Hearing aid adjustment system, communication terminal, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a hearing aid adjustment system capable of appropriately fitting the function of a hearing aid according to a user without the user visiting a sales store.SOLUTION: A hearing aid adjustment system includes a first terminal, a hearing aid, a second terminal, and a server. The first terminal includes an authentication unit, an adjustment execution unit, and adjustment permission unit. The authentication unit authenticates the hearing aid on the basis whether apparatus identification information acquired from the hearing aid connected to the first terminal meets a predetermined condition for being associated with user identification information in the server. The adjustment execution unit can install, in the hearing aid, fitting data for adjusting a hearing aid function of the hearing aid set in the second terminal. The adjustment permission unit permits installation of the fitting data on a successfully-authenticated-apparatus, which is the hearing aid successfully authenticated, and prohibits installation of the fitting data on an unsuccessfully-authenticated-apparatus, which is the hearing aid unsuccessfully authenticated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hearing aid fitting system, a communication terminal, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in order to purchase and adjust a hearing aid, a user visits a hearing aid store and receives counseling from a sales clerk at the store, a hearing test, etc. Based on the results of the counseling, hearing test, etc., the sales clerk adjusts (fits) the functions of the hearing aid according to the user.

[0003] In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a technician or doctor at the main store remotely counsels hearing-impaired people at the store and remotely inputs data related to fitting. Based on work instructions from the technician or doctor regarding hearing aid adjustment, the staff at the store adjusts the performance of the hearing aid connected to the adjustment computer and fits the performance of the hearing aid to the hearing of the hearing-impaired person. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-109594 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, in the past, users had to visit a hearing aid store during business hours to adjust their hearing aids. Hearing aid stores had to have technicians and equipment to perform hearing tests and fittings. The method of Patent Document 1 only reduces some of the work performed by store clerks, so as in the past, hearing-impaired people had to visit a store to adjust their hearing aids, and the store had to have the above-mentioned technicians and equipment.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a hearing aid fitting system, a communication terminal, and a computer program that enable the functions of a hearing aid to be appropriately fitted to a user without the user having to visit a store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A hearing aid adjustment system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first terminal, a hearing aid connected to the first terminal via short-range wireless communication, a second terminal connected to the first terminal via a network and conducting a remote conference between the first terminal and the second terminal, and a server connected to the first terminal via the network and managing user identification information unique to a user of the first terminal and device identification information unique to the hearing aid in association with each other, wherein the first terminal has an authentication unit that authenticates the hearing aid based on whether the device identification information obtained from the hearing aid connected to the first terminal satisfies a predetermined condition for being associated with the user identification information in the server, an adjustment execution unit that is capable of installing fitting data for adjusting the hearing aid function of the hearing aid, which is set in the second terminal, into the hearing aid, and an adjustment permission unit that permits the installation of the fitting data into an authentication successful device, which is the hearing aid for which the authentication has been successful, and prohibits the installation of the fitting data into an authentication unsuccessful device, which is the hearing aid for which the authentication has been unsuccessful.

[0008] A communication terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first communication unit for connecting to a hearing aid via short-range wireless communication, a second communication unit for connecting via a network to other terminals and a server that associates and manages user identification information unique to a user of the communication terminal with device identification information unique to the hearing aid, a conference processing unit that performs a remote conference with the other terminal, an authentication unit that performs authentication of the hearing aid based on whether the device identification information acquired from the hearing aid satisfies a predetermined condition for being associated with the user identification information in the server, an adjustment execution unit that is capable of installing fitting data for adjusting the hearing aid function of the hearing aid, which is set in the other terminal, into the hearing aid, and an adjustment permission unit that permits installation of the fitting data into an authentication successful device, which is the hearing aid for which the authentication has been successful, and prohibits installation of the fitting data into an authentication unsuccessful device, which is the hearing aid for which the authentication has failed.

[0009] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a computer of a communication terminal having a first communication unit for connecting to a hearing aid via short-range wireless communication and a second communication unit for connecting to other terminals and a server via a network, wherein the server manages user identification information unique to a user of the communication terminal and device identification information unique to the hearing aid in association with each other, and causes the computer of the communication terminal to perform the following: conducting a remote conference with the other terminal; authenticating the hearing aid based on whether the device identification information obtained from the hearing aid satisfies a predetermined condition for being associated with the user identification information in the server; installing fitting data for adjusting the hearing aid function of the hearing aid, which was set on the other terminal, into the hearing aid; and permitting installation of the fitting data into an authentication success device, which is a hearing aid for which the authentication was successful, and prohibiting installation of the fitting data into an authentication failure device, which is a hearing aid for which the authentication was unsuccessful. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a hearing aid adjustment system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the hearing aid. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a first terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a second terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the server. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of device authentication control executed in the hearing aid fitting system. [Figure 7] This is a specific example of entering the device ID of a hearing aid using a first terminal. [Figure 8A] 4 is a time chart specifically illustrating device authentication control. [Figure 8B] 4 is a time chart specifically illustrating device authentication control. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart of fitting control executed in the hearing aid fitting system. [Figure 10] 13 is a specific example of a counseling screen. [Figure 11] 13 is a specific example of a hearing test screen. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the display mode in an operation area on the hearing test screen. [Figure 13] 4 is a time chart specifically illustrating fitting control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0012] The configuration of the hearing aid fitting system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the hearing aid fitting system 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the hearing aid 100. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the first terminal 110. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the second terminal 120. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the server 130.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the hearing aid fitting system 1 includes a hearing aid 100, a first terminal 110, a second terminal 120, a server 130, etc. The hearing aid 100 is an electronic device with a hearing aid function that compensates for the hearing of a user. The first terminal 110 is a communication terminal used by a user of the hearing aid 100. The hearing aid 100 is connected to the first terminal 110 by short-range wireless communication 180. The first terminal 110, the second terminal 120, and the server 130 can be connected to a network 190 by wired or wireless means.

[0014] The second terminal 120 is a communication terminal used by a technician (hereinafter, a fitter) who fits the hearing aid 100. The second terminal 120 is connected to the first terminal 110 via a network 190, and executes a remote conference with the first terminal 110. The remote conference may be a telephone conference conducted by exchanging audio data, or a video conference conducted by exchanging audio data and video data.

[0015] Server 130 is installed to authenticate hearing aid 100. Server 130 is connected to first terminal 110 via network 190, and manages user identification information (user ID) unique to the user of first terminal 110 and device identification information (device ID) unique to hearing aid 100 in association with each other.

[0016] In this embodiment, the short-range wireless communication 180 is Bluetooth (registered trademark), but may be other short-range wireless communication (e.g., NFC) capable of connecting electronic devices to each other. The network 190 is, for example, mobile communication, the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, etc. The mobile communication is, for example, 3G, LTE, WiMAX, 4G, 5G, etc.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hearing aid 100 has the same configuration as a known digital hearing aid. The hearing aid 100 in this example is a pair including a left hearing aid worn on the left ear and a right hearing aid worn on the right ear, but the left and right hearing aids have substantially the same configuration. The hearing aid 100 includes a control unit 200, a microphone 211, a speaker 212, a short-range wireless communication unit 213, etc.

