CA2223660A1 - System for programming hearing aids - Google Patents
System for programming hearing aids Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2223660A1 CA2223660A1 CA002223660A CA2223660A CA2223660A1 CA 2223660 A1 CA2223660 A1 CA 2223660A1 CA 002223660 A CA002223660 A CA 002223660A CA 2223660 A CA2223660 A CA 2223660A CA 2223660 A1 CA2223660 A1 CA 2223660A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- card
- hearing aid
- pcmcia
- programming
- host computer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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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
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/70—Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting
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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
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/50—Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics
- H04R25/502—Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics using analog signal processing
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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
- 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
- H04R25/558—Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
Abstract
An improved hearing aid programming system with a host computer for providing at least one hearing aid program and having at least one personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) defined port in combination with a PCMCIA card inserted in the port and arranged for interacting with the host computer for controlling programming of a hearing aid. The host computer provides power and ground to the PCMCIA card and provides for downloading the hearing aid programming software to the PCMCIA card upon initialization. A microprocessor on the PCMCIA card executes the programming software. A hearing aid interface for adjusting voltage levels and impedance levels is adapted for coupling signals to the hearing aid being programmed.
Description
SYSTEM FOR PROG~ MING HEARI~G AIDS
B~ckqround of the Invention 1. Field of ~he Invention This invention relc~es generally to a programming system for programmab'e hearing aids; and, more particularly relates to a port2ble he2ring aid prograr~ing system utilizing a portable host compute in conjunction with a plug-in programming Ca-d th2t is po-~.ered by the host computer 2nd operates with c ~!~ell-defined port to the host.
B~ckqround of the Invention 1. Field of ~he Invention This invention relc~es generally to a programming system for programmab'e hearing aids; and, more particularly relates to a port2ble he2ring aid prograr~ing system utilizing a portable host compute in conjunction with a plug-in programming Ca-d th2t is po-~.ered by the host computer 2nd operates with c ~!~ell-defined port to the host.
2. Descriptio- of the ?rior ~,rt Hearing aids have been developed to zmeliorate the effects of hearir~ lcsses in incividu21s. ~earir,g deficiencies ccn range from deafness to hearing losses where the individual has i-?airrlent of respondina to different frequencies OI sour,d or _o being able to differenti2te souncs occurring sir.~ltaneously. The hearing aid in its most elementary for~ usually provides for auditory correction through the ari~lification ar,d filtering of sound provided in the environment with the intent that the individual can hear better than wi~'-,out the amplification.
Prior art hearing aids offering adjustable operational parameters to optimize hearing arld comfort to the user have been developed. Parameters, such as volume or tor.e, m2y 2~ ecsily be cdj-sted, and r.any hearing aids allow for ~he individual user to adjust these parameters. It is usual that an individual's hearing loss is not uniform over the entire frequency spectrum of audible sound. An individual's hearing loss may be greater at hig],er frequency ranges than at lower frequencies. Recosnizi~g these differentiations in hearing loss consideratioils bet~-een individuals, it has become comJmon for a hearing health p-o~escior.al to make measurements that t~ l indicate ~he type of correction or assistance that t~Jill be the most beneficial o improve that individual's hearing capability. A v2riety o_ meaaurements may be taken, t~Jhich can include establishir.g speech recognition scores, or measurement of the indivic~al's perceptiv-e ability for differing sound frequencies ar& differing sound a:nplitudes. The resulting score data or a~plitude/~req~ency respor.se can be proviced in tabular form o-- srcp-iically represented, such that the individual's hecring loss ,-.ay be compared to t,Jhat ~Jould be considered a -ore rorr,al hecrirlg responae. To assis in i~proving the heari~.g of individuals, it has bee?. found desirable to provide acjustGbie hecring aids wherein filtering parameters may ~e adjuâtedt and automatic gain conirol (AGC) parcmeters are aàjustcble.
l~ith the development OI micro-electronics ar.d microprocessors, progra~mable hearing aids have become t,~ell-kno~,Jn. It is k?.O~n for procrar~mable hearing aids to ha~,-e a digi,al control section t!~hich stores auditory parameters and which controls aspects of sicnal processing characteristics.
2~ Such proora.lrLmc}~le hearlrc aics also have 2 signal processing section, which .-!ay be analog or digital, and ~hich operates under control of the control section to perform the signal processing or amplification to meet the needs of the individua1.
Hearing aid progra-.-,ir.g systems have characteristically fallen into tt~o categor es: (a) programming systems that are utilized at the manufact~rer's plant or distribution center, or (b) programming systems thât are utilized at the point of dispensing the r.earing aid.
One type of progrc.T.~ins system for prosr2mmirg hearing aids are the s a-.d-alore progrcmmers that are self-contained and are desigr.ed to proJiGe the designed programming capabilities. ~Ya.,ples or the stand-aione program~,ers are the Sigm2 4000, availaDle ccm.merci2l1y from Unitron of :~itcheror, Onta~io, Canadâ, and t:~e Solo II aJaila~le commerci211y from dbc-miTco of Portsmouth, .~et~ -.'ampshire. I~ is apparelt that stand-alone prosra~mers are custom designed to provide the procrar~ing fur.ctions ~not;~n at the time. Stanc-alone programmers te-~ to be inflexirle and difficul'L to update and modify, thereb,~ raising the cost to stay currer.t. Further, such stand-alo-.e procrc.~mers are normally desicned for handling a limited nL-"ber o~ hearing aid types and lack versatility. Should t~ere ~e an error in the system that provides the procra~ c, such stand-alone systems tend to be difficult to repair or upgrcce.
2~ Another t~pe of prograrumirg syste~ is one in ~;hich the programmer is connected to other computing equip~,lent. An example of cable interconnection programming systems is the Hi Pro, available from M2cc,en of Copenhagen, Denmark. A system where multiple program.,irg units are connected via telephone lines to a central compLIter is desc~ibed in U.S. Patent NTo.
5,226,086 to J. C. Pla.t. Ar.other excmple of a programming system thzt allo~s intercharLseable prograrming systems driven by a personal compu~er is cescribed in U.S. Patent I~o.
5,144,674 to ~ eyer e~ al. Other U.S. patents that sugsest the use of s,o..e form of computing ~evice coupled to an external hearing aid p~ocraF~ming device are U.S. ~atent ~o.
4,425,481 to I~a!sgold et al.; U.S. Patent ~o. 5,226,086 to Platt; U.S. Pater.t ~o. 5,083,312 to Ne~ton et al.; and U.S.
PatentI~o. 4,'~'7,432 to TotholL. Proc,ram~lirg systems that are cable-cou~led or othe-~ise cGu31ed to supporting com utir,g equipment tend to be rela~ively expensive in that sucn progra~T~ing eaui~ment .m st have its o~n po~er supply, power cord, housing, and circuitry, t-,ereby making the hearing aid progra~mer large and rot as readily transportable as is desirable.
Yet arother type of hearing aid procrammer available in the prior art is a progrG~mer that is designed to install into and become part of a larcer computing syctem. Pn example of such a plug-in system is available~ commercially and is kno~n ~s the UX Solo available from dbc-mifco. Hearing aid progral~,ers of the type that plug into larcer computers are generally desig ed to be compatible with the expansion ports on a specific computer. ~ast systems have ~enerally been designed to pl~c into the bus structure known as the Industry Standard ~rch tecture ~ISA) which has primarily found application in computers available from IBM. The ISA
expansion bus is rot avcilable on many present-day hand-held or lap top computers. Further, plugging cards into avail2ble ISA expansion po ts recuires opening the computer cabinet 2nd appropri2tely installi?g the expansion card.
It can be seen then th2t the prior art systems do not readily provide for a he2ring aid program;ning system that can ~e easily affixed to 2 personal compute-~ such as a lap top computer or a h2rc'-held computer or rendering the entire programning syctem easily operable and easily trarsportable.
Further, the prior art systems tend to be relatively more expensive, arla are no~ cesicn.ed to allow mcdificaticn or enhan.ce-;,ent of he sof,~2re ~hile maintaining the simplicity of operation.
Summcry of the Invention Tr.e primary objective ol the invention in providirg a small, hichly trancport2ble, inexpensive, 2nd versatile system for progr2mming hearing aiàs is accomplished through the use of host computer means for providing at least one hearing aid program, where the host computer means includes at least one uniformly spec~fied expansion port for proviàing power 2~ circuits, cata circuits, and control circuits, and a pluggable card means coupled to the specified port for interacting t~ith the host computer means for controlling programming of at le2st one hearing aia, the programming system including coupling means for coupiing the card means to at least one hearing aid to be progra..~ed.
Another primary ob~ective of the in~ention is to utilize a standardized specification defining the port architecture for the host computer, i~rherein the hearing aid progra~ming system can utilize any hos~ computer that incorporates the standardized port archi~ecture. In this regard, the personal computer memor-y card intern2tior.al associ2tio.l (PCI'~CIA) specification for the port technologi~allot~,7s the host computer to be selected from lap ~op computers, notebook computers, or hard-held computers ~;here such PCI~CIA ports are available ~nd s~pported. ~ith the preser.t invention, it is no lor~er neeàed to provide general purpose computers, either at ~he location of the hearing health professional, or at the factory or distribution ce-.ter of .he mcr.uf2cturer of the hearing aic's to support the p-ocr2rLmir!s ~~nc~ion.
Another objective o~ the invention is to provide a highly portable system for proora~,irg he2ring aids to thereby allow ease of usage by he2ring health professiorals at the point of distribution of hearing aids to individuals requiring hearing aid support. mO this er.d, the progra~L~ing circuitry is fabric2ted on a Card that is plugs2ble to a PC'~CIA ~ocket in the host computer and is oper2ble from the power supplied by the host computer.
. _ Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved hearing aid programming system that utilizes standardized drivers wi~hin the host computer in this aspect of the invention, the ?CMCIA card means includes a card infor,~ation structure (CIS) that identifies the host computer of the identification cnd configuration requiremellts of the programming circuits on the card. In one embodiment, the CIS
identifies the PCl~CI~ Card as a serial port such that stand2rdized serial port drivers in the host cor.,puter can service the PCI~CIA Ca-c. In another embodiment, the CIS
identifies the PCI''CIA Card as a unique type of hearing aid progra~er carc such that the host computer ~Jould utilize drivers supplied specifically for use with that card. In another embodime;lt, the CIS identifies the PC~CIA Card 2S a ~.lemory card, thereby ir.dicating to the host computer tnat the memory card dri~ers till be utilized. Through the use of the standardized PC'~'CIA architecture ar.d drivers, the PCI~CIA Card can be utilizec ~'lith any host computer that is ad2pted to support the PC~'C-~A architecture.
