Keyboard

Abstract

To provide a control device.SOLUTION: A control device comprises a housing and a rotatable dial. The housing comprises a first user input unit and a user output unit presented on a touch screen. The first user input unit provides a first input signal. The user output unit provides an output on the touch screen. The dial includes a second user input unit, and controls magnitude / size / intensity of one or more auditory sense parameters via a rotatable portion. The second user input unit provides a second input signal in response to rotation operation by a user. The control device comprises a communication module that establishes a communication link between the control device and an auxiliary device. The user interface provides a user interface layout onto the touch screen and adaptively adjusts / corrects the provided user interface layout in response to the first input signal / second input signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The present application further relates to a system including a control device and a hearing testing instrument.

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

[0004] The application further relates to a computer program comprising instructions that cause a control device or system to carry out a method when the program is executed by the control device or system. [Background technology]

[0005] Control Device A conventional stand-alone audiometer typically has several physical pressure keys and two dials, each with a rotatable wheel, to enable a user, such as a hearing care professional, to perform a hearing test on a patient (i.e., a test subject). To make it easy for the user to find the functions required for a particular hearing test, the number of buttons, and therefore the size of the audiometer, may be high / large. However, this may result in a complicated user flow. Also, various different designs and labeling of the keys and dials may be required to enable the use of the audiometer in several different countries and regions around the world.

[0006] As a result of the evolution from stand-alone based audiometers to PC based audiometers, users are requesting audiometer keyboards instead of PC based keyboards because PC based keyboards are difficult to use as they have many keys dedicated to functions other than those required to control the audiometer. In addition, the two dials on the audiometer keyboard are the preferred method for operating the two channels of the audiometer, which further reduces the practicality of the PC based keyboard. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an audiometric keyboard that allows for easy user flow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one aspect of the present application, a control device is provided. In one aspect of the present application, a keyboard is provided. For example, the control device may be a keyboard, such as an audiometer keyboard.

[0009] The control device (or keyboard) may be adapted to administer one or more types of hearing tests to a subject. The control device (or keyboard) may be adapted to interact / communicate with auxiliary devices such as hearing testing equipment. The control device (or keyboard) may be adapted to remotely control the auxiliary device.

[0010] The control device (or keyboard) may include a housing. The housing may contain / enclose at least some of the elements of the control device (or keyboard). The housing may form at least a part of the outer shell of the control device (or keyboard).

[0011] The control device (or keyboard) may comprise at least one dial with a rotatable portion. The control device (or keyboard) may comprise two dials, each with a rotatable portion. For example, the rotatable portion may be a rotatable wheel.

[0012] The housing may include a touch screen. The touch screen may comprise a touch panel, for example a capacitive touch screen panel, and a display element. The touch screen may comprise the first user input unit. The first user input unit may comprise a touch panel. The touch screen may comprise a user output unit. The user output unit may comprise a display element. For example, a touch panel may be laminated onto the (electronic visual) display element of a control device (or keyboard).

[0013] The first user input unit and the user output unit may form part of a user interface. A user interface may be presented / provided on the touch screen (at least during operation of the control device (or keyboard)). The first user input unit may be configured to receive a touch input from a user. The touch input may be provided through a user interface. The first user input unit may be configured to provide a corresponding first input signal, in other words, the first user input unit may be configured to provide the first input signal in response to receiving a touch input from a user. For example, when a user touches the touch screen, the first user input unit may detect the touch as a touch input and generate a corresponding first input signal. The first input signal may include information regarding at least a position, a movement, and / or a duration of a touch input from a user (on a touch panel). In other words, the first input signal may include data including at least a position, a movement, and / or a duration input parameter. The user output unit may be configured to provide an output on the touch screen based on the output signal. In other words, the user output unit may provide an output on a display element in response to receiving the output signal. In other words, the user interface may display an output on the touch screen in response to receiving the output signal.

[0014] At least one dial may comprise a second user input unit. The dial may be configured to control, via the rotatable portion, the magnitude and / or size and / or intensity of one or more hearing parameters of the hearing test. The second user input unit may be configured to provide a second input signal in response to a user rotating the rotatable portion. For example, a user may rotate the rotatable portion to increase or decrease the intensity of a stimulus signal provided to a patient, for example during an audiological hearing test. In response to the rotation, the second user input unit may generate a second input signal.

[0015] The control device (or the keyboard) may further comprise a communications module. The communications module may include an antenna and transceiver circuitry for establishing a communications link. The communication module may be suitable for establishing a communication link between the control device (or the keyboard) and at least one auxiliary device. The communications link may provide / facilitate information and / or data to be transmitted to and / or received from the auxiliary device. The communication link may be a wireless communication link. The wireless link may be based on Bluetooth technology (eg Bluetooth Low Energy technology) or Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. For example, the information and / or data may include configuration data that enables the hearing testing equipment to modulate and / or adjust the acoustic stimuli and present them to the patient.

[0016] The user interface can be configured to provide one of a number of user interface layouts. User interface layout may refer to user interface design and / or user interface configuration. The user interface layout may be presentable on a touch screen (display element). The user interface may be configured to adaptively adjust / modify the provided user interface layout. The user interface may be configured to adaptively adjust / modify the provided user interface layout in response to the first input signal and / or in response to the second input signal.

[0017] The control device (or keyboard) may include a processor. The processor may be connected to (in communication with) the first user input unit and the second user input unit. The processor may be configured to receive a first input signal from a first user input unit. The processor may be configured to receive a second input signal from a second user input unit. The processor may be connected to (in communication with) a user output unit. The processor may be configured to transmit the output signal to a user output unit.

[0018] The control device (or keyboard) may comprise a memory. The memory may be connected to (in communication with) the processor. The memory may be configured to store a plurality of user interface layouts.

[0019] Thus, a control device (or keyboard) is provided that offers an easy user flow for controlling auxiliary devices such as hearing testing equipment.

[0020] The auxiliary device may be a hearing testing device. The auxiliary device may be a computing device that is connected to the hearing testing equipment. Thus, the control device (or keyboard) may function as a control device (or keyboard) for (remote control of) the hearing testing equipment and / or for (remote control of) a computing device connected to the hearing testing equipment.

[0021] Each of the user interface layouts may display an option to select one from a number of types of hearing tests and the corresponding user interface layout. The options may be represented by buttons or menus on the user interface layout, for example, a user may touch a button or menu presented on the user interface to select a certain type of hearing test. For example, each user interface layout may include a drop-down menu that lists, for example, multiple types of hearing tests. The user may have the possibility to select one of the types of hearing tests.

[0022] For example, types of hearing tests may refer to pediatric tests or may refer to hearing tests such as pure tone assessment tests or speech audiometry.

[0023] Each of the user interface layouts may be configured to present / display options, each representing a parameter selectable by a user. The options may relate to the type of hearing test selected by the user. For example, each type of hearing test may include parameters common to all test types, such as intensity, channel selection, etc., but may also include parameters specific to that type of selected test.

[0024] The parameters may include ear selection. The parameters may include a transducer selection. The parameters may include a stimulus type. The parameters may include a frequency level. The parameters may include a channel selection.

[0025] The control device (or keyboard) may be configured to transmit information and / or data to the auxiliary device via the communications link in response to a user providing input to the first user input unit. The control device (or keyboard) may be configured to transmit information and / or data to the auxiliary device via the communications link in response to a user providing input to the second user input unit.

[0026] The at least one dial may be disposed on an exterior edge of the housing. At least one dial may protrude at least partially from the outer edge.

