Stereo-type digital hearing device connected to an external device with a built-in microphone and its operating method

Abstract

A stereo type digital hearing device that can be connected to an external device with a built-in microphone and a method of operating the same are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method for operating a stereo type digital hearing device connected to an external device with a built-in microphone may include the steps of: connecting a digital hearing device worn by a user to an external device carried by the user or located near the user via wireless communication; inputting external sound through a microphone built into the external device; transmitting the sound input by the external device to the digital hearing device; and amplifying the sound transmitted by the digital hearing device and transmitting it to the user through a speaker.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a stereo type digital hearing device that is connected to an external device with a built-in microphone and an operating method thereof, and more specifically, to a stereo type digital hearing device that allows a sense of space and direction similar to that of sounds heard by the ears through a microphone provided on the external device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, rapid advances in medical engineering technology have made it possible for patients who previously could not receive sufficient support from hearing aids to achieve significant improvements in their hearing by selecting and wearing the appropriate hearing aid.

[0003] Hearing aids are cutting-edge medical devices that must be worn at all times, and require ongoing monitoring as hearing changes occur. They also require after-sales service to protect against damage caused by moisture or foreign objects in the ear.

[0004] Traditional hearing aids were in the form of trumpet-shaped sound collectors, but nowadays they are commonly used in the form of electric hearing aids that help amplify sound.

[0005] Hearing aids also come in bone conduction types that are attached to the mastoid process, but the most common type is air conduction, in which sound waves are received by a microphone and converted into electrical vibrations, which are then amplified and converted back into sound waves by earphones, which are then delivered to the ear.

[0006] The "directivity" of the microphone in a hearing aid is an important factor in making it easier for users of the hearing aid to hear.

[0007] Typically, hearing aids use two sparse microphones with omnidirectional characteristics to calculate a directional signal.

[0008] However, in such a case, the directionality once set cannot actively adapt to the situation.

[0009] In addition, changing, correcting, or setting the directivity requires complicated procedures.

[0010] To address these issues, Korean Patent No. 10-2004460 describes technology for a digital hearing device that uses Bluetooth® circuits and digital signal processing to provide optimized hearing aid functions suited to the user's hearing profile and the hearing aid wearing environment using the limited resources of a Bluetooth® module.

[0011] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent No. 10-2004460 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] This embodiment relates to a stereo type digital hearing device that is connected to an external device with a built-in microphone and an operating method thereof, and more specifically, provides technology related to a stereo type digital hearing device that can receive external sounds through a microphone built into the external device, thereby giving a sense of space and direction similar to sounds heard with the ears.

[0013] The present embodiment aims to provide a stereo type digital hearing device that can be connected to an external device with a built-in microphone, and an operating method thereof, which receives external sounds input through a microphone built into the external device and provides stereo sound with a sense of direction and space, thereby transmitting sounds that cannot be heard at close range due to hearing loss without excessive amplification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to this embodiment, the operating method of a stereo type digital hearing device connected to an external device with a built-in microphone can include the steps of: wirelessly connecting a digital hearing device worn by a user to an external device carried by the user or located near the user; receiving external sound through a microphone built into the external device; transmitting the sound input by the external device to the digital hearing device; and amplifying the sound transmitted by the digital hearing device and transmitting it to the user through a speaker.

[0015] The step of connecting to each other via wireless communication may include a step in which the digital hearing device is composed of two devices, a first digital hearing device and a second digital hearing device, which can be worn on both ears of a user, and the first digital hearing device and a first external device are connected to each other via wireless communication; and a step in which the second digital hearing device and a second external device are connected to each other via wireless communication.

[0016] The process of connecting to each other via wireless communication can involve the first digital hearing device recognizing and connecting to the first external device that is closer than the second external device, and the second digital hearing device connecting to the second external device.

[0017] The step of transmitting the sound to the digital hearing device may include the steps of transmitting the sound input at the first external device to the first digital hearing device, and transmitting the sound input at the second external device to the second digital hearing device.

[0018] The process of amplifying the sound and transmitting it to the user through a speaker can provide stereo sound with a sense of direction and space by amplifying both the sound transmitted from the external device and the external sound input through a microphone configured in the digital hearing device.

