An acoustic sensor and hearing assistance system

By utilizing the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction principle through a layered acoustic sensor, the problems of spectrum leakage and high power consumption in existing hearing aids have been solved. This has enabled precise response to specific frequency bands, device flexibility, and improved wearing comfort.

CN121509885BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-03BEIJING INST OF NANOENERGY & NANOSYST
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2026-01-09
Publication Date
2026-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing hearing aids suffer from problems such as spectrum leakage, signal processing delay, and high power consumption, leading to auditory recruitment and noise-induced hearing loss. They also lack flexibility and wearing comfort.

Method used

Acoustic sensors employing a stacked structure utilize the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction principle to achieve acoustic wave response in specific frequency bands by adjusting the diaphragm thickness, thereby reducing signal processing delay and spectral leakage, lowering device power consumption, and simplifying circuit structure.

Benefits of technology

It achieves precise response to specific frequency bands, reduces signal processing delay and spectrum leakage, lowers device power consumption, and improves device flexibility and wearing comfort.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses an acoustic sensor and a hearing assistance system. The acoustic sensor includes: a first outer shell layer, a first diaphragm, a spacer layer, a second diaphragm, and a second outer shell layer stacked sequentially. The first outer shell layer includes a first hollow area, the spacer layer includes a second hollow area opposite to the first hollow area, and the second outer shell layer includes a third hollow area opposite to the second hollow area. The first diaphragm has a first electrode on its side facing the first outer shell layer and is connected to the edge of the first hollow area; the side of the first diaphragm facing the spacer layer is connected to the edge of the second hollow area. The side of the second diaphragm facing away from the first diaphragm is connected to the edge of the second hollow area, and the side of the second diaphragm facing the second outer shell layer has a second electrode and is connected to the edge of the third hollow area. The material of the second diaphragm has a different electron affinity than the material of the first diaphragm. This acoustic sensor can respond to sound waves in a specific frequency band, reducing the risk of signal processing delay and spectral leakage, and lowering device power consumption.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of acoustic sensor technology, and in particular to an acoustic sensor and hearing assistance system. Background Technology

[0002] Hearing is one of the core abilities humans possess for perceiving external information and engaging in social communication. Precise acoustic sensing and frequency-selective compensation are crucial for auditory rehabilitation and quality of life improvement in patients with hearing loss. Patients with sensorineural hearing loss often exhibit a significant decline in auditory perception in specific frequency bands, while function in other frequency bands remains relatively normal. However, current mainstream hearing aid technologies have significant limitations. Traditional condenser microphones, aiming for a wideband flat response, employ a non-selective wideband acoustic sensing mechanism. When combined with wideband gain compensation strategies, this can cause sound pressure levels in normal hearing bands to exceed safe thresholds, exacerbating auditory recruitment and potentially leading to secondary noise-induced hearing loss. Existing digital signal processing technologies inevitably introduce processing delays and spectral leakage, affecting auditory naturalness and speech intelligibility. These electronic amplification schemes typically have high power consumption, limiting the battery life, flexibility, and wearing comfort of hearing aids. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides an acoustic sensor and a hearing assistance system. The acoustic sensor can respond to sound waves in a specific frequency band, reducing the risk of signal processing delay and spectrum leakage, and can also reduce device power consumption and improve device flexibility and wearing comfort.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] An acoustic sensor includes a first outer shell layer, a first diaphragm, a spacer layer, a second diaphragm, and a second outer shell layer stacked sequentially.

[0006] The first outer shell layer includes a first hollow area, the spacer layer includes a second hollow area opposite to the first hollow area, and the second outer shell layer includes a third hollow area opposite to the second hollow area;

[0007] The first diaphragm has a first electrode on the side facing the first outer shell layer and is connected to the edge of the first hollow area; the first diaphragm is connected to the edge of the second hollow area on the side facing the spacer layer.

[0008] The side of the second diaphragm facing away from the first diaphragm is connected to the edge of the second hollow area. The side of the second diaphragm facing the second outer shell layer has a second electrode and is connected to the edge of the third hollow area. The material of the second diaphragm has a different electron affinity than the material of the first diaphragm. The amplitude of the first diaphragm is greater than that of the second diaphragm.

[0009] When no sound wave is received, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm separate;

[0010] When a sound wave is received, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm move closer and further apart as the sound wave approaches, so as to generate an electrical signal on the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0011] Optionally, the first hollow area has at least one constraint tooth, the extension direction of which is parallel to the extension surface of the first outer shell layer; the first diaphragm is connected to the constraint tooth.

