividing the measurement range.

3. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first search processing unit selects the selection group by searching a binary tree configured such that the volume level of the measurement sound decreases from an upper node toward a lower node.

4. The measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of groups each have a volume range defined by an upper volume limit and a lower volume limit, and the volume ranges are set so as not to overlap with each other.

5. The measuring device according to claim 3, wherein: The first search processing unit determines whether a conflict occurs between the response to the measurement sound of the upper node and the response to the measurement sound of the lower node, and if it is determined that a conflict occurs, determines that an error has occurred, and performs error processing.

6. The measuring device according to claim 5, wherein: As the error processing, the first search processing unit regards the measurement result in the lower node as correct, and selects the selection group having a small volume level branched from the lower node.

7. A method for measuring hearing of a user by performing a binary tree search based on a user's response to a measurement sound, the method comprising: In a first search processing step, the hearing measurement range is divided into a plurality of groups, and one group is selected from the plurality of groups as a selected group; and In the second search processing step, a binary tree search is repeatedly performed in the selected group until convergence to determine the hearing.

8. A program for causing a computer of a measuring device to execute a measuring method, wherein the measuring device performs a binary tree search based on a user's response to a measurement sound to measure the hearing of the user, the measuring method comprising: A first search processing step of dividing the hearing measurement range into a plurality of groups and selecting one group from the plurality of groups as a selected group; and In the second search processing step, a binary tree search is repeatedly performed in the selected group until convergence to determine the hearing.

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