HEARING DEVICE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a hearing device assembly comprising a behind-the-ear base unit and an in-the-ear transducer module, which communicate via a communication interface and wherein the base unit is configured to detect whether the transducer module comprises a microcontroller.

Claims

1. A hearing device assembly comprising: a behind-the-ear unit; and an in-the-ear transducer module; wherein the behind-the-ear unit and the transducer module are configured to electronically communicate via a communication interface connecting the behind-the-ear unit and the transducer module; wherein the transducer module is configured to assert a signal via the communication interface during boot of the behind-the-ear unit or when the transducer module is coupled to the behind-the-ear unit; and wherein the behind-the-ear unit is configured to detect the signal asserted by the transducer module, and wherein the behind-the-ear unit is also configured to determine whether the transducer module comprises a microcontroller.

2. The hearing device assembly according to claim 1, wherein the behind-the-ear unit is configured to take on a communication role of a slave based on a detection of the microcontroller in the transducer module.

3. The hearing device assembly according to claim 1, wherein the behind-the-ear unit is configured to take on a communication role of a master if the behind-the-ear unit determines that the transducer module does not comprise the microcontroller.

4. The hearing device assembly according to claim 1, wherein the behind-the-ear unit is configured to take on a communication role based on a presence or an absence of another signal asserted by the transducer module.

5. The hearing device assembly according to claim 4, wherein the behind-the-ear unit is further configured to: wait a predetermined time after supplying power to the transducer module, and determine that the other signal is not present if it is not detected within the predetermined time.

6. The hearing device assembly according to claim 1, wherein the transducer module comprises the microcontroller, and wherein the behind-the-ear unit is configured to receive identification data sent by the microcontroller in the transducer module.

7. The hearing device assembly according to claim 1, wherein the transducer module comprises the microcontroller, and wherein the behind-the-ear unit is configured to take on a communication role of a master after receiving identification data sent by the microcontroller in the transducer module.

8. The hearing device assembly according to claim 1, wherein the transducer module does not comprise the microcontroller, and wherein the behind-the-ear unit is configured to read identification data from a non-volatile memory in the transducer module.

9. The hearing device assembly according to claim 1, wherein the behind-the-ear unit is configured to enter a first communication mode when taking a communication role as a slave; and wherein the behind-the-ear unit is configured to enter a second communication mode when requested to do so by the transducer module.

10. The hearing device assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first communication mode is associated with a first power level, the second communication mode is associated with a second power level, and wherein the first power level is different from the second power level.

11. The hearing device assembly according to claim 1, wherein the transducer module comprises one or more receivers, one or more microphones, one or more sensors, one or more electromechanical devices, or any combination of the foregoing.

12. A method performed by a hearing device assembly that includes a behind-the-ear unit and an in-the-ear transducer module, the behind-the-ear unit and the transducer module being configured to electronically communicate via a communication interface connecting the behind-the-ear unit and the transducer module, the method comprising: asserting, by the transducer module, a signal via the communication interface, wherein the signal is asserted during booting of the behind-the-ear unit, or when the transducer module is coupled to the behind-the-ear unit; detecting, by the behind-the-ear unit, the signal asserted by the transducer module; and determining, by the behind-the-ear unit, whether the transducer module comprises a microcontroller or not.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising taking on a communication role by the behind-the-ear unit based on a result from the act of determining whether the transducer module comprises the microcontroller or not.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein if the behind-the-ear unit determines that the transducer module comprises the microcontroller, the behind-the ear unit takes on the communication role of a slave.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein if the behind-the-ear unit determines that the transducer module does not comprise the microcontroller, the behind-the-ear unit takes on the communication role of a master.