[0018] The control unit 200 is, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) having a CPU, memory, and the like. The memory of the control unit 200 is provided with a test sound storage unit 201 and a fitting data storage unit 202. The test sound storage unit 201 stores in advance sound data for generating hearing test sounds corresponding to parameters such as the measurement ear (right ear / left ear) frequency and sound pressure. Note that the test or measurement in this specification is not limited to a test or measurement as a medical procedure, but means a test or measurement in general terms.

[0019] The fitting data storage unit 202 stores fitting data installed in the hearing aid 100. The fitting data is adjustment data for the hearing aid function customized for each user by a fitter. The hearing aid function is a basic function of the hearing aid 100 that adjusts the sound pressure, sound quality, directivity, frequency, noise, etc. of the sound input to the hearing aid 100 by various signal processing to make it easier for the user to hear, and outputs the adjusted sound.

[0020] The short-range wireless communication unit 213 is a communication interface for executing short-range wireless communication 180 with other electronic devices. For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 213 is a communication module (in this example, a Bluetooth communication module) in which an integrated circuit for controlling the short-range wireless communication 180 is implemented.

[0021] The hearing aid 100 of this embodiment can selectively execute one of a number of operation modes having mutually different functions, including a hearing aid mode, a wireless earphone mode, and a hearing test mode.

[0022] The hearing aid mode is an operating mode in which the hearing aid 100 performs signal processing of the hearing aid function on input sound from the surrounding environment and outputs sound. In the hearing aid mode, the microphone 211 converts the input sound into an electrical signal and outputs the converted electrical signal. The control unit 200 performs signal processing of the hearing aid function set in advance on the output signal of the microphone 211 and outputs it to the speaker 212. The speaker 212 converts the output signal of the control unit 200 into an acoustic signal and outputs the sound.

[0023] The hearing aid 100 can adjust the sound in various ways according to a processing pattern of the hearing aid function that is set in advance. For example, the hearing aid 100 can set preset data that is installed in advance at the time of product shipment, etc., as the processing pattern of the hearing aid function. For example, any of the preset data of scene-specific modes (standard mode, conversation mode, television mode, etc.) corresponding to the usage environment can be set as the processing pattern of the hearing aid function. In this case, the hearing aid 100 outputs sound that is adjusted according to the surrounding environment based on the hearing aid function of the preset data that is adjusted for everyone, thereby improving the user's hearing.

[0024] Furthermore, in the hearing aid 100, the fitting data stored in the fitting data storage unit 202 can be set as a processing pattern for the hearing aid function. In this case, the hearing aid 100 outputs sounds adjusted to the hearing characteristics of the user based on the hearing aid function of the fitting data adjusted for an individual, thereby improving the user's hearing.

[0025] The wireless earphone mode is an operation mode in which sound is output based on sound data received from an external device. For example, in the wireless earphone mode, the control unit 200 turns off the sound acquisition function of the microphone 211, receives sound data such as music from the outside via the short-range wireless communication 180, and outputs sound from the speaker 212. At this time, the control unit 200 may adjust the received sound data using the hearing aid function and output the sound, as in the hearing aid mode.

[0026] The hearing test mode is an operation mode for blocking input sounds from the surrounding environment and sounding a hearing test sound. For example, in the hearing test mode, the control unit 200 turns off the voice acquisition function of the microphone 211 and receives a hearing test command from the outside via the short-range wireless communication 180. The control unit 200 generates a hearing test sound corresponding to parameters (e.g., test ear, frequency, sound pressure) indicated by the hearing test command based on sound data stored in the test sound storage unit 201, and sounds the sound from the speaker 212. This allows the hearing aid 100 to sound the specified hearing test sound and check whether the user can hear the hearing test sound.

[0027] The hearing aid 100 may also include an operation unit including buttons and switches. For example, the user may use the operation unit to change the volume of the sound output from the speaker 212, the operating mode in which the hearing aid 100 is executed, the processing pattern of the hearing aid function executed by the control unit 200, etc. However, in this embodiment, when the hearing test mode is executed, the hearing aid function is canceled and the hearing test sound is output from the speaker 212 as is.

[0028] 1 and 3, the first terminal 110 of the present embodiment is a smartphone. The first terminal 110 may be any communication terminal equipped with a user interface function for inputting and outputting information, and may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a network television, or the like.

[0029] The first terminal 110 includes a speaker 111, a microphone 112, a touch panel display 113, a camera 114, a control unit 300, a first communication unit 311, a second communication unit 312, etc. The touch panel display 113 is a user interface capable of displaying information and inputting operations. Instead of the touch panel display 113, the first terminal 110 may include a display unit such as a display and an operation unit such as buttons and keys.

[0030] The first communication unit 311 is a communication interface for connecting to the hearing aid 100 via short-range wireless communication 180, and is, for example, a communication module (in this example, a Bluetooth communication module) similar to the short-range wireless communication unit 213. The second communication unit 312 is a communication interface for connecting to another terminal (for example, the second terminal 120) or the server 130 via the network 190, and is, for example, a communication module compatible with a communication method (LTE, Wi-fi, etc.) for wirelessly connecting to the network 190.

[0031] The control unit 300 includes a CPU and memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), and is responsible for controlling the first terminal 110. In this example, an application program, which is a computer program for adjusting the hearing aid 100, is pre-installed in the first terminal 110. The CPU of the control unit 300 executes this application program to realize each of the functional blocks illustrated in Fig. 3. These functional blocks include an authentication unit 301, an adjustment execution unit 302, an adjustment permission unit 303, a conference processing unit 304, a device registration unit 305, a mode control unit 306, a test execution unit 307, and an intention expression unit 308.

[0032] The authentication unit 301 authenticates the hearing aid 100 based on whether device identification information (device ID) acquired from the hearing aid 100 connected to the first terminal 110 satisfies a predetermined condition for associating the device identification information (user ID) with user identification information (user ID) in the server 130. The adjustment execution unit 302 is capable of installing fitting data for adjusting the hearing aid function of the hearing aid 100, which was set in the second terminal 120, into the hearing aid 100. For example, when the adjustment execution unit 302 receives fitting data, it installs the fitting data into the hearing aid 100.

[0033] The adjustment permission unit 303 permits the installation of fitting data into an authentication successful device, which is a hearing aid 100 that has been successfully authenticated, and prohibits the installation of fitting data into an authentication unsuccessful device, which is a hearing aid 100 that has failed authentication. The conference processing unit 304 executes a remote conference with another terminal (e.g., the second terminal 120). The device registration unit 305 registers device identification information of an authentication successful device that has previously been connected to the first terminal 110 in a memory unit of the first terminal 110 (e.g., an authenticated device memory area in the memory of the control unit 300). The mode control unit 306 executes, stops, switches, etc. the operation modes described above.

