Abstract:
An acoustical module including a receiver unit for generating audio sound, microphone units for receiving acoustical pressure signals, and acoustical pressure pick-up points. Each of the acoustical pressure pick-up points is acoustically connected to a microphone unit. The module further includes an acoustical filter for attenuating acoustical pressure signals from a first acoustical pressure pick-up point relative to a second acoustical pressure pick-up point. The invention further relates to a hearing device comprising an acoustical module.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an acoustical module configured to separate sound pressure signals from external sources. In particular, the present invention relates to an acoustical module where the influence of self-generated signals is attenuated. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various arrangements involving two sound detectors have been suggested over the years. 
     An example is U.S. Pat. No. 8,259,976 where an assembly comprising a sound emitter and at least two sound detectors fixed to each other is disclosed. Each detector has a sound receiving opening. The sound receiving openings of at least two of the detectors point in opposite directions. However, there is in U.S. Pat. No. 8,259,976 no disclosure of a feedback suppression algorithm for reducing the influence of self-generated signals, such as acoustic signals and vibration signals. 
     It may be seen as an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an acoustical module where the influence of self-generated signals is attenuated. Such self-generated signals may involve acoustical signals and vibration signals. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The above-mentioned object is complied with by providing, in a first aspect, an acoustical module comprising 
     a receiver unit for generating audio sound, 
     a plurality of microphone units for receiving acoustical pressure signals, 
     a plurality of acoustical pressure pick-up points, each of said acoustical pressure pick-up points being acoustically connected to a microphone unit, and 
     an acoustical filter for attenuating an acoustical pressure signal arriving at a first acoustical pressure pick-up point relative to a second acoustical pressure pick-up point. 
     The acoustical module of the present invention is thus adapted to receive incoming acoustical pressure signals via a plurality of microphone units and regenerate the received signal via the receiver unit. The acoustical module of the present invention may be applicable in relation to hearing devices, such as various types of hearing aids. 
     In the present content pressure pick-up points are to be understood as openings and/or holes through which incoming acoustical pressure signals are allowed to enter the acoustical module. In order to convert the incoming acoustical pressure signals to electrical signals at least one microphone unit may be acoustically connected to each of the pressure pick-up points. 
     In the present content acoustical pressure signals are to be understood as acoustical sound/audio signals representing for example speech, music etc. 
     The receiver unit may comprise a single receiver or a plurality of receivers. In case of a single receiver a single acoustical signal and a signal vibration signal is generated. A plurality of receivers may collectively generate both acoustical signals and vibration signals. The contribution of all receivers may be combined into a total acoustic signal and a total vibration signal. 
     The acoustical filter may advantageously be positioned between the first and the second acoustical pressure pick-up points. In this manner an incoming acoustical signal may be attenuated upon passing the acoustical filter so that the acoustical pressure pick-up points receive an incoming acoustical signal with different strengths. 
     In view of the remarks set forth above a first microphone unit may be acoustically connected to the first acoustical pressure pick-up point, and a second microphone unit may be acoustically connected to the second acoustical pressure pick-up point. 
     The acoustical filter may form a dome shaped structure or at least a part of a dome shaped structure. Alternatively, it may be attached to a dome shaped structure. Dome shaped structures may exhibit additional properties in relation to the acoustical module. Such additional properties may include proper fixation of the acoustical module in an ear channel. Along this line the acoustical filter may form part of, or being attached to, an element which is adapted to support fixation of the acoustical module in an ear channel. 
     The acoustical module may further comprise one or more additional domes or elements for additional support of the fixation of the acoustical module in the ear channel. 
