EP1713303B1 - Microphone device with orientation sensor and corresponding method of operating the microphone device - Google Patents

Microphone device with orientation sensor and corresponding method of operating the microphone device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1713303B1
EP1713303B1 EP06112570A EP06112570A EP1713303B1 EP 1713303 B1 EP1713303 B1 EP 1713303B1 EP 06112570 A EP06112570 A EP 06112570A EP 06112570 A EP06112570 A EP 06112570A EP 1713303 B1 EP1713303 B1 EP 1713303B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
microphones
microphone device
microphone
orientation
directional
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EP06112570A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1713303A2 (en
EP1713303A3 (en
Inventor
Eghart Fischer
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Sivantos GmbH
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Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
    • H04R1/32—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only
    • H04R1/40—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
    • H04R1/406—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers microphones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2201/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones covered by H04R1/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2201/40—Details of arrangements for obtaining desired directional characteristic by combining a number of identical transducers covered by H04R1/40 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2201/403—Linear arrays of transducers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/40—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic
    • H04R25/405—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic by combining a plurality of transducers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a microphone device for a hearing aid with at least two microphones, which are arranged on a straight line, to obtain a directivity and a control device for controlling the microphones. Moreover, the present invention relates to a corresponding method for operating such a microphone device.
  • external, directional microphones which are also referred to as external directional microphones known. These external, directional microphones transmit signals with improved signal-to-noise ratio wirelessly to the appropriate hearing aids. They usually have an on / off switch and a switch for adjusting the type or strength of the directivity.
  • a hearing aid with an external directional microphone is for example from the WO 2004/093487 A2 known.
  • a circuit arrangement for the automatic switching on and / or off of mobile devices, such as hearing aids known has a motion detector which detects a change in orientation or inclination.
  • This known orientation sensor provides an alternating signal to a circuit. The alternating signal indicates that the hearing aid is being moved, which changes its orientation.
  • the circuit does not switch on the power supply until there is an alternating signal from the orientation sensor.
  • the power supply is switched off again if there is no change signal from the orientation sensor for a certain period of time.
  • a personal locating device is known, with which an angle measurement between the direction from which a source emits electromagnetic, infrared or ultrasonic radiation, as well as the direction in which a person has oriented their head, is common.
  • an electronic device with microphones arranged on a screen and a gravity sensor are known. According to the position of the screen, the gravity sensor switches off microphones to be used by means of a control unit, microphones to be used.
  • the object of the present invention is thus to propose a microphone device whose handling is improved.
  • a corresponding method for operating such a microphone device should be specified.
  • this object is achieved by a microphone device and an associated method for a hearing aid with at least two microphones, which are arranged on a straight line to achieve a directivity, and a control device for controlling the microphones, wherein the Steuerein direction having an orientation sensor which is mechanically fixedly connected to the microphones and which emits an orientation signal depending on the orientation of the straight line of the microphones, so that the control of the microphones can be influenced by the orientation signal.
  • the controller turns off the microphones when the main picking direction is oriented substantially vertically downwards. The fact is exploited that usually the sound does not come from below.
  • the controller may switch the microphones to a directional operation when the main picking direction is oriented substantially horizontally. This takes into account that most of the sound sources are typically in a horizontal plane around the user.
  • the control device can switch the microphones in an omnidirectional operation, when the main picking direction is oriented substantially vertically upwards. It can be benefited by the vertical arrangement of the microphones one above the other for omnidirectional operation.
  • the microphone device according to the invention is realized with respect to the hearing aid as an external component.
  • the hearing aid can be designed in the form of a stylus, which acts very inconspicuous and can be arbitrarily oriented.
  • the microphone device has a transmission interface for the wireless transmission of microphone signals to the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid wearer is completely unbound by the hearing aid in the orientation of the microphone device.
  • the directional microphone R here has three microphones M, which are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the pin.
  • the number of microphones can also be two, four, five and more.
  • microphones can also be arranged on another side of the pin-shaped directional microphone R.
  • the directional microphone R has an unillustrated control circuit for controlling the microphones, wherein the control circuit includes an orientation sensor.
  • FIG. 1 The pin-shaped directional microphone R is reproduced with its tip down. This means that the main pickup direction H points in the negative z direction.
  • the corresponding Cartesian coordinate system is in FIG. 1 indicated.
  • the horizontal plane is indicated by the coordinates X and Y.
  • the control circuit of the directional microphone R is set up so that the directional microphone R in the in FIG. 1 turned off position in the main recording direction or the tip down in response to the orientation sensor. If the stylus or directional microphone R is thus held vertically downwards or, for example, worn in the breast pocket, then this means: The directional microphone R should not be used and it should consequently switch off automatically.
  • FIG. 2 is the directional microphone R horizontally oriented in an XY plane.
  • the main take-up direction H points in a desired direction.
  • the orientation sensor has detected the horizontal orientation of the directional microphone R automatically and therefore switches the directional microphone R in directional operation.
  • the stylus or the directional microphone is directed, for example, to a conversation partner and it is desired a directivity according to the orientation of the pen.
  • the pen can be kept inconspicuously in the hand or placed appropriately oriented on the table.
  • the directional microphone can be switched depending on the orientation in any other modes. It is thus possible, for example, for the directional microphone to be switched to omnidirectional operation in each vertical position (positive and negative z-direction) and to directional operation in the case of horizontal alignment.
  • the automatic Orientation switch can be combined with a manual switch to turn the directional microphone on and off.
  • the strength of the directivity can be changed continuously or quasi continuously depending on the inclination of the directional microphone relative to a horizontal plane according to another embodiment.
  • the orientation sensor not only switches back and forth between two different operating modes, but the functionality of the directional microphone changes continuously with the orientation of the directional microphone in the room.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
  • Stereophonic Arrangements (AREA)