[0034] When the test execution unit 307 receives a hearing test command, it causes the hearing aid 100 to emit a hearing test sound corresponding to the hearing test command. The intention display unit 308 causes the user of the first terminal 110 to perform a predetermined operation related to whether or not the user was able to recognize the hearing test sound emitted from the hearing aid 100, in conjunction with the ongoing remote conference. Specific aspects of these functional blocks will be described later.

[0035] 1 and 4, the second terminal 120 of this embodiment is a personal computer. The second terminal 120 may be a communication terminal equipped with a user interface function for inputting and outputting information, and may be, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a network television, etc. The second terminal 120 includes a control unit 400, a storage unit 411, a network communication unit 412, an operation unit 413, a display unit 414, a camera 415, etc.

[0036] The network communication unit 412 is a communication interface for connecting to the network 190, similar to the second communication unit 312. The operation unit 413 is, for example, a mouse or a keyboard. The display unit 414 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 413 and the display unit 414 may be a touch panel display. The second terminal 120 is connected to a sound input / output unit 121 including an external mask and a speaker. For example, the sound input / output unit 121 is a headset worn by the fitter. The sound input / output unit 121 may be a mask and a speaker built into the second terminal 120.

[0037] The control unit 400 includes a CPU and memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), and controls the second terminal 120. The CPU of the control unit 400 executes a program stored in the memory to realize each of the functional blocks illustrated in Fig. 4. These functional blocks include a conference processing unit 401, a test setting unit 402, an adjustment setting unit 403, a mode instruction unit 404, a first notification unit 405, and a second notification unit 406.

[0038] The conference processing unit 401 executes a remote conference with another terminal (for example, the first terminal 110). The test setting unit 402 accepts the setting of a hearing test command for instructing the sounding of a hearing test sound while the remote conference is being executed, and transmits the set hearing test command to the first terminal 110. The adjustment setting unit 403 accepts the setting of fitting data for adjusting the hearing aid function of the hearing aid 100 while the remote conference is being executed, and transmits the set fitting data to the first terminal 110.

[0039] The mode instruction unit 404 instructs the operating mode to be executed by the hearing aid 100. The first notification unit 405 notifies the user of the second terminal 120 (i.e., the fitter) whether or not a hearing test sound corresponding to a hearing test command is being sounded by the hearing aid 100. The second notification unit 406 notifies the user of the second terminal 120 whether or not the user of the first terminal 110 was able to recognize the hearing test sound, based on a predetermined operation in the intention expression unit 308. Specific aspects of these functional blocks will be described later.

[0040] The storage unit 411 is a large-capacity storage device (e.g., HDD) that stores various data and programs. For example, in addition to the above-mentioned programs, the storage unit 411 stores various data necessary for remote conferences and fittings described below, fitting data for each user, and the like.

[0041] 1 and 5, the server 130 of this embodiment is similar to a conventional server and includes a control unit 500, a storage unit 511, a communication unit 512, etc. The control unit 500 includes a CPU and memory (ROM, RAM, etc.), and controls the server 130. The communication unit 512 is a communication module for connecting to the network 190, similar to the second communication unit 312.

[0042] The memory unit 511 is a large-capacity storage device (e.g., HDD) in which various data and programs are stored. In this embodiment, a database 520 for managing users and electronic devices in association with each other is stored in the memory unit 511 in advance. In this example, a user registered in the database 520 has the authority to receive a fitting service for the hearing aid 100 provided by a fitter of the second terminal 120. The hearing aid 100 associated with a user ID in the database 520 is the subject of adjustment through this fitting service.

[0043] For example, in database 520, a user ID "S123456" assigned to a user of first terminal 110 is associated with a device ID of an electronic device registered by that user. The device ID may be any unique identification information, such as a serial number. Database 520 can manage one or more device IDs in association with one user ID. In database 520 illustrated in FIG. 5, the device ID of hearing aid 100 is "L11L1L10YY."

[0044] Among the various processes executed by the hearing aid fitting system 1 of this embodiment, a process relating to authentication of the hearing aid 100 will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of device authentication control executed by the hearing aid fitting system 1. Fig. 7 is a specific example of inputting the device ID of the hearing aid 100 using the first terminal 110. Figs. 8A and 8B are time charts specifically explaining device authentication control.

[0045] For example, when a user of the hearing aid 100 receives a fitting service for the hearing aid 100, the user operates the first terminal 110 to launch the above-mentioned application program. When the application program is launched, the control unit 200 of the first terminal 110 starts the process shown in FIG.

[0046] In S601, the authentication unit 301 executes pairing between the first terminal 110 and another electronic device, and acquires a device ID from the electronic device paired with the first terminal 110. For example, when an application program is started, the authentication unit 301 displays a guidance screen on the touch panel display 113 that prompts the user to wirelessly connect the hearing aid 100 to the first terminal 110. The user places the hearing aid 100 near the first terminal 110 in accordance with this guidance screen.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first terminal 110 can connect to other nearby electronic devices through Bluetooth communication, which is short-range wireless communication 180. The Bluetooth communication that the first terminal 110 can execute includes Bluetooth Classic and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). BLE is more power-efficient than Bluetooth Classic and has a higher degree of freedom in the data that can be transmitted and received than Bluetooth Classic.

[0048] When the first terminal 110 performs pairing by normal Bluetooth communication based on the communication control function of the OS, for example, it performs wireless communication with another electronic device using Bluetooth Classic. In this wireless communication using Bluetooth Classic, the first terminal 110 acquires a device name from the other electronic device in order to identify the other electronic device. The first terminal 110 performs pairing using Bluetooth Classic with the electronic device with the device name that has been permitted to be connected by the user.

[0049] For example, when the hearing aid 100 executes a wireless earphone mode in which sound is output based on sound data received from an external device, the hearing aid 100 executes wireless communication with the external device via Bluetooth Classic. This allows the hearing aid 100 to function as a wireless earphone by playing back sound based on sound data acquired via Bluetooth Classic wireless communication.

[0050] In the above method, if multiple electronic devices detected by the first terminal 110 have the same device name, it becomes difficult for the user to select the electronic device intended by the user (e.g., the user's hearing aid 100) from among these electronic devices, and there is a risk that an electronic device not intended by the user (e.g., someone else's hearing aid) will be paired with the first terminal 110.

[0051] Therefore, in S601, the authentication unit 301 executes BLE wireless communication between the first terminal 110 and the other electronic device based on the application program. In this BLE wireless communication, a device ID registered in advance in the electronic device is included in data transmitted from the other electronic device to the first terminal 110. In other words, when connecting to the first terminal 110, the hearing aid 100 executes BLE wireless communication. The authentication unit 301 acquires device identification information transmitted from the hearing aid 100 to the first terminal 110 in the BLE wireless communication. This allows the first terminal 110 to acquire the device ID from the other electronic device in order to identify that electronic device.

[0052] In this example, as one of the above-mentioned guidance screens, a device selection screen 700 illustrated in Fig. 7 is displayed on the first terminal 110. The device selection screen 700 displays a list of all device IDs that the first terminal 110 has been able to acquire through BLE wireless communication. The device selection screen 700 allows the user to select the device ID of the electronic device to be paired from the list of device IDs.