16. The method according to claim 12, further comprising taking on a communication role, by the behind-the-ear unit, based on a presence or an absence of another signal asserted by the transducer module.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising waiting a predetermined time, by the behind-the-ear unit, after supplying power to the transducer module, and determining that the other signal is not present if it is not detected within the predetermined time.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] In the following, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

[0071] FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a hearing device assembly in accordance with exemplary embodiments,

[0072] FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate another hearing device assembly in accordance with exemplary embodiments,

[0073] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of communication schemes between a base unit and a transducer module,

[0074] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram in accordance with exemplary embodiments, and

[0075] FIG. 5 is another flow diagram in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0076] Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0077] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a hearing device assembly 1 having a base unit 3 and a transducer module 5. During use, the base unit 3 is placed behind the ear of the user and it has one or more microphones 7 and an audio processing unit 9, which processes any audio signals 8 received from the one or more microphones 7 or, optionally, via a wireless or wired communication interface/bus (not shown). Processed audio signals 10 are transmitted to a receiver 11 in the transducer module 5 so that audible sound may be generated and/or provided to the user. When the hearing device assembly 1 is in use, the transducer module 5 is located at or in the ear of the user and the audible sound generated by the receiver 11 is generated close to or in the ear canal of the user.

[0078] In the hearing device assembly 1 shown in FIG. 1A the transducer module 5 has a non-volatile memory (NVM) 13, such as an EEPROM, which can communicate electronically with the base unit 3 via a communication interface/bus 15, such as a single wire interface or multiple wire interface 15 connecting the base unit 3 and the transducer module 5 and/or connecting the base unit 3 directly with the NVM 13.

[0079] The hearing device assembly shown in FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment, wherein the hearing device assembly 1 is a receiver-in-ear-type hearing aid. The transducer module 5 comprises a connector 21, a wire or cable 23 and an earpiece 25. The connector 21 may be a plug connector. The connector 21 may be configured for mechanical and/or electrical connection and/or acoustic connection, such as an acoustical tube, with the base unit 3. The connector 21 may be configured for detachable connection with the base unit 3. The wire 23 may run through a wire tube. The earpiece 25 may be configured to be located at or in the ear canal of a user. The connector 21 comprises the NVM 13 and is connected by the wire 23 and optionally by the wire tube to the earpiece 25, which comprises the receiver 11.

[0080] In the hearing device assembly 1 shown in FIG. 2A the transducer module 5 has a microcontroller 17, which comprises an NVM 13. Thus, the transducer module 5 in FIG. 2 is a microcontroller-based transducer module 5. The microcontroller 17 can communicate electronically with the base unit 3 via a communication interface/bus 15, such as a single wire interface or multiple wire interface 15 connecting the base unit 3 and the transducer module 5 and/or connecting the base unit 3 directly with the microcontroller 17.

[0081] The hearing device assembly shown in FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment, wherein the hearing device assembly 1 is a receiver-in-ear-type hearing aid. The transducer module 5 comprises a connector 21, a wire 23 and an earpiece 25. The connector 21 may be a plug connector. The connector 21 may be configured for mechanical and/or electrical connection with the base unit 3. The connector 21 may be configured for detachable connection with the base unit 3. The wire 23 may run through a wire tube. The earpiece 25 may be configured to be located at or in the ear canal of a user. The connector 21 comprises the microcontroller 17 and is connected by the wire 23 and optionally by the wire tube to the earpiece 25, which comprises the receiver 11. Any sensors 19 comprised in the hearing device assembly shown in FIG. 2A may be located in the connector 21 and/or in the earpiece 25.

[0082] The following applies to any hearing device assembly shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B unless specifically noted by referring to the microcontroller or to a microcontroller-based transducer module.

[0083] The base unit 3 has its own power source (not shown), which may e.g. be a battery, and the base unit 3 supplies power to the transducer module 5. If the base unit 3 is turned off or if the transducer module 5 has been disconnected from the base unit 3, the supply of power from the base unit 3 to the transducer module 5 is turned off.

[0084] If either the base unit 3 boots following it being turned on, for instance by the flip of a switch or other common means, or if a transducer module 5 is hot plugged to an already booted base unit 3, the transducer module 5 asserts/activates a signal on the communication interface/bus 15, i.e. a communication interface signal such as a single wire signal or one or more signals on a multiple wire interface. This signal is detected by the base unit 3, which responds to the detection of the signal by supplying power to the transducer module 5. Thus, by asserting a signal on the communication interface/bus 15, the transducer module 5 signals to the base unit 3 that it is connected.