[0019] The method may further include a step of comparing the sound transmitted from the external device with the sound input through a microphone configured in the digital hearing device for the same external sound, and estimating the location where the sound originated; and a step of automatically changing a beamforming value for the microphone's directivity according to the estimated location where the sound originated.

[0020] The process of automatically changing the beamforming value can apply a beamforming value for the microphone's directivity suitable for each environment to the microphone built into the external device, and automatically change the beamforming value using a pre-set algorithm.

[0021] The external device may be at least one of a cradle in which the digital hearing device is built, a remote controller, and a user terminal.

[0022] Another embodiment of a stereo type digital hearing device that can be connected to an external device with a built-in microphone can include a digital hearing device that amplifies transmitted sound and transmits it to the user through a speaker; and an external device that is carried by the user or located near the user, is connected to the digital hearing device via wireless communication, and inputs external sound through the built-in microphone and transmits it to the digital hearing device.

[0023] The digital hearing device is composed of two devices, a first digital hearing device and a second digital hearing device, which can be worn on both ears of a user, and the first digital hearing device and a first external device can be connected to each other via wireless communication, and the second digital hearing device and a second external device can be connected to each other via wireless communication.

[0024] The sound input from the first external device can be transmitted to the first digital hearing device, and the sound input from the second external device can be transmitted to the second digital hearing device.

[0025] The digital hearing device may include a main body; an earband extending from one side of the main body and configured to surround at least a portion of the user's auricle; a microphone disposed on the earband; an earhead configured to protrude from the inside of the main body and inserted into the user's ear canal; a speaker disposed on the earhead and amplifying sound received from the microphone and transmitting it to the user; a wireless communication unit disposed on the main body and connected to the external device via wireless communication; and a control unit disposed on the main body and connected to the external device via the wireless communication unit and transmitting and receiving acoustic data and control signals.

[0026] The control unit can amplify both the sound transmitted from the external device and the external sound input through a microphone configured in the digital hearing device to provide stereo sound with a sense of direction and space.

[0027] The digital hearing device may include a sound position estimation unit that compares the sound transmitted from the external device with the sound input through a microphone configured in the digital hearing device for the same external sound and estimates the position where the sound originated; and a beamforming setting unit that automatically changes the beamforming value for the microphone directionality according to the estimated position where the sound originated.

[0028] The beamforming setting unit can apply a beamforming value for the microphone's directivity that is suitable for each environment to the microphone built into the external device, and automatically change the beamforming value using a pre-set algorithm.

[0029] The external device may be at least one of a cradle in which the digital hearing device is built, a remote controller, and a user terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the embodiment, a stereo type digital hearing device that can be connected to an external device with a built-in microphone and an operating method thereof can be provided, which receives external sounds input through a microphone built in the external device and provides stereo sound with a sense of direction and space, thereby transmitting sounds that cannot be heard at close range due to hearing loss without excessive amplification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a stereo type digital hearing device connected to an external device with a built-in microphone according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates a stereotypical digital hearing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a cradle in which a microphone is configured according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a cradle in which a microphone is configured according to an embodiment, and a stereo type digital hearing device housed in the cradle. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the spatial sensation and directionality when a stereo type digital hearing device connected to an external device with two built-in microphones is used according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the directivity values ​​of a microphone depending on the environment according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating microphone directivity values ​​that are automatically changed according to the environment using an algorithm according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating audio transmission to a digital hearing device via a microphone built into an external device according to an embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0033] In addition, the embodiments are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the shape and size of components may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0034] The following embodiments relate to a stereo type digital hearing device that can be connected to an external device with a built-in microphone, and can transmit not only the sound transmitted to the digital hearing device (e.g., a hearing aid) but also a more comprehensive sound through the microphone installed in the other external device. As a result, the embodiments can provide a stereo type digital hearing device that can provide a sense of space and direction similar to the sound heard by the ears through the microphone of the external device.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a stereo type digital hearing device according to an embodiment, which is connected to an external device having a built-in microphone.

