Hearing device and method for providing broadcast audio stream

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for providing a broadcast audio stream using a hearing device configured to be worn at a user's ear and an auxiliary device. The method includes scanning advertisements and associated audio stream protocols of available broadcast audio streams by the hearing device, thereby obtaining broadcast information including data about the available broadcast audio streams; sending the broadcast information to the auxiliary device by the hearing device; presenting a list of available broadcast audio streams to the user by the auxiliary device, and waiting for the user to select a broadcast audio stream; sending user selection information including data about the broadcast audio stream selected by the user from the auxiliary device to the hearing device; and providing the broadcast audio stream selected by the user by the hearing device. A hearing device configured to be worn at a user's ear, and an auxiliary device are also disclosed. The hearing device includes a wireless communication unit configured to scan advertisements and associated audio stream protocols of available broadcast audio streams, thereby obtaining broadcast information including data about the available broadcast audio streams. The hearing device is configured to send the broadcast information to the auxiliary device, receive the user selection information including data about the broadcast audio stream selected by the user from the auxiliary device, and provide the playback audio stream selected by the user to the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of providing a broadcast audio stream, and a hearing device comprising a wireless communication unit configured to scan for advertisements of available broadcast audio streams and associated audio stream protocols. Background Art

[0002] The advent of digital technology has revolutionized the way we consume audio content. From music to podcasts, the demand for high-quality audio streaming services has grown exponentially. At the same time, assistive listening technologies for the hearing-impaired aim to improve the ability of people with hearing loss to participate, move, and orient themselves roughly in an acoustic environment. This has led to the development of various devices and methods to facilitate the delivery of audio content to end users.

[0003] A broadcast audio stream is an audio stream provided by a broadcast device as a wireless signal. The audio stream is provided using a broadcast standard, which means that it does not require pairing between the broadcast device and the receiving device. The technology of broadcast audio streaming is therefore envisioned to allow hearing device users to select an audio stream to listen to without the need to go through a laborious pairing process with each broadcast device.

[0004] There is therefore a need for an improved method of providing a broadcast audio stream using a hearing device configured to be worn at an ear of a user.

[0005] Another object is to provide an improved hearing device. Summary of the invention

[0006] In a first aspect, a method of providing a broadcast audio stream is provided, and in a second aspect, a hearing device is provided, comprising a wireless communication unit configured to scan for advertisements of available broadcast audio streams and associated audio stream protocols. In these aspects, terms and features are related to terms and features having the same names in the other aspects, and thus the description and explanation of terms and features given in one aspect apply to the other aspects.

[0007] In a first aspect, a method for providing a broadcast audio stream using a hearing device configured to be worn at an ear of a user and an auxiliary device is disclosed. The method includes scanning advertisements and associated audio stream protocols of available broadcast audio streams, and thereby obtaining broadcast information including data about the available broadcast audio streams. The method also includes sending the broadcast information to the auxiliary device. The method also includes presenting, by the auxiliary device, the available broadcast audio streams to the user based on the received broadcast information, and waiting for the user to select the broadcast audio stream. The method also includes sending user selection information from the auxiliary device to the hearing device, the user selection information including data about the broadcast audio stream selected by the user. The method also includes providing, by the hearing device, the broadcast audio stream selected by the user. Scanning for advertisements and transmission of the broadcast information are performed by the hearing device.

[0008] In a second aspect, a hearing device for wearing at an ear of a user is disclosed. The hearing device comprises a wireless communication unit, the wireless communication unit being configured to scan advertisements of available broadcast audio streams and associated audio stream protocols, and thereby obtain broadcast information comprising data about the available broadcast audio streams. The hearing device is configured to send the broadcast information to an auxiliary device. The hearing device is further configured to receive user selection information from the auxiliary device, the user selection information comprising data about the broadcast audio stream selected by the user. The hearing device is further configured to provide the broadcast audio stream selected by the user to the user.

[0009] A broadcast audio stream is an audio stream provided by a broadcast device as a wireless signal. The audio stream is provided using a broadcast standard, which means that it does not require pairing between the broadcast device and the receiving device. For example, some versions of Bluetooth LE audio sharing allow multi-stream and broadcast audio features, and these features are called Auracast. Therefore, in some embodiments, the associated audio stream protocol is a Bluetooth audio stream protocol, such as Bluetooth LE audio. The broadcast audio stream can be encrypted, so that security steps may be required, such as entering a password, so that the receiving device can provide the audio stream to its user. In the case of an unencrypted broadcast audio stream, any device configured to receive the audio stream can listen. Whether the audio stream is encrypted or unencrypted, the broadcast device can transmit the audio signal without knowing how many receiving devices (if any) are listening to the broadcast. The broadcast device announces the availability of the audio stream and the audio stream protocol used for the broadcast, that is, the audio stream protocol associated with the audio stream. The advertisement provides the receiving device with transmission data, such as the name, content, configuration, etc. of the audio stream. Therefore, the broadcast device transmits advertisements for each audio stream provided by it as well as the audio stream. The broadcast audio stream can include left and right stereo audio streams. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figures 1 to 4 A flowchart showing a method of providing a broadcast audio stream according to some embodiments is shown.