[0012] Optionally, the first outer shell layer includes at least two first hollow areas;

[0013] The first diaphragm includes at least two first vibration portions disposed opposite to the at least two first hollow areas, the edge of each first vibration portion is connected to the edge of the corresponding first hollow area, each first vibration portion has the first electrode, and the thickness of different first vibration portions is different.

[0014] The spacer layer includes at least two second hollow areas that correspond one-to-one with the at least two first vibration portions, and the edge of each second hollow area is connected to the edge of the corresponding first vibration portion.

[0015] The second diaphragm includes at least two second vibration portions corresponding to the at least two second hollow areas, the edge of each second vibration portion is connected to the edge of the corresponding second hollow area, and each second vibration portion has a second electrode;

[0016] The second outer shell layer includes at least two third hollow areas disposed opposite to the at least two second vibration portions, and the edge of each third hollow area is connected to the edge of the corresponding second vibration portion.

[0017] Optionally, at least one of the first hollow areas has constraint teeth, the extension direction of which is parallel to the extension surface of the first outer shell layer, and the constraint teeth in the first hollow area are connected to the corresponding first vibration part.

[0018] Optionally, except for the first hollow area corresponding to the first vibration part with the smallest thickness, the other first hollow areas have the constraint teeth; the length of the constraint teeth in different first hollow areas is different, and the thicker the first vibration part, the longer the length of the constraint teeth in the corresponding first hollow area.

[0019] Optionally, the first diaphragm includes a plurality of first vibration portions arranged in sequence, wherein the thickness of the plurality of first vibration portions decreases sequentially.

[0020] Optionally, the material of the first diaphragm is spun yarn, and the material of the second diaphragm is polymer.

[0021] Optionally, the first electrode is a metal plating layer on the first diaphragm, and the second electrode is a metal plating layer on the second diaphragm.

[0022] The present invention also provides a hearing assistance system, including any of the acoustic sensors provided in the above technical solutions; and further including a control system;

[0023] The control system is electrically connected to the first and second electrodes of the acoustic sensor, and is used to convert the electrical signals on the first and second electrodes into compensated audio signals and play them.

[0024] Optionally, the control system includes a control circuit module and a terminal device, wherein the control circuit module includes a signal acquisition unit, a signal conditioning unit, and an audio playback unit;

[0025] The signal acquisition unit is used to acquire the electrical signals generated on the first and second electrodes of the acoustic sensor;

[0026] The signal conditioning unit is used to generate audio digital signals based on the acquired electrical signals;

[0027] The terminal device is used to generate a compensated audio signal based on the audio digital signal, and transmit the compensated audio signal to the audio playback unit;

[0028] The audio playback unit is used to convert the compensated audio signal into audio for playback.

[0029] Optionally, the control circuit module further includes a wireless transmission unit, which is signal-connected to the terminal device;

[0030] The signal conditioning unit transmits the audio digital signal to the terminal device through the wireless transmission unit;

[0031] The terminal device transmits the compensated audio signal to the audio playback unit through the wireless transmission unit.

[0032] Optionally, the terminal device is used to adjust the gain band of the compensated audio signal according to user input instructions or a scene recognition model.

[0033] Optionally, the terminal device is a display terminal, which is used to generate text content based on the audio digital signal and display it on the screen.

[0034] Optionally, it includes at least two of the acoustic sensors spaced apart;

[0035] The terminal device is used to determine the direction of the sound source and display it on the screen based on the time difference and amplitude of the signals output by at least two of the acoustic sensors.

[0036] This invention provides an acoustic sensor and a hearing assistance system. The acoustic sensor includes a first outer shell layer, a first diaphragm, a spacer layer, a second diaphragm, and a second outer shell layer stacked sequentially. When the sound sensor does not receive a sound wave, the first and second diaphragms are separated and do not vibrate. When the sound sensor receives a sound wave, the first and second diaphragms move closer and further apart with the sound wave. Due to the different electron affinity between the materials of the second and first diaphragms, based on the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction principle, the charge density on the first and second electrodes changes during the vibration of the first and second diaphragms with the sound wave, resulting in the generation of electrical signals on the first and second electrodes. The aforementioned acoustic sensor converts the mechanical energy of sound waves into electrical energy to generate electrical signals. By adjusting the thickness of the first diaphragm, the diaphragm's intrinsic frequency can be adjusted, allowing the sensor to respond to specific frequency bands of sound waves. The thicker the diaphragm, the higher the response frequency. Compared to existing condenser microphones, it eliminates the need for selective processing of broadband electrical signals through filtering circuits, reducing signal processing delays and the risk of spectral leakage. Furthermore, it requires no power supply and eliminates the need for a scheme to amplify weak capacitance changes into usable electrical signals, thereby reducing device power consumption, simplifying circuit structure, reducing weight, and improving device flexibility and wearing comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an acoustic sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the operating state of the acoustic sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another acoustic sensor provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hearing aid system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another hearing aid system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 A flowchart of the operation of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] icon:

[0044] 1-First outer shell layer; 11-First hollow area; 12-Constraint tooth; 2-First diaphragm; 21-First vibrating part; 3-Spacer layer; 31-Second hollow area; 4-Second diaphragm; 5-Second outer shell layer; 51-Third hollow area; 6-First electrode; 7-Second electrode; 8-Control circuit module; 9-Terminal device. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 The present invention provides an acoustic sensor, comprising a first outer shell layer 1, a first diaphragm 2, a spacer layer 3, a second diaphragm 4, and a second outer shell layer 5 stacked sequentially.

[0047] The first outer shell layer 1 includes a first hollow area 11, the spacer layer 3 includes a second hollow area 31 opposite to the first hollow area 11, and the second outer shell layer 5 includes a third hollow area 51 opposite to the second hollow area 31.

[0048] The first diaphragm 2 has a first electrode 6 on the side facing the first outer shell layer 1 and is connected to the edge of the first hollow area 11. The side of the first diaphragm 2 facing the spacer layer 3 is connected to the edge of the second hollow area 31.

[0049] The side of the second diaphragm 4 facing away from the first diaphragm 2 is connected to the edge of the second hollow area 31. The side of the second diaphragm 4 facing the second outer shell layer 5 has a second electrode 7 and is connected to the edge of the third hollow area 51. The material of the second diaphragm 4 has a different electron affinity than the material of the first diaphragm 2. The amplitude of the first diaphragm 2 is greater than the amplitude of the second diaphragm 4.

[0050] When no sound wave is received, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 separate;

[0051] When a sound wave is received, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 move closer and further apart as the sound wave approaches, so as to generate an electrical signal on the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7.

[0052] The acoustic sensor provided in this invention can be applied to a hearing aid system, comprising a first outer shell layer 1, a first diaphragm 2, a spacer layer 3, a second diaphragm 4, and a second outer shell layer 5 stacked sequentially. When the sound sensor does not receive a sound wave, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are separated and do not vibrate. When the sound sensor receives a sound wave, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 move closer and further away with the sound wave. Since the material of the second diaphragm 4 has a different electron affinity than the material of the first diaphragm 2, based on the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction principle, the charge density on the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 changes during the vibration of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 with the sound wave, thereby generating an electrical signal on the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7. The aforementioned acoustic sensor converts the mechanical energy of sound waves into electrical energy to generate electrical signals. By adjusting the thickness of the first diaphragm 2, the intrinsic frequency of the diaphragm can be adjusted, allowing the sensor to respond to specific frequency bands of sound waves. The thicker the diaphragm, the higher the response frequency. Compared with existing condenser microphones, it does not require selective processing of the frequency of broadband electrical signals through filtering circuits, which can reduce the risk of signal processing delay and spectrum leakage. Furthermore, it does not require power supply and does not require a scheme to amplify weak capacitance changes into usable electrical signals, which can reduce device power consumption, simplify circuit structure, reduce weight, and improve device flexibility and wearing comfort.

[0053] Specifically, in the acoustic sensor, the first outer shell layer 1, the spacer layer 3, and the second outer shell layer 5 form a load-bearing structure for the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4. The structure is simple, easy to manufacture, and reduces manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are flexible and breathable, which can improve user comfort.

[0054] In the acoustic sensor, adjacent layers can be connected by adhesive or sewing. There are no restrictions here, and the choice can be made based on the actual fixation strength required in actual use.

[0055] Specifically, the material of the first diaphragm 2 can be spun fibers, made from natural or synthetic polymers, and is not limited here. The material of the second diaphragm 4 can be a polymer, such as PET, or other materials; the specific material is not limited here and depends on the actual situation. The specific thickness of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 is not limited here and depends on the actual situation. The materials of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are flexible, which can ensure the flexibility of the acoustic sensor and the wearing comfort.

[0056] Specifically, the materials of the first outer shell layer 1, the spacer layer 3, and the second outer shell layer 5 can be polymers. The specific materials are not limited here and are determined according to the actual situation. For example, the material of the spacer layer 3 can be FEP material, or it can be other materials.