Still another ob,ect of the invention is to provide a hearing aid procra~ming system that can be readily progr2~,hmed and in which the adjustment programs can be easily ~odified to correct errors. In or,e aspect of the invention, the progra~ming soft~.are is stored in the memory of a host computer and is available for ease of modification or debugging on the host computer. In operation, then, the programming soft~are is co~Jnloac'ed to the PCI~CIA Card ~hen the Card is inserted in the host computer. In another embodiment, the programming softwa~e is stored on the PCI~CI~ Card in nonvolatile storage ar.d is iFLmedi2tely available without do~nloadillg upon insertion of the Card. In this latter configuration arld emboci"ent, the nonvolatile storage means can be selected from va ious programm2ble devices that may be alterable by the host computer. In one arrangement, the nonvolatile storage device is electrically erasable programmcble recd-only memory (EEPROl~
Another objective of the in~;ention is to provide an improved hearirg aid progra~iig system ~herein the hearing aid prosr2,~ming circuit~y is rounted on a Card that meets the physical desicn s?ecifica~ions provided by PCMCIA. ~o this end, the Card is fa~riccteà to the specifications of ei~he-r a Type I Card, a ry?e II Card, or a Type III Card ceper.dins upon the physical size constraints of the components utilized.
Yet another obJective of the invention is to provide an improved hearing aid prosrc.~ir.g system wherein the type of hearing aid being prosra~.ed can be identified. In this embodiment, a coupling mea..s for coupling the hearing aid program~ming circuitry to the hearing aid or hearing aids being progra~med incluces cable means for c'etermining the type of hearing aid being progra~,Li,ed and for providing hearing aid identification signals to the host computer.
These and other more detailed and specific objectives and an understanding of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the foliowing Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment in view of the Dr~wings.
Brief Descri~tion of the Dra~Jinqs FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of an improved hearing aid programming system of this invention;
FIG. 2 is c perspective view of a lype I plug-in Card;
FIG. 3 is c perspec ive vie~ of a Type II plus-in Card;
FIG. 4 is G perspec.ive view of a Type III plug-in Card;
FIG. 5 is a àiagr2m -epresenting the PCI~CIA architecture;
~IG. 6 is 2 bloc'~ diagrcm illustrating the functional interrelationship of a ~os~ computer and the Card used for program,-ning he2ring aids; a-,d FIG. 7 is 2 functioral blocX diagr2ln of the hearing aid progrcmming Card.
Detailed 3escript on of the ~referred Embodiment It is gener211y ~no~n that 2 person's hearing loss is not normally uniforn over the entire frequency spectrum of hearing. For example, in ty~ical roise-induced hearing loss, th2t the hearing loss is creater at higher frequencies than at lo~er frequencies. The de~ree of hearing loss at various frequencies varies with individuals. The measurement of an individual's hearing ability can be illustrated by an audiogram. ~.n aud ologist, or other hearing health professionals, ~ill meas~re an individual's perceptive ability for differing sound frequencies and differing sound amplitudes. .~ plot o' the resulting information in an amplituce/frecuency diacram ~7ill graphically represent the individual's hecring a3ility, and t~ill thereby represent the individual's hearing loss as compared to an established rarge of normal heari!lg fo- inàivic'uals. In this regard, the audiogram represents c-aphically the particular auditory characteristics of the individual. Other types of mecsurer,ents relating to hearing deficier.cies may be made.
For example, s~eech recognition scores can be utilized. Tt is unc'~erstood tha~ t're auditory characteristics of an individual or other r,easured hearirg responses may be represented by cata that can be re?resented in various tabular forms as t~ell as in the graphical ~epresentation.
Basically a hearinc aid consists of a sound actuatable microphone for converting environmental sour.ds into an electrical sign2l. The electrical signal is supplied to an amplifier for providirg an amplified output signal. The amplified output signal is applied to a receiver that acts as a loudspeaker for converting the amplified electrical signal into sound that is transmitted to the individual's ear. The various kinds of hearing aids can be configured to be "completely in the can21" kno~n as the CIC type of hearing aid. Hearing ai~s can 21so be embodied in configurations such as "in the ear", "in the c2nal", "behind the ear", embodied in an eyeglass fra e, worn O?. t~.e ~ody, and surgically implanted.
Each of the ~7arious ty?es of hearing aids have differing functional and cesthetic characteristics.
Since individuals hGve differing hearing abilities with respect to each other, a-d oftentimes have differing hearing - abilities between the r aht cnd left ears, it is r.ormal to have some form of cii,ust..e,t to compensate for the characteristics of the he2rirg of the individual. It hcs been kr,o~.~n to provice cn ad,l~s_2ble filter for use in conjur.ctio~
with the 2..?1ifier for modifying the amplifi~ing characteristics of the ,.ecri:lg aid. ~72rious forms of physical adj-ustment for càJusting ~ari2ble resistors or ccpacitors have been used. Wit~ the 2C;~ en of ~:icrocircuitry, the 2bility to progr2m hearino aids h2s become ~ell-known. A programm2ble he2ring aid typically h2s a dioital control section and a signal processin.s section. The digital control section is adapted to store an auditory p2rameter, or a set of auditory parameters, which will control an 2spect or set of aspects of the amplifying characteris~ics, or other char~cteristics, of the hearing aid. The sign21 processing section of the hearing aid then ~lill operate in response to the control section to perform the Gct~al sigr.al processing, or amplification, i~
being understood that t:e sisnal processing may be digital or analog.
Numerous types of 3rogrcmmable hearing aids are known.
As such, details o, the specifics of programming functions ~ill not be cescribeà in detail. To accomplish the programming, it has been known to have the manufacturer establish a computer-bcced prosramming function at its factory or outlet centers. In ~his form of operation, the cetails of the individual's heari-g readings, such as the audiogram, are for~.7arded to the ma-u-acturer for use in making the programming adj-L;stments. Or.ce adjusted, the hearing aid or hearing aids are then sent to the intended user. Such an operzLion clearly suffe=s from the disadvantage of the loss of time in the trarlsmissicn of the infor]r~2tion and the return of the adjusted ~e2rir~g aid, as ~7ell as not being ~ble to provide inexpensive and ti~,ely adjustments with the individual user.
Such arrar.gements cha-ccteristically deal only -~ith the prosramming of ~he particular manufac-urer's he2ring aids, and are not readily adaptab'e for adjusting or progra~Lming various types of hearing aids.
Yet another type of prior art progra~ing system is -~tilized wherein the progra~ing system is located near the hearing health professional who ~ould like to program the hearing aid for patients. In such an arransement, it is common for each location to ha~e a general purpose computer especially proorammed to perform the programming function and provide it with 2n interf2ce unit hard-wired to the computer for providing the progrc.-.Lming function to the hearing aid. In this arrangement, the hearing professional enters the audiogram or other patient-related hearing information into the computer, and thereby allows the computer to calculate the auditory parameters that ~ill be optimal for the predetermined listening situations for the individual. The computer then directly progrcms the rearir.g aid. Such specific programming systems and harc-t.rlred i-terrelationship to the host computer are costly and co ot lend themselves to ease of altering the programming func~ions.
Other types of procrarLmiig systems ~iherein centralized host computers cre used to provide programminc 2ccess vi2 telepholle lines and the like are also known, ar,d suffer from many of the problems of cost, lcck of ease of usage, l~-c~ of fle~ibility in rep ogr2m~ming, and the li~e.
A number of these prior art programmable systems have been identified above, and their respective functionalities will not be further described in detail.
The system ard method OI programming hearing aids of the present invention provic'es a mechanism where all of the hearing aid procr2~ming system can be economically located at the office of ecch hearir.g health professional, thereby overcoming many of the cescribed deficiencies of prior art programming systems.
A group of computir.g devices, including 12p top comp~ters, notebook computers, hand-held computers, such as the APPLE~ NE~TON3, and the like, which can collectively be referenced as host com~puters are adapted to support the Personal Comp--ter Merory Card International Association Technoloc,-y, ard which is generally referred to as PC~'5CIA. In general, PCI~CI.~.provides one or more standardized ports in the host computer ~r.ere such ports are arranged to cooperate with associated PCI~'CIA PC cards, hereinafter referred to as "Cards". The Ccrc's are util-zed to provide various functions, 2nd the fun.ctio-l.21ity o~ PC~CIA will be described in more detail below. rre PCI~CI~ specification defines a standard for integr2ted ci-cuit Cards to be used to promote interchangeability among 2 Variety of computer ar.d electronic products. AtLention is given to low cost, ruggedness, low power consumpt on, light ~.~eicht, and port2bility of operation.
The speci~ic size of the various configurations of Cards will be described in more c'etail below, but in general, it is understood ~ha~ it will be compcrable in size to credit cards, thereby achievi.g the c021 of ease of handlir.g. Other goals of PC~CIA technolosy can be simply stated to require that (1) it must be si."ple to con'igure, and support multiple peripheral c'evices; ~2) it must be hardware and operating environment incependent; (3) installation must be flexible;
and (4) it ,"~st be inexpensive to support the various peripheral c'ievices. These goals and objectives of PCI~CIA
specification requirer!ents and available technology are consistent with the go21s of this invention of providing an improved highly portable, inexpensive, adaptable hearing aid progra~ming system. The PCI~CIA technology is expanding into personal computers and ~ork stations, and it is understood that ~here such ccpabili.y is present, the attributes of this invention are applicable. Various aspects of PCMCIA t~ill be described below at poin~s to render the cescription meaningful to the invention.
FIG. 1 is a pictorial vie~ of an improved he2ring aid prograr~ing sycte~ of .:~is invention. A host computer 10, ~~hich can be selected _rom c~ong lap top cGmputers; notebook computers; person21 ccm.;?-i-ters; ~or~ station computers; or the like, includes a body portion 12, a control keyboard portion 14, and a display portio-, i6. T.~;hile only one PCI~CIA port 18 is illustrated, it is u?.cerstood that such ports mcy occur in pairs. VarioLs types o_ host computers 10 are available comLmercially from various .-,,anufccturers, including, but not limited to, Internatic?.al Business I~achines and Apple Computer, I?.C. ~?other ~ype of host computer is the hand-held computer 20 such as the AP?LE~ NEWTOI~, or equivalent. The hand-held host 20 incl~ces a body portion 22, a screen portion 2~, a set of controls 26 ar,d a stylus 28. The stylus 28 operates as a ~ieans for pro~iding information to the hand-held host computer 20 by interaction ~Jith screen 24. A pair of PC~CIA ports 32 and 34 are illustrated aligned along one side 36 of the hano-held host computer 20. Again, it should be understood that more or fe~er PCI~CIA ports may be utilized.