[0012] Figure 5A shows an in-ear hearing device positioned in the ear canal of a user,

[0013] Figure 5B shows a behind-the-ear hearing device positioned at the ear of a user,

[0014] Figure 6 schematically illustrates an in-ear hearing device according to some embodiments,

[0015] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a behind-the-ear hearing device according to some embodiments, and

[0016] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B A swim lane diagram illustrating a method of providing a broadcast audio stream according to some embodiments.

[0017] Reference numerals list

[0018] 1In-ear hearing devices

[0019] 2BTE Hearing Devices

[0020] 3 Sidewall

[0021] 5 Panels

[0022] 7 Panel Surface

[0023] 9Inner ear part

[0024] 11Electronic devices

[0025] 13 Receiver

[0026] 15 Batteries

[0027] 17 Behind the ear

[0028] 19BTE The in-ear part of the hearing device

[0029] 21 Shell

[0030] 23 Flexible Arm

[0031] 30 Broadcasting Device

[0032] 32 auxiliary devices

[0033] 100 Start

[0034] 105 Scan Request

[0035] 110 Determine the activity process

[0036] 115 Stop / pause the activity process

[0037] 120 Scan Ads

[0038] 125 Transmit broadcast information

[0039] 130 Recovery process

[0040] 135 Presenting available broadcast audio streams to the user

[0041] 140 Waiting for user selection

[0042] 145 Transmit User Selection

[0043] 150 Provide broadcast audio stream to users

[0044] 160 End

[0045] EC ear canal

[0046] P auricle

[0047] T Tympanic membrane DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In the following various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method of providing a broadcast audio stream using a hearing device configured to be worn at a user's ear and an auxiliary device, and the hearing device includes a wireless communication unit configured to scan for advertisements of available broadcast audio streams and associated audio stream protocols described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity, and therefore only show details that are essential to understanding the present invention, while other details are omitted. The elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but may primarily illustrate relative positions, orientations, and functions. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Therefore, like elements are not necessarily described in detail with respect to each figure.

[0049] The hearing device scans for advertisements and provides the broadcast information to an auxiliary device (e.g., a smartphone, etc.). The auxiliary device may be a smartphone, a smart watch, a tablet, a computer, etc. The communication between the hearing device and the auxiliary device may be implemented by any of various known communication protocols. For example, the user selection information may be transmitted via any of various known communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC. These are common wireless communication technologies that may facilitate the transmission of information between the auxiliary device and the hearing device.

[0050] The auxiliary device provides a user interface to enable the user to select a broadcast to listen to, and then provides data about the user-selected broadcast to the hearing device. When the hearing device receives the user selection information, it joins the selected broadcast and provides an audio stream to the user of the hearing device.

[0051] Advantageously, the auxiliary device does not need to have the capabilities and / or programming required to perform the advertisement scanning. Thus, the user of the hearing device may, for example, use a simpler auxiliary device. Furthermore, the hearing device does not need to be configured to present an overview of the available broadcast audio streams, for example via a user interface on the hearing device. Furthermore, the user of the hearing device and the user of the auxiliary device may be different; this allows the user of the auxiliary device to assist the user of the hearing device.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method further comprises the hearing device connecting with the auxiliary device via a wired and / or wireless connection, such as via a Bluetooth connection.

[0053] Presenting the available broadcast audio streams may be in text form, such as a list of some form, or using other forms of presentation information, such as graphics, audio, tactile, etc. The auxiliary device may present the available broadcast audio streams to the user as a list, such as a list provided in a GUI or a list read aloud.

[0054] In some embodiments, the connection between the hearing device and the auxiliary device is maintained during the scanning for advertisements.

[0055] In some embodiments, scanning for advertisements is performed for a scan duration, which is a limited period of time, such as a predetermined period of time and / or a period of time selected by the user. In some embodiments, the scan duration is set by the user actively interacting with the assistive device or hearing device, such as when the user actively requests a scan. For example, the duration can be set by the user pressing a physical or virtual button on the assistive device or hearing device. In a preferred embodiment, the duration is set by the user pressing a virtual button in an application on the assistive device. Thus, the user can set the intended duration of the scan.

[0056] In some embodiments, the step of scanning for advertisements further comprises the hearing device determining active processes running on the hearing device, and optionally, the hearing device further determining whether to stop or pause one or more active processes. The determination of active processes may be made before the scan is initiated, or may be made during the scan. In this way, the hearing device may pause or stop active processes, such as battery-requiring active processes, during the scan broadcast, for example to ensure that sufficient power is available to perform the scan, and / or to save battery power, and / or to free up resources such as memory. The paused process may be paused for the duration of the scan and automatically resumed at a time after the scan is completed, for example just after the scan is completed and / or at a set time after the scan is completed. In some embodiments, the step of scanning for advertisements further comprises the hearing device stopping or pausing any audio stream it provides when the scan for advertisements is initiated. In some embodiments, determining the active processes comprises determining battery-consumption data for one or more of the active processes, wherein the battery-consumption data may comprise one or more of the following: how much power the active processes consume and / or an estimate of the battery requirements for continued operation of the active processes. In some embodiments, the determination of whether to pause one or more active processes is based at least in part on the battery-consumption data. The determination of whether to pause one or more active processes may additionally or alternatively be based at least in part on available battery power.