Abstract

The microphone device (R) has at least two microphones (M) arranged in a straight line for producing a directional effect and a control device for controlling the microphones (M). The control device has an orientation-sensor, which is mechanically, rigidly joined to the microphones (M), and which outputs an orientation signal depending on the orientation of the line of microphones (M), so that the control of the microphones (M) can be influenced by the orientation signal. A INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a method for operating a microphone device for a hearing aid.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Mikrofoneinrichtung für ein Hörgerät mit mindestens zwei Mikrofonen, die auf einer Geraden angeordnet sind, zur Erzielung einer Richtwirkung und einer Steuereinrichtung zur Steuerung der Mikrofone. Darüber hinaus betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung ein entsprechendes Verfahren zum Betreiben einer derartigen Mikrofoneinrichtung.The present invention relates to a microphone device for a hearing aid with at least two microphones, which are arranged on a straight line, to obtain a directivity and a control device for controlling the microphones. Moreover, the present invention relates to a corresponding method for operating such a microphone device.

Für Hörgeräte sind externe, direktionale Mikrofone, die auch als externe Richtmikrofone bezeichnet werden, bekannt. Diese externen, direktionalen Mikrofone übermitteln Signale mit verbessertem Signal-Rauschabstand drahtlos an die entsprechenden Hörgeräte. Sie besitzen meist einen Ein-/Ausschalter und einen Schalter zur Einstellung der Art oder Stärke der Richtwirkung. Ein Hörgerät mit einem externen Richtmikrofon ist beispielsweise aus der WO 2004/093487 A2 bekannt.For hearing aids external, directional microphones, which are also referred to as external directional microphones known. These external, directional microphones transmit signals with improved signal-to-noise ratio wirelessly to the appropriate hearing aids. They usually have an on / off switch and a switch for adjusting the type or strength of the directivity. A hearing aid with an external directional microphone is for example from the WO 2004/093487 A2 known.

Aus der DE 40 34 096 A1 ist eine Schaltungsanordnung zum selbsttätigen Ein- und/oder Ausschalten von mobilen Geräten, beispielsweise Hörhilfen bekannt. Diese bekannte Anordnung weist einen Bewegungsmelder auf, welcher eine Änderung der Orientierung bzw. Neigung erfasst. Dieser bekannte Orientierungssensor liefert ein Wechselsignal an einen Schaltkreis. Das Wechselsignal zeigt an, dass die Hörhilfe bewegt wird, wodurch sich ihre Orientierung ändert. Der Schaltkreis schaltet die Stromversorgung erst dann ein, wenn ein Wechselsignal des Orientierungssensors vorliegt. Die Stromversorgung wird wieder abgeschaltet, wenn über eine bestimmte Zeitperiode kein Wechselsignal des Orientierungssensors vorliegt.From the DE 40 34 096 A1 a circuit arrangement for the automatic switching on and / or off of mobile devices, such as hearing aids known. This known arrangement has a motion detector which detects a change in orientation or inclination. This known orientation sensor provides an alternating signal to a circuit. The alternating signal indicates that the hearing aid is being moved, which changes its orientation. The circuit does not switch on the power supply until there is an alternating signal from the orientation sensor. The power supply is switched off again if there is no change signal from the orientation sensor for a certain period of time.