[0036] 1, in an embodiment, external sound is transmitted to a microphone configured in an external device, and the microphone configured in the external device converts the converted sound into sound suitable for the user's environment using an algorithm, and then transmits the converted sound to a digital hearing device. Here, the external device may be a cradle, a remote controller, a user terminal, etc., and may include a microphone and serve to transmit the external sound to a stereo type digital hearing device.

[0037] While recent hearing aids provide monaural sound, this embodiment can provide stereo sound that allows a sense of space and direction through a microphone provided in an external device.

[0038] In addition, this embodiment performs fitting through a hearing aid algorithm installed in a digital signal processor (DSP) to enable natural perception of the difference between loud and soft sounds, and can compensate for and assist hearing deficiencies so that sounds can be heard clearly even from a distance.

[0039] Furthermore, this embodiment solves the problem of hearing loss caused by excessive sound amplification in order to hear sounds from close or far distances, and can play an auxiliary role in transmitting sounds from far distances through a microphone built into an external device.

[0040] The following describes a stereo type digital hearing device and cradle that can be connected to an external device with a built-in microphone according to this embodiment. Here, a digital hearing device with at least one microphone attached to an ear band will be described as an example, but the stereo type digital hearing device and cradle that can be connected to an external device with a built-in microphone according to this embodiment are not limited to this.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a stereo type digital hearing device according to this embodiment.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, a stereo type digital hearing device (100) having a built-in microphone according to this embodiment, which is connected to an external device, may include a main body (110), an ear band (120), an ear head (130), at least one microphone (140, 150), and a speaker.

[0043] In addition, according to an embodiment, a stereo type digital hearing device (100) connected to an external device having a built-in microphone may further include at least one of a microphone for calls (160), a wireless communication unit, a control unit, a power supply unit, a voice position estimation unit, and a beamforming setting unit.

[0044] The main body 110 is attached to or worn on the user's ear and may include a wireless communication unit, a control unit, a power supply unit, etc. The main body 110 is not inserted into the ear but may be placed in close contact with the ear.

[0045] The earband (120) extends from one side of the main body (110) and is configured to wrap around at least a portion of the user's ear, and the earband (120) may be configured with at least one microphone (140, 150).

[0046] For example, the main body (110) and the ear band (120) may be formed in a "C" shape and inserted and secured diagonally from the upper front to the lower back of the user's ear.

[0047] The main body 110 and the ear bands 120 may be formed by injection molding synthetic resin or may be formed from metal such as stainless steel (STS), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), etc. However, the main body 110 and the ear bands 120 may be formed from a variety of materials, without being limited thereto.

[0048] The ear head (130) is configured in a protruding shape on the inside of the main body (110) and can be inserted into the user's ear canal.

[0049] Here, the ear head 130 can be configured as an open type that does not have a protrusion that fits tightly into the ear canal, or as a nozzle type that has a protrusion.

[0050] The ear head 130 can be configured to be selectively usable by combining an open-type or nozzle-type silicone cover.

[0051] In this case, the ear head (130) is configured as an open type, and when the silicone cover is attached to the lower part of the ear head (130), it can be determined as an open type or a nozzle type depending on the shape of the silicone cover.

[0052] For example, when a silicone cover including a protrusion is attached to an open-type ear head (130), it can be used as a nozzle-type.

[0053] At this time, the ear head 130 can minimize occlusion by forming at least one leakage hole in the protruding portion of the nozzle of the nozzle type.

[0054] Here, occlusion refers to the phenomenon in which, when speaking, the vibrations of the vocal cords vibrate the skull, including the jawbone, and these vibrations are then transmitted to the cartilage of the ear canal. When a hearing aid is worn, the vibrations are directed toward the eardrum, generating a new sound in the space between the eardrum and the hearing aid, resulting in a reverberation.

[0055] According to the embodiment, a leakage hole is formed in the protruding portion of the ear head 130, thereby minimizing the occlusion phenomenon.

[0056] At least one microphone (140, 150) is provided to transmit external sounds to the user, and at least one microphone may be provided on the earband (120).

[0057] In this case, when two or more microphones (140, 150) are provided, they can be arranged at a predetermined interval on the earband (120).