[0057] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: sending a scan request from the auxiliary device to the hearing device, and the step of scanning for advertisements further comprises: initiating scanning in response to the scan request. In some embodiments, the scan request is sent in response to a user interaction, preferably an interaction with the auxiliary device, but the sending of the scan request may also be initiated by an interaction between the user and the hearing device. In some embodiments, scanning for advertisements is initiated in response to a user interaction, such as an interaction between the user and the hearing device or an interaction between the user and the auxiliary device. The user interaction may be, for example, pressing a button, flipping a switch, giving a voice command, etc.

[0058] In some embodiments, the hearing device is configured to scan for advertisements and associated audio stream protocols for available unencrypted broadcast audio streams. The hearing device may be configured to scan both encrypted broadcast audio streams and unencrypted broadcast audio streams. The hearing device and / or the auxiliary device may be configured to provide an interface for entering a password.

[0059] In some embodiments, the hearing device is configured to be worn by the user. The hearing device can be arranged at the user's ear, on the user's ear, above the user's ear, in the user's ear, in the user's ear canal, behind the user's ear and / or in the user's auricle, that is, the hearing device is configured to be worn in the user's ear, on the ear, above the ear and / or at the ear. The user can wear two hearing devices, one hearing device in each ear. The two hearing devices can be connected, such as wirelessly and / or by wires, such as a binaural hearing aid system.

[0060] The hearing device may be hearable, such as earphones, headphones, receivers, earbuds, hearing aids, personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices, hearing protection devices, universal hearing devices, custom hearing devices, or another head-wearable hearing device. The hearing device may include both prescription devices and over-the-counter devices.

[0061] Hearing devices may be embodied in a variety of housing styles or form factors. Some of these form factors are behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing devices, receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing devices, receiver-in-the-ear (RIE) hearing devices, or microphone-in-the-ear (MaRIE) hearing devices. These devices may include a BTE unit configured to be worn behind the ear of a user and an in-the-ear (ITE) unit configured to be partially or fully inserted into the ear canal of a user. In general, a BTE unit may include at least one input transducer, a power supply, and a processing unit. The term BTE hearing device refers to a hearing device in which a receiver, i.e., an output transducer, is included in the BTE unit and sound is directed to the ITE unit via an acoustic tube connecting the BTE and ITE units, while the terms RIE, RIC, and MaRIE hearing devices refer to hearing devices in which a receiver may be included in an ITE unit, which is coupled to the BTE unit via a connector cable or wire configured to transfer electrical signals between the BTE and ITE units.

[0062] Some of these form factors are in-the-ear (ITE) hearing devices, complete-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing devices, or invisible-in-the-ear (IIC) hearing devices. These hearing devices may include an ITE unit, wherein the ITE unit may include at least one input transducer, a power supply, a processing unit, and an output transducer. These form factors may be custom devices, meaning that the ITE unit may include a housing made of a hard material (such as a hard polymer or metal) or a soft material (such as a rubber-like polymer), molded to have an outer shape that conforms to the shape of a specific user's ear canal.

[0063] Some of these form factors are earplugs, on-ear headphones or over-ear headphones. Those skilled in the art are aware of different kinds of hearing devices and different options for arranging the hearing device in, on, over and / or at the ear of a hearing device wearer. A hearing device (or a pair of hearing devices) may be custom fit, standard fit, open fit and / or occluded fit.

[0064] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include one or more input transducers. The one or more input transducers may include one or more microphones. The one or more input transducers may include one or more vibration sensors configured to detect bone vibrations. The one or more input transducers may be configured to convert the acoustic signal into a first electrical input signal. The first electrical input signal may be an analog signal. The first electrical input signal may be a digital signal. The one or more input transducers may be coupled to one or more analog-to-digital converters configured to convert the analog first input signal into a digital first input signal.

[0065] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include one or more antennas configured for wireless communication. The one or more antennas may include an electrical antenna. The electrical antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a first frequency. The first frequency may be above 800 MHz, preferably a wavelength between 900 MHz and 6 GHz. The first frequency may be between 902 MHz and 928 MHz. The first frequency may be between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz. The first frequency may be between 5.725 GHz and 5.875 GHz. The one or more antennas may include a magnetic antenna. The magnetic antenna may include a magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may include a coil. The coil may be coiled around the magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a second frequency. The second frequency may be below 100 MHz. The second frequency may be between 9 MHz and 15 MHz.

[0066] The hearing device may include one or more wireless communication units. The one or more wireless communication units may include one or more wireless receivers, one or more wireless transmitters, one or more transmitter-receiver pairs and / or one or more transceivers. At least one of the one or more wireless communication units is configured to scan for advertisements and associated audio stream protocols of available broadcast audio streams. At least one of the one or more wireless communication units is configured to transmit broadcast information to the auxiliary device. At least one of the one or more wireless communication units is configured to receive the broadcast audio stream.

[0067] At least one of the one or more wireless communication units may be coupled to one or more antennas. The wireless communication unit may be configured to convert a wireless signal received by at least one of the one or more antennas into a second electrical input signal. The hearing device may be configured for wired / wireless audio communication, for example, enabling a user to listen to media, such as music or radio, and / or enabling a user to conduct a telephone conversation.