[0057] Specifically, the first electrode 6 can be a metal plating layer on the first diaphragm 2, and the second electrode 7 can be a metal plating layer on the second diaphragm 4. The materials of the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 can be gold, silver, copper, or platinum, etc. The different materials may affect the magnitude of the electrical signal output by the acoustic sensor. The specific materials are not limited here and are determined according to the actual situation.

[0058] It should be noted that since the amplitude of the first diaphragm 2 is larger than that of the second diaphragm 4, in practical applications, the second diaphragm 4 can be set to only produce slight vibration or no vibration when excited by sound pressure, which facilitates the movement of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 approaching and moving away from each other.

[0059] In this embodiment of the invention, the first hollow area 11 may have at least one constraint tooth 12, the extension direction of the constraint tooth 12 is parallel to the extension surface of the first outer shell layer 1; the first diaphragm 2 is connected to the constraint tooth 12.

[0060] In the aforementioned acoustic sensor, the constraint teeth 12 on the first outer shell layer 1 can guide, segment, and constrain the vibration mode of the first diaphragm 2 (especially its edge portion) to optimize its acoustic performance and reduce distortion. By adjusting the length of the constraint teeth 12, the vibration mode of the first diaphragm 2 can be adjusted, changing the overall response frequency of the acoustic sensor. The longer the constraint teeth 12, the higher the intrinsic frequency of the first diaphragm 2, enabling the acoustic sensor to respond to frequencies in a specific frequency band.

[0061] Specifically, the number and arrangement of the constraint teeth 12 within the first hollowed-out area 11 are not limited here, and are determined according to the actual situation. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, multiple equally spaced constraint teeth 12 can be set in the first hollow area 11, or the constraint teeth 12 in the first hollow area 11 can be arranged in other ways.

[0062] Specifically, in the initial state where the acoustic sensor does not receive sound waves, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are separated, and the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 can be arranged parallel to each other; as... Figure 2 As shown, when the acoustic sensor receives a sound wave, the diaphragm is excited by the sound pressure or the excitation increases. The first diaphragm 2 can vibrate towards the side where the second diaphragm 4 is located. The first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 come into contact or approach each other, causing electron transfer between them. Figure 3As shown, when the sound pressure on the diaphragm is removed or reduced, the first diaphragm 2 vibrates in a direction away from the second diaphragm 4, causing a relative distance between the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4, resulting in electron transfer between them. Therefore, based on the triboelectric effect and the principle of electrostatic induction, corresponding electrical signal changes will be generated on the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 during the process of the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 approaching and moving away from each other in the acoustic sensor.

[0063] It should be noted that the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 may or may not be in physical contact, as long as there is a change in the relative distance between them. When the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are in physical contact, the larger the contact area, the stronger the electrical signal, and the smaller the contact area, the weaker the electrical signal.

[0064] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first outer shell layer 1 includes at least two first hollow areas 11; the first diaphragm 2 may include at least two first vibration portions 21 disposed one-to-one with the at least two first hollow areas 11, the edge of each first vibration portion 21 is connected to the edge of the corresponding first hollow area 11, each first vibration portion 21 has a first electrode 6, and the thickness of different first vibration portions 21 is different; the spacer layer 3 may include at least two second hollow areas 31 corresponding one-to-one with the at least two first vibration portions 21, the edge of each second hollow area 31 is connected to the edge of the corresponding first vibration portion 21; the second diaphragm 4 may include at least two second vibration portions corresponding one-to-one with the at least two second hollow areas 31, the edge of each second vibration portion is connected to the edge of the corresponding second hollow area 31, and each second vibration portion has a second electrode 7; the second outer shell layer 5 includes at least two third hollow areas 51 disposed one-to-one with the at least two second vibration portions, the edge of each third hollow area 51 is connected to the edge of the corresponding second vibration portion.

[0065] In the aforementioned acoustic sensor, since the first diaphragm 2 includes at least two first vibration parts 21 with different thicknesses, the second diaphragm 4 can have at least two second vibration parts corresponding to the at least two first vibration parts 21. Each pair of corresponding first diaphragms 2 and second diaphragms 4 can form a sound wave receiving channel. When a sound wave is received, the corresponding first vibration part 21 and second vibration part move closer and further away with the sound wave. Electrical signals are generated on the first electrode 6 and second electrode 7 on the first vibration part 21 and second vibration part, which can realize a multi-channel acoustic sensor. The channel frequency response of different channels is different, which can realize the response to sound waves in multiple specific frequency bands.

