Patent Application
20070139284
This application relates generally to hearing aids using antenna for wireless communication, and more particularly, to hearing aids including antenna proximal to a handle.
One goal of hearing aids is to replicate natural hearing. To achieve this goal, hearing aids must satisfy multiple requirements. One requirement is that hearing aids be comfortable and discreet. Another requirement is that they improve hearing. Any external addition to a hearing aid can be aesthetically undesirable, physically restrictive, uncomfortable, or result in other unwanted characteristics. Any internal additions to hearing aids can reduce the amount of space available to other components, such as computers, used to improve hearing.
In order to improve hearing, some hearing aids communicate and react with other devices. However, communication can require an antenna, which may increase size of the hearing aid. An antenna which protrudes from outside the hearing aid can be aesthetically unappealing and can receive increased electromagnetic interference.
Thus, there is a need for a wireless hearing aid having a space-efficient antenna configuration which provides adequate communications, does not reduce aesthetic appeal, comfort, or other performance requirements, and does not increase electromagnetic interference.
The above-mentioned problems and others not expressly discussed herein are addressed by the present subject matter and will be understood by reading and studying this specification.
Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids, in-the-canal hearing aids, and in-the-ear hearing aids, in various embodiments, use a feature known as an insertion removal handle, removal cord, or pull cord. The hearing aid user can use the handle to assist in removing or inserting the device. In some embodiments, the handle is used to both remove and insert a hearing aid. The present subject matter includes an antenna designed in combination with a handle.
Some hearing aids communicate with other devices, such as programmers, using wireless connections. The present subject matter includes an antenna to communicate wirelessly.
The various embodiments described herein relate to a handle with an integrated antenna. One benefit of the present subject matter is that it reduces stress passed to the antenna. Additionally, the present subject matter satisfies various aesthetic requirements. A further benefit of the present subject matter is that the location of the antenna in relation to the location of other components within the hearing aid can result in reduced electromagnetic interference, which can allow for a reduction in electromagnetic shielding. The present subject matter includes other benefits and solutions in addition to those enumerated above.
One aspect of the present subject matter relates to a hearing aid having a housing with a faceplate to which a handle is connected. Additionally, an at least partially coiled antenna is located proximal to the faceplate, and electronics are connected to the antenna.
A further aspect relates to an apparatus comprised of a means for locating hearing aid components in a housing, and a means for manipulating a hearing aid with a handle. Further, the apparatus is comprised of a means for connecting the handle to the housing, and a means for integrating an antenna with the handle, wherein the antenna is located proximal to the housing, and is connected to electronics.
A further aspect relates to a method of making a hearing aid, including connecting an antenna to a handle, and connecting the handle to the hearing aid, wherein the antenna is located proximate to the hearing aid housing.
This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details about the present subject matter are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which are not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Various embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.
The following detailed description of the present invention refers to subject matter in the accompanying drawings which show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. References to “an”, “one”, or “various” embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Various aspects and embodiments of the present subject matter include components to a hearing aid. The present subject matter includes connecting a wireless antenna proximal to a handle of a hearing aid. The present subject matter also includes connecting the handle proximal to the hearing aid housing. Additionally, the present subject matter includes connecting the handle and the hearing aid housing such that the antenna is proximal to the hearing aid housing.
One benefit of the present subject matter is that it reduces electromagnetic interference by allowing the antenna to be mounted in an improved proximity to other components within the hearing aid. A further benefit of the present subject matter is that it is space-efficient. An additional benefit of the present subject matter is that the antenna does not protrude from the hearing aid in an unaesthetic fashion. The benefits offered by the present subject matter are not limited to those enumerated here.
In various embodiments, the handle 102 is fastened to the faceplate 101. Various embodiments include a faceplate 101 formed of a stiff polymeric material. In various embodiments, the faceplate forms at least part of the exterior envelope of the hearing aid. In various embodiments, the faceplate 101 is a standard shape, and the shell 103 is molded to fit an individual ear canal. Various embodiments are contemplated by the present subject matter. For example, other embodiments include a shell 103 and faceplate 101 molded in concert to fit an individual ear canal. Other embodiments not enumerated herein are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.
Various embodiments include a core 201 which ranges between approximately 2 millimeters and 6 millimeters long, and ranges between approximately 0.5 millimeters and 2 millimeters in diameter. One embodiment includes a solid ferrite core which is approximately 4 millimeters long and approximately 1 millimeters in diameter. However, the present subject matter is not limited to such component materials or geometries; various embodiments include a hollow core, and further embodiments are made from non-ferrous materials.