[0068] In an embodiment, the wireless signal may originate from one or more external sources and / or external devices, such as a spouse's microphone device, a wireless audio transmitter, a smart computer, and / or a distributed microphone array associated with a wireless transmitter. The wireless input signal may originate from another hearing device, for example, as part of a binaural hearing system, and / or from one or more accessory devices, such as a smartphone and / or a smartwatch.

[0069] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include a processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to process the first electrical input signal and / or the second electrical input signal. The processing may include compensating for the user's hearing loss, i.e. applying a frequency-dependent gain to the input signal according to the user's frequency-dependent hearing impairment. The processing may include performing feedback cancellation, beamforming, tinnitus reduction / shielding, noise reduction, noise cancellation, speech recognition, bass adjustment, treble adjustment and / or processing of user input. The processing unit may be a processor, an integrated circuit, an application, a functional module, etc. The processing unit may be implemented in a single signal processing chip or a printed circuit board (PCB). The processing unit may be configured to provide a first electrical output signal based on processing of the first electrical input signal and / or the second electrical input signal. The processing unit may be configured to provide a second electrical output signal. The second electrical output signal may be based on processing of the first electrical input signal and / or the second electrical input signal.

[0070] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include an output transducer. The output transducer may be coupled to a processing unit. The output transducer may be a receiver. Note that in this context, the receiver may be a loudspeaker and the wireless receiver may be a device configured to process wireless signals. The receiver may be configured to convert the first electrical output signal into an acoustic output signal. The output transducer may be coupled to the processing unit via a magnetic antenna. The output transducer may be included in an ITE unit or earpiece of the hearing device, such as a receiver in the ear (RIE) unit or a microphone and receiver in the ear (MaRIE) unit. One or more of the input transducers may be included in an ITE unit or earpiece.

[0071] In some embodiments, the wireless communication unit may be configured to convert the second electrical output signal into a wireless output signal. The wireless output signal may include synchronization data. At least one wireless communication unit may be configured to transmit the wireless output signal via at least one of the one or more antennas.

[0072] In some embodiments, the hearing device may comprise a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the first electrical output signal, the second electrical output signal and / or the wireless output signal into an analog signal.

[0073] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include a vent. The vent is a physical passage, such as a pipe or tube, which is primarily placed to provide pressure balance across a housing placed in the ear, such as an ITE hearing device, an ITE unit of a BTE hearing device, a CIC hearing device, a RIE hearing device, a RIC hearing device, a MaRIE hearing device, or a dome tip / ear mold. The vent can be a pressure vent with a small cross-sectional area, which is preferably acoustically sealed. The vent can be an acoustic vent configured to eliminate obstruction. The vent can be an active vent, which enables the vent to be opened or closed during use of the hearing device. The active vent may include a valve.

[0074] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include a power source. The power source may include a battery providing a first voltage. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a replaceable battery. The power source may include a power management unit. The power management unit may be configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage. The power source may include a charging coil. The charging coil may be provided by a magnetic antenna.

[0075] In some embodiments, the hearing device may include memory, including both volatile and non-volatile forms of memory.

[0076] The hearing device may be a hearing device as provided in the second aspect.

[0077] In some embodiments, the associated audio streaming protocol is a Bluetooth audio streaming protocol, such as Bluetooth LE audio. In some embodiments, the hearing device is further configured to pair with the auxiliary device, such as via Bluetooth pairing. In some embodiments, the hearing device is further configured to maintain the pairing between the hearing device and the auxiliary device during scanning for advertisements.

[0078] In some embodiments, the hearing device is further configured to perform scanning advertisements during time periods, such as during predetermined time periods and / or during time periods selected by the user. In some embodiments, the hearing device is further configured to perform scanning advertisements exclusively during durations requested by the auxiliary device, such as intermittently requesting scanning, or performing scanning during durations when the user is actively interacting with the hearing device.

[0079] In some embodiments, the hearing device is further configured to determine active processes running on the hearing device, and optionally, the hearing device is further configured to determine whether to pause one or more active processes. The determination of active processes may be made before the scan is initiated, or it may be made during the scan. In this way, the hearing device may pause or stop active processes, such as battery-requiring active processes, during the scan broadcast, for example to ensure that sufficient power is available to perform the scan, and / or to save battery power, and / or to free up resources such as memory. The paused processes may be paused for the duration of the scan and automatically resumed at a time after the scan is complete, for example just after the scan is complete and / or a set time after the scan is complete. In some embodiments, the hearing device is further configured to stop or pause any audio stream it provides when the scan advertisement is initiated. In some embodiments, the hearing device is further configured to determine battery-consumption data for one or more of the active processes, wherein the battery-consumption data may include one or more of the following: how much power the active process consumes and / or an estimate of the battery requirements for continued operation of the active process. In some embodiments, the determination of whether to pause one or more active processes is based at least in part on the battery-consumption data. The determination of whether to pause one or more active processes may be based at least in part on the available battery power.

[0080] In some embodiments, the hearing device is further configured to initiate scanning for advertisements in response to a scanning request from the auxiliary device and / or in response to a user interaction with the hearing device.

[0081] Figure 1 A flow chart of a method of providing a broadcast audio stream according to some embodiments is shown.