[0085] For example, while power to the transducer module 5 is turned off, because the base unit 3 is either turned off or because the transducer module 5 is disconnected, the base unit 3 can provide a permanent weak pull-up of the communication interface signal, i.e. a permanent weak pull-up on the communication interface. The transducer module 5, however, provides a strong pull-up of the communication interface signal, but because power to the transducer module 5 is turned off this will work as a strong pull-down, which will drive the communication interface signal low. The base unit 3 detects the low level and concludes that a transducer module 5 must be connected and in response the base unit 3 supplies power to the transducer module 5. The supply of power from the base unit 3 to the transducer module 5 will then drive the communication interface signal high.

[0086] The base unit 3 is configured such that the communication role it assumes is dictated by the transducer module 5. If the transducer module 5 has a microcontroller 17, the microcontroller 17 will boot when power is supplied by the base unit 3 to the transducer module 5. The microcontroller-based transducer module 5 will assert/activate a second signal on the communication interface/bus 15, for example by asserting the communication interface signal low for a specific period of time. If the transducer module 5 does not comprise a microcontroller the communication interface signal will remain high. The base unit 3 can then take on a communication role in response to a determination of the presence or absence of the second signal.

[0087] If the second signal, e.g. the asserted low level of the communication interface signal, is detected by the base unit 3 it will take on the communication role of slave and the microcontroller 17 will take on the communication role of master. If the second signal is not detected by the base unit 3 it will take on the communication role of master and in this case, the NVM 13 in the transducer module 5 will act as slave. Thus, a microcontroller-based transducer module 5 will take the communication role of master, whereas a transducer module 5, which does not have a microcontroller 17, will be relegated the communication role of slave and the base unit 3 will then act as master.

[0088] The base unit 3 may be programmed to wait a predetermined time after supplying power to the transducer module 5 so as to wait for the second signal from the microcontroller 17, if present, and if the second signal has not been detected within the predetermined time, the base unit 3 will determine that a second signal is not present. The predetermined time that the base unit waits may be 5 ms or less than 5 ms or less than 4 ms or less than 3 ms. The skilled person will understand that a reasonable predetermined time within which the base unit 3 waits can be selected based on experiments and various criteria.

[0089] After the communication roles have been taken on, the master will initiate, time and control exchange of data. Further, the master role may also include controlling the data transfer speed.

[0090] In the case, where the base unit 3 takes on the communication role of master, it will issue a command to retrieve the information stored on the NVM 13 in the transducer module 5 such as e.g. transducer module identification data and production calibration offsets of various parameters of the transducer module 5, particularly of the receiver 11. This is advantageous in the situation, where the transducer module 5 has been exchanged for another transducer module. After receiving the stored information, the base unit 3 can make appropriate changes to the signal processing to match the altered parameters of the receiver 11. In case of a discrepancy, the base unit 3 can even choose to e.g. not send signals to the transducer module 5 or to send signals that it can be certain will result in low volume audible sound by the receiver 11 to ensure that the user is not distressed or harmed by loud sounds.

[0091] When the microcontroller 17 takes on the communication role of master and the base unit 3 takes on the communication role as slave, the base unit 3 can advantageously be configured to enter a low-power communication mode when the microcontroller-based transducer module 5 indicates that data transfer is not required. It will then also be configured to power the communication mode up again when requested to do so by the microcontroller-based transducer module, for example by the transducer module 5 pulsing the communication interface signal. The low-power communication mode is one in which the functionality handling the communication enters a sleep mode. Once data is ready to transfer from the microcontroller-based transducer module 5 to the base unit 3, the functionality handling communication within the base unit 3 wakes up and data can now be transferred initiated by the transducer module 5. The same mechanism can be used at regular intervals to transfer any commands from the base unit 3 to the microcontroller-based transducer module 5, for example by the transducer module 5 transferring a query to the base unit 3 that then responds with a command.

[0092] The transducer module 5 may comprises a number of auxiliary units 19 such as one or more sensors and/or electromechanical devices 19. The one or more sensors 9 may provide one or more of a fall detection signal, a free fall detection signal, an environmental signal (e.g. indicative of temperature or humidity), a capacitive switch signal (e.g. indicative of whether the transducer module 5, i.e. the earpiece 25, is in an ear), a pressure signal, a heart-beat rate signal, a snore detection signal, a gyroscope sensor signal (e.g. from a gyro sensor), a movement detection signal (e.g. from acceleration sensor(s)) and/or a tactile feedback signal (e.g. from a user interface sensor). It may also have more than one receiver 11 and/or one or more microphones 19. The one or more receiver 11 and one or more microphone 19 may preferably be arranged in the earpiece 25. If the transducer module 5 is a microcontroller-based transducer module the one or more sensors 19 can be controlled by the microcontroller 17. The microcontroller 17 may then also be configured to process the sensor data and to forward them to the base unit 3.