[0058] In this way, by placing the microphone on the earband (120), the distance from the speaker is increased, making it less susceptible to feedback and more suitable for amplification.

[0059] Such a microphone can receive the user's voice or other external sounds as input and process the external acoustic signals as electrical audio data.

[0060] For example, when two or more microphones (140, 150) are configured, the microphones (140, 150) can be arranged on the earband (120) so that they face different directions when worn by a user.

[0061] More specifically, the at least one microphone (140, 150) may include a first microphone (140) that is positioned to face forward relative to the user's face when worn and recognizes sounds from the front, and a second microphone (150) that is positioned to face behind or above the user's head when worn and recognizes sounds from the rear.

[0062] Meanwhile, the at least one microphone (140, 150) is not limited to being composed of one microphone, but may be composed of three or more microphones.

[0063] Meanwhile, the stereo type digital hearing device 100 connected to an external device having a built-in microphone according to the embodiment may further include a separate microphone 160 for communication.

[0064] The microphone for calls (160) is provided in the main body (110) and can recognize the user's voice signal when a call is connected using the user terminal.

[0065] For example, the microphone 160 for communication is arranged on the lower side of the main body 110 and faces the user's mouth so that the user's voice can be recognized.

[0066] In particular, the speech microphone 160 may be positioned closest to the user's mouth.

[0067] The speaker is arranged on the ear head 130 and can amplify the sounds received from the microphones and transmit them to the user.

[0068] In addition, the speaker can transmit audio data received through the user terminal to the user.

[0069] Meanwhile, the stereo type digital hearing device 100 connected to an external device with a built-in microphone according to the embodiment can function not only as a hearing aid but also as a wireless earphone in conjunction with a user terminal.

[0070] The user terminals described in this specification may include mobile phones, smartphones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), slate PCs, tablet PCs, ultrabooks, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.

[0071] The wireless communication unit is configured to be built into the main body (110) and is connected to the user terminal via wireless communication.

[0072] That is, the wireless communication unit may be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals from a user terminal in a communication network based on wireless internet technology.

[0073] Examples of wireless internet technologies include WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA (registered trademark) (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), and LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced). The wireless communication unit is not limited to these technologies and can transmit and receive data according to at least one or more wireless internet technologies, including internet technologies other than those mentioned above.

[0074] On the other hand, the wireless communication unit can also perform short-range communication.

[0075] As the short-range wireless communication technology, at least one of Bluetooth (registered trademark), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies may be used.

[0076] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wireless communication unit can receive data from the mobile terminal through other short-range wireless communication technologies.

[0077] In this way, the wireless communication unit can receive acoustic data from the mobile terminal through short-range wireless communication.

[0078] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wireless communication unit can also receive acoustic data from a user terminal through wireless internet technology.

[0079] The control unit may be configured in the main body (110) and implemented to control the operation of all components.

[0080] The control unit may amplify the sounds received from the plurality of microphones and transmit the amplified sounds to the user.

[0081] The control unit is also connected to a user terminal via a wireless communication unit, and is capable of transmitting and receiving acoustic data and control signals.

[0082] In particular, the control unit can control the device to operate in at least one of a hearing aid mode, a call mode, and an earphone mode.

[0083] As an example, when set to hearing aid mode, at least one microphone (140, 150) may be turned on, and when set to call mode or earphone mode, at least one microphone (140, 150) may be turned off.

[0084] In this case, a separate microphone 160 for calls can be used to enable the call function.

[0085] As another example, when the control unit is set to hearing aid mode, at least one microphone (140, 150) is turned on, and when the control unit is set to call mode, one of the at least one microphone (140, 150) that is positioned closest to the user's mouth is turned on, and the other microphones are turned off.

[0086] For example, the first microphone (140) is positioned facing forward relative to the user's face and recognizes sounds from the front, and is turned on, while the second microphone (150) is positioned facing behind or above the user's head and recognizes sounds from the rear, and is turned off, allowing the user to use the first microphone (140) to use the call function.

[0087] In this way, the control unit can turn on / off the power of at least one or more of the at least one or more microphones (140, 150), and further can adjust the amplification gain of each of the at least one or more microphones (140, 150).