[0082] The method comprises scanning 120 available broadcast audio streams for advertisements and associated audio stream protocols and thereby obtaining broadcast information comprising data about the available broadcast audio streams, transmitting 125 the broadcast information to an auxiliary device, presenting 135 the available broadcast audio streams to a user by the auxiliary device based on the received broadcast information and waiting for a user to select a broadcast audio stream, transmitting 145 user selection information (which comprises data about the user-selected broadcast audio stream) from the auxiliary device to a hearing device, and providing 150 the user-selected broadcast audio stream by the hearing device, wherein scanning for advertisements and transmitting the broadcast information are performed by the hearing device.

[0083] The process starts in step 100 and ends in step 160 , where the selected broadcast audio stream is provided to the user of the hearing device.

[0084] In step 120, the hearing device scans for advertisements of available broadcast audio streams and the audio stream protocol associated with each broadcast audio stream. Scanning for advertisements may be performed during a scan duration, which is a limited period of time, such as a predetermined period of time and / or a user selected period of time.

[0085] In step 125, the hearing device sends the broadcast information obtained from the scan to an auxiliary device, such as a smartphone, smart watch, tablet computer, computer, etc. Such devices are commonly used and can provide a convenient interface for the user to select the desired audio stream, as discussed below. The hearing device can be as shown in Figures 5 to 6. Figure 7 Hearing devices shown.

[0086] In step 135, after receiving the broadcast information about the available broadcast audio streams, the auxiliary device presents the information to the user in an appropriate manner. For example, the auxiliary device may present a GUI to the user on which the available broadcast audio streams are listed or otherwise represented for the user to select. For example, the list may show the name of each broadcast audio stream, and possibly other information, such as whether a security step must be completed in order to listen to the broadcast.

[0087] In step 140, the auxiliary device waits for the user of the device to select one of the available broadcast audio streams presented. The user may select the broadcast audio stream via any of the well-known interfaces, such as a touch interface, voice commands, and / or gesture control. The auxiliary device or hearing device may provide a mechanism on the device, such as a button, lever, switch, etc., by which the user may select the broadcast.

[0088] After or during step 140, the process may return to step 120 and continue scanning for advertisements while the auxiliary device waits for the user to select one of the available broadcasts presented. Alternatively, scanning for advertisements may continue while broadcast information is being transmitted and available broadcasts are presented. In this case, the process may return to step 125 and transmit broadcast information, such as all broadcast information available to the hearing device at that time, or alternatively only transmit changes to the broadcast information, such as broadcast information obtained after a previously transmitted broadcast information.

[0089] In step 145, the auxiliary device transmits user selection information to the hearing device. The user selection information includes data about the user-selected broadcast audio stream, such as the name or other identification data about the broadcast audio stream selected by the user of the auxiliary device from a presentation on the auxiliary device. This information transmission enables the hearing device to receive the necessary information to provide the desired broadcast audio stream to the user of the hearing device.

[0090] In step 150 , the hearing device joins the selected broadcast and provides audio to the user of the hearing device.

[0091] Essentially, the hearing device and the assistive device work together to provide a seamless audio streaming experience to the user. The assistive device receives broadcast information from the hearing device, presents the information, and transmits the user's selections, while the hearing device receives information about the user's selections and delivers the selected audio stream to the user of the hearing device.

[0092] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method of providing a broadcast audio stream according to some embodiments is shown.

[0093] Steps 100, 120, 125, 135, 140, 145, 150 and 160 may be combined as follows: Figure 1 described.

[0094] In step 110, the hearing device determines which, if any, active processes are running thereon. The determination may include determining battery-consumption data for one or more of the active processes, wherein the battery-consumption data may include one or more of: how much power the active process consumes and / or an estimate of the battery requirement for continued operation of the active process.

[0095] In optional step 115, the hearing device determines whether to pause or stop one or more active processes. The determination of whether to pause one or more active processes may be based at least in part on the battery-consumption data. The determination of whether to pause one or more active processes may be based at least in part on available battery power of the hearing device.

[0096] In optional step 130, one or more processes that were paused, such as in step 115, may be resumed. Figure 2 In the flowchart of FIG. 1 , in step 125, the determination to resume one or more suspended processes is shown as occurring substantially simultaneously with the transmission of the broadcast information. Alternatively or in addition, resuming one or more suspended processes may occur after the transmission of the broadcast information, such as Figure 3 In some embodiments, the activity process can be determined both before and during scanning of advertisements.

[0097] generally, Figures 1 to 4 One or more of the method steps shown may occur earlier or later in the flow than shown, and may occur concurrently with one or more other steps, as long as the timing of each action continues to make sense within the disclosure herein.

[0098] Figure 3 A flow chart of a method of providing a broadcast audio stream according to some embodiments is shown.

[0099] Steps 100, 120, 125, 135, 140, 145, 150 and 160 may be combined as follows: Figure 1 Steps 110 and 115 may be combined as follows. Figure 2 The difference is that determining the active process and determining to stop or pause one or more active processes occurs during scanning advertisements. In some embodiments, the active process can be determined both before scanning advertisements and during scanning advertisements.