Further, it will be uncerstood that it is possible for the PCI~CIA ports to be position in parallel and adjacent to one another as distir,guished rom the linear position illustrated.
A hand-held host computer is available from various sources, such as the Ne.~-ton model available from Apple Computer, Inc.
A PCI~CIA Card 40 h2s a first end 42 in t~.7hich a number of contacts 44 are ~ounteà. In the standard, the contacts 44 are arransed in t~o ?arallel rows and nu~,ber sixty-eight contacts.
The outer end 60 has a connector (not sho~n in this figure) to cooperate with .~ating connector 62. This interconnection provide signals to ard from hearing aids 64 and 66 via cable 68 which splits into cable ends 70 and 72. Cable portion 70 has connector 7~A affixec; thereto and adapted for cooperation witn ~Gck 76 in heari?.s aid 64. Similarly, cable 72 has connector 78 thct is acGpted for cooperation ~Jith jac~ 80 in hearing aid 66. This ccr.figuration allo~s for programming of hearing aid 64 and 66 in the ears of the individual to use them, it being urderstood that the cable interconnection may alternatively be a single cable for a single hearing aid or two separate cables ~~Jith t-~o separations to the Card 40.
It is appGrent tha~ card 40 and the various components are not shown i?. scale with one another, and that the dashed lines represer.t directions of interconr.ection. In this regard, a selection can be made between portable host 10 or hand-held host 20. If host 10 is selected, card 40 is moved in the direction of dashed lines 82 for insertion in PCI~CIA
slot 18. Alterratively, if a hand-held host 20 is to be used, Card 40 is moved 210ng dcshed lines 84 for insertion in PCI~CIA
slot 32. Connector 62 can be moved along dashed line 86 for mating with the connector (not shown) at end 60 of card 40.
Connector 74 can be ~,oved along line 88 for contacting jack 76, and connec.or 78 c2n be moved along dashed line 90 for contacting jac'~ 80. There are three standardized conficurations o Card 40 plus one nonstandard form that will not be describec.
FIG. 2 is 2 perspective view of a Type I plug-in Card.
The physical conficurztions and requirements of the various Card types are specified in the ~CI~CI.~ specification to assure por~abil-ty and consis~ency of operation. Type I Card 40I has a width ~il of 54 mil'imeters and a thickr,ess Ti of 3.3 millimeters. Gther elements illustrated bear the same reference nu.merals as in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a ?erspective view of a Type II plug-in Card.
Card 40II has a width .~72 of 54 millimeters and has a raised portion 100. I~-~h the ra-sed portion, the thickness T2 is 5.0 millimeters. 'he ~Jicth ~3 of raised porticn 100 is 48 millimeters. lhe purpose of raised portion 100 is to provide room for circuitry to be mounted on the surface 102 of card 40II.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a Type III plug-in Card.
Card 40III has a width W4 of 54 millimeters, and an overall thickness T3 of 10.5 miilimeters. Raised portion 104 has a width W5 of 51 millimeters, and with the additional depth above the upper surface 106 allows for even larser components to be mounted.
Type II Cards are the most prevalent in usage, and allo~
for the most flexibility in use in pairs with stacked PCI~CIA
ports.
The PCI~CI.~ slot i.-cludes t~To rows of 34 pins each. The connector on the Card is ad2pted to cooperate ~ith these pins.
There are three croupincs of pins that vary in length. This results in a sequence o~ operation as the Card is inserted into the slot. The lor.ses~ pins m~ke contact first, the intermedi2te lensth pir.s ma~e co~tcct second, and the shortest pins make ccntcct last. The sequencing of pin lengths allow the host syste~ to properly sequence ap~lication of power and sround to the Card. It is r.ot necessary for an understanding of the invention to consider the sequencing in det2il, it being automatically handled as the Card is inserted.
Functionally, the shortest pins are the card detect pins and are responsible for routir.g signals that inform software rur,ning on the host of the insertion or removal of a Card.
The shortest pins result in this operation occurring last, and 2~ functions only after the Card has been fully inserted. It is not necessary for an understanding of the invention that each -lB-pin and its function be considered in detail, it being understood that power and ground is provided from the host to the Card.
FIG. 5 is a diagr2m representing the PCMCIA architecture.
The PCMCIA architecture is ~Jell-defined and is substantially available on 2ny host cGmputer that is ad2pted to support the PCMCIA architecture. ~or purposes of understanding the invention, it is not r.ecessary that the intricate details of the PCMCIA architecture be c'efined hereln, since they are substantially available in the commercial marketplace. It is, ho~.Tever, desirable to -~nderst2nd some basic fundamentals of the PClvfCIA architecture in order to appreci2te the operation of the invention.
In general ~erms, the PCI'fCIA architecture defines various interfaces and services that 211O~~~T application soft~;are to confisure Card resources into the system for use by system-level utilities and ap~lications. The PC~CIA hard~T2re and related PC~ICIA han.dlers within the system function as enabling technologies for the Card.
Resources that are capable of being configured or mapped from the PCI-fCTA bus to the system bus are memory configurations, input/output (I/O) rGnses and Interrupt Request Lines (IRQs). 3etails concernin~ the PCI~fCIA
architecture c2n be derived from the specification available from PCI~CIA Co~T~,ittee, as ~.ell as various ven~ors that supply PC~lCIA components or soft~.Tare coT~mercially.
The PCl~CIA architecture involves a consideration of hardware 200 and layers of soft~Jare 202. I~ithin the hard~are consideration, Card 20~ is coupled to PCMCIA socket 206 and Card 208 is coupled to ?C~-CIA socket 210. Sockets 206 and 210 are coupled to the PCMCIA bus 212 which in turn is coupled to the PCMCIA controller 214. Controllers are provided comnercially by a number of vendors. The controller 214 is progra~med to carry out the functions of the PClYCIA
architecture, and respo cs to internal and external stimuli.
Controller 214 is coupled to the system bus 216. The system bus 216 is a set of electrical paths within a host computer over which control signals, address signals, and data signals are transmitte~. The control signals are the basis for the protocol established to place data signals on the bus and to read data sicnals from the bus. The address li es are controlled by ~Jarious cevices that are connected to the bus and are utilized to refer to particular memory locations or I/O locations. The data lines are used to pass actual data signals between devices.
The PCl~CIA bus 212 utilizes 26 address lines and 16 data lines.
Within the software 202 consideration, there are levels of software abstrcctions. The Socket Services 218 is the first level in the soft~.rare architecture and is responsible for software abstr2ction of the PCI~CIA sockets 206 and 210.
In general, Socket Services 218 will be applicable to a particular controller 214. In seneral, Socket Services 218 uses a register set (no~ sho~n) to pass arguments and return status. When interrup~s are processed t~Jith proper register settings, Sock~t Services gains control and attempts to perform functions specified at the Application Program Interfaces (API).
Card Services 220 is the next level of abstraction defined by PCMCIA and provides for PCI~CIA system initialization, central resource man2gement for PCI~ICIA, and APIs for C2rd configu ation and client management. Card Services is e~-ent-driven and notifies clients o~ hard~are events and responc's to client requests. Card Services 220 is also the manager ol reCou-ces 2vailable to PCMCIA clients aind is responsible for manasins c''ata and assignment of resources to a Card. Ccrd Serv ces assic,ns particular reso~rces tO
Cards on the condition that the C2rd Information Structure (CIS) indicates that they 2.e supported. Once resources are configured to 2 Card, the Card can be accessed as if it ~;ere a device in the system. Card Services has an array of Ap~lication Proc~am Interfaces to provide the various required _ functions.
Memory Technology Driver 1 (I~TD) 222, Memory Technology Driver 2, label 224, and ~eimory Technology Driver N, label 226, are h2r.dlers directly responsible for reading and ~Jriting of specific memory technology memory Cards. These include standard drivers and specially designed drivers if required.
Card Services 220 has a variety of clients such as File System I~emory clients 228 that deal with file system aware structures; Me~,ory Clients 230, Input/Output Clients 232; and Miscellaneous Clients 234.
FIG. 6 is a block. dizgram illustrating the functional interrelationship of a host computer and a Card used for programming hearing aids. A Host 236 has an Operating System 238. A Program l~emory 240 is available for storing the hearing aid programminc software. The PC~CIA block 242 10 indicates that the Host 236 sLpports the PCI'5CIA architecture.
A User Input 244 provides input control to Host 236 for selecting hearing aid prograriming functions and providing data input to ~ost 236. A DisplGy 246 provides output representations for visual observation. PCMCIA socket 2~8 15 cooperates ~ith PC~ICIA jack 250 mounted on Card 252.
On Card 252 there is a PCI~CIA Interface 254 that is coupled to jac~. 250 via lines 256, ~Jhere lines 256 include circuits for providing po-~er and sround connections from Host 236, and circuits for providing ac'dress signals, data signals, and control signals. The PCI~CIA Interface 254 includes the Card Information Structure (CIS) that is utilized for providing signals to Host 236 indicative of the nature of the Card and setting configuration parameters. The CIS contains information and data specific to the Card, and the components 2~ of information in CIS is comprised of tuples, ~Jhere each tuple is a segment of data structure that describes a specific aspect or configuration relative to the Card. It is this information that will cetermine whether the Card is to be treated as a standard serial data port, a standard memory card, a unique programmi-g card or the like. The combination of tuples is a metaformct.
A Microprocecsor shown within dashed block 260 includes a Processor Unit 262 that receives signals from PCMCIA
Interface 2S4 over lines 264 and provides signals to the Interface over lines 266. An onboard memory system 268 is proviced for use in storir,g program instructions. In the embodiment of t.e circuit, theI~Iemory 268 is a volatile static random access memory tSRP~) unit of lK capacity. A
NonvolatileI~e:~ory 370 s provided. The Nonvolatile Memory is 0.5;~ and is utilized to s~ore initialization instructions that are activated upcn insert on of Card 352 into socket 3~.8.