[0088] At this time, the control unit can set the amplification gain of each of at least one microphone (140, 150) according to a control signal transmitted through an application of the user terminal.

[0089] In other words, a user can install an application on a user terminal and run the application to set an amplification gain for each of at least one or more microphones (140, 150), and the control unit can receive such control signals and set the amplification gain for each microphone.

[0090] The power supply unit supplies external or internal power under the control of the control unit, and supplies the power required for the operation of each component.

[0091] The power supply includes a battery, which may be a rechargeable built-in battery.

[0092] However, this is not limited to this.

[0093] It may also include a power button section (170) and / or a volume button section (180).

[0094] In this case, it is possible to use only one button from the power button section (170) and the volume button section (180) to turn the power on / off or adjust the volume.

[0095] For example, the power button unit (170) can be configured to be touch or press type, and can be configured to turn the power off or on when touched or pressed for a predetermined time or more, turn up the volume when touched or pressed once quickly, and turn down the volume when touched or pressed twice quickly.

[0096] At this time, the method of power on / off or volume adjustment can be set by the user.

[0097] As another example, the volume button unit 180 is configured as a push button, and has two buttons, and pressing each button can increase or decrease the volume.

[0098] At this time, it can be set so that pressing at least one of the two buttons for a predetermined period of time or longer will turn the power on or off.

[0099] As another example, the volume button unit 180 may be connected to the microphone 160 for calls disposed below by a single frame.

[0100] More specifically, a curved frame is formed along the outer periphery of the main body (110), and a volume button section (180) is formed on one side of the frame arranged at the top, and a call microphone (160) can be formed on the other side of the frame arranged at the bottom.

[0101] At this time, a button section can be provided on the side of the call microphone (160) so that the call can be connected by pressing the button.

[0102] Depending on the settings, pressing this button for a predetermined period of time or longer can turn the entire power supply off or on.

[0103] As described above, according to the embodiment, by placing the microphone on the earband (120) side, more efficient sound amplification is possible.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, by arranging at least one or more microphones (140, 150) at a predetermined distance on the ear band (120), it is possible to minimize the howling effect when fixed to the back of the auricle.

[0105] The embodiment is configured in the shape of a sports earphone, rather than the shape of a conventional general hearing aid, and is implemented so that earphone function and hearing aid function can be used simultaneously.

[0106] In addition, according to the embodiment, the earbud shape and inner molding are excellent, and due to the characteristics of the hearing aid / earphone, it is possible to make it waterproof (IPX7).

[0107] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cradle in which a microphone according to an embodiment is configured, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cradle in which a microphone according to an embodiment is configured and a stereo type digital hearing device built into the cradle.

[0108] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the stereo type digital hearing device (100) connected to an external device with a built-in microphone according to the embodiment may further include a cradle (200) for storage and charging, and for example, two stereo type digital hearing devices (100) may form a pair and be housed in one cradle (200).

[0109] Such a cradle (200) includes a battery and can charge the stereo type digital hearing device (100), and the battery of the cradle (200) can be charged through a cable.

[0110] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the spatial sensation and directionality achieved when a stereo type digital hearing device connected to an external device with two built-in microphones according to an embodiment is used.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 5, a user (410) wearing a stereo type digital hearing device (100) can input external sounds through the microphone of an external device (200, 300) that the user (410) has or that is located nearby.

[0112] At this time, external sounds can also be input through the microphone of the stereo type digital hearing device 100 worn by the user 410.

[0113] In this way, by inputting external sounds from at least two or more positions, the user (410) can get a more accurate sense of space and directionality.

[0114] For example, external sound can be input using a cradle (200) in which the digital hearing device (100) is built and a remote controller (300) that controls the functions of the digital hearing device (100), and then the external sound input by the cradle (200) and the remote controller (300) can be transmitted to the digital hearing device (100).

[0115] At this time, there are two channels that make up the sound, and different sounds are output from the left and right digital hearing devices (100) through the microphones of the external devices (200, 300) on both sides, so that a sense of space and direction can be felt.

[0116] For example, external sound input to the cradle (200) can be transmitted to the left digital hearing device (100) worn by the user (410), and external sound input to the remote controller (300) can be transmitted to the right digital hearing device (100) worn by the user (410).

