This application claims priority of German application No. 10 2007 031 488.6 DE filed Jul. 6, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The invention relates to a method for exchanging data with a hearing device and an associated arrangement.
Numerous hearing devices have the possibility to connect to different, external modules. By way of example, different audioshoes or radio transmitters can be connected to a behind-the-ear part of a hearing device. The presence of an external module is recognized by the hearing device alone, on connection of the two parts.
The object of the invention is to provide improved recognition of external hearing device modules.
According to the invention, the object set is achieved with a method and an apparatus by the features listed in the independent claims, by data being exchanged between a connected unit and a hearing device.
The invention is advantageous in that different connectable units are recognized in a reliable and fail-safe manner.
The invention is also advantageous in that the hearing device can provide or activate the operating parameters and signal processing algorithms which are required for the respective unit.
The invention is also advantageous in that data relating to the service life and/or frequency of use can be stored both in the hearing device and also in the unit.
The invention is also advantageous in that data can be selected in a time or event-controlled fashion.
It is further advantageous that units and hearing devices can be connected to a pairwise function, so that certain units can only be operated with certain hearing devices.
It is also advantageous for the units to be able to store protocol and diagnostic data from the hearing device and then to be able to transmit this data to a service control center for instance via a communications interface.
Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.
Further characteristics of the invention are apparent from the descriptions of exemplary embodiments that follow on the basis of schematic drawings, in which;
The invention specifies a method for exchanging data between a hearing device and connectable units. With the method, a hearing device is provided, a unit is selected, the unit is connected to the hearing device and it is detected whether a contact exists with the unit and an identification code is read out from said unit.
In a further embodiment, additional stored data is read out from the unit and/or data is output to the unit.
The invention also specifies an arrangement for exchanging data between a hearing device and at least one connectable unit. The unit is embodied such that it exchanges data with the hearing device when a contact is established with the hearing device or at predeterminable times following a contact having been established with the hearing device.
The unit can include a random access memory (RAM).
The unit can include a sequence control element.
The unit can include an electroacoustic converter.
Step 103 detects whether a contact exists between hearing device 2 and unit 1. In step 104, an identification code is finally read out from the unit 1. In steps 105, stored data, for instance the service life of unit 1, is read out from unit 1 and in subsequent step 106, data, for instance operating parameters, is output to the unit 1.
With this method, different units 1 are recognized in a reliable and fail-safe manner. Suitable operating parameters and signal processing algorithms can be provided or activated by the hearing device 2 for the respective unit 1. Data relating to the service life or frequency of use of the units 1 can likewise be exchanged. Units 1 can also be used in a time or event-controlled fashion. Units 1 and hearing devices 2 can be switched to a pairwise function in order to allow a certain unit 1 only to be operated with a certain hearing device. An effective anti-theft protection system can thus be provided. The units 1 can also store diagnosis and protocol data from the hearing device 2, which is then sent to a service control center 13 when the units 1 are connected to a computer by way of a network, for instance the internet. Separately sending the units 1 to a hearing device acoustician or a hearing device manufacturer is also possible. Software updates or releases of functions can be performed in the units 1 on the part of the hearing device manufacturer or hearing device acoustician.
After switching on the hearing device 2, the base module 12 reads out the memory content of the converter 1 and thus inter alia receives information concerning the type, the serial number of the unit 1, special characteristics of the unit 1, frequency response and output sound pressure level. This data can be used for a hearing device setting. The base module 12 can also examine whether the correct type of a converter was connected or whether the converter is the correct one for the correct side of the head. Furthermore, it is possible to read out from the memory when and by whom the converter was manufactured and when the guarantee expires. In addition, original calibration settings can be read out in order to be able to draw conclusions relating to the drift and ageing processes of the hearing device 2 and the units 1.
With units 1 without a converter, data relating to the contained control elements or signal sources as well as preferred settings can be read out. These can also be stored in the random access memory 3 during an adjustment by means of a hearing device acoustician.
Data can be read out of the random access memory 3 once in a time-controlled fashion, for instance every complete hour, or in an event-controlled manner, for instance in the event of a program change, once the hearing device has been switched on.
Alternatively the unit 1 can trigger a transmission of data from the random access memory 3 when applying the supply voltage.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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10 2007 031 488.6 | Jul 2007 | DE | national |