[0027] The rotatable wheel of the at least one dial may be disposed at an angle relative to the plane of the touch screen. For example, a dial may have a first longitudinal axis extending from a first end to a second end of the dial. When the control device (or keyboard) is placed on a table, the first end of the dial rests on the table, thereby improving the stability of the control device (or keyboard) on the table. The second end of the dial may be located at a distance from the table, which may be greater than the distance that adjacently located portions of the housing (and thus the touch screen) are located away from the table. This allows the dial to protrude from the housing both along the first longitudinal axis and in a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. For example, a rotatable wheel may be disposed on the second end of the dial, and the rotatable wheel may have an axis of rotation parallel to the first longitudinal axis, such that the rotatable wheel may be configured to rotate in a plane perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

[0028] The dial may comprise at least one key (eg, a push button), where the at least one key is dedicated to operating one predetermined function of the above-mentioned types of hearing tests. For example, the dial may include a first key, such as a primary key, and a second key, such as a secondary key, each of which may be dedicated to controlling an essential function of the type of hearing test selected by the user. For example, the function controlled by the first or second key may be a memory function or a talk-forward function.

[0029] At least one key may be configured to operate a memory function, for example for storing a current parameter setting. At least one key may be configured to control activation of a talk-forward feature. At least one key may be configured to operate deactivation of the talk-forward feature. The talk-forward feature may be configured to allow the user to communicate with the patient. The user interface may be deactivated to user input in response to activation of the talk-forward feature.The user interface may be activated to user input in response to deactivation of the talk-forward feature.

[0030] The at least one rotatable wheel may be configured to provide feedback to a user in response to the user rotating the rotatable wheel. Feedback may refer to providing audio feedback (eg, via a speaker), visual feedback (eg, via a light), or tactile feedback. Feedback may refer to altering the functionality of a rotatable wheel, for example, altering the functionality of a rotatable wheel may include adjusting the resistance required for a user to rotate the wheel. For example, a rotatable wheel may be configured to adjust the intensity of channel 1. At a level where the extended intensity range is reached, a light indicator may provide visual feedback around the wheel (e.g., by flashing multiple times). Additionally or alternatively, once the extended intensity range is reached, further rotation of the rotatable wheel in the same direction may require the user to use more force to turn the wheel.

[0031] The control device (or keyboard) may include lights (light indicators) located adjacent each of the at least one rotatable wheel, and the lights (light indicators) may be configured to change color, intensity and / or appearance of the lights in response to control signals from the processor.

[0032] The control device (or keyboard) may include two dials, each of which may include a rotatable wheel. Each dial may be configured to operate a channel of the hearing testing device. For example, one channel may be configured to present a stimulus signal to a subject's ear. For example, one channel may be configured to present a masking signal to the subject's ears. The control device (or keyboard) may be configured to activate one or both channels simultaneously, such that only the channel for presenting the stimulation signal is activated, or one channel presents the stimulation signal and another presents a masking signal for masking the stimulation signal.

[0033] system In a further aspect, there is further provided a system comprising a control device (or keyboard) and hearing testing equipment as described above in the Detailed Description and in the Claims.

[0034] The system may be configured to establish a communication link between the control device (or keyboard) and the hearing testing equipment. The communication link may provide for information and / or data to be transmitted between the control device (or keyboard) and the hearing testing equipment.

[0035] method Further provided by the present application, in one aspect, is a method of administering one or more types of hearing tests.

[0036] The method may include providing a control device (or keyboard) comprising a housing and at least one dial.

[0037] The method may include providing a first user input unit and a user output unit that together form part of a user interface presented on a touch screen of the housing.

[0038] The method may include receiving a touch input from a user via a first user input unit. The method may include providing a corresponding first input signal.

[0039] The method may include providing an output on a touch screen based on the output signal. Output on the touch screen may be provided via a user output unit.

[0040] The method may include providing a second user input unit on the at least one dial. In other words, at least one dial may be equipped with a second user input unit for detecting when a user touches (eg rotates) the dial.

[0041] The method may include controlling the magnitude and / or size and / or intensity of one or more hearing parameters of the hearing test via a rotatable portion of at least one dial.

[0042] The method may include providing a second input signal in response to a user rotating the rotatable portion.

[0043] The method may include transmitting information and / or data to the auxiliary device over a communications link. The method may include receiving information and / or data from the auxiliary device over a communications link.

[0044] The method may include providing one of a plurality of user interface layouts on the touch screen.

[0045] The method may include adaptively adjusting / modifying the provided user interface layout in response to the first input signal and / or the second input signal.

[0046] In the Detailed Description of the Embodiments or in the claims, it is intended that some or all of the structural features of the above-mentioned control device (or keyboard) and system can be combined with the method embodiments, and vice versa, when appropriately replaced by the corresponding process. The method embodiments have the same advantages as the corresponding control device (or keyboard) and / or system.

[0047] use In certain aspects, the Detailed Description and claims further provide for the use of the control device (or keyboard) and system as described above.

[0048] Computer Programs Further provided by the present application is a computer program (product) comprising instructions which, when said program is executed by a computer, e.g. a control device (or keyboard) or a system (as disclosed above), cause the computer to carry out the (steps of) the methods mentioned above and in the claims.

[0049] The present application further provides a computer program (product) comprising instructions which, when executed by a control device (or keyboard) comprising a touch screen, a processor for receiving a first input signal from a first user input unit and a second input signal from a second user input unit, and a communication module, cause the control device (or keyboard) to function as a control device (or keyboard) (as described above) for an auxiliary device.

[0050] The instructions may cause the control device (or keyboard) to convert at least the first and second input signals into information and / or data.

[0051] The instructions may cause the control device (or keyboard) to transmit information and / or data to the auxiliary device. The information and / or data may include at least a first and a second input signal. The first and second input signals can be interpreted by the auxiliary device as one of a plurality of potential commands in a provided one of a plurality of user interface layouts. The auxiliary device may be configured to interpret the first and second input signals in combination with the provided user interface layout to determine appropriate commands for the provided user interface layout, and to update (e.g., adaptively adjust / modify) the user interface layout in response to the appropriate commands.

[0052] The instructions may cause the control device (or keyboard) to receive appropriate commands from the auxiliary device.

[0053] The instructions may cause the control device (or keyboard) to adaptively adjust / modify the provided user interface layout in response to appropriate commands. The adaptive adjustment / modification may be performed via a processor and / or a control unit. The adaptive adjustment / modification may be performed based at least in part on parameters stored in the memory. For example, the parameters stored in the memory may represent ear selection, transducer selection, stimulation type, frequency levels, and / or channel selection.

[0054] Data Processing System In one aspect, the present application further provides a data processing system including a processor and program code means for causing the processor to perform at least some (such as most or all) of the steps of the method described above.

[0055] APP In a further aspect, the present application further provides a non-transitory application, referred to as an APP, which includes executable instructions configured to be executed on the control device (or keyboard) to implement the user interface of the control device (or keyboard) described above in the Detailed Description and in the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0056] Aspects of the present disclosure may be best understood from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details to enhance comprehension of the claims, with other details omitted. The same reference numbers are used throughout for identical or corresponding parts. Each individual feature of each aspect may be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features and / or technical advantages will become apparent and will be explained from the description set forth below.

[0057] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system according to the present application. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a control device (or keyboard) according to the present application. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application.

[0058] The drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details essential to the understanding of the present disclosure, other details being omitted. The same reference numerals are used throughout for the same or corresponding parts.

[0059] Further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only. Other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. Some aspects of the control device (or keyboard), system and method are described by various blocks, functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). Depending on a particular application, design constraints, or other reasons, these elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer programs, or any combination thereof.

[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system according to the present application.

[0062] The system 1 is shown to include hearing testing equipment 2 , an audio device 3 , a monitor 43 and a control device (or keyboard) 4 . The hearing testing equipment 2 may comprise a stimulus generator SG and an analysis unit AU. The audio device 3 may comprise at least one audio output unit 5. In the example of Figure 1, the audio device 3 is shown as having two audio output units 5. The monitor 43 may be connected to the hearing testing equipment 2 via either a wired or wireless connection 6 so that the monitor can present a software program for performing the hearing test.

[0063] The stimulus generator SG may be configured to generate at least one stimulus 7 , such as a stimulus signal and a masking signal, and to transmit the at least one stimulus to the audio device 3 .

[0064] For example, the stimulus generator SG may be configured to provide a number of successive stimuli 7 according to a test protocol for a particular (selected) test type. The stimulus generator SG may transmit stimuli 7 to the audio device 3 via a wired or wireless connection 8 .

[0065] 1, the audio device 3 is illustrated as a headset located at the ear of the subject 9, however, the audio device 3 may instead be located at only one ear and other earphones or other devices comprising transducers may alternatively be used. The two output units 5 of the audio device 3 may (each) comprise a transducer, and each of the audio output units 5 may be configured to provide at least one stimulus to an ear of the subject 9 via its transducer. Thus, a continuous stimulus 7 may be transmitted to the audio device 3 and each of the output units 5 may present a stimulus 7 to an ear of the subject 9 via said transducer.

[0066] The analysis unit AU may be suitable for analyzing the correspondence between, for example, each of the provided stimuli 7 and a subsequent subject input, for example detected by an auxiliary device such as the subject's remote control or verbally expressed by the subject. The analysis unit AU may be configured to adjust the examination protocol of the selected examination type according to said analyzed correspondence.

[0067] The control device (or keyboard) 4 may be connected to the hearing testing equipment 2 via either a wired or wireless connection 10. In the case of a wireless connection 10, the control device (or keyboard) 4 may be moved by a user operating the hearing testing equipment 2.

[0068] The control device (or keyboard) 4 may comprise a housing 11 and at least one dial 12 with a rotatable portion 13. In FIG.

[0069] The housing 11 of the control device (or keyboard) 4 is shown to include a touch screen 14 presenting a user interface 15. The user interface 15 is shown to present a number of parameters or objects on the touch screen 14. The parameters or objects may represent parameters that are selectable by the user and give the user the possibility to modify the size / magnitude or may represent the current settings and type of test selected by the user. For example, the parameters or objects may represent ear selection, transducer selection, stimulation type, frequency level and / or channel selection. For example, the parameter (e.g., an option / button / menu presented on a user interface) may represent an option for a user to select whether stimuli are transmitted on a first channel 16 and / or a second channel 17. The parameter may additionally or alternatively represent a button 18 between multiple user interface layouts and / or a button 19 for the type of hearing test to be performed. Further options / buttons / menus 20 may be presented representing other selections related to the test.

[0070] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application.

[0071] In Figure 2, the control device (or keyboard) which is also shown in Figure 1 is shown in more detail from above. For similar features shown in Figure 1, similar reference numbers are used.

[0072] It is shown that one or more of the parameters exemplified by buttons 19 on the user interface 15 for selecting the type of hearing test to be performed may be provided with a drop-down menu 21 listing a number of further options / buttons / menus 22 selectable by the user. For example, the options / buttons / menus 22 may provide the user with the option to select a pediatric test or a hearing test such as a pure tone assessment test or a speech audiometry test.

[0073] The touchscreen 14 may comprise a first user input unit and a user output unit that together form part of a user interface 15 presented on the touchscreen 14. The first user input unit may be configured to receive touch input from a user when the user touches a (e.g. capacitive) touch panel of the touchscreen 14. The first input unit may generate a corresponding first input signal that may be transmitted to a processor of the control device (or keyboard). The touchscreen 14 may include a user output unit configured to provide an output to a display element of the touchscreen 14 based on the output signal.

[0074] Each of the two dials 12 is shown disposed on an outer edge 23 of the housing 11 and protruding at least partially therefrom. In the example of Fig. 1, each of the two dials 12 includes a first key 24 and a second key 25 respectively dedicated to operating one given function of a selected type of hearing test. The first key 24 may for example be configured to operate a memory function to store current parameters and the second key 25 may for example be configured to operate the activation / deactivation of a talk-forward function allowing the user to communicate with the subject. The user interface 15 may be deactivated for further user input in response to activation of said talk-forward function.

[0075] The user interface 15 may present / display one of a number of user interface layouts on the touch screen 14. Each of the user interface layouts presents / displays user-selectable parameters, where the parameters are related to the type of hearing test selected by the user. In other words, when the user selects a particular type of hearing test, a user interface layout specifically designed for the selected test is presented, where several parameters and objects related to the selected test are displayed, such that the user can, for example, activate / deactivate parameters and / or adjust the size of parameters.

[0076] 3 is a side view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application, the control device (or keyboard) being in a stationary position, for example on a table.

[0077] Like reference numbers are used for like features shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0078] 3, dial 12 is viewed from the side. Dial 12 is shown to include a rotatable portion 13 that is disposed on top of a tower portion 26.

[0079] The tower portion 26 of the dial 12 may have a plane lower surface 27 that contacts a surface (e.g., a table) when the control device (or keyboard) 4 is placed on the surface, thereby supporting the stability of the control device (or keyboard) 4. It is noted that the side of the tower portion 26 may have a frustoconical shape, and other shapes such as tubular, elliptical, or polygonal are envisioned. It is thus noted that the tower portion 26 may have a front portion 28 that is inclined at a smaller angle to the plane lower surface 27 than the rear portion 29. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the dial (i.e., both the tower portion 26 and the rotatable portion 13) is inclined away from the touch screen 14. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the dial 12 (see FIG. 6) is at an angle to the normal of the surface 30 on which the control device (or keyboard) 4 is placed. Thereby, the dial 12 is angled towards the user and away from the touch screen 14, which facilitates ergonomic positioning of the user's hand.

[0080] 4 shows an exemplary block diagram of a control device (or keyboard) according to the present application. Lines indicate connections / communication lines between elements in the block diagram.

[0081] The control device (or keyboard) may comprise a main board 31 comprising a processor 32 and a memory 33 for storing parameters. The control device (or keyboard) may further comprise a power controller 34 connected to a battery 35 and a power supply 36 for supplying power, for example via a USB cable. The control device (or keyboard) may further comprise a communications module 37 for establishing a communications link (wireless or wired) between the control device (or keyboard) and at least one auxiliary device, where the communications link provides for information and / or data to be transmitted to and / or received from the auxiliary device.

[0082] The first dial 12A and the second dial 12B may each comprise at least one key 38 and a rotatable portion 13. The at least one key 38 and the rotatable portion 13, together with an encoder filter 39 and button logic and debounce 40, form part of a second user input unit for providing a second input signal to the processor 32.

[0083] The touch screen 14 may comprise a touch panel 41 forming part of a first user input unit for providing a first input signal in response to receiving touch input from a user. The touchscreen 14 may further comprise a display element 42 forming part of a user output unit arranged to provide output to the display element 42 of the touchscreen 14 in response to receiving an output signal from the processor 32 .

[0084] 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application, the control device (or keyboard) being in a stationary position, for example on a table.

[0085] Like reference numbers are used for like features shown in previous figures.

[0086] 6 is a rear view of an exemplary control device (or keyboard) according to the present application, the control device (or keyboard) being in a stationary position, for example on a table.

[0087] Like reference numbers are used for like features shown in previous figures.

[0088] 6 shows the longitudinal axes A1, A2 of the two dials 12. In each case, the longitudinal axes A1, A2 are shown to be disposed at an angle relative to the normal of the surface 30 on which the control device (or keyboard) 4 rests. The dials 12 are therefore angled away from the touch screen 14.

[0089] It is contemplated that in either the detailed description and / or the claims, the structural features of the above-mentioned devices may be combined with steps of the method when appropriately substituted by the corresponding processes.

[0090] When used, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well (i.e., have the meaning "at least one") unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise," "comprise," "including," and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, unless otherwise stated, the element can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, but intervening elements may also be present. Furthermore, "connected" or "coupled," as used herein, may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The steps of the disclosed methods are not limited to the exact order described herein, unless otherwise stated.

[0091] It should be understood that throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment" or "embodiments" or "aspects," or to features included as "may," mean that the particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with an embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined as appropriate in one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0092] The claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, and reference to a singular element is not intended to mean "one and only," unless specifically so stated, but rather means "one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more.

Claims

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

2. the auxiliary device is a hearing testing device or a computing device connected to a hearing testing device; The control device of claim 1 .

3. each of the user interface layouts displays an option for selecting one of a plurality of types of hearing tests and a corresponding user interface layout; The control device of claim 1 .

4. each of the user interface layouts is configured to present options, each of the options representing a parameter selectable by a user, the options being related to a type of hearing test selected by the user; The control device of claim 1 .

5. The parameters include ear selection, transducer selection, stimulation type, frequency level, and / or channel selection. A control device as claimed in claim 4.

6. the control device is configured to transmit the information and / or data to the auxiliary device via the communication link in response to the user providing input to the first user input unit. The control device of claim 1 .

7. the at least one dial is disposed on an exterior edge of the housing and protrudes at least partially from the exterior edge; The control device of claim 1 .

8. a rotatable wheel of the at least one dial is disposed at an angle relative to a plane of the touch screen. The control device of claim 1 .

9. the dial comprises at least one key, the at least one key being dedicated to operate a predetermined function of one of the types of hearing tests; The control device of claim 1 .

10. one key is configured to operate a memory function for storing current parameter settings, and / or one key is configured to operate activation / deactivation of a talk-forward function that allows the user to communicate with a subject, the user interface layout being deactivated to user input in response to activation of the talk-forward function. A control device according to claim 9.

11. at least one rotatable wheel is configured to provide feedback to the user in response to the user rotating the wheel; The control device of claim 1 .

12. the control device comprising two dials, each dial configured to operate a channel of the hearing testing equipment; The control device of claim 1 .

13. the communication link is a wireless communication link; The control device of claim 1 .

14. A control device according to claim 1; Hearing testing equipment, 1. A system comprising: a control device configured to establish a communication link between the control device and the hearing testing equipment, the communication link providing for information and / or data to be transmitted between the control device and the hearing testing equipment.

15. 1. A method of administering one or more types of hearing tests, the method comprising: Providing a control device comprising a housing and at least one dial; providing a first user input unit and a user output unit which together form part of a user interface presented on a touch screen of said housing; receiving a touch input from a user via the first user input unit and providing a corresponding first input signal; providing an output to the touch screen based on the output signal via the user output unit; providing a second user input unit on the at least one dial; - controlling the magnitude and / or size and / or intensity of one or more hearing parameters of said hearing test via a rotatable portion of said at least one dial; providing a second input signal in response to the user rotating the rotatable portion; transmitting information and / or data to and / or receiving information and / or data from the auxiliary device via a communications link; providing one of a plurality of user interface layouts on the touch screen; adaptively adjusting / modifying the provided user interface layout in response to the first input signal and / or the second input signal; A method comprising:

16. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a control device according to claim 1 or a system according to claim 14, cause said control device or system to carry out the method according to claim 15.

17. 1. A computer program product comprising instructions, when executed by a control device comprising a touch screen, a processor for receiving a first input signal from a first user input unit and a second input signal from a second user input unit, and a communications module, that cause the control device to function as a control device for an auxiliary device, the instructions causing the control device to: Converting at least the first and second input signals into information and / or data; causing information and / or data to be transmitted to an auxiliary device, the information and / or data including at least the first input signal and a second input signal, the first input signal and the second input signal being interpretable by the auxiliary device as one of a plurality of potential commands in a provided one of a plurality of user interface layouts, the auxiliary device being configured to interpret the first input signal and the second input signal in combination with the provided user interface layout to determine an appropriate command for the provided user interface layout, and to update the user interface layout in response to the appropriate command; receiving the appropriate command from the auxiliary device; A computer program product that, in response to the appropriate commands, adaptively adjusts / modifies the provided user interface layout.

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