[0117] As another example, external sound input to the cradle (200) can be transmitted to the right digital hearing device (100) worn by the user (410), and external sound input to the remote controller (300) can be transmitted to the left digital hearing device (100) worn by the user (410).

[0118] In addition, of the cradle (200) and the remote controller (300), the external device (200, 300) that is closer to the left digital hearing device (100) can transmit external sounds to the left digital hearing device (100), and the other external device (200, 300) can transmit external sounds to the right digital hearing device (100).

[0119] Conversely, the external device (200, 300) closer to the right digital hearing device (100) can transmit external sounds to the right digital hearing device (100), and the other external device (200, 300) can transmit external sounds to the left digital hearing device (100).

[0120] Additionally, the left and right digital hearing devices (100) are each additionally configured with a microphone to transmit external sounds to the user (410).

[0121] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating microphone directivity values ​​according to the environment in accordance with the embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating microphone directivity values ​​according to the environment that are automatically changed using an algorithm according to the embodiment.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the embodiment can automatically change the microphone directivity value suitable for each environment through the microphone of the external device (200, 300) using an algorithm.

[0123] For example, for the same external sound, the location where the sound originated can be estimated by comparing the sound transmitted from the external device (200, 300) with the sound input through a microphone configured in the digital hearing device.

[0124] Then, the beamforming value for the microphone directivity can be automatically changed depending on the estimated sound source position.

[0125] At this time, a beamforming value for microphone directivity suitable for each environment is applied to the microphone built into the external device (200, 300), and the beamforming value can be automatically changed using a preset algorithm.

[0126] Here, the external sound may be the voice of the object (420) speaking to the user (410).

[0127] The user (410) can estimate the location of the sound, i.e., the location of the object (420) that is speaking among at least one or more objects (420), through the external device (200, 300), and the microphone directivity can be automatically changed according to the location by an algorithm.

[0128] In this way, the embodiment is centered on the user (410) and can automatically change beamforming values ​​according to each situation and environment through the digital hearing device and microphones of the external devices (200, 300).

[0129] This allows for the transmission of sounds that cannot be heard at close range due to hearing loss without excessive amplification.

[0130] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating audio transmission to a digital hearing device via a microphone built into an external device according to an embodiment.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 8, a microphone is installed in an external device connected to a digital hearing device via wireless communication, and external sound input from the external device can be transmitted to the digital hearing device.

[0132] Here, the external device refers to a cradle in which the digital hearing device is built, a remote controller, a user terminal, etc., and may include all of the earphone operation, charging, additional design elements, etc.

[0133] Therefore, sounds from a long distance can be transmitted to the digital hearing device through the microphone built into the external device without excessive amplification by the digital hearing device.

[0134] In this case, the number of external devices can be one or more, for example, two.

[0135] Additionally, the digital hearing devices may also be configured with at least one or more microphones, for example, a pair of digital hearing devices may each be configured with one microphone.

[0136] In this way, by configuring the microphones in at least two or more positions instead of one position, stereophonic sound can be provided.

[0137] It is also possible to estimate the location of the other party, i.e., the location where the sound is originating, by comparing the sound that reaches the external device with the sound that reaches the hearing aid.

[0138] In this case, artificial intelligence can be used to estimate the location where the sound is generated, and the beamforming value for the microphone directionality of the microphone of the external device and / or the microphone of the digital hearing device can be automatically changed depending on the estimated location of the sound.

[0139] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a stereo type digital hearing device connected to an external device with a built-in microphone according to an embodiment.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 9, the operating method according to the embodiment includes a step (S110) of wirelessly connecting a digital hearing device worn by a user with an external device carried by or located near the user, a step (S120) of receiving external sound through a microphone built into the external device, a step (S130) of transmitting the sound input from the external device to the digital hearing device, and a step (S140) of amplifying the sound transmitted by the digital hearing device and transmitting it to the user through a speaker.

[0141] In addition, the method may further include a step of estimating the location where the sound originates by comparing the sound transmitted from the external device with the sound input through a microphone configured in the digital hearing device (S150), and a step of automatically changing a beamforming value for the microphone directivity according to the estimated location where the sound originates (S160).