[0066] Specifically, the number of first vibrating parts 21 in the first diaphragm 2 is not limited here and depends on the actual situation. The first diaphragm 2 can have multiple first vibrating parts 21. The thickness of different first vibrating parts 21 varies, which affects their own intrinsic frequency. The thicker the first vibrating part 21, the higher the response frequency of the acoustic sensor.

[0067] The specific thickness of each first vibrating part 21 of the first diaphragm 2 is not limited here; it can be set according to the user's hearing loss curve and sensing performance requirements in actual use. The thickness of each second vibrating part of the second diaphragm 4 is the same and is not limited here; it depends on the actual situation.

[0068] In the above embodiments of the invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, at least one first hollow area 11 has a constraint tooth 12, the extension direction of the constraint tooth 12 is parallel to the extension surface of the first outer shell layer 1, and the constraint tooth 12 in the first hollow area 11 is connected to the corresponding first vibration part 21.

[0069] In the aforementioned acoustic sensor, the constraint teeth 12 within the first hollow area 11 can adjust the vibration mode of the corresponding first vibration part 21 and change its intrinsic frequency. The longer the constraint teeth 12, the higher the intrinsic frequency of the first vibration part 21. By adjusting the length of the constraint teeth 12, the response frequency of the channel corresponding to the first vibration part 21 can be adjusted, which is beneficial for realizing a multi-channel acoustic sensor.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, except for the first hollow area 11 corresponding to the first vibration part 21 with the smallest thickness, other first hollow areas 11 may have constraint teeth 12; the length of the constraint teeth 12 in different first hollow areas 11 is different, and the thicker the first vibration part 21, the longer the length of the constraint teeth 12 in the corresponding first hollow area 11 can be.

[0071] In the aforementioned acoustic sensor, the combination of modulation using first vibration portions 21 of varying thicknesses and constraint teeth 12 allows different regions of the acoustic sensor to have different response frequencies, which is beneficial for realizing a multi-channel acoustic sensor. Specifically, the thickness of the first vibration portion 21 affects its intrinsic frequency; the thicker the first vibration portion 21, the higher the response frequency of its corresponding region. The constraint teeth 12 can control the vibration mode of the corresponding first vibration portion 21 and also change its intrinsic frequency; the longer the constraint teeth 12, the higher the intrinsic frequency.

[0072] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, the first diaphragm 2 may include a plurality of first vibrating parts 21 arranged sequentially, with the thickness of the plurality of first vibrating parts 21 decreasing sequentially, thereby achieving a stepped arrangement of the various parts of the first diaphragm 2. Accordingly, the structures of the first outer shell layer 1, the spacer layer 3, the second diaphragm 4, and the second outer shell layer 5 are matched with the structure of the first diaphragm 2.

[0073] It should be noted that the multiple first vibrating parts 21 in the first diaphragm 2 can be arranged sequentially along a preset direction, or they can be arranged in a matrix, a circle, or a trapezoid, etc., without limitation here, depending on the actual situation. The shape of each part of the acoustic sensor can be rectangular, circular, elliptical, or trapezoidal, etc., without limitation here, depending on the actual situation.

[0074] Specifically, the number, length, and arrangement of the constraint teeth 12 in each first hollow area 11 are not limited here, but are determined according to the actual situation.

[0075] In practical applications, such as Figure 4 As shown, the acoustic sensor can include three channels: a high-frequency channel, a mid-frequency channel, and a low-frequency channel. The specific frequencies are adjusted according to the length of the constraint tooth 12 and the thickness of the first vibrating part 21 of the first diaphragm 2. Specifically, the acoustic sensor can be elliptical in shape, with a major axis of 35±2mm and a minor axis of 27±2mm. The high-frequency, mid-frequency, and low-frequency channels can be arranged sequentially along the extension direction of the major axis, with the area of ​​the three channels decreasing from largest to smallest at 259±100mm². 2 158±100mm 2 101±100mm 2 The length of the constraint teeth 12 on the first outer shell layer 1 corresponding to the high-frequency channel is 6±1mm, the length of the constraint teeth 12 on the second outer shell layer 5 corresponding to the mid-frequency channel is 3±1mm, and the area on the first outer shell layer 1 corresponding to the low-frequency channel does not have constraint teeth 12; the thicknesses of the first vibration parts on the first diaphragm 2 corresponding to the three channels are 60±10µm, 40±10µm and 20±10µm respectively; the material of the spacer layer 3 can be PET and the thickness can be 40±10µm; the material of the second diaphragm 4 can be FEP and the thickness is 0.05±0.03mm.

[0076] The present invention also provides a hearing assistance system, including any of the acoustic sensors provided in the above technical solutions; and a control system; wherein the control system is electrically connected to the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 of the acoustic sensor, and is used to convert the electrical signals on the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 into compensated audio signals and play them.