Tnis initialization soft~are is often referred to as 'boot-strap' softw2re in that the system is capable of pulling itself up into o?er2tion.
A second Memory System 272 is provided. This Memory is coupled to Processor Unit 262 for storage of hearing aid progra~ing soft~are during the hearing aid programming operation. In a preferred embodiment, l~emory 272 is a volatile SR~ h2ving a 32K capacity. During the initialization phases, the program~ing softw2re will be transmitted from the Procrrcm Memory 240 of Host 236 and do~nloaded through the PCMCIA interface 254. In an alternative embodi~ent,!-~emory System 272 can be a nonvolatile memory ~lith t~.e hearing aid programming soft~are stored therein. Such nonvolctile memory can be selected from available memory systems such as Read Only I~emory (~OM), Programmable Read Only I~emory (PROM), Erasable Programm2ble Read Only I~e.~ory (_?ROI~), or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Onl-y '~emory (~EPROI~). It is, of course, understood that Static Random Access I~emory (SRP~) memory systems normally do not hold or retain data stored therein when power is removed.
A Hearing.~id Inter ace 274 provides the selected signals over lines 274 to the ir.~erface connector 276. The Interface receives signals on lines 278 from the interface connector.
In ceneral, the ~earing Aid Interface 274 functiors uncer control of the ?rocessor unit 262 to select which r.earing aid will be progra~med, and to provice the digital to analog selections, and to provide the procrra~med impedance levels.
A jack 2&0 couples with connector 276 and provides electrical conrection over lires 282 to jack 284 that couples to hearing aid 286. In a similar manner, conductors 288 coupled to jack 290 for mGking electrical interconnection with hearing aid 292.
Assuming that Socket Services 218, Card Services 220 and appropriate drivers and handlers are appropriately loaded in the Xost 236, the hearing aid programming system is initialized by insertion of Card 252 into socket 248. The insertion processing involves application of power signals first since they are connected with the lon5est pins. The next longest pi~s cause the data, address and various control signals to be ~iade. -inally, when the card detect pin is connected, there is a Card status change interrupt. Once stabilized, Card Services queries the status of the PCI~CIA
slot through the Soc~et Services, and if the state has changed, further processing continues. At this juncture, Card Services notifies the I/O clients which in turn issues direction to Ccrd Services to read the Card's CIS. T~.e CIS
tuples are trarsmitted to Card Services and a determination is made as to the identification of the Card 252 and the configurations cpecified. Depending upon the combinat on of tuples, that is, the r.etaformat, the Card 252 will ~e identified to the Host 236 as a particular structure. In 2 preferred embocimen.t, Card 252 is identified as a serial memory port, thereby allot~ing Host 236 to treat with data transmissions to and from Card 252 on that basis. It is, of course, understood that Card 252 could be configured as a serial data Card, a Me"ory Card or a unique programming Card thereby altering the control and cor~unication between Host 236 and Card 252.
FI~. 7 is a functional bloc~ dia~ram of the hearing aid programming Card.
The PCl~CIA jack 250 is coupled to PC~CIA Interface 254 via PCI~CIA bus 256, and provides VCC power to the card via line 256-1. The I~Iicroprocessor 260 is coupled to the Program l~emory 272 via the Microprocessor Bus 260-1. A Reset Circuit 260-2 is coupled via line 260-3 to l~icroprocessor 260 and functions to reset the ~licroprocessor when po~er falls below predetermined limits. ' Crystal Oscillator 260-4 is coupled to Microprocessor 260 via line 260-5 and provides a predetermined operatior.al fre~uency signal for use by Microprocessor 260.
The Hearing Aid In.erface sho~Jn enclosed in dashed block 274 includes a ~i~ital to .~nalog Converter 274-1 that is coupled to a Reference Volt2se 274-2 via line 274-3. In a preferred embodiment, the Reference Volt2ge is established at 2.5 volts DC. Diaital ~o ~.nalog Converter 274-1 is coupled to ~icroprocessor 3us 260-1. The Digital to Analog Conver.er unctions to produce folr analog voltages urder control of the programming established oy the Microprocessor.
One of the four analog voltcses is provided on Line 274-5 to amplifier A~, labeled 274-6, which functions to convert 0 to reference voltase levels to 0 to 15 volt level signals. A
second voltage is provi~ed on line 274-7 to amplifier AR, labeled 274-8, ~~.hich prGvides a similar conversion of 0 volts to the referer.ce voltage signals to 0 volts to 15 volt signals. A third voltage is provided on line 274-9 to the amplifier BL, labeled 274-10, and on line 274-11 to amplifier B~, labeled 274-12. ~plifiers BL and B~ convert 0 volt signals to reference volt2ge signals to 0 volts to 15 volt signals and are used to supply po-~er to the hearing aid being adjusted. In this rega-d, zmplifier BL provides the voltage signals on line 278-3 to the Left hearing aid, and amplifier BR provides the selected volta~e level~signals on line 274-3 to the Right hearing aià.
An Analog Circuit Po~er Supply 274-13 provides predetermined po~.~er voltage levels to all analog circuits.
A pair of input Comparators CL labeled 274-14 and C~
labeled 274-15 are proviced to receive output signals from the respective hear ng aids. Comparator CL receives input signals from the Left hearing aid via line 278-4 and Comparator CR
receives input signals _rom the Right hearing aid via line 274-4. The fourth aralog ~-oltage from Digital to Analog Converter 274-1 is pro;ided on line 274-16 to Comp~rators CL
and CR.
A plurality of hearing aid program~ing circuit control lines pass fro~ l~icroprocescor 260 and to the I~Iicroprocessor via lines 274-17. The o-tput sign21s provided by comparators CL ard CR advice I~icroprocescor 260 of parameters concerning the CL and CR hearing aids respectively.
A ~ariable Impedarce A circuit and ~ariable Impedance B
circuit 274-20 each incluc,e a predetermined number of analog switches and a like n~mber of resistance elements. In a preferred embodiment as ~ill be described in more detail 2~ belo~, each O~r these circuits includes eight analog switches and eight resistors. The output from amplifier AL is provided to Variable Impedance A via line 274-21 and selection signals are provided via line 274-22. The combination of the voltase signal applied and the selection signals results in 2n output being provided to switch SW1 to provide the selected voltase level. In a similar mcr.ner, the output from Amplifier R is proviced on line 274-23 to Variable Impedance B 274-20, and with control signals on line 274-24, results in the selected voltage signals being cpplied to switch SW2.
Switches S-~1 and SW2 are analog switches and are essentially single pole double throw switches that are s-~itched under control or signals provided on line 274-25.
~hen the selection is to prosram the left hearing aid, switch S~1 will be in the posi.ion shown and the output signals from Va-iable Impeclance h will be provided on line 278-1 to LF
hearing aid. ~t the same time, the output from ~ariable Imped2nce B 274-20 will be proviced through switch Si~2 to line 278-2. When it is determined that the Right hearing aid is to be program~.ed, the control sicnals on line 27~-25 will cause switches S~1 and S-~2 to switch. This will result in the signal from Variable Impedance A to be provided on line 274-lj and the output from Variable Impedance 3 to be provided on line 27~-2 to the Right hearing aid.
With the circuit elements shown, the program that resides in Prosram I~emory 272 in conjunction ~ith the control of l~icroprocessor 260 will result in application of ~ata and control signals that will read information from Left and Right hearing aids, and will cause generation of the selection of application and the determination of levels of analog voltage signals that will be ap?lied selectively the Left and Right hearing aids. A more detailed circuit diagram of the functional elements will be set forth below.
It will be understGod that this disclosure, in many respects, is only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, material, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is as defined in the languase of the appended Claims.
Prior art hearing aids offering adjustable operational parameters to optimize hearing arld comfort to the user have been developed. Parameters, such as volume or tor.e, m2y 2~ ecsily be cdj-sted, and r.any hearing aids allow for ~he individual user to adjust these parameters. It is usual that an individual's hearing loss is not uniform over the entire frequency spectrum of audible sound. An individual's hearing loss may be greater at hig],er frequency ranges than at lower frequencies. Recosnizi~g these differentiations in hearing loss consideratioils bet~-een individuals, it has become comJmon for a hearing health p-o~escior.al to make measurements that t~ l indicate ~he type of correction or assistance that t~Jill be the most beneficial o improve that individual's hearing capability. A v2riety o_ meaaurements may be taken, t~Jhich can include establishir.g speech recognition scores, or measurement of the indivic~al's perceptiv-e ability for differing sound frequencies ar& differing sound a:nplitudes. The resulting score data or a~plitude/~req~ency respor.se can be proviced in tabular form o-- srcp-iically represented, such that the individual's hecring loss ,-.ay be compared to t,Jhat ~Jould be considered a -ore rorr,al hecrirlg responae. To assis in i~proving the heari~.g of individuals, it has bee?. found desirable to provide acjustGbie hecring aids wherein filtering parameters may ~e adjuâtedt and automatic gain conirol (AGC) parcmeters are aàjustcble.
l~ith the development OI micro-electronics ar.d microprocessors, progra~mable hearing aids have become t,~ell-kno~,Jn. It is k?.O~n for procrar~mable hearing aids to ha~,-e a digi,al control section t!~hich stores auditory parameters and which controls aspects of sicnal processing characteristics.
2~ Such proora.lrLmc}~le hearlrc aics also have 2 signal processing section, which .-!ay be analog or digital, and ~hich operates under control of the control section to perform the signal processing or amplification to meet the needs of the individua1.
Hearing aid progra-.-,ir.g systems have characteristically fallen into tt~o categor es: (a) programming systems that are utilized at the manufact~rer's plant or distribution center, or (b) programming systems thât are utilized at the point of dispensing the r.earing aid.
One type of progrc.T.~ins system for prosr2mmirg hearing aids are the s a-.d-alore progrcmmers that are self-contained and are desigr.ed to proJiGe the designed programming capabilities. ~Ya.,ples or the stand-aione program~,ers are the Sigm2 4000, availaDle ccm.merci2l1y from Unitron of :~itcheror, Onta~io, Canadâ, and t:~e Solo II aJaila~le commerci211y from dbc-miTco of Portsmouth, .~et~ -.'ampshire. I~ is apparelt that stand-alone prosra~mers are custom designed to provide the procrar~ing fur.ctions ~not;~n at the time. Stanc-alone programmers te-~ to be inflexirle and difficul'L to update and modify, thereb,~ raising the cost to stay currer.t. Further, such stand-alo-.e procrc.~mers are normally desicned for handling a limited nL-"ber o~ hearing aid types and lack versatility. Should t~ere ~e an error in the system that provides the procra~ c, such stand-alone systems tend to be difficult to repair or upgrcce.