In various embodiments the core 201 is wrapped with conductor multiple times. Various embodiments include a configuration which is wrapped with conductor between approximately 40 and approximately 120 turns. One embodiment includes a core which is wrapped approximately 90 turns. Further embodiments include a core which is wrapped with separate conductors, allowing a separate number of wrappings for transmitting and receiving.
Various embodiments include a ring shape comprised of various length-wise segments of different diameters. In one example, the shape includes a smaller diameter segment 251 around which the conductor is wrapped, and a larger diameter segment 253, around which conductor is not wrapped. In various embodiments, the conductor wrapped segment ranges between approximately 1 millimeters and approximately 5 millimeters in length, and between approximately 2 millimeters and approximately 3 millimeters in diameter. In one embodiment, the conductor wrapped segment is approximately 2.5 millimeters long, and approximately 3 millimeters in diameter.
Various embodiments include a configuration which is wrapped with conductor between approximately 50 and approximately 70 times. In one embodiment, the core is wrapped approximately 60 times by conductor. Further embodiments include a core which is wrapped with separate conductors, allowing a separate number of wrappings for transmitting and receiving.
In various embodiments, the choice between a ring antenna embodiment and a rod antenna embodiment will depend on various performance characteristics. In various ring embodiments, the ring shape allows the handle to be placed through the center portion of the antenna. In various embodiments, this allows portions of the antenna to reside within recesses of the housing, while allowing the handle to function as part of an adjustment system. In various embodiments, positioning the antenna in a recess in the housing can increase space within the hearing aid. Increased space within the hearing aid can allow improvements in other components, such as computers or batteries.
Various embodiments of the rod antenna demonstrate increased robustness in the polar pattern of the antenna. An increased robustness in an antenna polar pattern can decrease the sensitivity between antenna orientation and antenna function, allowing for a greater range of functional antenna orientations. In various embodiments, improved robustness of the polar pattern is due to an improved aspect ratio. An improved aspect ratio can result in improved performance overall. Additionally, various embodiments of the rod antenna are less expensive to manufacture than ring embodiments. The scope of the present subject matter includes all of these benefits, but is not to be understood as limited to those benefits enumerated here.
In one embodiment the smaller diameter segment 337 is mounted in a recess in the faceplate 335, and the larger diameter segment 333 is located further away from the exterior of the hearing aid 338. In further embodiments, the smaller diameter segment 337 is located further from the exterior of the hearing aid 338 than the larger diameter segment 333.
In various embodiments, the larger segment 333 may also be at least partially located within a recess, or the smaller portion 337 may be only partially located within the recess. Additionally, in various embodiments, the larger diameter segment 333 is mounted proximal to a larger diameter segment of the handle 334. The larger diameter segment 333 of the handle 331, in various embodiments, sandwiches the antenna between itself 334 and the faceplate 335.
The present subject matter, however, is not to be understood as limited to these geometries or component orientations. One embodiment includes an orientation in which the larger diameter segment 333 is recessed in the faceplate 335, and the smaller diameter segment 337 is located proximate to the larger diameter segment 334 of the handle. Further embodiments include a range of recess depths in which the antenna is located.
Further embodiments also mount the antenna at an angle, such that the center axis of the antenna is separated from the center axis of the handle by a range of degrees when measured at their intersection. In other embodiments, the axes are skewed or parallel. These and other embodiments are within the scope of the present subject matter, and the present subject matter is not to be understood as limited to the embodiments enumerated here.
Additionally, the handle fits into a receiving channel in the faceplate 404. Various embodiments employ a variety of fits between the handle and the faceplate 404, including interference, non-interference, or any combination thereof. In addition to the type of fit used, various embodiments can employ adhesive fastening, or various combinations of known fastening methods.
Various embodiments allow limitless rotation of the handle 731, and other embodiments limit rotation. Further embodiments include axial movement, and still further embodiments involve axial movement exclusively. In various embodiments, the axial movement of the handle is limited mechanically.
In various embodiments, at least a portion of the antenna is located in a recess in the faceplate 735. Other embodiments do not include a recess. Additionally, in various embodiments, the ring shaped antenna may be configured so that either the larger diameter section 733 or the smaller diameter section 737 are nearest to the exterior of the hearing aid 738.