[0053] The above application program is for providing a user with a fitting service for hearing aid 100. Device selection screen 700 in Fig. 7 shows the position where the device ID of hearing aid 100 is written on the actual product (the main body of hearing aid 100, the package, the instruction manual, etc.). The user visually checks the position where the device ID is written and selects the device ID that matches the confirmed device ID from the list of device IDs displayed on device selection screen 700.

[0054] The first terminal 110 executes pairing via BLE with an electronic device having a device ID selected by the user. This allows the user to easily and accurately identify the hearing aid 100 that the user wishes to adjust, even if there are multiple electronic devices (e.g., multiple hearing aids 100) in the vicinity of the first terminal 110, and therefore prevents an electronic device unintended by the user from being paired with the first terminal 110.

[0055] In the first terminal 110, the authentication unit 301 determines in S603 whether the device ID of the pairing partner acquired in S601 has been registered in the authenticated device storage area of ​​the control unit 300. If the acquired device ID has not been registered in the authenticated device storage area of ​​the control unit 300, the authentication unit 301 transmits an authentication request including the acquired device ID to the server 130 in S605.

[0056] When the control unit 500 of the server 130 determines in S621 that it has received an authentication request, it executes device authentication processing in S623. In the device authentication processing, the control unit 500 executes user authentication and validity check. In the user authentication, for example, a login screen is displayed on the first terminal 110, and it is authenticated whether the user is a legitimate user based on the user ID and password entered by the user on the login screen. In the validity check, it is checked whether the electronic device with the device ID (target device ID) included in the authentication request is used by another person, whether it has been registered as lost, etc. Specifically, the target device ID is compared with the device ID of an electronic device registered as lost, or with the device ID associated with the user ID of another person in the database 520, and if there is no matching device ID, it is determined that the check is successful.

[0057] When the user authentication and validity check are successful, the control unit 500 refers to the database 520 to determine whether the device ID included in the authentication request is associated with the user ID for which the user authentication has succeeded. When the first terminal 110 transmits an authentication request for the first time after pairing with the electronic device, the target device ID included in this authentication request is usually not registered in the database 520. In this case, instead of the above determination, the control unit 500 registers the target device ID included in the authentication request in the database 520 in association with the user ID (target user ID) entered on the login screen.

[0058] In this way, in the device authentication process of S623, whether or not a predetermined condition for associating the target device ID with the target user ID in the server 130 (for example, whether the device is not being used by another person, whether the device is not registered as lost, etc.) is satisfied is determined by a validity check. The above user authentication and validity check are not limited to being performed when an authentication request is received, and may be completed before S623 is executed (for example, when an application program is installed in the first terminal 110, or when an application program is started in the first terminal 110). If a user ID is included in the authentication request sent in S605, user authentication and validity check may be performed based on the user ID. In the device authentication process of S623, user authentication may be omitted and only validity check may be performed.

[0059] In S625, the control unit 500 transmits an authentication result response indicating the result of the device authentication process to the first terminal 110. For example, if the user authentication and the validity check are successful, the control unit 500 transmits an authentication success response which is an authentication result response indicating successful authentication since the predetermined condition for associating the target device ID with the target user ID in the server 130 is satisfied. If either the user authentication or the validity check fails, the control unit 500 transmits an authentication failure response which is an authentication result response indicating unsuccessful authentication since the predetermined condition for associating the target device ID with the target user ID in the server 130 is not satisfied.

[0060] In the first terminal 110, when the authentication unit 301 receives an authentication success response from the server 130 in S607, it determines that the pairing partner of the first terminal 110 is an authenticated successfully device. In S609, the device registration unit 305 registers the device ID of the pairing partner acquired in S601 in the authenticated device storage area of ​​the control unit 300. After executing S609, the adjustment permission unit 303 transitions the process to S901 (see FIG. 9) and executes a remote conference, which will be described later.

[0061] In S603, the authentication unit 301 determines that the pairing partner is a successfully authenticated device if the device ID of the pairing partner has already been registered in the authenticated device memory area of ​​the control unit 300. In other words, if the device identification information acquired from the hearing aid 100 newly connected to the first terminal 110 is registered in the memory unit of the first terminal 110, the authentication unit 301 determines that the hearing aid 100 is a successfully authenticated device without inquiring of the server 130. In this case as well, the adjustment permission unit 303 transitions the process to S901 and executes the remote conference, which will be described later.

[0062] If the device ID of the pairing partner is not registered in the authenticated device storage area in S603 and an authentication failure response is received from the server 130 in S607, the authentication unit 301 determines that the pairing partner of the first terminal 110 is an authentication failed device. In this case, in S611, the mode control unit 306 sends a command to the hearing aid 100 to set the operation mode of the hearing aid 100 to a non-measurement mode different from the hearing test mode. The hearing aid 100 operates in the non-measurement mode while remaining paired with the first terminal 110 via BLE. In this case, the hearing aid 100 does not execute a remote conference described below, nor executes a hearing test mode for sounding a hearing test sound.

[0063] For example, the non-measurement mode is a wireless earphone mode. In this case, the user can output music, etc., played on the first terminal 110 from the hearing aid 100. In this way, when the hearing aid 100 connected to the first terminal 110 is an authentication failed device, the mode control unit 306 causes the hearing aid 100 to execute only the wireless earphone mode. This allows the authentication failed device to function as a wireless earphone while preventing fitting services from being provided to the user of the authentication failed device.

[0064] Alternatively, the non-measurement mode may be a hearing aid mode. In this case, the user of the hearing aid 100 can use the hearing aid function of the preset data adjusted for everyone, but cannot use the hearing aid function of the fitting data adjusted for an individual. When the hearing aid 100 is set to the non-measurement mode in S611, the first terminal 110 and the hearing aid 100 may be wirelessly connected via Bluetooth Classic instead of BLE.

[0065] In this embodiment, unless a remote conference, which will be described later, is held, fitting data cannot be created in the remote conference, and therefore installation of the fitting data in the hearing aid 100 cannot be executed. Therefore, if the authentication in S603 or S607 is successful, the adjustment permission unit 303 proceeds to S901 to execute the remote conference, thereby permitting installation of the fitting data in the successfully authenticated device. In other words, if the hearing aid 100 connected to the first terminal 110 is an authentication failed device, the adjustment permission unit 303 prohibits installation of the fitting data in the authentication failed device by not allowing the remote conference to be executed. This makes it possible to prevent fitting data from being installed in the authentication failed device.

[0066] 8A, when a user receiving a fitting service pairs the hearing aid 100 with the first terminal 110 for the first time, the device ID of the hearing aid 100 is not registered in the first terminal 110. Therefore, the first terminal 110 requests device authentication from the server 130 based on the device ID acquired from the hearing aid 100.

[0067] If device authentication by server 130 is successful, the device ID of hearing aid 100 is registered in first terminal 110, and a remote conference for receiving the fitting service is started. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 8B, when the user pairs hearing aid 100 with first terminal 110 again, the device ID of hearing aid 100 has been registered in first terminal 110. Therefore, a remote conference is started without the first terminal 110 requesting device authentication from server 130.