2~ Another t~pe of prograrumirg syste~ is one in ~;hich the programmer is connected to other computing equip~,lent. An example of cable interconnection programming systems is the Hi Pro, available from M2cc,en of Copenhagen, Denmark. A system where multiple program.,irg units are connected via telephone lines to a central compLIter is desc~ibed in U.S. Patent NTo.
5,226,086 to J. C. Pla.t. Ar.other excmple of a programming system thzt allo~s intercharLseable prograrming systems driven by a personal compu~er is cescribed in U.S. Patent I~o.
5,144,674 to ~ eyer e~ al. Other U.S. patents that sugsest the use of s,o..e form of computing ~evice coupled to an external hearing aid p~ocraF~ming device are U.S. ~atent ~o.
4,425,481 to I~a!sgold et al.; U.S. Patent ~o. 5,226,086 to Platt; U.S. Pater.t ~o. 5,083,312 to Ne~ton et al.; and U.S.
PatentI~o. 4,'~'7,432 to TotholL. Proc,ram~lirg systems that are cable-cou~led or othe-~ise cGu31ed to supporting com utir,g equipment tend to be rela~ively expensive in that sucn progra~T~ing eaui~ment .m st have its o~n po~er supply, power cord, housing, and circuitry, t-,ereby making the hearing aid progra~mer large and rot as readily transportable as is desirable.
Yet arother type of hearing aid procrammer available in the prior art is a progrG~mer that is designed to install into and become part of a larcer computing syctem. Pn example of such a plug-in system is available~ commercially and is kno~n ~s the UX Solo available from dbc-mifco. Hearing aid progral~,ers of the type that plug into larcer computers are generally desig ed to be compatible with the expansion ports on a specific computer. ~ast systems have ~enerally been designed to pl~c into the bus structure known as the Industry Standard ~rch tecture ~ISA) which has primarily found application in computers available from IBM. The ISA
expansion bus is rot avcilable on many present-day hand-held or lap top computers. Further, plugging cards into avail2ble ISA expansion po ts recuires opening the computer cabinet 2nd appropri2tely installi?g the expansion card.
It can be seen then th2t the prior art systems do not readily provide for a he2ring aid program;ning system that can ~e easily affixed to 2 personal compute-~ such as a lap top computer or a h2rc'-held computer or rendering the entire programning syctem easily operable and easily trarsportable.
Further, the prior art systems tend to be relatively more expensive, arla are no~ cesicn.ed to allow mcdificaticn or enhan.ce-;,ent of he sof,~2re ~hile maintaining the simplicity of operation.
Summcry of the Invention Tr.e primary objective ol the invention in providirg a small, hichly trancport2ble, inexpensive, 2nd versatile system for progr2mming hearing aiàs is accomplished through the use of host computer means for providing at least one hearing aid program, where the host computer means includes at least one uniformly spec~fied expansion port for proviàing power 2~ circuits, cata circuits, and control circuits, and a pluggable card means coupled to the specified port for interacting t~ith the host computer means for controlling programming of at le2st one hearing aia, the programming system including coupling means for coupiing the card means to at least one hearing aid to be progra..~ed.
Another primary ob~ective of the in~ention is to utilize a standardized specification defining the port architecture for the host computer, i~rherein the hearing aid progra~ming system can utilize any hos~ computer that incorporates the standardized port archi~ecture. In this regard, the personal computer memor-y card intern2tior.al associ2tio.l (PCI'~CIA) specification for the port technologi~allot~,7s the host computer to be selected from lap ~op computers, notebook computers, or hard-held computers ~;here such PCI~CIA ports are available ~nd s~pported. ~ith the preser.t invention, it is no lor~er neeàed to provide general purpose computers, either at ~he location of the hearing health professional, or at the factory or distribution ce-.ter of .he mcr.uf2cturer of the hearing aic's to support the p-ocr2rLmir!s ~~nc~ion.
Another objective o~ the invention is to provide a highly portable system for proora~,irg he2ring aids to thereby allow ease of usage by he2ring health professiorals at the point of distribution of hearing aids to individuals requiring hearing aid support. mO this er.d, the progra~L~ing circuitry is fabric2ted on a Card that is plugs2ble to a PC'~CIA ~ocket in the host computer and is oper2ble from the power supplied by the host computer.
. _ Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved hearing aid programming system that utilizes standardized drivers wi~hin the host computer in this aspect of the invention, the ?CMCIA card means includes a card infor,~ation structure (CIS) that identifies the host computer of the identification cnd configuration requiremellts of the programming circuits on the card. In one embodiment, the CIS
identifies the PCl~CI~ Card as a serial port such that stand2rdized serial port drivers in the host cor.,puter can service the PCI~CIA Ca-c. In another embodiment, the CIS
identifies the PCI''CIA Card as a unique type of hearing aid progra~er carc such that the host computer ~Jould utilize drivers supplied specifically for use with that card. In another embodime;lt, the CIS identifies the PC~CIA Card 2S a ~.lemory card, thereby ir.dicating to the host computer tnat the memory card dri~ers till be utilized. Through the use of the standardized PC'~'CIA architecture ar.d drivers, the PCI~CIA Card can be utilizec ~'lith any host computer that is ad2pted to support the PC~'C-~A architecture.
Still another ob,ect of the invention is to provide a hearing aid procra~ming system that can be readily progr2~,hmed and in which the adjustment programs can be easily ~odified to correct errors. In or,e aspect of the invention, the progra~ming soft~.are is stored in the memory of a host computer and is available for ease of modification or debugging on the host computer. In operation, then, the programming soft~are is co~Jnloac'ed to the PCI~CIA Card ~hen the Card is inserted in the host computer. In another embodiment, the programming softwa~e is stored on the PCI~CI~ Card in nonvolatile storage ar.d is iFLmedi2tely available without do~nloadillg upon insertion of the Card. In this latter configuration arld emboci"ent, the nonvolatile storage means can be selected from va ious programm2ble devices that may be alterable by the host computer. In one arrangement, the nonvolatile storage device is electrically erasable programmcble recd-only memory (EEPROl~
Another objective of the in~;ention is to provide an improved hearirg aid progra~iig system ~herein the hearing aid prosr2,~ming circuit~y is rounted on a Card that meets the physical desicn s?ecifica~ions provided by PCMCIA. ~o this end, the Card is fa~riccteà to the specifications of ei~he-r a Type I Card, a ry?e II Card, or a Type III Card ceper.dins upon the physical size constraints of the components utilized.
Yet another obJective of the invention is to provide an improved hearing aid prosrc.~ir.g system wherein the type of hearing aid being prosra~.ed can be identified. In this embodiment, a coupling mea..s for coupling the hearing aid program~ming circuitry to the hearing aid or hearing aids being progra~med incluces cable means for c'etermining the type of hearing aid being progra~,Li,ed and for providing hearing aid identification signals to the host computer.
These and other more detailed and specific objectives and an understanding of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the foliowing Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment in view of the Dr~wings.
Brief Descri~tion of the Dra~Jinqs FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of an improved hearing aid programming system of this invention;
FIG. 2 is c perspective view of a lype I plug-in Card;
FIG. 3 is c perspec ive vie~ of a Type II plus-in Card;
FIG. 4 is G perspec.ive view of a Type III plug-in Card;
FIG. 5 is a àiagr2m -epresenting the PCI~CIA architecture;
~IG. 6 is 2 bloc'~ diagrcm illustrating the functional interrelationship of a ~os~ computer and the Card used for program,-ning he2ring aids; a-,d FIG. 7 is 2 functioral blocX diagr2ln of the hearing aid progrcmming Card.
Detailed 3escript on of the ~referred Embodiment It is gener211y ~no~n that 2 person's hearing loss is not normally uniforn over the entire frequency spectrum of hearing. For example, in ty~ical roise-induced hearing loss, th2t the hearing loss is creater at higher frequencies than at lo~er frequencies. The de~ree of hearing loss at various frequencies varies with individuals. The measurement of an individual's hearing ability can be illustrated by an audiogram. ~.n aud ologist, or other hearing health professionals, ~ill meas~re an individual's perceptive ability for differing sound frequencies and differing sound amplitudes. .~ plot o' the resulting information in an amplituce/frecuency diacram ~7ill graphically represent the individual's hecring a3ility, and t~ill thereby represent the individual's hearing loss as compared to an established rarge of normal heari!lg fo- inàivic'uals. In this regard, the audiogram represents c-aphically the particular auditory characteristics of the individual. Other types of mecsurer,ents relating to hearing deficier.cies may be made.
For example, s~eech recognition scores can be utilized. Tt is unc'~erstood tha~ t're auditory characteristics of an individual or other r,easured hearirg responses may be represented by cata that can be re?resented in various tabular forms as t~ell as in the graphical ~epresentation.
Basically a hearinc aid consists of a sound actuatable microphone for converting environmental sour.ds into an electrical sign2l. The electrical signal is supplied to an amplifier for providirg an amplified output signal. The amplified output signal is applied to a receiver that acts as a loudspeaker for converting the amplified electrical signal into sound that is transmitted to the individual's ear. The various kinds of hearing aids can be configured to be "completely in the can21" kno~n as the CIC type of hearing aid. Hearing ai~s can 21so be embodied in configurations such as "in the ear", "in the c2nal", "behind the ear", embodied in an eyeglass fra e, worn O?. t~.e ~ody, and surgically implanted.
Each of the ~7arious ty?es of hearing aids have differing functional and cesthetic characteristics.
Since individuals hGve differing hearing abilities with respect to each other, a-d oftentimes have differing hearing - abilities between the r aht cnd left ears, it is r.ormal to have some form of cii,ust..e,t to compensate for the characteristics of the he2rirg of the individual. It hcs been kr,o~.~n to provice cn ad,l~s_2ble filter for use in conjur.ctio~
with the 2..?1ifier for modifying the amplifi~ing characteristics of the ,.ecri:lg aid. ~72rious forms of physical adj-ustment for càJusting ~ari2ble resistors or ccpacitors have been used. Wit~ the 2C;~ en of ~:icrocircuitry, the 2bility to progr2m hearino aids h2s become ~ell-known. A programm2ble he2ring aid typically h2s a dioital control section and a signal processin.s section. The digital control section is adapted to store an auditory p2rameter, or a set of auditory parameters, which will control an 2spect or set of aspects of the amplifying characteris~ics, or other char~cteristics, of the hearing aid. The sign21 processing section of the hearing aid then ~lill operate in response to the control section to perform the Gct~al sigr.al processing, or amplification, i~
being understood that t:e sisnal processing may be digital or analog.