[0077] The hearing assistance system provided in this embodiment of the invention includes an acoustic sensor and a control system. The acoustic sensor includes a first outer shell layer 1, a first diaphragm 2, a spacer layer 3, a second diaphragm 4, and a second outer shell layer 5 stacked sequentially. When the sound sensor does not receive a sound wave, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 are in a separated state. When the sound sensor receives a sound wave, the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 move closer and further away with the sound wave. Since the material of the second diaphragm 4 has a different electron affinity than the material of the first diaphragm 2, based on the triboelectric effect and the principle of electrostatic induction, the charge density on the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 changes as the first diaphragm 2 and the second diaphragm 4 vibrate with the sound wave, thereby generating electrical signals on the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7. The control system can convert the electrical signals on the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 into compensation audio signals and play them to achieve hearing compensation. In the aforementioned hearing assistance system, compared with existing technologies, the acoustic sensor can adjust the intrinsic frequency of the diaphragm by adjusting the thickness of the first diaphragm 2, enabling it to respond to specific frequency bands of sound waves. Consequently, the hearing assistance system can accurately compensate for the frequency bands of user hearing impairment. It does not require selective processing of the frequency of wide-band electrical signals through filtering circuits, reducing the risk of signal processing delay and spectrum leakage. Furthermore, the acoustic sensor does not require a power supply and does not need to be designed to amplify weak capacitance changes into usable electrical signals, thereby reducing overall device power consumption, simplifying circuit structure, reducing weight, and improving overall device flexibility and wearing comfort.

[0078] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the control system may include a control circuit module 8 and a terminal device 9. The control circuit module 8 includes a signal acquisition unit, a signal conditioning unit, and an audio playback unit. The signal acquisition unit is used to acquire electrical signals generated on the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 of the acoustic sensor. The signal conditioning unit is used to generate an audio digital signal based on the acquired electrical signal and transmit the audio signal to the terminal device 9. The terminal device 9 is used to generate a compensated audio signal based on the audio digital signal and transmit the compensated audio signal to the audio playback unit. The audio playback unit can be used to convert the compensated audio signal into audio for playback.

[0079] Specifically, the signal acquisition unit can be directly connected to the first electrode 6 and the second electrode 7 in the acoustic sensor via wires, eliminating the need for power supply to the acoustic sensor. This simplifies the structure and reduces signal processing delay. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the signal acquisition unit is connected to a set of first electrodes 6 and second electrodes 7 in the acoustic sensor; or, as... Figure 6As shown, the signal acquisition unit is connected to multiple sets of corresponding first electrodes 6 and second electrodes 7 in the acoustic sensor, enabling synchronous acquisition of multi-channel electrical signals output by the acoustic sensor.

[0080] The wire connecting the signal acquisition unit to the first electrode 6 can be fixed to the side of the first outer shell 1 facing the first diaphragm 2, thus achieving contact with the first electrode 6. Similarly, the wire connecting the signal acquisition unit to the second electrode 7 can be fixed to the side of the second outer shell 5 facing the second diaphragm 4, thus achieving contact with the second electrode 7.

[0081] Specifically, the signal conditioning unit is connected to the signal acquisition unit. The signal conditioning unit can amplify, filter, and process the acquired electrical signals, and convert the analog electrical signals into digital audio signals. For example, the signal conditioning unit processes the electrical signals of each channel of the acoustic sensor.

[0082] Specifically, terminal device 9 can be connected to the signal conditioning unit. Terminal device 9 can process the received audio digital signals before transmitting them back to control circuit module 8. For example, terminal device 9 can process the received audio digital signals corresponding to different channels of the acoustic sensor according to the tuning frequency set by the user, or perform weighted mixing of the audio digital signals corresponding to different channels to form a compensation audio signal, thereby realizing hearing compensation frequency band control.

[0083] Specifically, the terminal device 9 transmits the compensation audio signal back to the audio playback unit on the control circuit module 8. The audio playback unit can play the compensation audio signal, which can accurately compensate for the frequency bands in which the user's hearing is impaired.

[0084] In the aforementioned hearing aid system, the number of sound wave receiving channels of the acoustic sensor can be one or at least two; there is no limitation here, and it depends on the actual situation. The more channels the acoustic sensor has, the more subdivided the hearing aid frequency bands, and the more frequency bands can be selected.