Aus der DE 696 05 773 T2 ist ein persönliches Ortungsgerät bekannt, mit dem eine Winkelmessung zwischen der Richtung, aus der eine Quelle elektromagnetische, infrarote oder Ultraschallstrahlung aussendet, sowie der Richtung, in der eine Person ihren Kopf orientiert hat, üblich ist.From the DE 696 05 773 T2 a personal locating device is known, with which an angle measurement between the direction from which a source emits electromagnetic, infrared or ultrasonic radiation, as well as the direction in which a person has oriented their head, is common.

Die Benutzung dieser externen, direktionalen Mikrofone setzt voraus, dass der Benutzer die momentan gewünschte Art oder Stärke der Richtwirkung per Schalterbetätigung einstellen muss. Da dies jedoch unter Umständen in sehr schnell veränderlichen Hörsituationen geschehen muss, ist der Benutzer schnell durch die andauernd notwendige Schalterbetätigung überfordert bzw. verärgert. Eine typische Situation, in der der Benutzer ständig zwischen direktionalem und omnidirektinalem Betrieb des Mikrofons hin- und herschalten muss ist beispielsweise eine Diskussion, bei der abwechselnd mehrere Personen gleichzeitig und einzelne Personen alleine sprechen.The use of these external, directional microphones requires that the user must set the currently desired type or level of directivity by switch operation. However, since this may have to happen in very rapidly changing listening situations, the user is quickly overwhelmed or annoyed by the constantly necessary switch operation. For example, a typical situation in which the user must constantly toggle between directional and omnidirectional operation of the microphone is a discussion in which several persons at a time speak in turn and individuals alone.

Aus der US 2005/069149 A1 ist eine elektronische Vorrichtung mit an einem Bildschirm angeordneten Mikrofonen und einem Gravitätssensor bekannt. Entsprechend der Lage des Bildschirms schaltet der Gravitätssensor mittels einer Steuereinheit nicht zu verwendende Mikrofone ab, zu verwendende Mikrofone zu.From the US 2005/069149 A1 For example, an electronic device with microphones arranged on a screen and a gravity sensor are known. According to the position of the screen, the gravity sensor switches off microphones to be used by means of a control unit, microphones to be used.

Aus der EP 1 519 625 A2 ist ein Hörgerät bekannt, dem Mikrofonsignale bereit gestellt werden.From the EP 1 519 625 A2 is a hearing aid known to the microphone signals are provided.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, eine Mikrofoneinrichtung vorzuschlagen, deren Handhabung verbessert ist. Außerdem soll ein entsprechendes Verfahren zum Betreiben einer derartigen Mikrofoneinrichtung angegeben werden.The object of the present invention is thus to propose a microphone device whose handling is improved. In addition, a corresponding method for operating such a microphone device should be specified.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch eine Mikrofoneinrichtung und ein zugehöriges Verfahren für ein Hörgerät mit mindestens zwei Mikrofonen, die auf einer Geraden zur Erzielung einer Richtwirkung angeordnet sind, und einer Steuereinrichtung zur Steuerung der Mikrofone, wobei die Steuerein richtung einen Orientierungssensor aufweist, der mit den Mikrofonen mechanisch fest verbunden ist und der abhängig von der Orientierung der Gerade der Mikrofone ein Orientierungssignal abgibt, so dass die Steuerung der Mikrofone durch das Orientierungssignal beeinflussbar ist. Die Steuereinrichtung schaltet die Mikrofone ab, wenn die Hauptaufnahmerichtung im Wesentlichen vertikal nach unten orientiert ist. Dabei wird die Tatsache ausgenutzt, dass in der Regel der Schall nicht von unten kommt.According to the invention this object is achieved by a microphone device and an associated method for a hearing aid with at least two microphones, which are arranged on a straight line to achieve a directivity, and a control device for controlling the microphones, wherein the Steuerein direction having an orientation sensor which is mechanically fixedly connected to the microphones and which emits an orientation signal depending on the orientation of the straight line of the microphones, so that the control of the microphones can be influenced by the orientation signal. The controller turns off the microphones when the main picking direction is oriented substantially vertically downwards. The fact is exploited that usually the sound does not come from below.