[0100] As combined Figure 2 As described, the paused process is resumed in step 130, as shown after the transmission of the broadcast information in step 125. However, in some embodiments, one or more paused processes may be resumed during scanning for advertisements. Thus, the hearing device may dynamically pause and resume processes running thereon during scanning for advertisements.

[0101] Figure 4 A flow chart of a method of providing a broadcast audio stream according to some embodiments is shown.

[0102] Steps 100, 120, 125, 135, 140, 145, 150 and 160 may be combined as follows: Figure 1 described.

[0103] The hearing device or the assistive device detects a scan request in step 105. The scan request may be in response to a user interaction with the hearing device or the assistive device, or it may be in response to an automated process.

[0104] The user interaction with the hearing device may be, for example, pressing a button, flipping a switch, giving a voice command, etc. The hearing device may be configured to initiate scanning for advertisements based on the user interaction or the scanning request in step 120 .

[0105] The user's interaction with the auxiliary device may also be, for example, pressing a button, flipping a switch, giving a voice command, etc. The button, switch, etc. may be virtual, such as being part of an application running on the auxiliary device. A scan request may be sent from the auxiliary device to the hearing device, and the step of scanning for advertisements may be initiated in response to the scan request.

[0106] Scanning for advertisements may be performed for a scan duration, which is a limited period of time, such as a predetermined period of time and / or a period of time selected by the user. In some embodiments, the scan duration is determined by the user actively interacting with the assistive device or hearing device. For example, the scan duration may be a duration for which the user actively requests a scan. For example, the duration may be set by the user pressing a physical or virtual button on the assistive device or hearing device. In a preferred embodiment, the duration is set by the user pressing a virtual button in an application on the assistive device.

[0107] Figure 5AThe pinna P and part of the inner ear of a user's ear are shown, and the in-ear hearing device 1 is shown positioned in the ear canal EC. When the in-ear hearing device 1 is in place in the user's ear canal EC, its receiver (usually arranged at the proximal end of the in-ear hearing device 1) is close to the user's eardrum T.

[0108] Figure 5B The pinna P of a user's ear is shown as viewed from a viewpoint slightly above the user's ear. A behind-the-ear (BTE) type hearing device 2 is shown in its operating position, with the behind-the-ear part 17 behind the user's ear, i.e. behind the pinna P. An in-the-ear part 19, also referred to as an earphone, is positioned in its operating position, in which position it is at least partially inserted into the user's ear canal. A tube 21 connects the behind-the-ear part 17 and the in-the-ear part 19 in a well-known manner. The earphone 19 may house one or more microphones positioned at the entrance to the ear canal for receiving incoming sound and providing corresponding output signals, which may be combined with the output signals from the one or more microphones housed in the behind-the-ear part 17. Coupled to the earphone part 19 may be a structure designed to secure the in-the-ear part in its operating position, such as a mold, or a flexible arm 23 intended to be positioned inside the pinna P for holding the earphone 19 in its intended position.

[0109] Figure 6 Schematically illustrated is a wireless rechargeable in-ear hearing device 1 which is made to be positioned at least partially in the ear canal EC of a user and which comprises a wireless communication unit configured to scan for advertisements of available broadcast audio streams and associated audio stream protocols. The in-ear hearing device 1 may be configured to perform one or more of the method steps disclosed herein.

[0110] This type of hearing aid may be those referred to as invisible in-canal (IIC), completely invisible in-canal (CIC), in-the-canal (ITC) or in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. To protect the components therein, the in-ear hearing device 1 has a housing designed to help keep out earwax, dirt, water, oil, etc. The housing may include one or more sidewalls 3 and a panel 5 having a panel surface 7.

[0111] One or more of the side walls 3 form an in-ear portion 9 which is at least partially located in the ear canal EC of a user when the in-ear hearing device 1 is in use. The in-ear portion 9 is thus shaped to fit in the ear canal EC and may further be individually shaped to fit in the ear canal EC of a specific user. Such individually shaped in-ear hearing devices are often referred to as custom hearing devices and may be manufactured by a process which requires obtaining a physical or computerized model of a portion of the ear canal of a specific user.

[0112] When the in-ear hearing device 1 is in place in the ear canal (EC) of the user, the panel surface 7 faces the outside of the ear canal (EC), i.e. in a direction generally opposite to the eardrum. In some embodiments of the in-ear hearing device 1, the panel surface 7 has one or more microphone openings and possibly one or more buttons, switches, etc., by which the user can interact with the in-ear hearing device 1, e.g. to change settings, turn the in-ear hearing device 1 on / off, initiate or continue scanning for broadcasted audio streams. Figure 6 In the embodiment of the invention, the panel surface 7 is the outer surface of the panel 5. The panel 5 may be very flat or have a significant thickness compared to the rest of the hearing device. The panel may be formed as an integral part of the in-ear hearing device 1 or as a separate part.

[0113] The one or more side walls 3 typically do not contain microphones, buttons, switches etc., since when the in-ear hearing device 1 is in place, the one or more side walls 3 will typically be adjacent to or facing a portion of the user's ear or ear canal. If the in-ear hearing device 1 is of a type that is positioned far inside the user's ear canal in a way that it is difficult or almost impossible for the user to grasp the housing itself for removal, the in-ear hearing device 1 typically comprises measures for facilitating removal of the in-ear hearing device 1, such as a pull cord.

