WO2017031583A1 - Rechargeable hearing assistance system - Google Patents

Rechargeable hearing assistance system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017031583A1
WO2017031583A1 PCT/CA2016/050993 CA2016050993W WO2017031583A1 WO 2017031583 A1 WO2017031583 A1 WO 2017031583A1 CA 2016050993 W CA2016050993 W CA 2016050993W WO 2017031583 A1 WO2017031583 A1 WO 2017031583A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
assistance system
hearing assistance
antenna
rechargeable hearing
radio frequency
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2016/050993
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Vladimir Ponomarev
Original Assignee
Vladimir Ponomarev
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vladimir Ponomarev filed Critical Vladimir Ponomarev
Publication of WO2017031583A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017031583A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
    • H02J50/20—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using microwaves or radio frequency waves
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
    • H02J50/10—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
    • H02J50/12—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling of the resonant type
    • 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
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/31—Aspects of the use of accumulators in hearing aids, e.g. rechargeable batteries or fuel cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/51—Aspects of antennas or their circuitry in or for hearing aids

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to hearing aids, and in particular to a hearing aid devices having an earpiece worn in or at the ear.
  • Hearing aids are wearable hearing devices used to assist persons with impaired hearing. To meet the numerous individual requirements different designs of hearing aid have been developed, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in- the-canal (CIC), and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids.
  • BTE behind-the-ear
  • ITE in-the-ear
  • ITC in-the-canal
  • CIC completely-in- the-canal
  • RIC receiver-in-canal
  • the typical hearing aids mentioned are worn on the outer ear or in the auditory canal. There are also bone conduction and implantable hearing aids.
  • Hearing aids main components are a microphone, an amplifier or digital sound processor (usually combined with an amplifier), and a speaker or electroacoustic converter (transducer).
  • a power source is usually rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries of very small size that makes it difficult to replace and/or re-charge in a charging device having metal contacts or coils for inductive charging. Batteries and charging circuitry increase the earpiece dimensions and compete for available space with other components inevitably reducing overall quality and efficiency of the hearing aid due to size limitations.
  • the hearing aid of U.S. Patent Number 8,644,542, issued on February 4, 2014, to Harald Klemenz et al. describes a hearing aid device with wireless charging capability. It comprises a rechargeable battery, a coil and and receiving and rectifying circuitry that uses very limited space in the housing of the hearing aid. It requires periodic recharging of the hearing aid device. It does not allow continuous recharging without having a charger in close proximity.
  • the rechargeable hearing assistance system of the present invention addresses the issue of re-charging the earpiece by continuous wireless recharging without having a charger in close proximity.
  • the earpiece module being worn at the head of a user comprises a sound signal processing unit, an electroacoustic transducer, configured to convert an electrical signal to sound and electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit, a microphone, electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit, a rectifier, an antenna unit, electrically coupled with said rectifier, a power supply unit electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit and with said rectifier, wherein said antenna unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic emission from an ambient source of electromagnetic waves of radio frequency.
  • the antenna unit directs the radio frequency electromagnetic signal received by the antenna from existing radiocommunication stations at the frequency determined by the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit to the rectifier.
  • the direct current (DC) from the rectifier is used to re-charge the rechargeable battery in the power supply unit that can also comprise charging control circuitry that is well known in the art. Recharging process continues during any time when the user of the rechargeable hearing assistance system is located in the zone convered by radio and TV transmission.
  • the resonant circuit is tuned by the automatic frequency control module being electrically coupled with said resonant circuit and arranged to keep said resonant circuit automatically tuned to the frequency of radio or TV station providing maximum power output of said antenna unit.
  • Another embodiment of the rechargeable hearing assistance system also comprises supplemental external electromagnetic wave source module, having a radio frequency generator of electromagnetic waves and an emitter of electromagnetic waves electrically coupled with said radio frequency generator of electromagnetic waves.
  • the antenna unit is also configured to receive an electromagnetic emission from the external electromagnetic wave source module during its operation using a resonant circuit permanently tuned to the frecuency of the supplemental external electromagnetic wave source module.
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a rechargeable hearing assistance system according to an embodiment, wherein an earpiece module has a tunable resonant circuit and an automatic frequency control module.
  • FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a rechargeable hearing assistance system according to an embodiment additionally having an external electromagnetic wave source module.
  • FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a rechargeable hearing assistance system according to an embodiment, having an external electromagnetic wave source module and an earpiece module having a tunable resonant circuit, an automatic frequency control module, and a resonant circuit being tuned to the frequency of the radio frequency generator of
  • a rechargeable hearing assistance system comprises an earpiece module 1 being worn at the head of a user (in or at the ear).
  • the earpiece module 1 comprises an electroacoustic transducer 2, converting an electrical output signal of the sound signal processing unit 3 (PU) into an acoustical signal (an electroacoustic transducer is also known as a speaker, a loadspeaker, or an elecromechanical converter).
  • the electroacoustic transducer 2 is connected to the output of the sound signal processing unit 3 and generates an acoustic signal of the predetermined amplitude and frequency spectrum.
  • the sound signal processing unit 3 converts the signal received from a microphone 5.
  • the sound signal processing unit 3 is an electronic processor modifying the electrical signal to compensate for the hearing loss of the user as prescribed by a qualified specialist.
  • Power supply unit 4 comprises charging circuitry (not illustrated) and rechargeable batteries providing power supply of required voltage to the sound signal processing unit 3.
  • An antenna unit 6 comprises an radio frequency antenna 8 (RF antenna) electrically connected to a tunable resonant circuit 9.
  • An automatic frequency control module 10 is electrically coupled with the tunable resonant circuit 9 and arranged to keep said resonant circuit automatically tuned to the frequency the electromagnetic emission having maximum power and being present in the area of location of the rechargeable hearing assistance system that is produced by the operating existing radiocommunication stations, TV stations, and other sources.
  • Automatic tuning and automatic frequency control modules are well known for specialists in electronics and radiocommunication. Automatic tuning can be performed by periodic (one time in 10 minutes, for example) scanning in the predeternined range of frequencies and subsequently tuning the tunable resonant circuit 9 to the frequency of that external radio frequency (RF) signal from radiocommunication station, TV station, or any other source of the RF signal that provides maximum power output of the antenna unit 6.
  • RF radio frequency
  • the external radio frequency (RF) signal from radiocommunication station, TV station, or any other source of the RF electromagnetic waves is shown as an arrow located outside the earpiece module and to the right of the RF antenna 8.
  • the Power supply unit 4 is charged by a rectifier 7 that is electrically connected to the output of the antenna unit 6 and to the input circuitry of the power supply unit 4.
  • a rechargeable hearing assistance system comprises an earpiece module 1 being worn at the head (in or at the ear) of a user.
  • the earpiece module 1 comprises an electroacoustic transducer 2, converting an electrical output signal of the sound signal processing unit 3 (PU) into an acoustical signal.
  • the electroacoustic transducer 2 is connected to the output of the sound signal processing unit 3 and generates an acoustic signal of the predetermined amplitude and frequency spectrum.
  • the sound signal processing unit 3 converts the signal received from a microphone 5.
  • the sound signal processing unit 3 is an electronic processor modifying the electrical signal to compensate for the hearing loss of the user as prescribed by a qualified specialist.
  • Power supply unit 4 comprises charging circuitry (not illustrated) and rechargeable batteries providing power supply of required voltage to the sound signal processing unit 3.
  • An antenna unit 6 comprises an radio frequency antenna 8 (RF antenna) electrically connected to a fixed frequency resonant circuit 15.
  • the power supply unit 4 is charged by a rectifier 7 that is electrically connected to the output of the antenna unit 6 and to the input circuitry of the power supply unit 4.
  • An external electromagnetic wave source module 11 comprises a radio frequency (RF) generator of electromagnetic waves 13, power supply module 14, and an emitter of electromagnetic waves 12 electrically coupled with the RF generator of electromagnetic waves 13.
  • the antenna unit 6 of the earpiece module 1 is configured to receive an
  • the power supply module 14 comprises rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries or any other source of electrical power supply known in the art.
  • the electromagnetic emission (RF electromagnetic waves) produced by the RF emitter 12 is shown as an arrow directed towards the RF antenna 8 of the earpiece module 1.
  • a rechargeable hearing assistance system comprises an earpiece module 1 being worn at the head of a user.
  • the earpiece module 1 comprises an electroacoustic transducer 2, converting an electrical output signal of the sound signal processing unit 3 (PU) into an acoustical signal.