[0142] Hereinafter, a method of operating a stereo type digital hearing device connected to an external device with a built-in microphone according to an embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0143] The operation method of the stereo type digital hearing device connected to an external device with a built-in microphone according to the embodiment can be described in more detail by taking the digital hearing device according to the embodiment as an example.

[0144] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a stereo type digital hearing device connected to an external device with a built-in microphone according to an embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 10, a digital hearing device (1000) according to an embodiment may include a digital hearing device (1010) and an external device (1020).

[0146] Here, the digital hearing device (1010) amplifies the received sound and transmits it to the user through the speaker (1011), and may include a main body, ear bands, ear heads, the speaker (1011), a wireless communication unit (1012), and a control unit (1013).

[0147] Depending on the embodiment, a microphone (1014), a sound position estimation unit (1015), and a beamforming setting unit (1016) may be further included.

[0148] The external device (1020) is carried by the user or located nearby, is connected to the digital hearing device (1010) via wireless communication, inputs external sounds through the built-in microphone (1021), and transmits the sounds to the digital hearing device (1010).

[0149] The external device (1020) may include a microphone (1021), a wireless communication unit (1022), and a control unit (1023).

[0150] In this case, the external device (1020) can be at least one of a cradle in which the digital hearing device (1010) is built, a remote controller, and a user terminal.

[0151] In addition, the external device (1020) is not limited to this and may include accessories with an additional built-in microphone.

[0152] In step S110, the digital hearing device worn by the user and an external device carried by the user or located nearby can be connected to each other through wireless communication.

[0153] For example, the digital hearing device may comprise two digital hearing devices, a first digital hearing device and a second digital hearing device, each of which may be worn on either ear of a user;

[0154] A first digital hearing device and a first external device may be connected to each other via wireless communication, and a second digital hearing device and a second external device may be connected to each other via wireless communication.

[0155] In this case, the first digital hearing device can recognize and connect to the first external device that is closer than the second external device, and the second digital hearing device can be connected to the second external device.

[0156] In step S120, external audio can be input through a microphone built into the external device.

[0157] In step (S130), the audio input from the external device can be transmitted to the digital hearing device.

[0158] For example, audio input from a first external device can be transmitted to a first digital hearing device, and audio input from a second external device can be transmitted to a second digital hearing device.

[0159] In step S140, the audio transmitted by the digital hearing device can be amplified and transmitted to the user through a speaker.

[0160] It amplifies both the sound transmitted from external devices and the external sound input through the microphone built into the digital hearing device, providing stereo sound with a sense of direction and space.

[0161] In step (S150), the sound position estimation unit compares the sound transmitted from the external device with the sound input through the microphone configured in the digital hearing device for the same external sound, and can estimate the position where the sound originated.

[0162] In step (S160), the beamforming setting unit can automatically change the beamforming value for the microphone directivity based on the estimated voice generation position.

[0163] The beamforming setting unit applies a beamforming value for the microphone's directivity suitable for each environment to the microphone built into the external device, and can automatically change the beamforming value through a preset algorithm.

[0164] This allows the direction or position of the object that is conversing with the user, or the direction or position from which the sound is generated, to be estimated, thereby automatically adjusting the beamforming for the microphone's directivity according to the direction of the object or sound source.

Claims

1. A method for operating a stereo digital hearing device that is connected to an external device with a built-in microphone, comprising: a step of wirelessly connecting a digital hearing device worn by a user with an external device carried by the user or located in the user's vicinity; inputting external sound through a microphone built in the external device; transmitting the sound input by the external device to the digital hearing device; amplifying the sound transmitted by the digital hearing device and transmitting the amplified sound to a user through a speaker; A method of operation of a stereotypical digital hearing device, including:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, The step of connecting to each other through wireless communication includes: the digital hearing device comprises two digital hearing devices, a first digital hearing device and a second digital hearing device, each of which can be worn on either ear of a user; connecting the first digital hearing device and a first external device to each other via wireless communication; connecting the second digital hearing device and a second external device to each other via wireless communication; A method of operation of a stereotypical digital hearing device, including:

3. 3. The method of claim 2, The step of connecting to each other through wireless communication includes: the first digital hearing device recognizes and connects to the first external device that is closer to the first external device than the second external device; The second digital hearing device is connected to the second external device. A method of operation of a stereotyped digital hearing device, comprising:

4. 3. The method of claim 2, transmitting the sound to the digital hearing device, transmitting a sound input from the first external device to the first digital hearing device; transmitting the sound input by the second external device to the second digital hearing device; A method of operation of a stereotypical digital hearing device, including:

5. 10. The method of claim 1, The step of amplifying the sound and transmitting it to the user through a speaker includes: To provide stereo sound with a sense of direction and space by amplifying both the sound transmitted from the external device and the external sound input through a microphone configured in the digital hearing device. A method of operation of a stereotyped digital hearing device, comprising:

6. 10. The method of claim 1, a step of estimating the position where the sound is generated by comparing the sound transmitted from the external device with the sound input through a microphone configured in the digital hearing device for the same external sound; automatically changing a beamforming value for microphone directivity according to the estimated location where the sound is generated; A method of operating a stereotyped digital hearing device further comprising:

7. 10. The method of claim 1, The step of automatically changing the beamforming value includes: Applying a beamforming value for the microphone's directivity suitable for each environment to the microphone built in the external device, and automatically changing the beamforming value through a preset algorithm. A method of operation of a stereotyped digital hearing device, comprising:

8. 10. The method of claim 1, The external device is At least one of a cradle in which the digital hearing device is built, a remote controller, and a user terminal. A method of operation of a stereotyped digital hearing device, comprising:

9. In stereo digital hearing devices that are connected to external devices with built-in microphones, a digital hearing device that amplifies the transmitted sound and transmits it to the user through a speaker; an external device carried by the user or located near the user, connected to the digital hearing device via wireless communication, and inputting external sounds through a built-in microphone and transmitting the sounds to the digital hearing device; Stereotype digital hearing devices, including:

10. 10. A stereotypical digital hearing device according to claim 9, the digital hearing device comprises two digital hearing devices, a first digital hearing device and a second digital hearing device, each of which is wearable on either ear of a user; the first digital hearing device and a first external device are connected to each other via wireless communication; The second digital hearing device and the second external device are connected to each other via wireless communication. A stereo type digital hearing device characterized by:

11. 11. A stereoscopic digital hearing device according to claim 10, transmitting a sound input from the first external device to the first digital hearing device; transmitting the sound input from the second external device to the second digital hearing device; A stereo type digital hearing device characterized by:

12. 10. A stereotypical digital hearing device according to claim 9, the digital hearing device, The main body and an earband extending from one side of the body and configured to encircle at least a portion of a user's ear; a microphone disposed on the earband; an ear head configured to protrude from the inside of the main body and to be worn in the user's ear; a speaker disposed in the earphone for amplifying the sound received from the microphone and transmitting the amplified sound to a user; a wireless communication unit configured in the main body and connected to the external device via wireless communication; a control unit that is configured in the main body and is connected to the external device through the wireless communication unit, and that transmits and receives acoustic data and control signals; 1. A stereotype digital hearing device comprising:

13. 13. A stereotypical digital hearing device according to claim 12, The control unit To provide stereo sound with a sense of direction and space by amplifying both the sound transmitted from the external device and the external sound input through a microphone configured in the digital hearing device. A stereo type digital hearing device characterized by:

14. 10. A stereotypical digital hearing device according to claim 9, the digital hearing device, a sound position estimation unit that compares the sound transmitted from the external device with the sound input through a microphone configured in the digital hearing device for the same external sound to estimate the position where the sound originated; a beamforming setting unit that automatically changes a beamforming value for the directivity of a microphone according to the estimated sound generation position; 1. A stereotype digital hearing device comprising:

15. 15. A stereotypical digital hearing device according to claim 14, The beamforming setting unit Applying a beamforming value for the microphone's directivity suitable for each environment to the microphone built in the external device, and automatically changing the beamforming value through a preset algorithm. A stereo type digital hearing device characterized by:

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