[0114] The in-ear hearing device has several hearing device components arranged in the hearing device housing, such as electronics 11 and a receiver 13, i.e. a speaker, wherein the electronics may include electronic components and circuits that create, process and / or eliminate audible sounds. The receiver 13 is typically arranged in the proximal end of the in-ear hearing device 1 so that when the hearing device 1 is inserted into the ear canal EC of the user, the receiver is close to the eardrum of the user. The electronics 11 may also include a processing unit configured to perform one or more of the method steps disclosed herein.

[0115] The electronic device 11 may further comprise a wireless communication unit configured to scan for advertisements and associated audio stream protocols of available broadcast audio streams. The wireless communication unit for scanning for advertisements may be configured to scan for broadcast audio streams having a Bluetooth audio stream protocol, such as Bluetooth LE audio. The in-ear hearing device 1 may be configured to perform scanning for advertisements during time periods, such as during predetermined time periods and / or during time periods selected by a user. Furthermore, the hearing device may be configured to initiate scanning for advertisements in response to a scanning request from an auxiliary device and / or in response to an interaction of the user with the hearing device. For example, the hearing device may be configured to perform scanning for advertisements exclusively during a duration for which the auxiliary device requests scanning, and / or during a duration for which the user actively interacts with the hearing device.

[0116] The in-ear hearing device 1 may be configured to be paired with an auxiliary device, such as via Bluetooth pairing. If paired with an auxiliary device, the hearing device 1 may maintain the pairing between the hearing device and the auxiliary device during the scanning for advertisements. Thus, the hearing device may be configured to maintain the pairing between the hearing device and the auxiliary device during the scanning for advertisements.

[0117] To power at least the electronics 11 and the receiver 13, the hearing device 1 has a battery 15, which may be a non-rechargeable or a rechargeable battery, e.g. a rechargeable battery configured to be charged by inductive charging. Thus, the in-ear hearing device 1 may comprise an inductive charging circuitry, such as a receiver coil and measures for rectifying an alternating current induced in the receiver coil.

[0118] When scanning for advertisements, the hearing device may be configured to pause or stop other processes running on the hearing device, such as audio streaming, sound processing, etc. Thus, the hearing device may be configured to stop or pause any audio stream it provides when initiating scanning for advertisements. In particular, the hearing device may be configured to pause or stop active processes that require battery during the scanning broadcast, for example to ensure that sufficient power is available to perform the scan, and / or to save battery power, and / or to free up resources such as memory, etc. The hearing device may be configured to pause a process for the duration of the scan and automatically resume the process at a time after the scan is complete, such as just after the scan is complete and / or a set time after the scan is complete. The hearing device may be configured to determine active processes running on the hearing device and optionally determine whether to pause one or more active processes. In some embodiments, the hearing device may be configured to determine battery-consumption data for one or more of the active processes, wherein the battery-consumption data may include one or more of the following: how much power the active process consumes and / or an estimate of the battery requirements for continued operation of the active process. In some embodiments, the determination of whether to pause one or more active processes is based at least in part on the battery-consumption data. The determination of whether to suspend one or more active processes may additionally or alternatively be based at least in part on available battery power.

[0119] Figure 7 A behind-the-ear hearing device 2 according to some embodiments is schematically shown. The hearing device 2 is a hearing device that is primarily worn on the outside of a user's ear. It has a behind-the-ear part 17 that is made to be positioned behind the user's ear, an in-the-ear part 19 that is positioned in the user's ear during use, and a tube 21 connecting the behind-the-ear part 17 and the in-the-ear part 19. The hearing device may be a hearing aid, and may be one of the hearing aids known as receiver-in-the-ear (RIE), microphone-and-receiver-in-the-ear (MaRIE), or behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. The figure shows both the outline of the hearing device 2 and some of the internal components of the hearing device 2 in a partially transparent view.

[0120] In order to protect the components within the hearing device 2, the hearing device 2 is designed to keep out earwax, dirt, water, oil, etc. The behind-the-ear portion 17 consists of the housing 21, which is designed to keep out dirt, water, sweat, oil, etc., and the in-the-ear portion 19, which sits in the user's ear during use, must additionally be designed to withstand the environment of the ear and ear canal, which includes, for example, earwax.

[0121] The behind-the-ear part 17 may comprise one or more microphone openings and possibly one or more buttons, switches or the like, with which the user may interact, for example to change settings and / or turn the hearing device 2 on / off, initiate or continue scanning for broadcast audio streams.

[0122] The hearing device 2 has hearing device components arranged in a behind-the-ear part 17, such as the electronics 11, where the electronics 7 may be electronic components and circuits that create, process and / or cancel audible sounds. The receiver 13 and possibly one or more microphones are arranged in the in-ear part 19 so that when the in-ear part 19 is inserted into the ear canal EC of the user, the receiver is close to the eardrum ED of the user. The in-ear part 19 may include various additional electronic components.

[0123] In order to power the electronic components 11 within the hearing device 2 , the hearing device 2 has a battery 15 , which may be non-rechargeable or rechargeable, such as via inductive charging.

[0124] Figure 7 The behind-the-ear hearing device 2 shown can be used with Figure 6 The in-ear hearing device 1 shown is configured similarly.