Numerous types of 3rogrcmmable hearing aids are known.
As such, details o, the specifics of programming functions ~ill not be cescribeà in detail. To accomplish the programming, it has been known to have the manufacturer establish a computer-bcced prosramming function at its factory or outlet centers. In ~his form of operation, the cetails of the individual's heari-g readings, such as the audiogram, are for~.7arded to the ma-u-acturer for use in making the programming adj-L;stments. Or.ce adjusted, the hearing aid or hearing aids are then sent to the intended user. Such an operzLion clearly suffe=s from the disadvantage of the loss of time in the trarlsmissicn of the infor]r~2tion and the return of the adjusted ~e2rir~g aid, as ~7ell as not being ~ble to provide inexpensive and ti~,ely adjustments with the individual user.
Such arrar.gements cha-ccteristically deal only -~ith the prosramming of ~he particular manufac-urer's he2ring aids, and are not readily adaptab'e for adjusting or progra~Lming various types of hearing aids.
Yet another type of prior art progra~ing system is -~tilized wherein the progra~ing system is located near the hearing health professional who ~ould like to program the hearing aid for patients. In such an arransement, it is common for each location to ha~e a general purpose computer especially proorammed to perform the programming function and provide it with 2n interf2ce unit hard-wired to the computer for providing the progrc.-.Lming function to the hearing aid. In this arrangement, the hearing professional enters the audiogram or other patient-related hearing information into the computer, and thereby allows the computer to calculate the auditory parameters that ~ill be optimal for the predetermined listening situations for the individual. The computer then directly progrcms the rearir.g aid. Such specific programming systems and harc-t.rlred i-terrelationship to the host computer are costly and co ot lend themselves to ease of altering the programming func~ions.
Other types of procrarLmiig systems ~iherein centralized host computers cre used to provide programminc 2ccess vi2 telepholle lines and the like are also known, ar,d suffer from many of the problems of cost, lcck of ease of usage, l~-c~ of fle~ibility in rep ogr2m~ming, and the li~e.
A number of these prior art programmable systems have been identified above, and their respective functionalities will not be further described in detail.
The system ard method OI programming hearing aids of the present invention provic'es a mechanism where all of the hearing aid procr2~ming system can be economically located at the office of ecch hearir.g health professional, thereby overcoming many of the cescribed deficiencies of prior art programming systems.
A group of computir.g devices, including 12p top comp~ters, notebook computers, hand-held computers, such as the APPLE~ NE~TON3, and the like, which can collectively be referenced as host com~puters are adapted to support the Personal Comp--ter Merory Card International Association Technoloc,-y, ard which is generally referred to as PC~'5CIA. In general, PCI~CI.~.provides one or more standardized ports in the host computer ~r.ere such ports are arranged to cooperate with associated PCI~'CIA PC cards, hereinafter referred to as "Cards". The Ccrc's are util-zed to provide various functions, 2nd the fun.ctio-l.21ity o~ PC~CIA will be described in more detail below. rre PCI~CI~ specification defines a standard for integr2ted ci-cuit Cards to be used to promote interchangeability among 2 Variety of computer ar.d electronic products. AtLention is given to low cost, ruggedness, low power consumpt on, light ~.~eicht, and port2bility of operation.
The speci~ic size of the various configurations of Cards will be described in more c'etail below, but in general, it is understood ~ha~ it will be compcrable in size to credit cards, thereby achievi.g the c021 of ease of handlir.g. Other goals of PC~CIA technolosy can be simply stated to require that (1) it must be si."ple to con'igure, and support multiple peripheral c'evices; ~2) it must be hardware and operating environment incependent; (3) installation must be flexible;
and (4) it ,"~st be inexpensive to support the various peripheral c'ievices. These goals and objectives of PCI~CIA
specification requirer!ents and available technology are consistent with the go21s of this invention of providing an improved highly portable, inexpensive, adaptable hearing aid progra~ming system. The PCI~CIA technology is expanding into personal computers and ~ork stations, and it is understood that ~here such ccpabili.y is present, the attributes of this invention are applicable. Various aspects of PCMCIA t~ill be described below at poin~s to render the cescription meaningful to the invention.
FIG. 1 is a pictorial vie~ of an improved he2ring aid prograr~ing sycte~ of .:~is invention. A host computer 10, ~~hich can be selected _rom c~ong lap top cGmputers; notebook computers; person21 ccm.;?-i-ters; ~or~ station computers; or the like, includes a body portion 12, a control keyboard portion 14, and a display portio-, i6. T.~;hile only one PCI~CIA port 18 is illustrated, it is u?.cerstood that such ports mcy occur in pairs. VarioLs types o_ host computers 10 are available comLmercially from various .-,,anufccturers, including, but not limited to, Internatic?.al Business I~achines and Apple Computer, I?.C. ~?other ~ype of host computer is the hand-held computer 20 such as the AP?LE~ NEWTOI~, or equivalent. The hand-held host 20 incl~ces a body portion 22, a screen portion 2~, a set of controls 26 ar,d a stylus 28. The stylus 28 operates as a ~ieans for pro~iding information to the hand-held host computer 20 by interaction ~Jith screen 24. A pair of PC~CIA ports 32 and 34 are illustrated aligned along one side 36 of the hano-held host computer 20. Again, it should be understood that more or fe~er PCI~CIA ports may be utilized.
Further, it will be uncerstood that it is possible for the PCI~CIA ports to be position in parallel and adjacent to one another as distir,guished rom the linear position illustrated.
A hand-held host computer is available from various sources, such as the Ne.~-ton model available from Apple Computer, Inc.
A PCI~CIA Card 40 h2s a first end 42 in t~.7hich a number of contacts 44 are ~ounteà. In the standard, the contacts 44 are arransed in t~o ?arallel rows and nu~,ber sixty-eight contacts.
The outer end 60 has a connector (not sho~n in this figure) to cooperate with .~ating connector 62. This interconnection provide signals to ard from hearing aids 64 and 66 via cable 68 which splits into cable ends 70 and 72. Cable portion 70 has connector 7~A affixec; thereto and adapted for cooperation witn ~Gck 76 in heari?.s aid 64. Similarly, cable 72 has connector 78 thct is acGpted for cooperation ~Jith jac~ 80 in hearing aid 66. This ccr.figuration allo~s for programming of hearing aid 64 and 66 in the ears of the individual to use them, it being urderstood that the cable interconnection may alternatively be a single cable for a single hearing aid or two separate cables ~~Jith t-~o separations to the Card 40.
It is appGrent tha~ card 40 and the various components are not shown i?. scale with one another, and that the dashed lines represer.t directions of interconr.ection. In this regard, a selection can be made between portable host 10 or hand-held host 20. If host 10 is selected, card 40 is moved in the direction of dashed lines 82 for insertion in PCI~CIA
slot 18. Alterratively, if a hand-held host 20 is to be used, Card 40 is moved 210ng dcshed lines 84 for insertion in PCI~CIA
slot 32. Connector 62 can be moved along dashed line 86 for mating with the connector (not shown) at end 60 of card 40.
Connector 74 can be ~,oved along line 88 for contacting jack 76, and connec.or 78 c2n be moved along dashed line 90 for contacting jac'~ 80. There are three standardized conficurations o Card 40 plus one nonstandard form that will not be describec.
FIG. 2 is 2 perspective view of a Type I plug-in Card.
The physical conficurztions and requirements of the various Card types are specified in the ~CI~CI.~ specification to assure por~abil-ty and consis~ency of operation. Type I Card 40I has a width ~il of 54 mil'imeters and a thickr,ess Ti of 3.3 millimeters. Gther elements illustrated bear the same reference nu.merals as in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a ?erspective view of a Type II plug-in Card.
Card 40II has a width .~72 of 54 millimeters and has a raised portion 100. I~-~h the ra-sed portion, the thickness T2 is 5.0 millimeters. 'he ~Jicth ~3 of raised porticn 100 is 48 millimeters. lhe purpose of raised portion 100 is to provide room for circuitry to be mounted on the surface 102 of card 40II.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a Type III plug-in Card.
Card 40III has a width W4 of 54 millimeters, and an overall thickness T3 of 10.5 miilimeters. Raised portion 104 has a width W5 of 51 millimeters, and with the additional depth above the upper surface 106 allows for even larser components to be mounted.
Type II Cards are the most prevalent in usage, and allo~
for the most flexibility in use in pairs with stacked PCI~CIA
ports.
The PCI~CI.~ slot i.-cludes t~To rows of 34 pins each. The connector on the Card is ad2pted to cooperate ~ith these pins.
There are three croupincs of pins that vary in length. This results in a sequence o~ operation as the Card is inserted into the slot. The lor.ses~ pins m~ke contact first, the intermedi2te lensth pir.s ma~e co~tcct second, and the shortest pins make ccntcct last. The sequencing of pin lengths allow the host syste~ to properly sequence ap~lication of power and sround to the Card. It is r.ot necessary for an understanding of the invention to consider the sequencing in det2il, it being automatically handled as the Card is inserted.
Functionally, the shortest pins are the card detect pins and are responsible for routir.g signals that inform software rur,ning on the host of the insertion or removal of a Card.
The shortest pins result in this operation occurring last, and 2~ functions only after the Card has been fully inserted. It is not necessary for an understanding of the invention that each -lB-pin and its function be considered in detail, it being understood that power and ground is provided from the host to the Card.
FIG. 5 is a diagr2m representing the PCMCIA architecture.
The PCMCIA architecture is ~Jell-defined and is substantially available on 2ny host cGmputer that is ad2pted to support the PCMCIA architecture. ~or purposes of understanding the invention, it is not r.ecessary that the intricate details of the PCMCIA architecture be c'efined hereln, since they are substantially available in the commercial marketplace. It is, ho~.Tever, desirable to -~nderst2nd some basic fundamentals of the PClvfCIA architecture in order to appreci2te the operation of the invention.
In general ~erms, the PCI'fCIA architecture defines various interfaces and services that 211O~~~T application soft~;are to confisure Card resources into the system for use by system-level utilities and ap~lications. The PC~CIA hard~T2re and related PC~ICIA han.dlers within the system function as enabling technologies for the Card.