[0068] In this way, in the hearing aid fitting system 1, the user (first terminal 110) who receives the fitting service and the fitter (second terminal 120) who provides the fitting service are linked by a user ID and managed in the server 130. The user (first terminal 110) and the hearing aid 100 to be adjusted in the fitting service are linked by a device ID and managed in the first terminal 110. This allows the fitter (second terminal 120) to perform fitting of the user's hearing aid 100 via the first terminal 110 operated by the user.

[0069] If a user's hearing aid 100 and a fitter (second terminal 120) were managed by linking them with a user ID, and a fitting service was provided for a hearing aid 100 with an authorized user ID, the user would have to go through the trouble of registering the user ID on the hearing aid 100 itself. In contrast, the hearing aid fitting system 1 can provide a fitting service for the hearing aid 100 as described above using a device ID that is assigned in advance to the hearing aid 100, eliminating the need to go through the trouble of registering a user ID on the hearing aid 100 itself.

[0070] Furthermore, in the hearing aid fitting system 1, device IDs that have been successfully authenticated in the past are managed by the first terminal 110. As a result, when a hearing aid 100 that has been previously paired with the first terminal 110 is paired with the first terminal 110 again, device authentication by the server 130 is omitted as described above, so that a fitting service for the hearing aid 100 can be provided easily and quickly.

[0071] Among the various processes executed by the hearing aid fitting system 1 of this embodiment, the process related to fitting of the hearing aid 100 will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of fitting control executed by the hearing aid fitting system 1. Fig. 10 is a specific example of a counseling screen 1000. Fig. 11 is a specific example of a hearing measurement screen 1100. Fig. 12 is an example of a change in the display mode in the operation area 1120 of the hearing measurement screen 1100. Fig. 13 is a time chart specifically explaining the fitting control.

[0072] In the first terminal 110, in S901, the conference processing unit 304 transmits a conference connection request to the second terminal 120, and starts a remote conference with the second terminal 120. In the second terminal 120, in S921, the conference processing unit 401 returns a conference connection permission to the first terminal 110, and starts a remote conference with the first terminal 110. The remote conference in this example is similar to a known video conference.

[0073] For example, in a remote conference, a counseling screen 1000 as shown in Fig. 10 is displayed synchronously on the touch panel display 113 of the first terminal 110 and the display unit 414 of the second terminal 120. On the counseling screen 1000, an image 1001 of the user captured by the camera 114 of the first terminal 110 and an image 1002 of the fitter captured by the camera 415 of the second terminal 120 are displayed. On the counseling screen 1000, a pointer 1003 that appears at a position selected by the user on the counseling screen 1000 and a pointer 1004 that appears at a position selected by the fitter on the counseling screen 1000 are displayed.

[0074] Counseling screen 1000 includes two image areas arranged independently, an affirmative image area 1010 and a negative image area 1020. For example, when a user hears an output sound (e.g., a hearing test sound) from hearing aid 100, the user can visually indicate that the output sound has been heard by moving pointer 1003 into affirmative image area 1010. When a user does not hear the output sound from hearing aid 100, the user can visually indicate that the output sound has not been heard by moving pointer 1003 into negative image area 1020.

[0075] The intention display unit 308 of the first terminal 110 displays the counseling screen 1000 on the touch panel display 113, thereby enabling the user to respond as to whether or not they were able to recognize the hearing test sounds sounded from the hearing aid 100 by operating the pointer 1003. The second notification unit 406 of the second terminal 120 displays the counseling screen 1000 on the display unit 414, thereby enabling the fitter to determine whether or not the user was able to recognize the hearing test sounds based on the movement position of the pointer 1003. Even if the user is unable to communicate through remarks, facial expressions, gestures, etc., the fitter can know whether or not the user was able to recognize the hearing test sounds.

[0076] In the remote conference, the fitter's voice collected by the sound input / output unit 121 of the second terminal 120 is output from the speaker 111 of the first terminal 110. The user's voice collected by the microphone 112 of the first terminal 110 is output from the sound input / output unit 121 of the second terminal 120. This allows the user and the fitter to communicate smoothly through each other's facial expressions and conversation, similar to face-to-face communication. The fitter of the second terminal 120 performs counseling in the same way as a fitter at a retail store, and obtains feedback on the user's hearing ability from the user's remarks, facial expressions, gestures, etc.

[0077] Before the remote conference begins, the speaker 111 is set as the playback device in the first terminal 110, and the hearing aid mode is set in the hearing aid 100. This setting may be performed manually by the user or automatically by the conference processing unit 304. As a result, during the remote conference, even if the hearing aid 100 and the first terminal 110 are paired, the fitter's sound is output from the speaker 111 instead of the hearing aid 100. On the other hand, as described later, hearing test sounds for measuring the user's hearing are played from the hearing aid 100.

[0078] That is, the conference processing unit 304 outputs the conference audio generated during a remote conference to a sound output unit (e.g., speaker 111) other than the hearing aid 100. If both the conference audio and the hearing test sound were output from the hearing aid 100, it would be difficult for the user to distinguish between the conference audio and the hearing test sound, preventing accurate hearing measurement. By outputting the conference audio from a sound output unit other than the hearing aid 100 as described above, it is easier for the user to distinguish between the conference audio and the hearing test sound, and accurate hearing measurement can be achieved.

[0079] Furthermore, if the hearing aid 100 is set to a hearing test mode during counseling while both the conference audio and the hearing test audio are being output from the hearing aid 100, the fitter's audio will not be output by the hearing aid 100, which will hinder the smooth progress of the counseling. By outputting the conference audio from a sound output unit other than the hearing aid 100 as described above, even if the hearing aid 100 is set to a hearing test mode during counseling, the user can recognize the fitter's audio, so the smooth progress of the counseling is maintained.

[0080] The display unit 414 of the second terminal 120 displays a hearing measurement screen 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11 together with the counseling screen 1000. The hearing measurement screen 1100 is used by a fitter to measure the hearing of a user, and includes a result area 1110 and an operation area 1120. The result area 1110 includes an audiogram 1111, an ear type 1112, a right average hearing ability 1113, a left average hearing ability 1114, and the like. In the ear type 1112, the user can select the type of ear (left ear or right ear) for which the measurement results are to be displayed in the audiogram 1111. The right average hearing ability 1113 and the left average hearing ability 1114 are automatically calculated and displayed according to the measurement results inputted into the audiogram 1111.

[0081] The operation area 1120 includes a test ear setting section 1121, a frequency setting section 1122, a sound pressure setting section 1123, a presentation start button 1124, a presentation end button 1125, a reflection button 1126, and a mode switching button 1127. The fitter arbitrarily sets the target ear (left or right ear), frequency, and sound pressure of the hearing test sound in the test ear setting section 1121, the frequency setting section 1122, and the sound pressure setting section 1123. The fitter can instruct the hearing aid 100 to start sounding the set hearing test sound by pressing the presentation start button 1124. The fitter can instruct the hearing aid 100 to stop sounding the set hearing test sound by pressing the presentation end button 1125. In other words, the hearing aid 100 continues sounding the set hearing test sound during the period from when the fitter presses the presentation start button 1124 to when he presses the presentation end button 1125.