[0125] The hearing device 2 is configured to communicate wirelessly with an auxiliary device 32 .

[0126] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B Swim lane diagrams showing methods of providing a broadcast audio stream according to some embodiments.The diagrams show the sharing of data to and from a broadcast system, a hearing device and an assistive device.

[0127] exist Fig. 8A 1 shows how one or more broadcasters 30 each send advertisements of one or more available broadcast audio streams and the audio stream protocol associated with each audio stream. The audio stream protocol may be, for example, a Bluetooth audio stream protocol, such as Bluetooth LE Audio.

[0128] The advertisements are obtained by a hearing device, shown as an in-ear hearing device 1 , and the hearing device scans for advertisements, thereby obtaining broadcast information about available broadcast audio streams, as disclosed herein.

[0129] The hearing device 1 sends the broadcast information to the auxiliary device 32, which presents the available broadcast audio streams to the user of the auxiliary device. The auxiliary device then waits for the user to select a broadcast audio stream. After the user makes a selection, the user-selected broadcast audio stream is transmitted from the auxiliary device and received by the hearing device, which then provides the audio stream to the user of the hearing device. The user of the auxiliary device may be different from the user of the hearing device.

[0130] exist Figure 8B Detailed description of how hearing devices receive and share data is shown in FIG. Each column shown corresponds to a combination of Fig. 8A Elements shown and described.

[0131] The broadcaster 30 announces the audio stream it is broadcasting and broadcast information associated with the broadcast, such as name, codec, etc. For example, the Bluetooth LE Audio Sharing protocol may be used for broadcasting.

[0132] A hearing device, such as an in-ear hearing device 1 , scans for advertisements of broadcast audio streams and obtains broadcast information about available streams.

[0133] The broadcast information is sent to the auxiliary device 32, which presents the available audio streams to the user, for example as a list. The auxiliary device then waits for the user to select the available broadcast audio stream presented. After the user makes a selection, information about the user's selection is sent from the auxiliary device to the hearing device.

[0134] In response to receiving the information about the user selection, the hearing device provides the selected audio stream to the user via its receiver.

Claims

1. A method for providing a broadcast audio stream using a hearing device and an auxiliary device, the hearing device and the auxiliary device being configured to be worn at an ear of a user, the method comprising: - scanning available broadcast audio streams for advertisements and associated audio stream protocols and thereby obtaining broadcast information including data about the available broadcast audio streams, - sending said broadcast information to a secondary device, - the auxiliary device presents the available broadcast audio streams to the user based on the received broadcast information, and waits for the user to select a broadcast audio stream, - sending user selection information including data about the user-selected broadcast audio stream from the auxiliary device to the hearing device, and - providing, by the hearing device, the broadcast audio stream selected by the user, Scanning for advertisements and transmitting broadcast information are performed by the hearing device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: The hearing device is connected to the auxiliary device via a wired and / or wireless connection, such as via a Bluetooth connection. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the connection between the hearing device and the auxiliary device is maintained during the scanning for advertisements.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein scanning for advertisement is performed during a scan duration, the scan duration being a limited period of time, such as a predetermined period of time and / or a user selected period of time. 5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the scan duration is set by a user actively interacting with the assistive device or the hearing device, such as during a duration for which the user actively requests a scan.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of scanning for advertisements further comprises the hearing device determining active processes running on the hearing device, and optionally the hearing device further determining whether to pause one or more active processes.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of scanning for advertisements further comprises the hearing device stopping or pausing any audio stream it provides when it initiates the scanning for advertisements.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: A scan request is sent from the auxiliary device to the hearing device, and the step of scanning for advertisements further comprises initiating the scan in response to the scan request.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the scanning for advertisements is initiated in response to a user interaction, such as a user interaction with the hearing device or a user interaction with the auxiliary device.

10. A hearing device configured to be worn at an ear of a user, the hearing device comprising a wireless communication unit, the wireless communication unit being configured to scan advertisements of available broadcast audio streams and associated audio stream protocols, and thereby obtain broadcast information comprising data about the available broadcast audio streams, the hearing device being configured to: - sending said broadcast information to a secondary device, - receiving user selection information from the auxiliary device, the user selection information comprising data about a broadcast audio stream selected by a user, and - Providing the user with a broadcast audio stream selected by the user. 11 . The hearing device according to claim 10 , wherein the hearing device is further configured to maintain the pairing between the hearing device and the auxiliary device during scanning for advertisements.

12. The hearing device according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the hearing device is further configured to perform scanning for advertisements during time periods, such as during predetermined time periods and / or user selected time periods.

13. The hearing device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the hearing device is further configured to perform scan advertisements exclusively during a duration when the auxiliary device requests a scan, such as an intermittent request, and / or during a duration when a user is actively interacting with the hearing device.

14. The hearing device according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the hearing device is further configured to determine active processes running on the hearing device, and optionally, the hearing device is further configured to determine whether to pause one or more active processes.

15. The hearing device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the hearing device is further configured to stop or pause any audio stream it provides when scanning for advertisements is initiated. 16 . The hearing device according to claim 10 , wherein the hearing device is further configured to initiate scanning for advertisements in response to a scanning request from the auxiliary device and / or in response to a user interaction with the hearing device.

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