The I signal is provided to the gates of field effect transistors M1 and M2 and the I′ signal is provided to the gates of field effect transistors M3 and M4, which are connected as shown in
In operation, when the input signal, I, is a logic high, then transistor M1 is not conducting and transistor M2 is conducting, which forces the output voltage at output 806 a logic low. I′ is a logic low when I is logic high. Consequently, when I′ is a logic low, then M3 is not conducting and M4 is conducting, which forces the output voltage at output 808 to a logic high.
It is noted that field effect transistors also provide a form of overvoltage protection, since they serve as diodes in the reverse-conduction direction which clamp the output signals 806 and 808 between the applied voltage rails (in this example, Vdd and ground).
It is noted that the polarities of the supplies, use of logic low and logic high states, and voltage levels may be changed without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. Also, other types of transistors and configurations may be employed without departing from the scope of the present application. In one embodiment, bipolar junction transistors are used to provide switching. Other switching structures may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present teachings.
In such embodiments, it is possible to use, for instance, a communications signal having approximately an 80 meter wavelength to communicate with a wire antenna 802 that may have a length of approximately 1 meter. Such communications may be conducted with primarily inductive coupling (primarily the H field) at low power levels. In one embodiment, a level of less than 1 milliwatt may suffice for short range communications with the antenna 802. In such embodiments, a distance of 20 to 50 centimeters may be used for communications between the transmitter and receiver. Other wavelengths and power levels may be employed and other distances may be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.
One advantage of the short range nature of the communications is that other electronics will operate without radio frequency interference and other hearing devices may be programmed in proximity and even at the same time without interference.
In another embodiment, a system is shown where a receiver and transmitter are connected to an antenna 902 for transmission and reception.
In the example of
In transmission mode, the I signal is provided to the gates of field effect transistors MI and M2 and the I′ signal is provided to the gates of field effect transistors M3 and M4, which are connected as shown. NAND gate 914 inverts the I signal while TX/RX′ is logic high (in the transmit mode). In this example, the transistors M1, M2, M3, and M4 drive antenna 902, which may be modeled as having an intrinsic resistance, R1 (not shown) and inductance, L1 (not shown), in series with capacitor C1. In one embodiment, the resulting circuit is a D-class amplifier in an H-bridge configuration to drive L1 and C1. Resistor Rx is used to set the Q of the circuit.
In operation, when the input signal, I, is a logic high, then transistor M1 is not conducting and transistor M2 is conducting, which forces the output voltage at output 906 a logic low. I′ is a logic low when I is logic high. Consequently, when I′ is a logic low, then M3 is not conducting and M4 is conducting, which forces the output voltage at output 908 to a logic high.
It is noted that field effect transistors also provide a form of overvoltage protection, since they serve as diodes in the reverse-conduction direction which clamp the output signals 906 and 908 between the applied voltage rails (in this example, Vdd and ground).
It is noted that the polarities of the supplies, use of logic low and logic high states, and voltage levels may be changed without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. Also, other types of transistors and configurations may be employed without departing from the scope of the present application. In one embodiment, bipolar junction transistors are used to provide switching. Other switching structures may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present teachings.
When the TX/RX′ line is logic low, the device is in receive mode. In receive mode, the output of the NAND gate will always be at a logic high, since the TX/RX′ line is at a logic low. The switching circuit 910 includes a switch 912 which switches I to Vdd (logic high) during receive mode. This places outputs 906 and 908 at logic low levels and provides reception by amplifier 904 via capacitor C2, as the TX/RX′ signal is logic low and M5 is nonconducting. In this embodiment, the antenna 902 and capacitor C1 form a parallel resonant tank receiver circuit for small signals received by antenna 902.
Other variations are possible which provide receive mode and transmit mode using the antenna 902 and without departing from the teachings of the present subject matter.
Upon reading and understanding the present subject matter, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various hardware, connections, and combinations of components may be employed to accomplish the present subject matter. For instance, the transmission and reception modes may be performed using different hardware and different logic level signals. For example, the switching circuit 910, in various embodiments, may use an embedded microprocessor, microcontroller and may be embodied in various combinations of hardware and software.
One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, the systems shown and described herein can be implemented using software, hardware, and combinations of software and hardware. As such, the term “system” is intended to encompass software implementations, hardware implementations, and software and hardware implementations.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose can be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the present subject matter should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
This application is a continuation under 37 C.F.R. 1.53(b) of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/768,735 filed Jan. 30, 2004, which is incorporated herewith and made a part hereof.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10768735 | Jan 2004 | US |
| Child | 11676420 | Feb 2007 | US |
