Patents by Inventor Alfred Stirnemann
Alfred Stirnemann has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10987031Abstract: A method of performing real ear measurements by a measuring system is described herein. The measuring system comprises a probe element adapted to be inserted in the ear canal of an individual; a loudspeaker configured to deliver a sample sound signal to the ear canal; at least one microphone configured to detect a response to the sample sound signal, wherein the probe element is in acoustic communication with the loudspeaker and cooperates with the at least one microphone; and a signal processing unit for performing an acoustic measurement of a response to the sample sound signal, based on an electrical input signal from the microphone.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Stefan Pislak, Alfred Stirnemann, Michael Boretzki, Manfred Duerst, Harald Krueger, Ullrich Sigwanz, Martina Schuepbach-Wolf
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Publication number: 20190046089Abstract: A method of performing real ear measurements by a measuring system is described herein. The measuring system comprises a probe element adapted to be inserted in the ear canal of an individual; a loudspeaker configured to deliver a sample sound signal to the ear canal; at least one microphone configured to detect a response to the sample sound signal, wherein the probe element is in acoustic communication with the loudspeaker and cooperates with the at least one microphone; and a signal processing unit for performing an acoustic measurement of a response to the sample sound signal, based on an electrical input signal from the microphone.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2016Publication date: February 14, 2019Applicant: SONOVA AGInventors: Stefan Pislak, Alfred Stirnemann, Michael Boretzki, Manfred Duerst, Harald Krueger, Ullrich Sigwanz, Martina Schuepbach-Wolf
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Patent number: 9781523Abstract: A hearing instrument microphone device incudes at least two microphone sound ports (or sound inlets), a pressure difference microphone in communication with at least two of the sound ports and a pressure microphone in communication with at least one of the sound ports, wherein the acoustic centers of the pressure difference microphone and the pressure microphone essentially coincide.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Martin Kuster, Alfred Stirnemann, Axel Schlesinger
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Patent number: 9654884Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a method of fitting a hearing instrument to a user's ear is provided. The method comprises taking an impression of the user's ear canal and manufacturing, based on geometrical data of the impression, an earmold. In accordance with the aspect of the invention, the method comprises the further step of performing an acoustical measurement while the impression is being taken.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Roland Hug, Alfred Stirnemann, Christian Frei-Krumme, Daniel Probst, Hilmar Meier, Martin Roth, Markus Leuthold
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Publication number: 20160112814Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a method of fitting a hearing instrument to a user's ear is provided. The method comprises taking an impression of the user's ear canal and manufacturing, based on geometrical data of the impression, an earmold. In accordance with the aspect of the invention, the method comprises the further step of performing an acoustical measurement while the impression is being taken.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Roland Hug, Alfred STIRNEMANN, Christian FREI-KRUMME, Daniel PROBST, Hilmar MEIER, Martin ROTH, Markus LEUTHOLD
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Patent number: 9319814Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fitting a hearing aid device (3) that includes a part which is arranged in the ear canal (2) of a user (31).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Sonova AGInventors: Thomas Zurbruegg, Alfred Stirnemann, Stefan Launer
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Patent number: 9271666Abstract: A method of estimating an acoustic transfer quantity representative of a sound pressure transfer to the eardrum includes the steps of measuring, by an ear canal microphone of the hearing instrument, an acoustic signal in the ear canal when a sound signal is emitted into the ear canal by a receiver of the hearing instrument, the ear canal microphone being in acoustic communication with the ear canal, determining, from the acoustic signal and from a frequency dependent reference characteristics of the hearing instrument, an ear canal impedance, and, calculating, from the ear canal impedance, an estimate of the acoustic transfer quantity.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: SONOVA AGInventor: Alfred Stirnemann
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Patent number: 9232318Abstract: The present invention relates to a hearing device comprising a microphone (1) wherein the microphone (1) comprises a first opening (8), a second opening (9) and at least three compartments (2, 3, 4), a first membrane (6) being arranged between the first and the second compartment (2; 3) and a second membrane (7;) at least partly covering the third compartment (4), wherein the second and the third compartments (3, 4) are connected in communicative manner via a canal (11).Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: SONOVA AGInventor: Alfred Stirnemann
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Publication number: 20140321657Abstract: A method of estimating an acoustic transfer quantity representative of a sound pressure transfer to the eardrum includes the steps of measuring, by an ear canal microphone of the hearing instrument, an acoustic signal in the ear canal when a sound signal is emitted into the ear canal by a receiver of the hearing instrument, the ear canal microphone being in acoustic communication with the ear canal, determining, from the acoustic signal and from a frequency dependent reference characteristics of the hearing instrument, an ear canal impedance, and, calculating, from the ear canal impedance, an estimate of the acoustic transfer quantity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: PHONAK AGInventor: Alfred Stirnemann
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Publication number: 20140079260Abstract: A hearing instrument microphone device includes at least two microphone sound ports (or sound inlets), a pressure difference microphone in communication with at least two of the sound ports and a pressure microphone in communication with at least one of the sound ports, wherein the acoustic centers of the pressure difference microphone and the pressure microphone essentially coincide.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2011Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: PHONAK AGInventors: Martin Kuster, Alfred Stirnemann, Axel Schlesinger
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Publication number: 20130243209Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fitting a hearing aid device (3) that includes a part which is arranged in the ear canal (2) of a user (31).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Phonak AGInventors: Thomas Zurbruegg, Alfred Stirnemann, Stefan Launer
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Publication number: 20130230199Abstract: The present invention relates to a hearing device comprising a microphone (1) wherein the microphone (1) comprises a first opening (8), a second opening (9) and at least three compartments (2, 3, 4), a first membrane (6) being arranged between the first and the second compartment (2; 3) and a second membrane (7;) at least partly covering the third compartment (4), wherein the second and the third compartments (3, 4) are connected in communicative manner via a canal (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2010Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: PHONAK AGInventor: Alfred Stirnemann
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Patent number: 8045737Abstract: According to the invention, a real ear acoustic coupling quantity representative of the acoustic coupling of a hearing instrument to the user's ear or an anatomical transfer quantity—for example the Real-Ear-to-Coupler-Difference (RECD), the Microphone Location Effect (MLE), the Coupler Response for Flat Insertion Gain (CORFIG), and/or the Real Ear Open Gain (REOG)—is obtained from a transfer function representative of an acoustic transfer from the receiver to the outer microphone such as a signal feedback threshold gain. The obtained quantity may be used for setting a fitting parameter of the hearing instrument, for example a gain correction.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Phonak AGInventor: Alfred Stirnemann
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Patent number: 8014548Abstract: A hearing instrument in accordance with the invention comprises an in-the-ear-canal component to be worn at least partially in the ear of a user. When the hearing instrument is worn, a remaining volume between the in-the-ear-canal component and the user's eardrum is defined. The hearing instrument includes at least one first microphone operable to convert an acoustic input signal incident on the hearing instrument into an electrical input signal, signal processing means operable to convert the electrical input signal into an electrical output signal on a signal path, and an electrical-to-acoustic converter (a receiver or a plurality of receivers with potentially different frequency characteristics). Between the remaining volume and surrounding atmosphere, a duct (such as a vent) is defined. A second receiver is in operative communication with the duct, i.e. an output directly opens out into the duct or to a sound conductor opening out into the duct.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Phonak AGInventors: Alfred Stirnemann, Herbert Bächler
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Patent number: 7949145Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing input parameters for the fitting process of individually shaped or customized hearing devices by storing geometry data during the manufacturing process into data storage and selectively reading out data from this data storage during the manufacturing and/or fitting process of the hearing device. To improve the quality and to reduce the time required for the fitting process, all the data available from the manufacturing process, e.g. the geometry data, may be used during the final fitting process at the dispenser's office.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Phonak AGInventors: Herbert Bachler, Christoph Widmer, Alfred Stirnemann
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Patent number: 7933419Abstract: The hearing device is operable in a fitting mode and in a listening mode and comprises a transducer for receiving, in the fitting mode, audio test signals, and for converting the audio test signals into signals to be perceived by the user in the fitting mode. It comprises a parameter memory means for storing parameter settings, which parameter settings are obtained from user input received through a user interface in response to the signals perceived by the user in the fitting mode. And it comprises a signal processor using the parameter settings for correcting audio signals at least in the listening mode. The user interface is comprised in the hearing device and the hearing device comprises an audio signal source, in which audio signal source the audio test signals are stored or generated.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Phonak AGInventors: Hans-Ueli Roeck, Alfred Stirnemann, Hans Leysieffer
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Patent number: 7398166Abstract: A probe located in an area to be measured has an acoustic stimulator, (e.g., a loudspeaker and a microphone). The stimulator sends acoustic signals to the microphone where the signals are transformed into electrical signals and transferred to an analysis unit. Using a defined stimulation followed by a two-port chain transfer matrix connected to an impedance as a model, the voltage ratio between the stimulation and the impedance is described as a dimensionless transfer function of a complex function of the stimulation frequency. A series of acoustic calibration signals are generated by known acoustic impedances covering different calibration scopes using the stimulation. The calibration signals are recorded and the electric values are merged with the respective voltage values of the stimulation for evaluation of the respective transfer functions which are merged together into an over-determined linear system of equations. The impedance is determined by evaluating the transfer functions.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Phonak AGInventor: Alfred Stirnemann
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Patent number: 7397925Abstract: A hearing device has an acoustical/electrical input converter, and electrical/mechanical output converter, and a digital signal processing unit connected between the input converter and output converter. The device is adapted to a specific ear of a specific individual. The signal processing unit is controllable in at least two operating modes. In a first mode, the device is substantially acoustically transparent. The processing unit is controlled in the first mode by a dedicated program module independent of any further program module for any other operating mode. Alternatively the processing unit is controlled in the first mode by a program operating in the first mode controlled by a dedicated set of parameters independent of any further set of parameters for any other operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Phonak AGInventors: Alfred Stirnemann, Hilmar Meier
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Publication number: 20080144868Abstract: A hearing instrument in accordance with the invention comprises an in-the-ear-canal component to be worn at least partially in the ear of a user. When the hearing instrument is worn, a remaining volume between the in-the-ear-canal component and the user's eardrum is defined. The hearing instrument includes at least one first microphone operable to convert an acoustic input signal incident on the hearing instrument into an electrical input signal, signal processing means operable to convert the electrical input signal into an electrical output signal on a signal path, and an electrical-to-acoustic converter (a receiver or a plurality of receivers with potentially different frequency characteristics). Between the remaining volume and surrounding atmosphere, a duct (such as a vent) is defined. A second receiver is in operative communication with the duct, i.e. an output directly opens out into the duct or to a sound conductor opening out into the duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: Phonak AGInventors: Alfred Stirnemann, Herbert Bachler
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Publication number: 20070217639Abstract: According to the invention, a real ear acoustic coupling quantity representative of the acoustic coupling of a hearing instrument to the user's ear or an anatomical transfer quantity—for example the Real-Ear-to-Coupler-Difference (RECD), the Microphone Location Effect (MLE), the Coupler Response for Flat Insertion Gain (CORFIG), and/or the Real Ear Open Gain (REOG)—is obtained from a transfer function representative of an acoustic transfer from the receiver to the outer microphone such as a signal feedback threshold gain. The obtained quantity may be used for setting a fitting parameter of the hearing instrument, for example a gain correction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2006Publication date: September 20, 2007Applicant: Phonak AGInventor: Alfred Stirnemann