In vorteilhafter Weise ist bei der Handhabung der erfindungsgemäßen Mikrofoneinrichtung somit keine Schalterbetätigung bei sich ändernder Hörsituation notwendig. Durch das automatische Erfassen der Orientierung der Mikrofoneinrichtung kann vielmehr das intuitive Ausrichten der Mikrofoneinrichtung durch den Benutzer für Schalt- und Steuervorgänge ausgenutzt werden.Advantageously, when handling the microphone device according to the invention thus no switch operation in changing hearing situation is necessary. By automatically detecting the orientation of the microphone device rather the intuitive alignment of the microphone device by the user for switching and control operations can be exploited.

Darüber hinaus kann die Steuereinrichtung die Mikrofone in einen Direktionalbetrieb schalten, wenn die Hauptaufnahmerichtung im Wesentlichen waagrecht orientiert ist. Hierbei wird berücksichtigt, dass sich der Großteil der Schallquellen typischer Weise in einer waagrechten Ebene um den Benutzer befindet.In addition, the controller may switch the microphones to a directional operation when the main picking direction is oriented substantially horizontally. This takes into account that most of the sound sources are typically in a horizontal plane around the user.

Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Mikrofoneinrichtung kann die Steuereinrichtung die Mikrofone in einen Omnidirektionalbetrieb schalten, wenn die Hauptaufnahmerichtung im Wesentlichen vertikal nach oben orientiert ist. Dabei kann für den Omnidirektionalbetrieb von der vertikalen Anordnung der Mikrofone übereinander profitiert werden.According to a further embodiment of the microphone device according to the invention, the control device can switch the microphones in an omnidirectional operation, when the main picking direction is oriented substantially vertically upwards. It can be benefited by the vertical arrangement of the microphones one above the other for omnidirectional operation.

Vorzugsweise ist die erfindungsgemäße Mikrofoneinrichtung bezüglich des Hörgeräts als externe Komponente realisiert. Beispielsweise kann sie in Form eines Schreibstifts ausgestaltet sein, der sehr unauffällig wirkt und beliebig orientiert werden kann.Preferably, the microphone device according to the invention is realized with respect to the hearing aid as an external component. For example, it can be designed in the form of a stylus, which acts very inconspicuous and can be arbitrarily oriented.

Günstigerweise verfügt die Mikrofoneinrichtung über eine Übertragungsschnittstelle zur drahtlosen Übertragung von Mikrofonsignalen an das Hörgerät. Damit ist der Hörgeräteträger bei der Ausrichtung der Mikrofoneinrichtung völlig ungebunden vom Hörgerät.Conveniently, the microphone device has a transmission interface for the wireless transmission of microphone signals to the hearing aid. Thus, the hearing aid wearer is completely unbound by the hearing aid in the orientation of the microphone device.

Die vorliegende Erfindung wird nun anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert, in denen zeigen:

FIG 1
eine Skizze einer erfindungsgemäßen Mikrofoneinrichtung in einer Aus-Stellung;
FIG 2
eine Skizze einer erfindungsgemäßen Mikrofoneinrichtung in einer Direktionalbetriebsstellung; und
FIG 3
eine Skizze einer erfindungsgemäßen Mirkofoneinrichtung in einer Omnidirektionalbetriebsstellung.
The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
a sketch of a microphone device according to the invention in an off position;
FIG. 2
a sketch of a microphone device according to the invention in a directional operating position; and
FIG. 3
a sketch of a microphone device according to the invention in an omnidirectional operating position.

Das nachfolgend näher geschilderte Ausführungsbeispiel stellt eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiment described in more detail below represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Ein erfindungsgemäßes externes Mikrofon für ein Hörgerät ist gemäß dem Beispiel von FIG 1 in Form eines Schreibstifts gestaltet. Das Richtmikrofon R besitzt hier drei Mikrofone M, die entlang der Längsachse des Stifts angeordnet sind. Damit ist auch die Hauptaufnahmerichtung H des Richtmikrofons R vorgegeben. Die Anzahl der Mikrofone kann auch zwei, vier, fünf und mehr betragen. Außerdem können Mikrofone auch an einer anderen Seite des stiftförmigen Richtmikrofons R angeordnet sein. Darüber hinaus verfügt das Richtmikrofon R über eine nicht dargestellt Steuerschaltung zur Steuerung der Mikrofone, wobei die Steuerschaltung einen Orientierungssensor beinhaltet.An inventive external microphone for a hearing aid is according to the example of FIG. 1 designed in the form of a pen. The directional microphone R here has three microphones M, which are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the pin. Thus, the main recording direction H of the directional microphone R is given. The number of microphones can also be two, four, five and more. In addition, microphones can also be arranged on another side of the pin-shaped directional microphone R. In addition, the directional microphone R has an unillustrated control circuit for controlling the microphones, wherein the control circuit includes an orientation sensor.

In der Darstellung in FIG 1 ist das stiftförmige Richtmikrofon R mit seiner Spitze nach unten wiedergegeben. Dies bedeutet, dass die Hauptaufnahmerichtung H in negativer z-Richtung zeigt. Das entsprechende kartesische Koordinatensystem ist in FIG 1 angedeutet. Die waagrechte Ebene ist durch die Koordinaten X und Y angedeutet.In the illustration in FIG. 1 The pin-shaped directional microphone R is reproduced with its tip down. This means that the main pickup direction H points in the negative z direction. The corresponding Cartesian coordinate system is in FIG. 1 indicated. The horizontal plane is indicated by the coordinates X and Y.

Die Steuerschaltung des Richtmikrofons R ist so eingerichtet, dass sie das Richtmikrofon R in der in FIG 1 dargestellten Stellung mit der Hauptaufnahmerichtung bzw. der Spitze nach unten in Reaktion auf den Orientierungssensor ausschaltet. Wird der Stift bzw. das Richtmikrofon R somit senkrecht nach unten gehalten oder beispielsweise so in der Brusttasche getragen, so bedeutet dies: Das Richtmikrofon R soll nicht benutzt werden und es soll sich folglich automatisch abschalten.The control circuit of the directional microphone R is set up so that the directional microphone R in the in FIG. 1 turned off position in the main recording direction or the tip down in response to the orientation sensor. If the stylus or directional microphone R is thus held vertically downwards or, for example, worn in the breast pocket, then this means: The directional microphone R should not be used and it should consequently switch off automatically.

Entsprechend FIG 2 ist das Richtmikrofon R waagrecht in einer X-Y-Ebene orientiert. Die Hauptaufnahmerichtung H weist in eine gewünschte Richtung. Der Orientierungssensor hat die waagrechte Orientierung des Richtmikrofons R automatisch erkannt und schaltet daher das Richtmikrofon R in direktionalen Betrieb. In dieser Stellung wird der Stift bzw. das Richtmikrofon beispielsweise auf einen Gesprächspartner gerichtet und es wird eine Richtwirkung entsprechend der Orientierung des Stifts gewünscht. Dabei kann der Stift unauffällig in der Hand gehalten oder entsprechend orientiert auf den Tisch gelegt werden.Corresponding FIG. 2 is the directional microphone R horizontally oriented in an XY plane. The main take-up direction H points in a desired direction. The orientation sensor has detected the horizontal orientation of the directional microphone R automatically and therefore switches the directional microphone R in directional operation. In this position, the stylus or the directional microphone is directed, for example, to a conversation partner and it is desired a directivity according to the orientation of the pen. The pen can be kept inconspicuously in the hand or placed appropriately oriented on the table.

Wird der Stift bzw. das Richtmikrofon R hingegen entsprechend FIG 3 mit seiner Spitze vertikal nach oben in positiver z-Richtung gehalten bzw. in der Brusttasche getragen, so bedeutet dies: Es wird keine Richtwirkung gewünscht und Signale sollen aus allen Richtungen gleichmäßig empfangen werden. Der Orientierungssensor registriert diese Ausrichtung des Richtmikrofons R, so dass die Steuereinheit die Mikrofone M in omnidirektionalen Betrieb schaltet.If the pen or the directional microphone R, however, accordingly FIG. 3 with its tip held vertically upward in the positive z-direction or carried in the breast pocket, this means: It is desired no directivity and signals should be received uniformly from all directions. The orientation sensor registers this orientation of the directional microphone R, so that the control unit switches the microphones M in omnidirectional operation.

Abweichend von dem geschilderten Ausführungsbeispiel kann das Richtmikrofon in Abhängigkeit von der Orientierung auch in beliebige andere Modi geschaltet werden. So ist es beispielsweise möglich, dass das Richtmikrofon in jeder senkrechten Stellung (positive und negative z-Richtung) in omnidrektionalen Betrieb und bei waagrechter Ausrichtung in Direktionalbetrieb geschaltet wird. In diesem Fall kann der automatische Orientierungsschalter mit einem manuellen Schalter zum Ein-und Ausschalten des Richtmikrofons kombiniert werden.Notwithstanding the described embodiment, the directional microphone can be switched depending on the orientation in any other modes. It is thus possible, for example, for the directional microphone to be switched to omnidirectional operation in each vertical position (positive and negative z-direction) and to directional operation in the case of horizontal alignment. In this case, the automatic Orientation switch can be combined with a manual switch to turn the directional microphone on and off.

Die Stärke der Richtwirkung kann gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel kontinuierlich oder quasi kontinuierlich in Abhängigkeit von der Neigung des Richtmikrofons gegenüber einer waagrechten Ebene veränderbar sein. Damit wird durch den Orientierungssensor nicht nur zwischen zwei verschiedenen Betriebsmodi hin- und hergeschaltet, sondern die Funktionalität des Richtmikrofons ändert sich kontinuierlich mit der Orientierung des Richtmikrofons im Raum.The strength of the directivity can be changed continuously or quasi continuously depending on the inclination of the directional microphone relative to a horizontal plane according to another embodiment. Thus, the orientation sensor not only switches back and forth between two different operating modes, but the functionality of the directional microphone changes continuously with the orientation of the directional microphone in the room.

Claims (8)

  1. Microphone device (R) for a hearing device with
    - at least two microphones (M), disposed in a straight line, to achieve a directional effect and
    - a control device for controlling the microphones (M), with the control device having an orientation sensor, which is connected permanently to the microphones (M) in a mechanical manner and emits an orientation signal as a function of the orientation of the straight line of microphones (M), such that control of the microphones (M) can be influenced by the orientation signal,
    characterised in that
    the microphone device (R) has a main pick-up direction (H), with the control device switching the microphones (M) off, when the main pick-up direction (H) is oriented essentially vertically downward.
  2. Microphone device according to claim 1, with the control device switching the microphones (M) to directional operation, when the main pick-up direction (H) is oriented in an essentially horizontal manner.
  3. Microphone device according to claim 1 or 2, with the control device switching the microphones (M) to omni-directional operation, when the main pick-up direction (H) is oriented essentially vertically upward.
  4. Microphone device according to one of the preceding claims, which is implemented as an external component in respect of the hearing device.
  5. Microphone device according to claim 4, having a transmission interface for the wireless transmission of microphone signals to the hearing device.
  6. Method for operating a microphone device (R) for a hearing device according to claim 1 with the steps:
    - alignment of the microphone device (R), such that it assumes a selected orientation and
    - control of the microphone device (R) according to the selected orientation,
    characterised in that
    the microphone device (R) has a main pick-up direction (H) and being switched off, when the main pick-up direction (H) is oriented essentially vertically downward.
  7. Method according to claim 6, with the microphone device (R) being switched to directional operation, when the main pick-up direction (H) is oriented in an essentially horizontal manner.
  8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, with the microphone device (R) being switched to omni-directional operation, when the main pick-up direction (H) is oriented essentially vertically upward.
EP06112570A 2005-04-15 2006-04-12 Microphone device with orientation sensor and corresponding method of operating the microphone device Active EP1713303B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102005017496A DE102005017496B3 (en) 2005-04-15 2005-04-15 Microphone device for hearing aid, has controller with orientation sensor for outputting signal depending on alignment of microphones

Publications (3)

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EP1713303A2 EP1713303A2 (en) 2006-10-18
EP1713303A3 EP1713303A3 (en) 2008-07-02
EP1713303B1 true EP1713303B1 (en) 2009-02-11

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EP06112570A Active EP1713303B1 (en) 2005-04-15 2006-04-12 Microphone device with orientation sensor and corresponding method of operating the microphone device

Country Status (6)

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US (1) US7912237B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1713303B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE422789T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102005017496B3 (en)
DK (1) DK1713303T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2321863T3 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20060233406A1 (en) 2006-10-19
US7912237B2 (en) 2011-03-22
DE502006002786D1 (en) 2009-03-26
ES2321863T3 (en) 2009-06-12
DE102005017496B3 (en) 2006-08-17
DK1713303T3 (en) 2009-06-08
EP1713303A2 (en) 2006-10-18
EP1713303A3 (en) 2008-07-02
ATE422789T1 (en) 2009-02-15

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