[0093] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate examples of communication schemes between a base unit and a transducer module as described herein, where the communication progression has been illustratively divided into phases (P1-P10). In FIG. 3A is shown an example of communication between a base unit and a microcontroller-based transducer module, whereas FIG. 3B shows an example of communication between a base unit and a transducer module that does not contain a microcontroller. In the shown examples in FIGS. 3A and 3B the phases occur one after another as time progresses from P1 and towards the right in the figure, i.e. the top of the page. From each phase to the next the base unit power 27, transducer module power 29 and communication interface signal 31 is shown as a line indicating a level that is higher the further to the left on the page it is as given by the arrow 33.

[0094] In the first phase P1, the base unit powers up after being switched on and the base unit power 27 increases from an idle state to an operating level. The transducer module power 29 is in an idle state during the phase P1 as it has not yet been turned on. When turned on, the base unit provides a permanent weak pull-up of the communication interface signal 31, i.e. a permanent weak pull-up on the communication interface. If no transducer module is connected to the base unit via a communication interface/bus, this weak pull-up will drive the communication interface signal 31 high. However, if a transducer module is connected to the base unit via a communication interface, the transducer module will provide a strong pull-up to the transducer module power 29 on one or more selected signals 31 of the communication interface, or, in the case of a single wire, from the single wire signal, but because the transducer module power 29 is off, the strong pull-up will work as a strong pull-down driving the selected signal(s)/single wire signal on the communication interface low. This is illustrated by the forking line showing the two possibilities for the communication interface signal 31 during the phase P1.

[0095] In phase P2, the communication interface signal 31 is driven low by the transducer module as described above, and the low communication interface signal is detected by the base unit.

[0096] After detection of the low communication interface signal, which is the first signal from the transducer module, the base unit concludes that a transducer module must be connected and therefore, in phase P3, the base unit acts to turn on and/or provide power to the transducer module power 29. The strong pull-up from the transducer module on selected signals of the communication interface/bus then drives the communication interface signal 31 high. Neither the base unit nor the transducer module has taken on a communication role as of yet and the base unit acts to detect whether a microcontroller is present within the transducer module. In the example shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the base unit first waits a predetermined period of time T1 to give a microcontroller in the transducer module time to boot up.

[0097] In phase P4A in FIG. 3A, the base unit waits a second period of time T2 for a signal on the communication interface/bus. During the time period T2, the now booted microcontroller drives the communication interface signal 31 low, which signals its presence to the base unit.

[0098] Following this, the transducer module enters a neutral state with respect to the communication interface, i.e. it reverts to the pull-up state as shown in phase P5. The base unit, having detected the second signal initiated by the microcontroller during the time period T2, assumes the communication role of slave and awaits reception of commands from the transducer module.

[0099] In phase P6A1 the microcontroller-based transducer module, having the communication role of master, transmits data, which initially could be identification data, and/or transducer calibration data. The base unit responds in phase P7A by transmitting data to the transducer mode and in phase P6A2 the transducer module again transmits data to the base unit, for example sensor data, processed sensor data, commands and status.

[0100] After the exchange of data between the base unit and the transducer module is complete, the communication interface signal 31 enters a neutral state with respect to the communication interface, i.e. it reverts to the pull-up state as shown in phase P8A, and the base unit may enter a low power communication mode as it awaits further communication from the transducer module.

[0101] In phase P9, the transducer module signals to the base unit to power the communication mode up again by driving the communication interface signal 31 low and a new series of transmissions between the base unit and transducer module may begin. Alternatively, after the initial communication, where the transducer module was master and the base unit was slave, the communication roles may be switched such that the base unit takes over the communication role as master.