  • the electroacoustic transducer 2 is connected to the output of the sound signal processing unit 3 and generates an acoustic signal of the predetermined amplitude and frequency spectrum.
  • the sound signal processing unit 3 converts the signal received from a microphone 5.
  • the sound signal processing unit 3 is an electronic processor modifying the electrical signal to compensate for the hearing loss of the user as prescribed by a qualified specialist.
  • Power supply unit 4 comprises charging circuitry (not illustrated) and rechargeable batteries providing power supply of required voltage to the sound signal processing unit 3.
  • An antenna unit 6 comprises an radio frequency antenna 8 (RF antenna) electrically connected to a fixed frequency resonant circuit 15 and a tunable resonant circuit 9.
  • An automatic frequency control module 10 is electrically coupled with the tunable resonant circuit 9 and arranged to keep said resonant circuit automatically tuned to the frequency the electromagnetic emission being present in the area of location of the rechargeable hearing assistance system that is produced by the operating existing radiocommunication stations.
  • Automatic tuning and automatic frequency control modules are well known for specialists in electronics and radiocommunication.
  • Automatic tuning can be performed by periodic (one time in 10 minutes, for example) scanning of the predeternined range of frequencies and subsequently tuning the tunable resonant circuit 9 to the frequency of the external radio frequency (RF) signal from radiocommunication station, TV station, or any other source of the RF signal that provides maximum power output of the antenna unit 6.
  • the external radio frequency (RF) signal from radiocommunication station, TV station, or any other source of the RF
  • electromagnetic waves is shown as an arrow located outside the earpiece module and to the right of the RF antenna 8.
  • An external electromagnetic wave source module 11 comprises a radio frequency (RF) generator of electromagnetic waves 13, power supply module 14, and an RF emitter of electromagnetic waves 12 electrically coupled with the RF generator of electromagnetic waves 13.
  • the antenna unit 6 of the earpiece module 1 is configured to receive an
  • the frequency of the RF generator of electromagnetic waves 13 is outside of the frequency range of said automatic frequency control module, making it impossible to tune the tunable resonant circuit 9 to the frequency of the RF generator of electromagnetic waves 13, therefore ensuring use of two sources of RF electromagnetic waves by the antenna unit 6, specifically from the external unit 11 by the fixed frequency resonant circuit 15 and and from the
  • the antenna unit 6 comprises a first RF antenna, a second RF antenna, a tunable resonant circuit electrically coupled with the first RF antenna, a fixed frequency resonant circuit electrically coupled with the second RF antenna, an automatic frequency control module being electrically coupled with the tunable resonant circuit and arranged to keep the tunable resonant circuit automatically tuned to the frequency of the electromagnetic emission available in the ambient environment and having maximum available power and providing maximum power output of the antenna unit (not illustrated).
  • This embodiment design differs from the embodiment illustrated on Fig. 3 by having two independent RF antennas.
  • the electromagnetic emission (RF electromagnetic waves) produced by the RF emitter 12 is shown as an arrow directed towards the RF antenna 8 of the earpiece module 1.
  • the Power supply unit 4 is charged by a rectifier 7 that is electrically connected to the output of the antenna unit 6 and to the input circuitry of the power supply unit 4.
  • the antenna unit 6 provides power recieved from two different sources, the continuous external RF signal from the radiocommunication stations, TV station, or any other source of the RF electromagnetic waves, and from the external electromagnetic wave source module 11 when it is in operation.
  • the power supply unit 4 uses power originated from the tunable resonant circuit at all times whether the earpiece is used on not, either to supply power to the sound signal processing unit 3 or ro recharge the rechargeable batteries if necessary.
  • the charging process is controlled by well known charging control circuitry.
  • the rechargeable hearing assistance system can be provided with a remote control unit comprising a power supply unit (not illustrated).
  • the remote control units are well known in the industry and being practically a standard component of the hearing aids used for various adjustments of the rechargeable hearing assistance system output such as volume and mode of operation that is outside of the scope of this invention.
  • the external module 11 can be combined with a remote control unit in the same housing and use the same source of power supply (power supply module).
  • the earpiece module 1 can be positioned in an ear canal of the user and the external module can be positioned behind the ear or worn on the body of the user.
  • the earpiece module 1 can also be positioned behind the ear of the user and the external module can be worn on the body of the user.