[0082] When the fitter presses the reflect button 1126, the target ear, frequency, and sound pressure of the hearing test sound that has been set are automatically reflected in the audiogram 1111. Each time the fitter presses the mode switch button 1127, the operating mode of the hearing aid 100 is switched between the hearing aid mode that was set at the start of the conference and the hearing test mode for sounding the hearing test sound.

[0083] In the second terminal 120, the mode instruction unit 404 determines in S923 whether a measurement start operation has been performed. For example, when the fitter wants to start a hearing test for the user during counseling, the fitter presses the mode switch button 1127 on the hearing test screen 1100. In this way, when the mode switch button 1127 is pressed while the hearing aid 100 is in hearing aid mode, the mode instruction unit 404 determines that a measurement start operation has been performed. In S925, the mode instruction unit 404 transmits a mode instruction command (first mode instruction command) instructing the hearing test mode to the first terminal 110. If a measurement start operation has not been performed in S925, the process proceeds to S935 described below.

[0084] When the first terminal 110 receives the first mode instruction command, in S903 the mode control unit 306 sets the hearing aid 100 to a hearing test mode. For example, the mode control unit 306 transfers the first mode instruction command to the hearing aid 100 and switches the operating mode set in the hearing aid 100 from the hearing aid mode to the hearing test mode.

[0085] In this way, when the mode instruction unit 404 receives a specific instruction (e.g., a measurement start operation), it transmits a mode instruction command instructing the hearing test mode to the first terminal 110. When the mode instruction command is received, the mode control unit 306 causes the hearing aid 100 to execute the hearing test mode. Therefore, the fitter of the second terminal 120 can remotely set the hearing aid 100 to the hearing test mode at any time in order to start hearing measurement of the user.

[0086] After execution of S925, in the second terminal 120, the test setting unit 402 determines in S927 whether a hearing test operation has been performed. For example, after starting a hearing measurement, the fitter presses the presentation start button 1124 or the presentation end button 1125 to start or stop the sounding of the hearing test sound in the hearing aid 100. In this way, when the presentation start button 1124 or the presentation end button 1125 is pressed while the hearing aid 100 is in the hearing test mode, the test setting unit 402 determines that a hearing test operation has been performed.

[0087] When the presentation start button 1124 is pressed, in S929 the test setting unit 402 transmits a hearing test command to the first terminal 110 to instruct the first terminal 110 to start sounding a hearing test sound. The hearing test command includes the test ear, frequency, and sound pressure that the fitter has set on the hearing measurement screen 1100. When the first terminal 110 receives the hearing test command, in S905 the test execution unit 307 controls the hearing aid 100 to start sounding a hearing test sound. For example, the test execution unit 307 transfers the hearing test command to the hearing aid 100. In the hearing aid 100, a hearing test sound corresponding to the combination of test ear, frequency, and sound pressure indicated by the hearing test command is generated and sounded based on the sound data stored in the test sound storage unit 201.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the hearing aid 100 is not in the hearing test mode, it does not emit a hearing test sound even if it receives a hearing test command. Therefore, when the fitter starts the hearing test of the user in S923, the hearing aid 100 is set to the hearing test mode in S903. The test setting unit 402 can transmit the hearing test command in S929 only when the hearing aid 100 is executing the hearing test mode. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary processing of transmitting a hearing test sound to the hearing aid 100 when the hearing aid 100 is not in the hearing test mode.

[0089] When the presentation end button 1125 is pressed, in S929 the test setting unit 402 transmits a ringing stop command to end the ringing of the hearing test sound to the first terminal 110. When the first terminal 110 receives the ringing stop command, in S905 the test execution unit 307 controls the hearing aid 100 to stop ringing of the hearing test sound. For example, the test execution unit 307 transfers the ringing stop command to the hearing aid 100. In response to the ringing stop command, the hearing aid 100 stops ringing of the hearing test sound that is being executed.

[0090] In this way, when the test setting unit 402 receives a predetermined start instruction (pressing the start presentation button 1124), it sends a hearing test command to the first terminal 110, thereby starting the sounding of the hearing test sound in the hearing aid 100. When the test setting unit 402 receives a predetermined end instruction (pressing the end presentation button 1125), it sends a predetermined command (stop sound command) to the first terminal 110, thereby ending the sounding of the hearing test sound that is continuing in the hearing aid 100. This allows the fitter to start and end the sounding of the hearing test sound set in the second terminal 120 at any timing in the remote hearing aid 100.

[0091] Thereafter, in S931, the mode instruction unit 404 of the second terminal 120 determines whether an operation to end the measurement has been performed. For example, when the fitter wishes to end the hearing test for the user, the fitter presses the mode switch button 1127 again on the hearing test screen 1100. In this manner, if the mode switch button 1127 is pressed while the hearing aid 100 is in the hearing test mode, the mode instruction unit 404 determines that an operation to end the measurement has been performed.

[0092] In this case, in S933, the mode instruction unit 404 transmits a mode instruction command (second mode instruction command) instructing the hearing aid mode to the first terminal 110. When the first terminal 110 receives the second mode instruction command, in S907, the mode control unit 306 sets the hearing aid 100 to the hearing aid mode. For example, the mode control unit 306 transfers the second mode instruction command to the hearing aid 100 to switch the operating mode set in the hearing aid 100 from the hearing test mode to the hearing aid mode.

[0093] If there is no operation to end the measurement in S931, the process returns to S927. Therefore, the fitter can reset the hearing test sound on the hearing measurement screen 1100 and start and end the sounding of the hearing test sound at any timing.

[0094] After executing S933, in S935, the adjustment setting unit 403 determines whether a fitting operation has been performed. For example, the fitter uses the fitting data creation function of the second terminal 120 to create fitting data in a conventional manner based on the results of counseling including the above-mentioned hearing test. At this time, the fitter creates fitting data customized according to the characteristics of the user and the hearing aid 100, taking into consideration the user's requests, the hearing test results, and the manufacturer, model, model number, and usage environment of the hearing aid 100. In this way, when the fitter creates fitting data on the second terminal 120, the adjustment setting unit 403 determines that a fitting operation has been performed.

[0095] In S937, the adjustment setting unit 403 transmits the created fitting data to the first terminal 110. When the first terminal 110 receives the fitting data, the adjustment execution unit 302 stores the fitting data in the memory of the control unit 300. The adjustment execution unit 302 inquires of the user, via a predetermined screen or voice, as to whether or not to install the fitting data in the hearing aid 100.

[0096] In S909, when the user instructs the adjustment execution unit 302 to install the fitting data, the adjustment execution unit 302 transfers the fitting data to the hearing aid 100 and installs it. In the hearing aid 100, the installed fitting data is stored in the fitting data storage unit 202. When the hearing aid 100 operates in the hearing aid mode, the newly installed fitting data can be set as a processing pattern for the hearing aid function.