Resources that are capable of being configured or mapped from the PCI-fCTA bus to the system bus are memory configurations, input/output (I/O) rGnses and Interrupt Request Lines (IRQs). 3etails concernin~ the PCI~fCIA
architecture c2n be derived from the specification available from PCI~CIA Co~T~,ittee, as ~.ell as various ven~ors that supply PC~lCIA components or soft~.Tare coT~mercially.
The PCl~CIA architecture involves a consideration of hardware 200 and layers of soft~Jare 202. I~ithin the hard~are consideration, Card 20~ is coupled to PCMCIA socket 206 and Card 208 is coupled to ?C~-CIA socket 210. Sockets 206 and 210 are coupled to the PCMCIA bus 212 which in turn is coupled to the PCMCIA controller 214. Controllers are provided comnercially by a number of vendors. The controller 214 is progra~med to carry out the functions of the PClYCIA
architecture, and respo cs to internal and external stimuli.
Controller 214 is coupled to the system bus 216. The system bus 216 is a set of electrical paths within a host computer over which control signals, address signals, and data signals are transmitte~. The control signals are the basis for the protocol established to place data signals on the bus and to read data sicnals from the bus. The address li es are controlled by ~Jarious cevices that are connected to the bus and are utilized to refer to particular memory locations or I/O locations. The data lines are used to pass actual data signals between devices.
The PCl~CIA bus 212 utilizes 26 address lines and 16 data lines.
Within the software 202 consideration, there are levels of software abstrcctions. The Socket Services 218 is the first level in the soft~.rare architecture and is responsible for software abstr2ction of the PCI~CIA sockets 206 and 210.
In general, Socket Services 218 will be applicable to a particular controller 214. In seneral, Socket Services 218 uses a register set (no~ sho~n) to pass arguments and return status. When interrup~s are processed t~Jith proper register settings, Sock~t Services gains control and attempts to perform functions specified at the Application Program Interfaces (API).
Card Services 220 is the next level of abstraction defined by PCMCIA and provides for PCI~CIA system initialization, central resource man2gement for PCI~ICIA, and APIs for C2rd configu ation and client management. Card Services is e~-ent-driven and notifies clients o~ hard~are events and responc's to client requests. Card Services 220 is also the manager ol reCou-ces 2vailable to PCMCIA clients aind is responsible for manasins c''ata and assignment of resources to a Card. Ccrd Serv ces assic,ns particular reso~rces tO
Cards on the condition that the C2rd Information Structure (CIS) indicates that they 2.e supported. Once resources are configured to 2 Card, the Card can be accessed as if it ~;ere a device in the system. Card Services has an array of Ap~lication Proc~am Interfaces to provide the various required _ functions.
Memory Technology Driver 1 (I~TD) 222, Memory Technology Driver 2, label 224, and ~eimory Technology Driver N, label 226, are h2r.dlers directly responsible for reading and ~Jriting of specific memory technology memory Cards. These include standard drivers and specially designed drivers if required.
Card Services 220 has a variety of clients such as File System I~emory clients 228 that deal with file system aware structures; Me~,ory Clients 230, Input/Output Clients 232; and Miscellaneous Clients 234.
FIG. 6 is a block. dizgram illustrating the functional interrelationship of a host computer and a Card used for programming hearing aids. A Host 236 has an Operating System 238. A Program l~emory 240 is available for storing the hearing aid programminc software. The PC~CIA block 242 10 indicates that the Host 236 sLpports the PCI'5CIA architecture.
A User Input 244 provides input control to Host 236 for selecting hearing aid prograriming functions and providing data input to ~ost 236. A DisplGy 246 provides output representations for visual observation. PCMCIA socket 2~8 15 cooperates ~ith PC~ICIA jack 250 mounted on Card 252.
On Card 252 there is a PCI~CIA Interface 254 that is coupled to jac~. 250 via lines 256, ~Jhere lines 256 include circuits for providing po-~er and sround connections from Host 236, and circuits for providing ac'dress signals, data signals, and control signals. The PCI~CIA Interface 254 includes the Card Information Structure (CIS) that is utilized for providing signals to Host 236 indicative of the nature of the Card and setting configuration parameters. The CIS contains information and data specific to the Card, and the components 2~ of information in CIS is comprised of tuples, ~Jhere each tuple is a segment of data structure that describes a specific aspect or configuration relative to the Card. It is this information that will cetermine whether the Card is to be treated as a standard serial data port, a standard memory card, a unique programmi-g card or the like. The combination of tuples is a metaformct.
A Microprocecsor shown within dashed block 260 includes a Processor Unit 262 that receives signals from PCMCIA
Interface 2S4 over lines 264 and provides signals to the Interface over lines 266. An onboard memory system 268 is proviced for use in storir,g program instructions. In the embodiment of t.e circuit, theI~Iemory 268 is a volatile static random access memory tSRP~) unit of lK capacity. A
NonvolatileI~e:~ory 370 s provided. The Nonvolatile Memory is 0.5;~ and is utilized to s~ore initialization instructions that are activated upcn insert on of Card 352 into socket 3~.8.
Tnis initialization soft~are is often referred to as 'boot-strap' softw2re in that the system is capable of pulling itself up into o?er2tion.
A second Memory System 272 is provided. This Memory is coupled to Processor Unit 262 for storage of hearing aid progra~ing soft~are during the hearing aid programming operation. In a preferred embodiment, l~emory 272 is a volatile SR~ h2ving a 32K capacity. During the initialization phases, the program~ing softw2re will be transmitted from the Procrrcm Memory 240 of Host 236 and do~nloaded through the PCMCIA interface 254. In an alternative embodi~ent,!-~emory System 272 can be a nonvolatile memory ~lith t~.e hearing aid programming soft~are stored therein. Such nonvolctile memory can be selected from available memory systems such as Read Only I~emory (~OM), Programmable Read Only I~emory (PROM), Erasable Programm2ble Read Only I~e.~ory (_?ROI~), or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Onl-y '~emory (~EPROI~). It is, of course, understood that Static Random Access I~emory (SRP~) memory systems normally do not hold or retain data stored therein when power is removed.
A Hearing.~id Inter ace 274 provides the selected signals over lines 274 to the ir.~erface connector 276. The Interface receives signals on lines 278 from the interface connector.
In ceneral, the ~earing Aid Interface 274 functiors uncer control of the ?rocessor unit 262 to select which r.earing aid will be progra~med, and to provice the digital to analog selections, and to provide the procrra~med impedance levels.
A jack 2&0 couples with connector 276 and provides electrical conrection over lires 282 to jack 284 that couples to hearing aid 286. In a similar manner, conductors 288 coupled to jack 290 for mGking electrical interconnection with hearing aid 292.
Assuming that Socket Services 218, Card Services 220 and appropriate drivers and handlers are appropriately loaded in the Xost 236, the hearing aid programming system is initialized by insertion of Card 252 into socket 248. The insertion processing involves application of power signals first since they are connected with the lon5est pins. The next longest pi~s cause the data, address and various control signals to be ~iade. -inally, when the card detect pin is connected, there is a Card status change interrupt. Once stabilized, Card Services queries the status of the PCI~CIA
slot through the Soc~et Services, and if the state has changed, further processing continues. At this juncture, Card Services notifies the I/O clients which in turn issues direction to Ccrd Services to read the Card's CIS. T~.e CIS
tuples are trarsmitted to Card Services and a determination is made as to the identification of the Card 252 and the configurations cpecified. Depending upon the combinat on of tuples, that is, the r.etaformat, the Card 252 will ~e identified to the Host 236 as a particular structure. In 2 preferred embocimen.t, Card 252 is identified as a serial memory port, thereby allot~ing Host 236 to treat with data transmissions to and from Card 252 on that basis. It is, of course, understood that Card 252 could be configured as a serial data Card, a Me"ory Card or a unique programming Card thereby altering the control and cor~unication between Host 236 and Card 252.
FI~. 7 is a functional bloc~ dia~ram of the hearing aid programming Card.
The PCl~CIA jack 250 is coupled to PC~CIA Interface 254 via PCI~CIA bus 256, and provides VCC power to the card via line 256-1. The I~Iicroprocessor 260 is coupled to the Program l~emory 272 via the Microprocessor Bus 260-1. A Reset Circuit 260-2 is coupled via line 260-3 to l~icroprocessor 260 and functions to reset the ~licroprocessor when po~er falls below predetermined limits. ' Crystal Oscillator 260-4 is coupled to Microprocessor 260 via line 260-5 and provides a predetermined operatior.al fre~uency signal for use by Microprocessor 260.
The Hearing Aid In.erface sho~Jn enclosed in dashed block 274 includes a ~i~ital to .~nalog Converter 274-1 that is coupled to a Reference Volt2se 274-2 via line 274-3. In a preferred embodiment, the Reference Volt2ge is established at 2.5 volts DC. Diaital ~o ~.nalog Converter 274-1 is coupled to ~icroprocessor 3us 260-1. The Digital to Analog Conver.er unctions to produce folr analog voltages urder control of the programming established oy the Microprocessor.
One of the four analog voltcses is provided on Line 274-5 to amplifier A~, labeled 274-6, which functions to convert 0 to reference voltase levels to 0 to 15 volt level signals. A
second voltage is provi~ed on line 274-7 to amplifier AR, labeled 274-8, ~~.hich prGvides a similar conversion of 0 volts to the referer.ce voltage signals to 0 volts to 15 volt signals. A third voltage is provided on line 274-9 to the amplifier BL, labeled 274-10, and on line 274-11 to amplifier B~, labeled 274-12. ~plifiers BL and B~ convert 0 volt signals to reference volt2ge signals to 0 volts to 15 volt signals and are used to supply po-~er to the hearing aid being adjusted. In this rega-d, zmplifier BL provides the voltage signals on line 278-3 to the Left hearing aid, and amplifier BR provides the selected volta~e level~signals on line 274-3 to the Right hearing aià.
An Analog Circuit Po~er Supply 274-13 provides predetermined po~.~er voltage levels to all analog circuits.
A pair of input Comparators CL labeled 274-14 and C~
labeled 274-15 are proviced to receive output signals from the respective hear ng aids. Comparator CL receives input signals from the Left hearing aid via line 278-4 and Comparator CR
receives input signals _rom the Right hearing aid via line 274-4. The fourth aralog ~-oltage from Digital to Analog Converter 274-1 is pro;ided on line 274-16 to Comp~rators CL
and CR.