  • one external electromagnetic wave source module can be used for both earpieces.
  • Frequency of the RF generator 13 for the inductive short-range energy transfer can be selected in a range between 0.5 MHz and 30 MHz depending on national regulations governing the frequency bands available for this purpose. The actual frequency range is to be determined for the specific region (country).

Abstract

The rechargeable hearing assistance system is related to hearing aids having an earpiece worn in or at the ear and an external unit. The earpiece comprises a microphone, a processor, an antenna unit, and a power supply unit with a rechargeable battery that is being recharged by electromagnetic energy from ambient sources of electromagnetic waves of radio frequency. The sources used are existing radio and TV stations by using an automatically tunable resonance circuit or the external unit emitting non-modulated radiowaves being received by a fixed frequency resonant circuit.

Description

Rechargeable Hearing Assistance System
Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to hearing aids, and in particular to a hearing aid devices having an earpiece worn in or at the ear.
Background of the Invention and Prior Art
Hearing aids are wearable hearing devices used to assist persons with impaired hearing. To meet the numerous individual requirements different designs of hearing aid have been developed, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in- the-canal (CIC), and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. The typical hearing aids mentioned are worn on the outer ear or in the auditory canal. There are also bone conduction and implantable hearing aids.
Hearing aids main components are a microphone, an amplifier or digital sound processor (usually combined with an amplifier), and a speaker or electroacoustic converter (transducer).
A power source is usually rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries of very small size that makes it difficult to replace and/or re-charge in a charging device having metal contacts or coils for inductive charging. Batteries and charging circuitry increase the earpiece dimensions and compete for available space with other components inevitably reducing overall quality and efficiency of the hearing aid due to size limitations.
The hearing aid of U.S. Patent Number 8,644,542, issued on February 4, 2014, to Harald Klemenz et al., describes a hearing aid device with wireless charging capability. It comprises a rechargeable battery, a coil and and receiving and rectifying circuitry that uses very limited space in the housing of the hearing aid. It requires periodic recharging of the hearing aid device. It does not allow continuous recharging without having a charger in close proximity.
The closest prior art is a hearing aid of U.S. Patent Number 8,344,689, issued on May 12, 2012, to Mihail Boguslavskij, describes a hearing aid device with wireless charging capability. It comprises a signal processing unit, a rechargeable battery, a coil and and receiving and rectifying circuitry that uses very limited space in the housing of the hearing aid. It does not allow continuous recharging without having a charger in close proximity. Summary of the Invention
The rechargeable hearing assistance system of the present invention addresses the issue of re-charging the earpiece by continuous wireless recharging without having a charger in close proximity.
The earpiece module being worn at the head of a user (in or at the ear) comprises a sound signal processing unit, an electroacoustic transducer, configured to convert an electrical signal to sound and electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit, a microphone, electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit, a rectifier, an antenna unit, electrically coupled with said rectifier, a power supply unit electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit and with said rectifier, wherein said antenna unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic emission from an ambient source of electromagnetic waves of radio frequency.
The antenna unit directs the radio frequency electromagnetic signal received by the antenna from existing radiocommunication stations at the frequency determined by the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit to the rectifier. The direct current (DC) from the rectifier is used to re-charge the rechargeable battery in the power supply unit that can also comprise charging control circuitry that is well known in the art. Recharging process continues during any time when the user of the rechargeable hearing assistance system is located in the zone convered by radio and TV transmission. The resonant circuit is tuned by the automatic frequency control module being electrically coupled with said resonant circuit and arranged to keep said resonant circuit automatically tuned to the frequency of radio or TV station providing maximum power output of said antenna unit.
Another embodiment of the rechargeable hearing assistance system also comprises supplemental external electromagnetic wave source module, having a radio frequency generator of electromagnetic waves and an emitter of electromagnetic waves electrically coupled with said radio frequency generator of electromagnetic waves. The antenna unit is also configured to receive an electromagnetic emission from the external electromagnetic wave source module during its operation using a resonant circuit permanently tuned to the frecuency of the supplemental external electromagnetic wave source module.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a rechargeable hearing assistance system according to an embodiment, wherein an earpiece module has a tunable resonant circuit and an automatic frequency control module.
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a rechargeable hearing assistance system according to an embodiment additionally having an external electromagnetic wave source module. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a rechargeable hearing assistance system according to an embodiment, having an external electromagnetic wave source module and an earpiece module having a tunable resonant circuit, an automatic frequency control module, and a resonant circuit being tuned to the frequency of the radio frequency generator of
electromagnetic waves of the external electromagnetic wave source module.
On the drawings, the same numbers are assigned to similar components. The easier understanding of the invention is assured by using the component names or acronims in addition to the component numbers.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Referring of FIG. 1 of the drawings, a rechargeable hearing assistance system comprises an earpiece module 1 being worn at the head of a user (in or at the ear). The earpiece module 1 comprises an electroacoustic transducer 2, converting an electrical output signal of the sound signal processing unit 3 (PU) into an acoustical signal (an electroacoustic transducer is also known as a speaker, a loadspeaker, or an elecromechanical converter). The electroacoustic transducer 2 is connected to the output of the sound signal processing unit 3 and generates an acoustic signal of the predetermined amplitude and frequency spectrum. The sound signal processing unit 3 converts the signal received from a microphone 5. The sound signal processing unit 3 is an electronic processor modifying the electrical signal to compensate for the hearing loss of the user as prescribed by a qualified specialist.
Power supply unit 4 comprises charging circuitry (not illustrated) and rechargeable batteries providing power supply of required voltage to the sound signal processing unit 3. An antenna unit 6 comprises an radio frequency antenna 8 (RF antenna) electrically connected to a tunable resonant circuit 9. An automatic frequency control module 10 is electrically coupled with the tunable resonant circuit 9 and arranged to keep said resonant circuit automatically tuned to the frequency the electromagnetic emission having maximum power and being present in the area of location of the rechargeable hearing assistance system that is produced by the operating existing radiocommunication stations, TV stations, and other sources.
Automatic tuning and automatic frequency control modules (devices) are well known for specialists in electronics and radiocommunication. Automatic tuning can be performed by periodic (one time in 10 minutes, for example) scanning in the predeternined range of frequencies and subsequently tuning the tunable resonant circuit 9 to the frequency of that external radio frequency (RF) signal from radiocommunication station, TV station, or any other source of the RF signal that provides maximum power output of the antenna unit 6. The external radio frequency (RF) signal from radiocommunication station, TV station, or any other source of the RF electromagnetic waves is shown as an arrow located outside the earpiece module and to the right of the RF antenna 8.
The Power supply unit 4 is charged by a rectifier 7 that is electrically connected to the output of the antenna unit 6 and to the input circuitry of the power supply unit 4.
Referring of FIG. 2 of the drawings, a rechargeable hearing assistance system comprises an earpiece module 1 being worn at the head (in or at the ear) of a user. The earpiece module 1 comprises an electroacoustic transducer 2, converting an electrical output signal of the sound signal processing unit 3 (PU) into an acoustical signal. The electroacoustic transducer 2 is connected to the output of the sound signal processing unit 3 and generates an acoustic signal of the predetermined amplitude and frequency spectrum. The sound signal processing unit 3 converts the signal received from a microphone 5. The sound signal processing unit 3 is an electronic processor modifying the electrical signal to compensate for the hearing loss of the user as prescribed by a qualified specialist.
Power supply unit 4 comprises charging circuitry (not illustrated) and rechargeable batteries providing power supply of required voltage to the sound signal processing unit 3. An antenna unit 6 comprises an radio frequency antenna 8 (RF antenna) electrically connected to a fixed frequency resonant circuit 15. The power supply unit 4 is charged by a rectifier 7 that is electrically connected to the output of the antenna unit 6 and to the input circuitry of the power supply unit 4.
An external electromagnetic wave source module 11 comprises a radio frequency (RF) generator of electromagnetic waves 13, power supply module 14, and an emitter of electromagnetic waves 12 electrically coupled with the RF generator of electromagnetic waves 13. The antenna unit 6 of the earpiece module 1 is configured to receive an
electromagnetic emission from the external electromagnetic wave source module 11 during its operation. The power supply module 14 comprises rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries or any other source of electrical power supply known in the art.
The electromagnetic emission (RF electromagnetic waves) produced by the RF emitter 12 is shown as an arrow directed towards the RF antenna 8 of the earpiece module 1.
Referring of FIG. 3 of the drawings, a rechargeable hearing assistance system comprises an earpiece module 1 being worn at the head of a user. The earpiece module 1 comprises an electroacoustic transducer 2, converting an electrical output signal of the sound signal processing unit 3 (PU) into an acoustical signal. The electroacoustic transducer 2 is connected to the output of the sound signal processing unit 3 and generates an acoustic signal of the predetermined amplitude and frequency spectrum. The sound signal processing unit 3 converts the signal received from a microphone 5. The sound signal processing unit 3 is an electronic processor modifying the electrical signal to compensate for the hearing loss of the user as prescribed by a qualified specialist.
Power supply unit 4 comprises charging circuitry (not illustrated) and rechargeable batteries providing power supply of required voltage to the sound signal processing unit 3. An antenna unit 6 comprises an radio frequency antenna 8 (RF antenna) electrically connected to a fixed frequency resonant circuit 15 and a tunable resonant circuit 9. An automatic frequency control module 10 is electrically coupled with the tunable resonant circuit 9 and arranged to keep said resonant circuit automatically tuned to the frequency the electromagnetic emission being present in the area of location of the rechargeable hearing assistance system that is produced by the operating existing radiocommunication stations. Automatic tuning and automatic frequency control modules (devices) are well known for specialists in electronics and radiocommunication. Automatic tuning can be performed by periodic (one time in 10 minutes, for example) scanning of the predeternined range of frequencies and subsequently tuning the tunable resonant circuit 9 to the frequency of the external radio frequency (RF) signal from radiocommunication station, TV station, or any other source of the RF signal that provides maximum power output of the antenna unit 6. The external radio frequency (RF) signal from radiocommunication station, TV station, or any other source of the RF
electromagnetic waves is shown as an arrow located outside the earpiece module and to the right of the RF antenna 8.
An external electromagnetic wave source module 11 comprises a radio frequency (RF) generator of electromagnetic waves 13, power supply module 14, and an RF emitter of electromagnetic waves 12 electrically coupled with the RF generator of electromagnetic waves 13. The antenna unit 6 of the earpiece module 1 is configured to receive an
electromagnetic emission from the external electromagnetic wave source module 11 during its operation using the fixed frequency resonant circuit 15 having a resonance frequency equal or close to the frequency of the RF generator of electromagnetic waves 13. The frequency of the RF generator of electromagnetic waves 13 is outside of the frequency range of said automatic frequency control module, making it impossible to tune the tunable resonant circuit 9 to the frequency of the RF generator of electromagnetic waves 13, therefore ensuring use of two sources of RF electromagnetic waves by the antenna unit 6, specifically from the external unit 11 by the fixed frequency resonant circuit 15 and and from the
radiocommunication stations by the tunable resonant circuit 9.
Depending on availability of the external RF signal from radiocommunication stations or other external sources, frequency of the radio frequency generator of electromagnetic waves can be made within the frequency range of said automatic frequency control module. In this case, the antenna unit 6 comprises a first RF antenna, a second RF antenna, a tunable resonant circuit electrically coupled with the first RF antenna, a fixed frequency resonant circuit electrically coupled with the second RF antenna, an automatic frequency control module being electrically coupled with the tunable resonant circuit and arranged to keep the tunable resonant circuit automatically tuned to the frequency of the electromagnetic emission available in the ambient environment and having maximum available power and providing maximum power output of the antenna unit (not illustrated). This embodiment design differs from the embodiment illustrated on Fig. 3 by having two independent RF antennas.
The electromagnetic emission (RF electromagnetic waves) produced by the RF emitter 12 is shown as an arrow directed towards the RF antenna 8 of the earpiece module 1.
The Power supply unit 4 is charged by a rectifier 7 that is electrically connected to the output of the antenna unit 6 and to the input circuitry of the power supply unit 4. The antenna unit 6 provides power recieved from two different sources, the continuous external RF signal from the radiocommunication stations, TV station, or any other source of the RF electromagnetic waves, and from the external electromagnetic wave source module 11 when it is in operation. The power supply unit 4 uses power originated from the tunable resonant circuit at all times whether the earpiece is used on not, either to supply power to the sound signal processing unit 3 or ro recharge the rechargeable batteries if necessary. The charging process is controlled by well known charging control circuitry. The rechargeable hearing assistance system can be provided with a remote control unit comprising a power supply unit (not illustrated). The remote control units are well known in the industry and being practically a standard component of the hearing aids used for various adjustments of the rechargeable hearing assistance system output such as volume and mode of operation that is outside of the scope of this invention. The external module 11 can be combined with a remote control unit in the same housing and use the same source of power supply (power supply module).
The earpiece module 1 can be positioned in an ear canal of the user and the external module can be positioned behind the ear or worn on the body of the user. The earpiece module 1 can also be positioned behind the ear of the user and the external module can be worn on the body of the user.
For binaural hearing, one external electromagnetic wave source module can be used for both earpieces. Frequency of the RF generator 13 for the inductive short-range energy transfer can be selected in a range between 0.5 MHz and 30 MHz depending on national regulations governing the frequency bands available for this purpose. The actual frequency range is to be determined for the specific region (country).
It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims within their meaning and range of equivalency.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1 . A rechargeable hearing assistance system, comprising: a sound signal processing unit,
an electroacoustic transducer, configured to convert an electrical signal to sound and electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit,
a microphone, electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit,
a rectifier,
an antenna unit, electrically coupled with said rectifier,
a power supply unit electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit and with said rectifier,
wherein said antenna unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic emission from an ambient source of electromagnetic waves of radio frequency.
2. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 1 , wherein said antenna unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic emission from existing radiocommunication stations operating in the area of location of said rechargeable hearing assistance system.
3. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 1 , wherein said antenna unit comprises an radio frequency antenna.
4. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 3, wherein said antenna unit additionally comprises a resonant circuit electrically coupled with said radio frequency antenna.
5. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 4, wherein said resonant circuit configured to have its resonanse frequncy tunable, said antenna unit additionally comprises an automatic frequency control module being electrically coupled with said resonant circuit and arranged to keep said resonant circuit automatically tuned to the frequency of said electromagnetic emission providing maximum power output of said antenna unit.
6. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 1 , further comprising an external electromagnetic wave source module, wherein said external electromagnetic wave source module comprises a radio frequency generator of electromagnetic waves and an emitter of electromagnetic waves electrically coupled with said radio frequency generator of electromagnetic waves, said antenna unit is configured to receive an electromagnetic emission from said external electromagnetic wave source module during operation.
7. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 6, wherein said antenna unit comprises a resonant circuit being permanently tuned to said radio frequency generator of electromagnetic waves.
8. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 7, wherein frequency of said radio frequency generator of electromagnetic waves is outside of the frequency range of said automatic frequency control module.
9. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 7, wherein frequency of said radio frequency generator of electromagnetic waves is within the frequency range of said automatic frequency control module, said antenna unit 6 comprises a first radio frequency antenna, a second radio frequency antenna, a tunable resonant circuit electrically coupled with said first radio frequency antenna, a fixed frequency resonant circuit electrically coupled with said second radio frequency antenna, an automatic frequency control module being electrically coupled with said tunable resonant circuit and arranged to keep said tunable resonant circuit automatically tuned to the frequency of the electromagnetic emission having maximum available power and providing maximum power output of said antenna unit.
10. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 1 , wherein said power supply unit comprises a rechargeable battery.
11. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 1 , wherein said antenna unit configured to provide power supply to said power supply unit when said rechargeable hearing assistance system is in operation.
12. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 1 , wherein said antenna unit configured to provide power supply to said rechargeable battery of said power supply unit when said rechargeable hearing assistance system is not in operation.
13. A rechargeable hearing assistance system according to claim 6, further comprising an external remote control module having a housing and configured to control operation of said rechargeable hearing assistance system by the user, said rechargeable hearing assistance system is configured being coltrollable by said external remote control module, wherein said external electromagnetic wave source module is positioned within said housing of said external remote control module
PCT/CA2016/050993 2015-08-24 2016-08-23 Rechargeable hearing assistance system WO2017031583A1 (en)

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CA2,901,210 2015-08-24

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8344689B2 (en) * 2008-05-13 2013-01-01 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing aid and energy charger as well as associated method
US8644542B2 (en) * 2009-09-08 2014-02-04 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing aid with wireless battery charging capability

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8344689B2 (en) * 2008-05-13 2013-01-01 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing aid and energy charger as well as associated method
US8644542B2 (en) * 2009-09-08 2014-02-04 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing aid with wireless battery charging capability

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