[0097] As a result, a successfully authenticated device can output sound based on the hearing aid function adjusted according to the installed fitting data in a hearing aid mode that performs signal processing of the hearing aid function on input sounds from the surrounding environment and outputs sound. A failed authentication device outputs sound based only on the default hearing aid function (i.e., the hearing aid function of the preset data) in the hearing aid mode.

[0098] In the second terminal 120, after executing S937, the process returns to S923. Until the remote conference started in S921 is ended, the processes of S923 to S937 are looped, and the process according to the operation of the fitter is executed as described above. In the first terminal 110, after executing S909, the process returns to S903. Until the remote conference started in S901 is ended, the processes of S903 to S909 are looped, and the process according to the instruction from the second terminal 120 is executed as described above.

[0099] The installation of the fitting data in S909 can be instructed by the user at any time on the first terminal 110. For example, the user may operate the first terminal 110 to install the fitting data transmitted from the second terminal 120 into the hearing aid 100 while a remote conference is being held, or may install the fitting data into the hearing aid 100 after the remote conference has ended. In addition, if the fitter instructs the second terminal 120 to forcibly install the fitting data, the adjustment execution unit 302 may install the fitting data into the hearing aid 100 in S909 without inquiring of the user as to whether or not to install the fitting data.

[0100] In this example, in the hearing test executed in S927 to S929, the display state of the operation area 1120 of the hearing measurement screen 1100 changes as shown in Fig. 12. In (A) of Fig. 12, the fitter sets the measurement ear to "right", the frequency to "2K (Hz)", and the sound pressure to "40 (dB)" in the measurement ear setting section 1121, the frequency setting section 1122, and the sound pressure setting section 1123. When the fitter presses the presentation start button 1124, the hearing aid 100 starts to sound the hearing test sounds corresponding to these settings.

[0101] When the hearing aid 100 has succeeded in sounding the hearing test sound, the test execution unit 307 of the first terminal 110 notifies the second terminal 120 that the hearing test sound is sounding. In the second terminal 120 that has received this notification, the first notification unit 405 displays icons 1200 indicating the measurement ear, frequency, and sound pressure corresponding to the sounding hearing test sound in the measurement ear setting unit 1121, frequency setting unit 1122, and sound pressure setting unit 1123. Specifically, in the measurement ear setting unit 1121, frequency setting unit 1122, and sound pressure setting unit 1123, each icon 1200 is displayed at a position indicating the measurement ear "right", the frequency "2K (Hz)", and the sound pressure "40 (dB)". The first notification unit 405 notifies the user of the second terminal 120 by the icon 1200 whether the hearing test sound corresponding to the hearing test command is sounding in the hearing aid 100.

[0102] 12(B), while the hearing aid 100 is emitting a hearing test sound, the fitter changes the settings of the hearing test sound in the measurement ear setting unit 1121, the frequency setting unit 1122, and the sound pressure setting unit 1123. Even when the settings of the hearing test sound are changed in this way, the hearing test sound being emitted by the hearing aid 100 does not change, and therefore the position of the icon 1200 does not change either.

[0103] 12B, the hearing aid 100 stops sounding the hearing test sound corresponding to the measurement ear "right", frequency "2K (Hz)", and sound pressure "40 (dB)", and starts sounding the hearing test sound corresponding to the measurement ear "left", frequency "4K (Hz)", and sound pressure "30 (dB)". In the second terminal 120, in response to a notification from the first terminal 110 in the same manner as above, an icon 1200 indicating the sounding hearing test sound is displayed. As a result, although not shown, in the measurement ear setting unit 1121, frequency setting unit 1122, and sound pressure setting unit 1123, the display position of each icon 1200 changes to point to the measurement ear "left", frequency "4K (Hz)", and sound pressure "30 (dB).

[0104] 12(C), the fitter then presses the presentation end button 1125, causing the hearing aid 100 to stop playing the hearing test sound. In the measurement ear setting section 1121, the frequency setting section 1122, and the sound pressure setting section 1123, the icon 1200 is erased.

[0105] In the above hearing test, the fitter checks whether the user of the hearing aid 100 has heard the sounding hearing test sound through the counseling screen 1000 and voice dialogue. Even if the fitter has difficulty hearing the user's speech, the fitter can check whether the user has heard the sounding hearing test sound through the user's pointer operation on the affirmative image area 1010 and the negative image area 1020 described above.

[0106] Based on the confirmation result, the fitter can press the reflect button 1126 to reflect the measurement ear, frequency, and sound pressure corresponding to the ringing hearing test sound in the audiogram 1111. At this time, even if the settings of the hearing test sound have been changed as in (B) of Fig. 12, the settings of the ringing hearing test sound indicated by the icon 1200 are reflected in the audiogram 1111. In this way, the fitter can accurately recognize the settings of the ringing hearing test sound indicated by the icon 1200, and can accurately create the audiogram 1111.

[0107] Through the above process, in the hearing aid fitting system 1, the fitter counsels the user of the hearing aid 100 through a remote conference using the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120, as shown in FIG. 13. When the fitter performs a hearing test on the user, the hearing aid 100 is set to a hearing test mode by a mode instruction command. When the fitter starts the hearing test, the hearing test sound set on the second terminal 120 is sounded from the hearing aid 100. Fitting data created by the fitter on the second terminal 120 based on the above counseling and hearing test is installed in the hearing aid 100.

[0108] This allows the fitting data installed in the hearing aid 100 to be set as the processing pattern for the hearing aid function when the hearing aid 100 operates in hearing aid mode. Therefore, the user can obtain optimal fitting data online without visiting a store, and adjust the hearing aid function of the hearing aid 100 to suit the user's hearing characteristics, improving the user's hearing.

[0109] The fitter can counsel the user via remote conference, and can also perform hearing tests and fitting of the hearing aid 100 online. Specifically, the fitter can set hearing test sounds appropriate for the user on the hearing test screen 1100, and can start and end the sounding of the hearing test sounds at any time in the hearing aid 100 set to the hearing test mode. The fitter can remotely install fitting data into the hearing aid 100 using the second terminal 120. Therefore, hearing tests and fitting of the hearing aid 100 can be performed appropriately even in a store that does not have skilled personnel or equipment.

[0110] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the test sound storage unit 201 may store in advance a sound pattern of a hearing test sound corresponding to a combination of a test ear, a frequency, and a sound pressure. In this case, in S905, the hearing aid 100 may read out from the test sound storage unit 201 a sound pattern of a hearing test sound corresponding to a combination of a test ear, a frequency, a sound pressure, etc., indicated by the hearing test command, and sound the sound. The hearing aid 100 may be an analog hearing aid.

[0111] The adjustment permission unit 303 may permit or deny installation of fitting data in a manner different from the above embodiment. For example, the adjustment permission unit 303 allows the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 to execute a remote conference regardless of whether the authentication of the hearing aid 100 is successful. If the hearing aid 100 is an authentication-successful device, the adjustment permission unit 303 may permit installation of fitting data by executing the fitting operation of S927, the data transmission of S929, and the data installation of S909. If the hearing aid 100 is an authentication-failed device, the adjustment permission unit 303 may prohibit installation of fitting data by not executing at least one of S927, S929, and S909.

[0112] The intention display unit 308 of the first terminal 110 may be a display button or a physical key, etc., that can be selected depending on whether the user has heard the hearing test sound. The second notification unit 406 of the second terminal 120 may notify the user whether the user has heard the hearing test sound by a predetermined image or sound, lighting / flashing of a light-emitting element, etc., depending on the user's selection of a display button or a physical key, etc. The first notification unit 405 of the second terminal 120 may notify the user whether the hearing test sound is being sounded by the hearing aid 100 by an image different from the icon 1200, lighting / flashing of a light-emitting element, or a predetermined sound.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the test execution unit 307 of the first terminal 110 transfers the hearing test command to the hearing aid 100 in S905, thereby causing the hearing aid 100 to sound a hearing test sound corresponding to the hearing test command. Alternatively, the first terminal 110 may store sound data for generating a hearing test sound, similar to the test sound storage unit 201. In S905, the test execution unit 307 may generate a hearing test sound based on the sound data stored in the first terminal 110 in response to the hearing test command received from the second terminal 120, and transmit the hearing test sound to the hearing aid 100 to sound it. In this case, the hearing aid 100 does not need to be equipped with the test sound storage unit 201. In addition, in S905, the test execution unit 307 may generate a hearing test sound by reading out a sound pattern corresponding to the hearing test command received from the first terminal 110 from among multiple sound patterns previously stored in the first terminal 110, and transmit the hearing test sound to the hearing aid 100 to make it sound.

[0114] The functional blocks of the first terminal 110 and the second terminal 120 may be realized by logic circuits (hardware) formed on integrated circuits (IC chips) such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), or may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0115] The processes executed in the above embodiment (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 9) may be executed in a computer system of a different aspect from the above embodiment. For example, among the series of processes executed in the first terminal 110 (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 9), some of the processes may be executed in another computer, or all of the processes may be distributed and executed in a plurality of computers.

[0116] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in the respective embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1 hearing aid adjustment system, 100 hearing aid, 110 first terminal, 120 second terminal, 130 server, 301 authentication unit, 302 adjustment execution unit, 303 adjustment permission unit, 304 conference processing unit, 305 device registration unit, 306 mode control unit, 307 test execution unit, 308 intention display unit, 311 first communication unit, 312 second communication unit, 401 conference processing unit, 402 test setting unit, 403 adjustment setting unit, 404 mode instruction unit, 405 first notification unit, 406 second notification unit

Claims

1. A first terminal; a hearing aid connected to the first terminal via short-range wireless communication; a second terminal connected to the first terminal via a network and configured to hold a remote conference with the first terminal; a server connected to the first terminal via a network, which manages user identification information specific to a user of the first terminal and device identification information specific to the hearing aid in association with each other; The first terminal, an authentication unit that performs authentication of the hearing aid based on whether the device identification information acquired from the hearing aid connected to the first terminal satisfies a predetermined condition for associating the device identification information with the user identification information in the server; an adjustment execution unit capable of installing fitting data for adjusting the hearing aid function of the hearing aid, the fitting data being set in the second terminal, into the hearing aid; and an adjustment permission unit that permits installation of the fitting data to an authentication success device, which is the hearing aid for which the authentication has been successful, and prohibits installation of the fitting data to an authentication failure device, which is the hearing aid for which the authentication has been unsuccessful. Hearing aid adjustment system.

2. and when the hearing aid connected to the first terminal is the authentication failed device, the adjustment permission unit prohibits installation of the fitting data on the authentication failed device by not allowing the remote conference to be executed. A hearing aid fitting system according to claim 1.

3. the first terminal further includes a device registration unit that registers the device identification information of the authentication-successfully connected device in the past to a storage unit of the first terminal; When the device identification information obtained from the hearing aid newly connected to the first terminal is registered in a memory unit of the first terminal, the authentication unit determines that the hearing aid is the successfully authenticated device without inquiring of the server. A hearing aid fitting system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The hearing aid is capable of selectively executing one of a plurality of operation modes including a hearing aid mode in which input sound from a surrounding environment is subjected to signal processing of the hearing aid function to output sound, and a wireless earphone mode in which sound is output based on sound data received from an external device; The first terminal further includes a mode control unit that causes the hearing aid to execute only the wireless earphone mode when the hearing aid connected to the first terminal is the authentication failed device. A hearing aid fitting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the successfully authenticated device is capable of outputting sound based on the hearing aid function adjusted according to the installed fitting data in a hearing aid mode in which the device performs signal processing of the hearing aid function on input sound from the surrounding environment and outputs sound; the authentication failed device outputs sound based only on the default hearing aid function in the hearing aid mode; A hearing aid fitting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The hearing aid comprises: When executing a wireless earphone mode in which sound is output based on sound data received from an external device, wireless communication with the external device is performed using Bluetooth Classic; When connecting to the first terminal, wireless communication using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is performed; The authentication unit acquires the device identification information transmitted from the hearing aid to the first terminal in the BLE wireless communication. A hearing aid fitting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The hearing aid adjustment system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the device identification information is not being used by another person and is not registered as lost.

8. A communication terminal, A first communication unit for connecting to the hearing aid via short-range wireless communication; a second communication unit for connecting via a network to another terminal and to a server that manages user identification information specific to a user of the communication terminal and device identification information specific to the hearing aid in association with each other; a conference processing unit for executing a remote conference with the other terminal; an authentication unit that performs authentication of the hearing aid based on whether the device identification information acquired from the hearing aid satisfies a predetermined condition for associating the device identification information with the user identification information in the server; an adjustment execution unit capable of installing fitting data for adjusting the hearing aid function of the hearing aid, the fitting data being set in the other terminal, into the hearing aid; an adjustment permission unit that permits installation of the fitting data to an authentication success device, which is the hearing aid for which the authentication has been successful, and prohibits installation of the fitting data to an authentication failure device, which is the hearing aid for which the authentication has been unsuccessful; A communication terminal comprising:

9. In a computer of a communication terminal having a first communication unit for connecting to a hearing aid by short-range wireless communication and a second communication unit for connecting to other terminals and a server via a network, the server manages user identification information unique to a user of the communication terminal and device identification information unique to the hearing aid in association with each other, The computer of the communication terminal conducting a remote conference with the other terminal; performing authentication of the hearing aid based on whether the device identification information acquired from the hearing aid satisfies a predetermined condition for associating the device identification information with the user identification information in the server; installing fitting data for adjusting a hearing aid function of the hearing aid, the fitting data being set on the other terminal, into the hearing aid; permitting installation of the fitting data to an authentication successful device, which is the hearing aid for which the authentication has been successful, and prohibiting installation of the fitting data to an authentication unsuccessful device, which is the hearing aid for which the authentication has been unsuccessful; A computer program that executes the following:

Images