     The acoustical module may further comprise an additional acoustical filter and a third acoustical pressure pick-up point being acoustically connected to a microphone unit. In this embodiment the additional acoustical filter may either be positioned between the second and the third acoustical pressure pick-up points or between the first and second pressure pick-up points. Additionally, acoustical filters can be placed between all off the pressure pick-up points. By applying more than two acoustical pressure pick-up points the suppression of the unwanted signals can be further improved. In addition, the reconstruction of the head-related transfer function (HRTF) could be at least partly achieved which is otherwise lost due to the fact that the microphone units are not at the exact position of the ear drum. Finally, additional acoustical pressure pick-up points may also be used to generate another desired directionality of the acoustical module. The additional acoustical filter may form part of a dome shaped structure or it may be attached to a dome shaped structure being shaped in a manner so that it supports fixation of the acoustical module in an ear channel. 
     The plurality of microphone units may comprise omni directional microphone units and/or directional microphone units. 
     A sleeve may be provided to ease fixation of a dome to the exterior of the acoustical module. As already stated the dome may either comprise or have an acoustical filter attached thereto. The sleeve may be manufactured using an injection mouldable material, such as a polymer material. Preferably, the sleeve and the dome form a one-piece component. 
     The acoustical module may further comprise a protection arrangement for preventing dust or other impurities to enter the plurality of acoustical pressure pick-up points. The protection arrangement may comprise a number of barrier structures being either secured to or forming part of the sleeve. 
     In a second aspect the present invention relates to a hearing device comprising an acoustical module according to the first aspect. The hearing device may comprise a hearing aid of any type, including in-the-channel (ITC) type hearing aids. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will now be described in further details with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein 
         FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of an acoustical module having two acoustical pressure pick-up points and an acoustical filter realized by means of a dome positioned therebetween, 
         FIG. 2  shows an acoustical module having three acoustical pressure pick-up points and two acoustical filters by means of domes positioned therebetween, 
         FIG. 3  shows a second embodiment of an acoustical module having two acoustical pressure pick-up points and an acoustical filter by means of a dome positioned therebetween, 
         FIG. 4  shows an acoustical module having two acoustical pressure pick-up points and an acoustical dome positioned therebetween, the acoustical filter by means of a dome being secured to a sleeve of a first type, 
         FIG. 5  shows an acoustical module having two acoustical pressure pick-up points and an acoustical filter by means of a dome positioned therebetween, the dome being secured to a sleeve of a second type, 
         FIG. 6  shows an acoustical module having two protected acoustical pressure pick-up points and an acoustical filter by means of a dome positioned therebetween, the dome being secured to a sleeve of a second type, and 
         FIG. 7  shows an acoustical module having two acoustical pressure pick-up points, an acoustical filter by means of a dome positioned therebetween, the dome being secured to a sleeve of a first type, and a locking mechanism. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms specific embodiments have been shown by way of examples in the drawings and will be described in details herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In its most general aspect the present invention relates to an acoustical module being capable of suppressing self-generated acoustical signal and self-generated vibrations. In its most simple implementation the acoustical module comprises a sound generating receiver and two acoustical pressure pick-up points where acoustical sound is allowed to enter the module. One or more acoustical filters are provided between the acoustical pressure pick-up points. 
     Each of the two acoustical pressure pick-up points picks up the following signals: 
     1) external sound, i.e. the signal to be detected 
     2) self-generated acoustical sound 
     3) self-generated vibration signal 
     The acoustical module of the present invention is adapted to be positioned inside the ear channel. In this position the two acoustical pressure pick-up points form an outer pick-up point, A, and an inner pick-up point, B. 
     As stated above each of the two acoustical pressure pick-up points will pick up a self-generated acoustical receiver signal, S Rec,acc , a self-generated vibration receiver signal, S Rec,vib , and the external acoustical sound, S Ext . This may be expressed as follows:
 