A plurality of hearing aid program~ing circuit control lines pass fro~ l~icroprocescor 260 and to the I~Iicroprocessor via lines 274-17. The o-tput sign21s provided by comparators CL ard CR advice I~icroprocescor 260 of parameters concerning the CL and CR hearing aids respectively.
A ~ariable Impedarce A circuit and ~ariable Impedance B
circuit 274-20 each incluc,e a predetermined number of analog switches and a like n~mber of resistance elements. In a preferred embodiment as ~ill be described in more detail 2~ belo~, each O~r these circuits includes eight analog switches and eight resistors. The output from amplifier AL is provided to Variable Impedance A via line 274-21 and selection signals are provided via line 274-22. The combination of the voltase signal applied and the selection signals results in 2n output being provided to switch SW1 to provide the selected voltase level. In a similar mcr.ner, the output from Amplifier R is proviced on line 274-23 to Variable Impedance B 274-20, and with control signals on line 274-24, results in the selected voltage signals being cpplied to switch SW2.
Switches S-~1 and SW2 are analog switches and are essentially single pole double throw switches that are s-~itched under control or signals provided on line 274-25.
~hen the selection is to prosram the left hearing aid, switch S~1 will be in the posi.ion shown and the output signals from Va-iable Impeclance h will be provided on line 278-1 to LF
hearing aid. ~t the same time, the output from ~ariable Imped2nce B 274-20 will be proviced through switch Si~2 to line 278-2. When it is determined that the Right hearing aid is to be program~.ed, the control sicnals on line 27~-25 will cause switches S~1 and S-~2 to switch. This will result in the signal from Variable Impedance A to be provided on line 274-lj and the output from Variable Impedance 3 to be provided on line 27~-2 to the Right hearing aid.
With the circuit elements shown, the program that resides in Prosram I~emory 272 in conjunction ~ith the control of l~icroprocessor 260 will result in application of ~ata and control signals that will read information from Left and Right hearing aids, and will cause generation of the selection of application and the determination of levels of analog voltage signals that will be ap?lied selectively the Left and Right hearing aids. A more detailed circuit diagram of the functional elements will be set forth below.
It will be understGod that this disclosure, in many respects, is only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, material, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is as defined in the languase of the appended Claims.
Claims (34)
1. An improved hearing aid programming system comprising:
host computer means for providing at least one hearing aid program, said host computer means including at least one personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) defined port means for providing power circuits, data circuits, and control circuits;
PCMCIA card means coupled to said PCMCIA defined port means, for interacting with said host computer means for controlling programming of at least one hearing aid; and coupling means for coupling said PCMCIA hearing aid programming means to at least one hearing aid to be programmed.
host computer means for providing at least one hearing aid program, said host computer means including at least one personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) defined port means for providing power circuits, data circuits, and control circuits;
PCMCIA card means coupled to said PCMCIA defined port means, for interacting with said host computer means for controlling programming of at least one hearing aid; and coupling means for coupling said PCMCIA hearing aid programming means to at least one hearing aid to be programmed.
2. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 1, wherein said host computer means comprises a personal computer.
3. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 2, wherein said personal computer is a lap top computer.
4. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 2, wherein said personal computer is a hand-held computer.
5. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 2, wherein said PCMCIA card means is a PCMCIA defined card Type.
6. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 5, wherein said PCMCIA defined card Type is a Type I card.
7. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 5, wherein said PCMCIA defined card Type is a Type II card.
8. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 5, wherein said PCMCIA defined card Type is a Type III card.
9. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 1, wherein said PCMCIA card means includes card information structure (CIS) means for providing predetermined card identifications signals to said host computer means.
10. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 9, wherein said predetermined card identification signals identify the PCMCIA card means as a serial data transmission port.
11. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 9, wherein said predetermined card identification signals identify the PCMCIA card means as a memory card.
12. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 9, wherein said predetermined card identification signals identify the PCMCIA card means as a programming card.
13. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 9, wherein said PCMCIA card means includes:
volatile storage means for storing hearing aid programming software; and nonvolatile storage means for storing initialization software to cause said host computer means to download hearing aid programming software to said volatile storage means.
volatile storage means for storing hearing aid programming software; and nonvolatile storage means for storing initialization software to cause said host computer means to download hearing aid programming software to said volatile storage means.
14. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 9, wherein said PCMCIA cards means includes:
first nonvolatile storage means for storing hearing aid programming software; and second nonvolatile storage means for storing initialization software.
first nonvolatile storage means for storing hearing aid programming software; and second nonvolatile storage means for storing initialization software.
15. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 1, wherein said coupling means includes cable means for determining the type of hearing aid being programmed and for providing hearing aid identification signals to said host computer means.
16. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 2, wherein said host computer means comprises a hand-held computer.
17. For use with a host computer having a memory system for storing hearing aid programming software and operating system software, and at least one supported personal computer card international association (PCMCIA) defined port for providing power circuits, data circuits, and control circuits, a PCMCIA card comprising:
memory means for storing hearing aid programming software;
PCMCIA interface means coupled to the PCMCIA defined port for providing card information structure (CIS) signals indicative of the identification of the PCMCIA card and for providing interface control with the host computer;
microprocessor means coupled to said memory means and to said PCMCIA interface means for executing the hearing aid programming software; and hearing aid interface means coupled to said microprocessor means for providing programming signals, whereby a hearing aid coupled thereto can be programmed.
memory means for storing hearing aid programming software;
PCMCIA interface means coupled to the PCMCIA defined port for providing card information structure (CIS) signals indicative of the identification of the PCMCIA card and for providing interface control with the host computer;
microprocessor means coupled to said memory means and to said PCMCIA interface means for executing the hearing aid programming software; and hearing aid interface means coupled to said microprocessor means for providing programming signals, whereby a hearing aid coupled thereto can be programmed.
18. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 17, wherein said memory means is a nonvolatile storage system.
19. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 17, wherein said memory means is a volatile storage system.
20. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 19, and further including:
non volatile memory means coupled to said microprocessor means for storing initialization software to cause the host computer to download the hearing aid programming software to said memory means.
non volatile memory means coupled to said microprocessor means for storing initialization software to cause the host computer to download the hearing aid programming software to said memory means.
21. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 17, wherein the PCMCIA
card is a PCMCIA defined card Type.
card is a PCMCIA defined card Type.
22. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 18, wherein said PCMCIA
defined card Type is a Type I card.
defined card Type is a Type I card.
23. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 18, wherein said PCMCIA
defined card Type is a Type II card.
defined card Type is a Type II card.
24. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 18, wherein said PCMCIA
defined card Type is a Type III card.
defined card Type is a Type III card.
25. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 17, wherein said card identification signals identify the PCMCIA card as a serial data transmission port.
26. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 17, wherein said predetermined card identification signals identify the PCMCIA
card as a memory card.
card as a memory card.
27. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 17, wherein said card identification signals identify the PCMCIA card as a programming card.
28. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 17, and further including coupling means for coupling said hearing aid interface means to a hearing aid.
29. A PCMCIA card as in Claim 28, wherein said coupling means includes cable means for determining the type of hearing aid being programmed and for providing hearing aid identification signals to the host computer.
30. For use with a host computer having a PCMCIA port, a memory for storing programs, and operating with an operating system, a hearing programmer system comprising:
host interface means for providing communication with the PCMCIA port and for providing configuration control signals to the host computer for use by the operating system to verify the configuration and for receiving power and signals from the host computer;
processor means coupled to said host interface means for performing hearing aid programming functions;
initialization means coupled to processor means for causing said processor means to request downloading of the programming software from the host computer memory;
memory means coupled to said processor means for storing the programming software downloaded from the host computer;
hearing aid interface means coupled to said processor means for providing programming signals to a hearing aid to be programmed and for receiving control signals from a hearing aid to be programmed; and coupling means for coupling said hearing aid interface to a hearing aid to be programmed.
host interface means for providing communication with the PCMCIA port and for providing configuration control signals to the host computer for use by the operating system to verify the configuration and for receiving power and signals from the host computer;
processor means coupled to said host interface means for performing hearing aid programming functions;
initialization means coupled to processor means for causing said processor means to request downloading of the programming software from the host computer memory;
memory means coupled to said processor means for storing the programming software downloaded from the host computer;
hearing aid interface means coupled to said processor means for providing programming signals to a hearing aid to be programmed and for receiving control signals from a hearing aid to be programmed; and coupling means for coupling said hearing aid interface to a hearing aid to be programmed.
31. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 30, wherein said host interface means includes card information structure means for identifying the characteristics of the hearing aid programming system.
32. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 31, wherein said initialization means includes:
nonvolatile storage means for storing initialization instructions for controlling initialization of said processor means.
nonvolatile storage means for storing initialization instructions for controlling initialization of said processor means.
33. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 32, wherein said initialization instructions include instructions for responding to said processor means for downloading said programming software and for storing said programming software in said memory means.
34. A hearing aid programming system as in Claim 33 wherein said processor means retrieves said programming software from said memory means and executes said programming software.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US78232897A | 1997-01-13 | 1997-01-13 | |
| US08/782,328 | 1997-01-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2223660A1 true CA2223660A1 (en) | 1998-07-13 |
Family
ID=25125702
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002223660A Abandoned CA2223660A1 (en) | 1997-01-13 | 1997-12-04 | System for programming hearing aids |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (3) | US6424722B1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0853443A3 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2223660A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7903827B1 (en) | 2004-04-13 | 2011-03-08 | Sonic Innovations, Inc. | Hearing aid programming interface with configuration on demand |
Families Citing this family (50)
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-
1997
- 1997-07-18 US US08/896,484 patent/US6424722B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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- 1997-12-11 EP EP97403015A patent/EP0853443A3/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2002
- 2002-03-11 US US10/096,335 patent/US6888948B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2005
- 2005-01-14 US US11/036,197 patent/US7451256B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7903827B1 (en) | 2004-04-13 | 2011-03-08 | Sonic Innovations, Inc. | Hearing aid programming interface with configuration on demand |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0853443A2 (en) | 1998-07-15 |
| US6424722B1 (en) | 2002-07-23 |
| US20050196002A1 (en) | 2005-09-08 |
| US20020168075A1 (en) | 2002-11-14 |
| EP0853443A3 (en) | 2001-09-19 |
| US7451256B2 (en) | 2008-11-11 |
| US6888948B2 (en) | 2005-05-03 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |