Hearing device configuration system

Abstract

A hearing device configuration system (1) has a first configuration unit (2) and a first interface (4) for connecting the configuration unit (2) to a hearing device (8) by means of data technology. Here, the first configuration unit (2) is designed to read out configuration data from the hearing device (8) via the first interface (4) and to overwrite changes in the hearing device (8). Furthermore, the hearing device configuration system (1) has a second interface (6) for forming an indirect or direct data connection of the client unit (18) to the hearing device (8) and an authority management module (20). The authority management module is designed to transmit the write authority of the first configuration unit (2) to the configuration data or the revocation of the write authority to the client unit (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hearing device configuration system. Background Art

[0002] Hearing devices are usually used to output sound signals to the hearing organ of the wearer of the hearing device. In this case, the output is carried out by means of an output transducer, by means of a loudspeaker (also called "earpiece" or "receiver"), through the air, via an acoustic path. In this case, such hearing devices are often used as so-called auxiliary hearing devices (also referred to as "hearing aids" for short). For this purpose, the hearing device usually comprises an acoustic input transducer (in particular a microphone) and a signal processor, which is designed to process the input signal (also called "microphone signal") generated by the input transducer from the ambient sound using at least one signal processing algorithm, which is usually stored in a user-specific manner, so as to at least partially compensate for the hearing impairment of the wearer of the hearing device. In particular, in the case of auxiliary hearing devices, the output transducer can alternatively be a so-called bone conduction earpiece or a cochlear implant, which is designed to mechanically or electrically couple the sound signal into the hearing organ of the wearer. In addition, there are hearing devices that support or improve the hearing of users with normal hearing, for example to enable improved speech understanding in complex hearing situations. These devices are also referred to as “Personal Sound Amplification Products” (abbreviation: PSAP). The term “hearing device” also includes, in particular, devices such as so-called tinnitus maskers, earphones, headphones, and the like.

[0003] Common structural forms of hearing devices, in particular hearing aids, are behind-the-ear ("BTE") hearing devices and in-the-ear ("IdO" or "ITE") hearing devices. These designations refer to the conventional wearing positions. A behind-the-ear hearing device thus has a (main) housing that is worn behind the pinna. Here, a distinction can be made between models in which the loudspeaker is arranged in the housing (in which case the sound output to the ear usually takes place by means of a sound hose that is worn in the ear canal) and models with an external loudspeaker placed in the ear canal. In-the-ear hearing devices, in contrast, have a housing that is worn in the pinna or even completely in the ear canal.

[0004] In particular in the case of hearing aids, but also for other hearing devices, in particular hearing devices in the medical field, it is often possible to adapt settings (configurations), for example for the aforementioned signal processing algorithms, to the user. In the simplest case, this involves volume values, but in the case of hearing aids, it often also involves filter settings, frequency-dependent gains, beam spread angles of directional microphones, etc. For this purpose, modern hearing devices are often provided with interfaces, via which data can be exchanged with a configuration unit, such as a computer on which configuration software is installed. However, changing settings is often complicated, in particular in the case of hearing aids, because often multiple parameters are interdependent and / or influence each other. For this reason, a specialist, such as an audiology specialist (also called a "hearing care professional") is often required. He often only has access to the configuration software and / or the corresponding parameters of the hearing device. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve the setting of a hearing instrument.

[0006] According to the invention, the above-mentioned technical problem is solved by a hearing device configuration system having the features of the invention. Advantageous and partly inventive embodiments and developments of the invention are described below.

[0007] The hearing device configuration system according to the invention has a first configuration unit and a first interface, which is used to connect the configuration unit to a hearing device (in particular to be configured) via data technology. Here, the first configuration unit is designed to read configuration data from the hearing device via the first interface and overwrite changes in the hearing device. In addition, the hearing device configuration system has a second interface and a rights management module, which is used to form an indirect or direct data technology connection between a client unit (in particular, separated from the configuration unit and optionally also located at other locations in normal use) and the hearing device. The rights management module is designed to transmit the write rights of the first configuration unit to the configuration data to the client unit, or (in particular, if the write rights have been assigned to the client unit, then also) revoke the write rights (i.e. of the client unit).

[0008] In other words, the hearing device configuration system comprises a module for setting up the hearing device (configuration unit) and a rights management module. The rights management module is used to assign rights (write rights) for changing configuration data of the hearing device to a further module, i.e. the client unit. This is particularly advantageous in cases where a hearing device specialist (e.g. an audiologist, hearing aid technician, etc.) requires support during the setting up. In this case, the hearing device specialist can also advantageously obtain support in a simple manner from a remote location, e.g. when a further, e.g. more experienced, specialist is located there.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment, the rights management module is designed to transmit write rights to the client unit or to revoke write rights when interacting with an operator of the first configuration unit. Preferably, the operator of the first configuration unit is a hearing device expert who primarily takes care of the user of the hearing device at least during the current session (e.g. for first matching, for changing settings in case of problems, etc.). This means that the operator is assigned rights for deciding to whom write rights should be transmitted or revoked.

[0010] The configuration unit is preferably a computer or an intelligent mobile device (smartphone or tablet) on which the configuration software for the hearing device is installed in an executable manner.

[0011] The client unit is optionally a second configuration unit, i.e. a computer or intelligent mobile device on which the configuration software is installed. However, the configuration software may not be installed optionally. In this case, the client unit may obtain write permission through the first configuration unit, for example, in a remote access manner.

[0012] According to another suitable embodiment, the second interface is designed to establish a data technology connection between the client unit and the first configuration unit. In other words, the second interface is used to couple the client unit to the configuration unit via data transmission technology. Preferably, the first configuration unit and the client unit are in direct contact with each other, for example in the form of a cable connection, if necessary in a manner mediated by a local network (such as a LAN or a radio network). However, the connection between the first configuration unit and the hearing instrument can also be mediated by the Internet. In this embodiment, the rights management module is preferably part of the first configuration unit.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the data connection of the second interface includes the transmission of images and sounds between the first configuration unit and the client unit. In other words, the second interface enables a video call between the operator of the first configuration unit and the user of the client unit. In this way, in normal operation, in particular direct communication between the operator and the user is possible.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the hearing device configuration system has a server, which is associated with the first and second interfaces and the third interface. Here, in the normal operating state, the hearing device is connected to the server by means of the first interface, the configuration unit by means of the third interface, and the client unit by means of the second interface. That is, here, the first configuration unit and the hearing device are not directly connected to each other by data transmission technology, but the (configuration) data are managed by the server, and if necessary, the (configuration) data are also changed by inputs made by the operator of the first configuration unit (or by the client unit). In this case, the rights management module is associated with the server, that is, the rights management module is integrated in the server. The server can be operated by the manufacturer of the configuration unit and / or the hearing device, for example. The latter case is suitable because the manufacturer of the hearing device, especially in the form of a hearing aid, usually supplies a dedicated configuration software (which, in particular, forms a configuration unit together with the computer or the smart mobile device when installed on the computer or the smart mobile device). Here, the operation of the following server is useful, through which the configuration unit can communicate with the correspondingly assigned hearing device (at least for the current configuration session), because the computing power required on the configuration unit side can be optionally reduced, and updates can be carried out more simply, etc.

[0015] According to another advantageous embodiment, the rights management module is designed to assign the client unit a read right for the configuration data for the duration that the client unit is connected via the second interface. This means that the user of the client unit can read the configuration data of the hearing device connected to the configuration unit for the duration that the client unit is connected to the configuration unit. However, changes are bound to write rights, so that the operator of the configuration unit must be released for this purpose. This is advantageous, for example, in the case where the user of the client unit monitors the operator, for example during a learning phase for specific support or the like.

[0016] According to another advantageous embodiment, the second interface is also designed to establish or terminate a data connection to the client unit in response to an input by an operator of the configuration unit. Thus, the operator (figuratively speaking as the moderator of a conversation with the user of the client unit) can invite the user to participate or refuse the user's participation at any time. The latter can be useful in particular if, for example, the wearer of the hearing device wishes or must transmit private data to the operator.

[0017] According to another suitable embodiment, the rights management module is designed to revoke the configuration unit's write permission to the configuration data during the duration of the write permission assigned to the client unit. Therefore, if the client unit (still) has the write permission, the configuration unit cannot change the configuration data.