[0102] In FIG. 3B, no microcontroller is present in the transducer module and the communication interface signal 31 remains the same during phase P4B, which leads the base unit to conclude that no microcontroller is present in the transducer module. The base unit assumes the communication role of master and initiates communication with the transducer module in phase P7B, for example to read identification data from a non-volatile memory (NVM) within the transducer module. Throughout the communication shown in FIG. 3B, the transducer module will have the role of slave in its communication with the base unit. In phase P6B the transducer module responds to the initiated communication from the base unit. After the transfer of data from the transducer module in phase P6B is complete, the communication interface signal 31 enters a neutral state with respect to the communication interface/bus, i.e. it reverts to the pull-up state as shown in phase P8B.

[0103] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of a method of assigning communication roles between a behind-the-ear base unit 3 and an in-the-ear transducer module 5 in a hearing device assembly 1 such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, where the base unit 3 and the transducer module 5 are configured to electronically communicate via a communication interface/bus 15 connecting the base unit 3 and the transducer module 5.

[0104] In step S10 the base unit 3 boots after being turned on, for instance by the flip of a switch or other common means, or a transducer module 5 is hot plugged to an already booted base unit 3.

[0105] In step S20 the transducer module 5 asserts/activates a signal on the communication interface 15 connecting the base unit 3 and the transducer module 5.

[0106] In step S30 the base unit 3 detects the signal asserted by the transducer module 5 and responds to the detection of the signal by supplying power to the transducer module 5.

[0107] In step S40 the base unit 3 takes on a communication role in response to a determination of the presence or absence of a second signal asserted by the transducer module 5. Thus, the communication role is dictated by the transducer module 5.

[0108] FIG. 5 shows another flow diagram of a method of assigning communication roles between a behind-the-ear base unit 3 and an in-the-ear transducer module 5 in a hearing device assembly 1 such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, where the base unit 3 and the transducer module 5 are configured to electronically communicate via a communication interface/bus 15 connecting the base unit 3 and the transducer module 5. Steps S10-S30 are the same as described above.

[0109] If the transducer module 5 comprises a microcontroller 17 it is said to be a microcontroller-based transducer module and the microcontroller 17 is configured to boot when power is supplied by the base unit 3 to the transducer module 5.

[0110] In step S50 the microcontroller-based transducer module 5, if present, asserts/activates a second signal on the communication interface 15 and the base unit 3 determines the presence or absence of the second signal. If the base unit 3 determines that the second signal is present, the method proceeds to step S60A, whereas if the base unit 3 determines that the second signal is not present, the method proceeds to step S60B.

[0111] In step S50 the determination of the presence or absence of the second signal may further entail the base unit waiting a predetermined time after supplying power to the transducer module, and the base unit determining that a second signal is not present if it is not detected within the predetermined time.

[0112] In steps S60A and S60B the base unit 3 takes on a communication role in response to the determination of the presence or absence of the second signal.

[0113] In step S60A the base unit 3 takes on the communication role of slave in response to detection of the second signal, and the microcontroller 17 takes on the communication role of master.

[0114] In step S60B the base unit 3 takes on the communication role of master in response to not detecting the second signal.

[0115] Thus, a microcontroller-based transducer module 5, or rather the microcontroller 17 in the microcontroller-based transducer module 5, will take the communication role of master, whereas a transducer module 5, which does not have a microcontroller 17, will be relegated the communication role of slave and the base unit 3 will then act as master.

[0116] In step S70, where the base unit 3 has taken on the communication role as slave, the base unit 3 enters a low-power communication mode when the microcontroller-based transducer module 5 has indicated that data transfer is not required, and the base unit 3 powers the communication mode up again when requested to do so by the microcontroller-based transducer module 5.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0117] 1 Hearing device assembly [0118] 3 Base unit [0119] 5 Transducer module/microcontroller-based transducer module [0120] 7 Microphone [0121] 8 Audio signals [0122] 9 Audio processing unit [0123] 10 Processed audio signals [0124] 11 Receiver [0125] 13 Non-volatile memory (NVM) [0126] 15 Communication interface [0127] 17 Microcontroller [0128] 19 Auxiliary unit/sensor/electromechanical device/microphone [0129] 21 Connector [0130] 23 Wire/cable [0131] 25 Earpiece [0132] 27 Base unit power [0133] 29 Transducer module power [0134] 31 Communication interface (signal) [0135] 33 Arrow indicating a higher level