 S   MicA   =S   Rec,acc   A   +S   Rec,vib   A   +S   Ext   A   (1)
 
 S   MicB   =S   Rec.acc   B   +S   Rec.vib   B   +S   Ext   B   (2)
 
     where S MicA  and S MicB  are microphone signals being acoustically connected to the acoustical pressure pick-up points A and B, respectively. 
     Since the two contributions of the receiver (S Rec,acc  and S Rec,vib ) are generated by the same source they are highly correlated, and may therefore be combined into one source (eq. (3) and (4))
 
 S   Rec   A   =S   Rec,acc   A   +S   Rec,vib   A   (3)
 
 S   Rec   B   =S   Rec,acc   B   +S   Rec,vib   B   (4)
 
     which when substituted into eq. (1) and (2) yields
 
 S   MicA   =S   Rec   A   +S   Ext   A   (5)
 
 S   MicB   =S   Rec   B   +S   Ext   B   (6)
 
     The ratio between the total contributions from the receivers 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     δ 
                     Rec 
                     
                       A 
                       - 
                       B 
                     
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       S 
                       Rec 
                       A 
                     
                     
                       S 
                       Rec 
                       B 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   7 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     can be assumed as being frequency dependent, but constant over time. Moreover, the influence of the external acoustic scenery is minimized by the fact, that the acoustical module is placed inside the ear channel. 
     By knowing the ratio δ Rec   A-B  for the acoustical module in a given wearing position, an artificial microphone signal can be calculated from two acoustical pressure pick-up points, which does not contain a self-generated component originating from the receiver.
 
 S   Mic   art   =S   A −δ Rec   A-B   ·S   B   (8)
 
     By applying eq. (5), this can be rewritten as:
 
 S   Mic   art   =S   Ext   A −δ Rec   A-B   S   Ext   B   (9)
 
     Similarly, by knowing the ratio 
                     δ   ext     B   -   A       =       S   Ext   B       S   Ext   A                               
in which external sound is picked up by the module in a given wearing position, the sensitivity of the artificial microphone signal S Mic   art  can be compared to the external sound sources of a single microphone.
 
 S   Mic   art   =S   Ext   A (1−δ Rec   A-B δ Ext   B-A )  (10)
 
     Since the noise of the microphones can be assumed as being non-correlated, the total noise of the artificial microphone can be assumed as:
 
 N   Mic   art =√{square root over (( N   MicA ) 2 +(δ Rec   A-B   ·N   MicB ) 2 )}  (11)
 
     Under the assumption that two identical microphones are used in relation to acoustical pressure pick-up points A and B, the total noise can be assumed as:
 
 N   Mic   art   =N   Mic √{square root over (1+(δ Rec   A-B ) 2 )}  (12)
 
     The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a single microphone being acoustically connected to pressure pick-up point A, without considering the acoustical and vibration feedback signals of the receiver, would be: 
                     SNR   Mic   A     =       S   Ext   A       N   Mic               (   13   )               
The SNR of the artificial microphone would be:
 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     SNR 
                     Mic 
                     art 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       
                         S 
                         Ext 
                         A 
                       
                       
                         N 
                         Mic 
                       
                     
                     · 
                     
                       
                         ( 
                         
                           1 
                           - 
                           
                             
                               δ 
                               Rec 
                               
                                 A 
                                 - 
                                 B 
                               
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             
                               δ 
                               Ext 
                               
                                 B 
                                 - 
                                 A 
                               
                             
                           
                         
                         ) 
                       
                       
                         
                           1 
                           + 
                           
                             
                               ( 
                               
                                 δ 
                                 Rec 
                                 
                                   A 
                                   - 
                                   B 
                                 
                               
                               ) 
                             
                             2 
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   14 
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     The SNR of the acoustical module can be optimized by adding a filtering element, which reduces the external sound signal in pressure pick-up point B relative to pressure pick-up point A, whereby minimizing the term δ Ext   B-A  as well as the SNR of the artificial microphone. 
     Moreover, by applying more than two acoustical pressure pick-up points the robustness of the suppression of the receiver signals (S Rec,acc  and S Rec,vib ) can be further improved. In addition, the reconstruction of the HRTF could be at least partly achieved, which is partially lost due to the fact that the microphones are not at the exact position of the ear drum. Additional acoustical pressure pick-up points could also be used to generate another desired directionality of the acoustical module. 
     As stated above the SNR of the acoustical module can be improved by adding a damping and/or a filtering element between the acoustical pressure pick-up points A and B in order to reduce the external sound signal in pressure pick-up point B relative to pressure pick-up point A. 
     A suitable filtering element may be implemented as a dome as already used in today&#39;s receiver-in-channel (RIC) hearing aids to hold the receiver in place. Alternatively, any other acoustic sealing/filtering element or another support element to hold the acoustic module in a certain position relative to the ear canal may be applied as a filter. This type of dome may be seen as a passive acoustic element. The dome provides an acoustic resistance, a mass and a compliance which is mainly defined by the leakage around the dome and through-going openings/holes in the dome. The openings/holes can be designed in such a way, that a wanted combined resistance/mass/compliance is achieved. The created effective acoustic filter is defined by these values and the surrounding acoustic environment. 
     By adding an acoustic filtering element, such as a dome, between two acoustical pick-up points a beneficial change in signal attenuation between the two pick-up points can be achieved. Moreover, the influence of self-generated acoustic and vibration feedback signals can be suppressed by proper signal processing. 
     In the following various embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  an embodiment  100  of the present invention is depicted. As seen the acoustical module  101  comprises two acoustical pressure pick-up points  102 ,  103  for receiving incoming sound from the outer ear  108 . The acoustical module is positioned in the ear channel  107  with a sound generating receiver  104  facing the eardrum (not shown). A pair or dome shaped acoustical filters  105 ,  106  improve the wearing comfort of the acoustical module while being positioned in the ear channel  107 . The dome  106  forms an acoustical filter between acoustical pressure pick-up point  102  and  103  so that acoustical sound arriving from the outer ear  108  is attenuated before arriving at pressure pick-up point  103 . Thus, the acoustical sound signal reaching pressure pick-up point  103  is attenuated relative to the acoustical sound pressure reaching pressure pick-up point  102 . By applying the above-mentioned signal processing algorithm the influence of self-generated acoustical signals as well as self-generated vibration signals can be attenuated. 
     The acoustical module depicted further comprises an arrangement of microphone units (not shown) being acoustically connected to the acoustical pressure pick-up points  102 ,  103 . The microphone units applied may be omni directional and/or directional microphones in suitable combinations. Also, microphone modules comprising for example two microphone units and a common back volume are applicable as well. 
     Several advantages are associated with the arrangement depicted in  FIG. 1 . Firstly, the wearing comfort and/or the retention force of the acoustical module are both improved. The reason for this being that two domes leads to an increase of the surface touching the ear channel. This increased surface area can either be used to reduce the local contact pressure while keeping the retention force at the same level as with a single dome, or to increase the retention force without increasing the contact pressure. Secondly, the stable positioning of the acoustical pressure pick-up points relative to the ear channel prevents blockage of the pick-up points. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2  another embodiment  200  of the present invention is depicted. As seen the acoustical module  201  comprises three acoustical pressure pick-up points  202 ,  203 ,  204  for receiving incoming sound from the outer ear  210 . The acoustical module is positioned in the ear channel  209  with a sound generating receiver  205  facing the eardrum (not shown). Three dome shaped acoustical filters  206 ,  207 ,  208  improve the wearing comfort of the acoustical module while being positioned in the ear channel  209 . The domes  207 ,  208  form acoustical filters between acoustical pressure pick-up point  203 ,  204  and  202 ,  203 , respectively. This ensures that acoustical sound arriving from the outer ear  210  is attenuated before arriving at pressure pick-up points  203  and  204 . By applying the above-mentioned signal processing algorithm the influence of self-generated acoustical signals as well as self-generated vibration signals can be attenuated. Moreover, by applying a third acoustical pressure pick-up point the robustness of the suppression of the receiver signals (S Rec,acc  and S Rec,vib ) can be further improved, cf. the above algorithm. In addition, the reconstruction of the HRTF could be at least partly achieved. 
     Similar to  FIG. 1  the acoustical module depicted in  FIG. 2  further comprises an arrangement of microphone units (not shown) being acoustically connected to the acoustical pressure pick-up points  202 ,  203 ,  204 . As already addressed the microphone units applied may be omni directional and/or directional microphones in suitable combinations. Also, microphone modules comprising for example two microphone units and a common back volume are applicable as well. 
       FIG. 3  shows a simple embodiment  300  of the present invention. As seen the acoustical module  301  comprises two acoustical pressure pick-up points  302 ,  303  for receiving incoming sound from the outer ear  307 . The acoustical module is positioned in the ear channel  306  with a sound generating receiver  304  facing the eardrum (not shown). A dome shaped acoustical filter  305  is positioned between acoustical pressure pick-up point  302  and  303  so that acoustical sound arriving from the outer ear  307  is attenuated before arriving at pressure pick-up point  303 . Thus, the acoustical sound signal reaching pressure pick-up point  303  is attenuated relative to the acoustical sound pressure reaching pressure pick-up point  302 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  an embodiment  400  of the present invention is depicted. As seen the acoustical module  401  comprises two acoustical pressure pick-up points  402 ,  403  for receiving incoming sound from the outer ear  408 . The acoustical module is positioned in the ear channel  407  with a sound generating receiver  404  facing the eardrum (not shown). A pair or dome shaped acoustical filters  405 ,  406  improve the wearing comfort of the acoustical module while being positioned in the ear channel  407 . The dome  406  forms an acoustical filter between acoustical pressure pick-up point  402  and  403  so that acoustical sound arriving from the outer ear  408  is attenuated before arriving at pressure pick-up point  403 . By applying the above-mentioned signal processing algorithm the influence of self-generated acoustical signals as well as self-generated vibration signals can be attenuated. 
     The dome  406  is attached to or integrated with the sleeve  409  which is dimensioned to match the outer dimension of the acoustical module  401 . The sleeve  409  makes it easier to mount the dome  406  to the acoustical module  401 . Preferably, the sleeve  409  is manufactured by a flexible/elastic material so that it may be kept in position relative to the acoustical module  401  by contractive forces. Also, the dome  406  and the sleeve  409  are preferable made as an integrated component, i.e. a one-piece component. 
     In the embodiment  500  depicted in  FIG. 5  the length of the sleeve  509  has been increased so that it now surrounds the two acoustical pressure pick-up points  502 ,  503  of the acoustical module  501 . Similar to the previous figures the acoustical module of  FIG. 5  is positioned in an ear channel  507  with a sound generating receiver  504  facing the eardrum (not shown). Again, a pair or dome shaped acoustical filters  505 ,  506  improve the wearing comfort of the acoustical module while being positioned in the ear channel  507 . The dome  506  forms an acoustical filter between acoustical pressure pick-up point  502  and  503  so that acoustical sound arriving from the outer ear  508  is attenuated before arriving at pressure pick-up point  503 . As previously stated, by applying the above-mentioned signal processing algorithm the influence of self-generated acoustical signals as well as self-generated vibration signals can be attenuated. 
     In  FIG. 6  protection grids have been arranged in front of the two acoustical pressure pick-up points  602 ,  603 . The protection grids may be separate grids or they may form an integral part of the sleeve  609 . Otherwise the embodiment  600  of  FIG. 6  is similar to that of  FIG. 5  thus comprising an acoustical module  601  having domes  605  and  606  attached thereto—the latter via the sleeve  609 . A sound generating receiver  604  faces the eardrum of the ear channel  607  which terminates at the outer ear  608 . 
     The embodiment  700  shown in  FIG. 7  has an integrated sports lock  710 . Otherwise it us similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  thus comprising an acoustical module  701  comprises two acoustical pressure pick-up points  702 ,  703  for receiving incoming sound from the outer ear  708 . The acoustical module is positioned in the ear channel  707  with a sound generating receiver  704  facing the eardrum (not shown). The two dome shaped acoustical filters  705 ,  706  improve the wearing comfort while being positioned in the ear channel  707 . The dome  706  forms an acoustical filter between acoustical pressure pick-up point  702  and  703 . By applying the above-mentioned signal processing algorithm the influence of self-generated acoustical signals as well as self-generated vibration signals can be attenuated. The implementation of the dome  706 /sleeve  709  is disclosed in detail in relation to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In the above embodiment the domes  105 ,  206 ,  405 ,  505 ,  605  and  705  have been disclosed as acoustical filters. However, this may necessary not be the case in that these domes have the primary purpose of supporting the acoustical module.