[0018] In principle, it is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that a plurality of client units are incorporated into a session using the second interface described above, during which at least the hearing device is coupled to the configuration unit. This can be used, for example, for training purposes by assigning only write access to the configuration unit. In this case, only read access is assigned to the client units, so that changes made by the configuration unit can be "observed" on the client units. Alternatively, write access can also be assigned to one of the client units, for example when the person conducting the training is not local to the configuration unit. That is, in this case, the configuration unit can also be accessed "remotely" and training can nevertheless be conducted.

[0019] In an optional design, a further unit, for example a further client unit, can be incorporated into a session by means of a corresponding (particularly further, for example a third) interface, during which at least the hearing device is coupled to the configuration unit. However, preferably no read and write rights for the configuration data are assigned to the further unit. The further unit is used in particular to be able to include persons, for example persons who are relatives or closely associated with the user of the hearing device (for example a spouse, a close friend, a caregiver), in the configuration of the hearing device (for example in order to be able to answer questions). In other words, it has been shown that, in particular, older persons or persons with severe hearing loss may not be able to detect and / or assess their hearing problems and / or the performance of the hearing device. On the contrary, the further persons who are connected together can often provide the operator with a more objective assessment.

[0020] In principle, it is also conceivable to detect the duration of the assignment of read and write authorization to one of the configuration unit and / or the client unit and to propose a cost calculation associated with this duration.

[0021] The conjunction “and / or” is to be understood here and in the following in particular to mean that the features connected by means of this conjunction can not only be formed together but also can be formed as substitutes for one another. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 The hearing device configuration system is schematically shown in an overview in a normal operating state, and

[0024] Figure 2 Based on Figure 1 The figure schematically shows an alternative embodiment of a hearing device configuration system.

[0025] Parts that correspond to one another are always provided with the same reference symbols in all the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] exist Figure 1 Schematically shown is a hearing device configuration system, referred to as “system 1” for short. The system 1 has a first configuration unit 2 and a first interface 4 and a second interface 6. The first interface 4 is designed to establish and maintain a data connection (i.e. a communication connection for data transmission) with a hearing device, here in the form of a hearing aid device, referred to as “hearing aid 8” for short, in a normal operating state (shown here).

[0027] The hearing aid 8 is designed and arranged for provision to persons with hearing loss (hereinafter referred to as "hearing aid wearers") and for this purpose has a microphone 10, a signal processor 12 and a loudspeaker 14. The signal processor 12 is designed to process the noise detected on the microphone 10 side by means of at least one configurable signal processing algorithm, in particular to perform frequency-dependent filtering, amplification, etc. In order to configure the signal processor 12 in a user-specific manner, i.e. to adapt the signal processing to the hearing aid wearer, the hearing aid 8 can be connected to the configuration unit 2 via a first interface 4 by means of an interface (not shown in detail) (of the hearing aid itself). As a result, the configuration data of the signal processor 12 can be read out and overwritten (i.e. changed) by means of the configuration unit 2.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the configuration unit 2 is formed by a computing unit, for example a computer or an intelligent mobile device (smartphone or tablet), and configuration software 16 installed thereon in an operational manner. The configuration unit 2 is designed and provided to provide an operator (for example a hearing aid technician, an audiologist, etc.) with the possibility of reading out and overwriting configuration data of the signal processor 12 of the hearing aid 8 in a normal operating state. For this purpose, the configuration unit 2 has a first interface 4. Therefore, in a normal operating state, the hearing aid 12 is directly connected to the configuration unit 2.

[0029] In the event that the operator requires support, the client unit 18 can be connected to the configuration unit 2 via the second interface 6 via data transmission technology, for example via the Internet. The client unit 18 can in turn be a computing unit, such as a computer or a smart mobile device. However, in one embodiment variant, the configuration software 16 does not need to be present (installed) on the client unit 18. However, in the current embodiment, the configuration software 16 is installed on the client unit 18. Here, the connection between the configuration unit 2 and the client unit 18 via data transmission technology is designed and set as a video session. The user of the client unit 18 can be, for example, another hearing aid technician, an audiology specialist, or a similar expert. In order to obtain the widest possible support, the system 1 has a rights management module 20. In accordance with Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the rights management module 20 is located in the configuration unit 20 as a software module of the configuration software 16, for example.

[0030] The rights management module 20 is designed and arranged for transmitting and revoking rights to connect to the hearing aid 8 to the client unit 20. In particular, the rights management module 20 is designed for assigning write rights for overwriting (i.e. for changing) configuration data in the hearing aid 8 (i.e. in the signal processor 12) to the client unit 20. The write rights of the configuration unit 2 are revoked for the duration of the assignment of the write rights to the client unit 18, so that changes can always only be made by one device.

[0031] The rights management module 20 is designed to grant and also revoke write rights only when interacting with the operator of the configuration unit 2. In this embodiment, however, the client unit 18 is permanently assigned read rights for the signal processor 12 to the configuration data for the duration of the connection via the second interface 6, so that the user of the client unit 18 can continuously read the current settings of the hearing aid 8. Optionally, the user of the client unit 18 can also view changes currently being made by the operator of the configuration unit 2.

[0032] exist Figure 2 , an alternative embodiment of the system 1 is shown. Here, the system 1 has a server, specifically a cloud server 30, in addition to the previously described elements (and the partially modified elements here). The two interfaces 4 and 6 and a further (third) interface 32 are implemented in the cloud server 30. By means of this third interface 32, the configuration unit 2 can be connected to the cloud server 30 via data transmission technology. Here, the cloud server 30 is used to distribute data from the configuration unit 2 to the hearing aid 8 and the client unit 18. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the rights management module 20 is formed in the cloud server 30, so that the rights management described above is performed by the cloud server 30.

[0033] The subject matter of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. On the contrary, those skilled in the art can deduce other embodiments of the present invention from the above description.

[0034] Reference numerals list

[0035] 1 System

[0036] 2 Configuration Unit

[0037] 4 Interfaces

[0038] 6 Interface

[0039] 8 Hearing aids

[0040] 10 Microphone

[0041] 12 Signal Processor

[0042] 14 Speakers

[0043] 16 Configuration Software

[0044] 18 Customer Units

[0045] 20. Permission Management Module

[0046] 30 Cloud Servers

[0047] 32 Interfaces

Claims

1. A hearing device configuration system (1), the hearing device configuration system comprising: - a first configuration unit (2), - a first interface (4) for connecting the configuration unit (2) to a hearing instrument (8) via data technology, wherein: The first configuration unit (2) is designed to read configuration data from the hearing device (8) via the first interface (4) and to overwrite changes in the hearing device (8). - a second interface (6) for establishing an indirect or direct data technology connection between the client unit (18) and the hearing instrument (8), and A rights management module (20) is designed to transmit the write rights of the first configuration unit (2) to the configuration data to the client unit (18) or to revoke the write rights.

2. The hearing device configuration system (1) according to claim 1, in, The permission management module (20) is designed to transmit or revoke the write permission when interacting with an operator of the first configuration unit (2).

3. The hearing device configuration system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The client unit (18) is a second configuration unit, a computer or an intelligent mobile device.

4. A hearing device configuration system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The second interface (6) is designed to establish a data-technology connection between the client unit (18) and the configuration unit (2).

5. The hearing device configuration system (1) according to claim 4, in, The data technology connection of the second interface (6) includes the transmission of images and sounds between the first configuration unit (2) and the client unit (18).

6. The hearing device configuration system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a server (30) which is associated with the first and second interfaces (4, 6) and the third interface (32), wherein: In a normal operating state, the hearing device (8) is connected to the server (32) via the first interface (4), the configuration unit (2) is connected to the third interface (32), and the client unit (18) is connected to the second interface (6), and the rights management module (20) is associated with the server (30).

7. A hearing device configuration system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The authorization management module (20) is designed to continuously assign read authorization for configuration data to the client unit (18) while the client unit is connected via the second interface (6).

8. A hearing device configuration system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The second interface (6) is designed to establish or terminate a data connection to the client unit (18) as a function of an input by an operator of the configuration unit (2).

9. A hearing device configuration system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The authorization management module (20) is designed to revoke the configuration unit's (2) write authorization for configuration data during the duration of the assignment of the write authorization to the client unit (18).

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