[0085] In this embodiment of the invention, the control circuit module 8 may further include a wireless transmission unit, which is signal-connected to the terminal device 9. The signal conditioning unit can transmit digital audio signals to the terminal device 9 via the wireless transmission unit; the terminal device 9 can transmit compensated audio signals to the audio playback unit via the wireless transmission unit. The control circuit module 8, connected to the terminal device 9 via the wireless transmission unit, has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and improves the overall comfort of the device.

[0086] Specifically, the wireless transmission unit can be a Wi-Fi module, Bluetooth module, LoRa module, or ZigBee module, etc. In actual use, it can be set according to the actual data transmission volume and electromagnetic environment.

[0087] Optionally, the control circuit module 8 can also transmit data with the terminal device 9 via a wired connection. Specifically, the connection method, transmission method, and data transmission protocol between the control circuit module 8 and the terminal device 9 are not limited here and will be determined according to the actual situation.

[0088] Specifically, the control circuit module 8 can be an integrated control circuit board with a simple structure and easy manufacturing.

[0089] In this embodiment of the invention, the terminal device 9 can adjust the gain frequency band of the compensation audio signal according to the user's input instructions or scene recognition model, thereby enabling precise compensation for the frequency band of the user's hearing impairment.

[0090] Specifically, users can manually combine suitable hearing compensation schemes on the terminal according to the usage scenario. Alternatively, the terminal device 9 is loaded with a scene recognition model, which can automatically adjust the hearing compensation scheme based on the scene recognized by the scene recognition model. This can achieve accurate compensation for hearing loss frequency bands, and the operation is simple, improving the convenience of use for users.

[0091] In this embodiment of the invention, the terminal device 9 is a display terminal. The display terminal can be used to generate text content based on audio digital signals and display it on the screen. It can increase the voice recognition function, make it easier for users to understand and record, improve the convenience of the hearing assistance system, and overcome the shortcomings of the single function of existing devices.

[0092] Specifically, the terminal device 9 can be equipped with an application for real-time speech recognition. This application uses a speech recognition model to perform speech recognition, generating text content from the received audio digital signals and displaying it on the screen. The specific speech recognition model is not limited here; any algorithm trained on a dataset that can achieve speech recognition is acceptable. The algorithm used in practice can be determined based on the technical difficulty and application scenario.

[0093] Specifically, there are no restrictions on the shape, size, and model of the display terminal. The display device can be an electronic device such as a computer, mobile phone, or tablet, and there are no specific restrictions here. There are also no restrictions on the operating system installed in the display device, depending on the actual situation.

[0094] In this embodiment of the invention, the hearing assistance system may further include at least two acoustic sensors spaced apart; the terminal device 9 can determine the direction of the sound source based on the time difference and amplitude of the signals output by the at least two acoustic sensors and display it on the screen, thereby realizing the sound source localization function, improving the convenience of the hearing assistance system, and overcoming the shortcomings of the single function of existing devices.

[0095] Specifically, terminal device 9 can be equipped with an application containing a sound source localization algorithm, which can realize the sound source localization function. The specific sound source localization algorithm is not limited here and depends on the actual situation.

[0096] In practical applications, the specific process of terminal device 9 processing audio digital signals can be as follows: Figure 7 As shown. The hearing assistance system may include two acoustic sensors, which can be the three-channel sensors described above. The sensing electrical signals output by the two acoustic sensors can be processed by the control circuit module 8 and transmitted to the terminal device 9.

[0097] The terminal device 9 can adjust the frequency of the received audio digital signal for hearing aids. It can be automatically adjusted by a scene recognition model or manually adjusted by the user on the terminal device 9. It is converted into an audio file. Specifically, the received signal can be normalized first, then quantized into PCM format, then the sampling rate can be set, and finally a compensated audio signal can be generated and transmitted to the audio playback unit of the control circuit module 8 for audio playback.

[0098] In addition, terminal device 9 can also perform sound source localization. The specific steps are as follows: first, perform peak analysis on the received audio digital signal, then calculate the time difference between the signals corresponding to the two acoustic sensors, and based on the sound source localization algorithm, calculate the direction angle of the sound source through peak analysis and signal time difference, and output and display it on the screen (output angle).

[0099] In addition, terminal device 9 can also perform speech recognition. The specific steps are as follows: first, generate a Mel spectrogram based on the received audio digital signal, then perform normalization processing, then convert the normalized Mel spectrogram into a tensor format suitable for input into the deep learning model (tensor adaptation), then input the tensor form Mel spectrogram into the convolutional neural network, then send the output of the convolutional neural network into the speech recognition model, and finally output the speech recognition result (output result) and display it on the screen.

[0100] In this embodiment of the invention, the acoustic sensor described above can be installed not only in hearing aid systems, but also in other scenarios. There are no restrictions here, and it depends on the actual situation.

[0101] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, the present invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An acoustic sensor, characterized in that, It includes a first outer shell layer, a first diaphragm, a spacer layer, a second diaphragm, and a second outer shell layer that are stacked in sequence; The first outer shell layer includes a first hollow area, the spacer layer includes a second hollow area opposite to the first hollow area, and the second outer shell layer includes a third hollow area opposite to the second hollow area; The first diaphragm has a first electrode on the side facing the first outer shell layer and is connected to the edge of the first hollow area; the first diaphragm is connected to the edge of the second hollow area on the side facing the spacer layer. The side of the second diaphragm facing the first diaphragm is connected to the edge of the second hollow area. The side of the second diaphragm facing the second outer shell layer has a second electrode and is connected to the edge of the third hollow area. The material of the second diaphragm has a different electron affinity than the material of the first diaphragm. The amplitude of the first diaphragm is greater than that of the second diaphragm. When no sound wave is received, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm separate; When a sound wave is received, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm move closer and further apart as the sound wave moves, so as to generate an electrical signal on the first electrode and the second electrode. The first outer shell layer includes at least two first hollow areas; The first diaphragm includes at least two first vibration portions disposed opposite to the at least two first hollow areas, the edge of each first vibration portion is connected to the edge of the corresponding first hollow area, each first vibration portion has the first electrode, and the thickness of different first vibration portions is different. The spacer layer includes at least two second hollow areas that correspond one-to-one with the at least two first vibration portions, and the edge of each second hollow area is connected to the edge of the corresponding first vibration portion. The second diaphragm includes at least two second vibration portions corresponding to the at least two second hollow areas, the edge of each second vibration portion is connected to the edge of the corresponding second hollow area, and each second vibration portion has a second electrode; The second outer shell layer includes at least two third hollow areas disposed opposite to the at least two second vibration parts, wherein the edge of each third hollow area is connected to the edge of the corresponding second vibration part; At least one of the first hollow areas has a constraint tooth, the extension direction of which is parallel to the extension surface of the first outer shell layer, and the constraint tooth in the first hollow area is connected to the corresponding first vibration part.

2. The acoustic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first hollow area has at least one constraint tooth.

3. The acoustic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Except for the first hollow area corresponding to the first vibration part with the smallest thickness, the other first hollow areas have the constraint teeth; the length of the constraint teeth in different first hollow areas is different, and the thicker the first vibration part, the longer the length of the constraint teeth in the corresponding first hollow area.

4. The acoustic sensor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first diaphragm includes a plurality of first vibration portions arranged in sequence, the thickness of the plurality of first vibration portions decreasing sequentially.

5. The acoustic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first diaphragm is made of spun yarn, and the second diaphragm is made of polymer.

6. The acoustic sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrode is a metal plating layer on the first diaphragm, and the second electrode is a metal plating layer on the second diaphragm.

7. A hearing aid system, characterized in that, Includes the acoustic sensor as described in any one of claims 1-6; also includes a control system; The control system is electrically connected to the first and second electrodes of the acoustic sensor, and is used to convert the electrical signals on the first and second electrodes into compensated audio signals and play them.

8. The hearing assistance system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control system includes a control circuit module and a terminal device. The control circuit module includes a signal acquisition unit, a signal conditioning unit, and an audio playback unit. The signal acquisition unit is used to acquire the electrical signals generated on the first and second electrodes of the acoustic sensor; The signal conditioning unit is used to generate audio digital signals based on the acquired electrical signals; The terminal device is used to generate a compensated audio signal based on the audio digital signal, and transmit the compensated audio signal to the audio playback unit; The audio playback unit is used to convert the compensated audio signal into audio for playback.

9. The hearing assistance system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control circuit module also includes a wireless transmission unit, which is signal-connected to the terminal device. The signal conditioning unit transmits the audio digital signal to the terminal device through the wireless transmission unit; The terminal device transmits the compensated audio signal to the audio playback unit through the wireless transmission unit.

10. The hearing assistance system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The terminal device is used to adjust the gain band of the compensated audio signal according to user input instructions or scene recognition models.

11. The hearing assistance system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The terminal device is a display terminal, which is used to generate text content based on the audio digital signal and display it on the screen.

12. The hearing assistance system according to claim 11, characterized in that, Includes at least two of the acoustic sensors spaced apart; The terminal device is used to determine the direction of the sound source and display it on the screen based on the time difference and amplitude of the signals output by at least two of the acoustic sensors.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Sound wave generating device

    CN108737942A