Patents by Inventor Michael Boretzki

Michael Boretzki 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).

  • Publication number: 20150327797
    Abstract: A method includes: a first test including adjustment by the patient of the sound pressure level of an audio stimulus to a specified hearing perception level and selection of the corresponding sound pressure level, thereby generating a first test result corresponding to the value of the sound pressure level selected by the patient; a second test including adjustment by the patient of the sound pressure level of the audio stimulus to the same specified hearing perception level and selection of the corresponding sound pressure level, thereby generating a second test result corresponding to the value of the adjusted sound pressure level selected by the patient; comparing the first test result and the second test result. The result of the test is accepted or rejected based on the closeness of the test results, and feedback is provided to the patient based on this closeness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Nicola Schmitt, Michael Boretzki, Harald Krueger
  • Patent number: 9071915
    Abstract: A method for testing a hearing device (1, 4) comprising at least one microphone unit (2) and a receiver unit (3) is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of positioning the hearing device (1) at a predefined position in relation to an accessory device (4) comprising a microphone (5) and a loudspeaker (6), generating a first sound signal (7) by the loudspeaker (6), recording the first sound signal (7) by the microphone unit (2), generating a second sound signal (8) by the receiver unit (3), the second sound signal (8) being at least partly dependent on the recorded first sound signal (7), recording the second sound signal (8) by the microphone (5), evaluating the recorded second sound signal (8), and at least triggering further action based on results of evaluating the recorded second sound signal (8) in case the results do not conform to predefined expectation. Furthermore, an arrangement for testing a hearing device (1, 4) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: PHONAK AG
    Inventors: Hans-Ueli Roeck, Rainer Platz, Michael Boretzki, Stefan Launer, Nicola Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8913769
    Abstract: The method for operating a hearing system comprising at least one hearing device; at least one signal processing unit; at least one user control by means of which at least one audio processing parameter of said signal processing unit is adjustable; and a sensor unit; comprises the steps of a) obtaining adjustment data (userCorr) representative of adjustments of said at least one parameter carried out by operating said at least one user control; b) obtaining characterizing data (p1;p2) from data outputted from said sensor unit substantially at the time said adjustment data are obtained; c) deriving correction data (learntCorr) from said adjustment data (userCorr); wherein step c) is carried out in dependence of said characterizing data; and d) recognizing an update event; and, upon step d): e) using corrected settings for said at least one audio processing parameter in said signal processing unit, which corrected settings are derived in dependence of said correction data (learntCorr).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Manuela Feilner, Hilmar Meier, Michael Boretzki, Harald Krueger, Ivo Spieler, Elmar Fichtl
  • Publication number: 20140341382
    Abstract: Monitoring usage of a hearing device includes: c) checking whether a message has been received within a time period (dt) shorter than a pre-defined time period (Dt) via a long-distance communication network in a remote device; and d) generating usage status data dependent on the result of the checking addressed in step c). The usage status data are indicative of the usage of the hearing device, indicating “use” if the time period (dt) is smaller than or equal to the pre-defined time period (Dt) and indicating “non-use” if the time period (dt) is larger than the pre-defined time period (Dt). The message includes identification data for identifying the hearing device or a user of said hearing device. The remote device is located remote from the hearing device and connected to the long-distance communication network. The time period (dt) starts from a start event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Bernd Waldmann, Hans-Ueli Roeck, Michael Boretzki, Stefan Launer, Rainer Platz
  • Patent number: 8798296
    Abstract: A method for better matching of the needs of mild to very mild hearing losses is obtained than with known hearing devices. The method comprising the steps of determining an acoustic situation by processing an input signal of a hearing device openly coupled to an ear of a user, selecting at least two hearing programs in dependence on the determined acoustic situation, at least one of the hearing programs being suitable for calm acoustic situations, and at least another one of the hearing programs being suitable for noisy acoustic situations, applying a gain only above a predefined frequency limit to the input signal if one of the hearing programs for calm acoustic situations is selected, and reducing noise in the input signal only in a frequency range within audible frequencies if one of the hearing programs for noisy acoustic situations is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Nicola Schmitt, Volker Kühnel, Michael Boretzki
  • Patent number: 8787603
    Abstract: Acclimatization of a hearing device user to a hearing device is made more acceptable by automatic acclimatization management. The intensity of the hearing device is increased in the long term, e.g. during several months. The speed of the intensity increase depends on user inputs. A user controls an audio processing parameter (APP), such as volume, with a user control. Each time the user switches the hearing device off and on again, the power-on value (POV) of the audio processing parameter (APP) is changed. The amount of the change depends on which settings for the audio processing parameter (APP) have been selected by the hearing device user and how long the settings have been active. An initial power-on value (iPOV) and a target power-on value (tPOV), which is to be reached at the end (H) of the acclimatization phase, may be programmed by an audiologist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Elmar Fichtl, Michael Boretzki
  • Publication number: 20140146974
    Abstract: A method is proposed for testing a hearing device (1) located at a first location (L1), said hearing device (1) comprising a microphone (2) and a receiver (3) operationally connected to said microphone (2). The proposed method comprises the steps of providing a test signal to a first loudspeaker (4), providing with said first loudspeaker (4) an input audio signal to said microphone (2), sensing with a second microphone (5) an output audio signal from said receiver (3) to provide a second microphone signal, transmitting said second microphone signal from said first location (L1) to a second location (L2) distant from said first location (L1) via a communication network (6) to provide a received second microphone signal, and providing said received second microphone signal to an individual (7) located at said second location (L2). Furthermore, a system is proposed for performing such a method for remotely testing a hearing device (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventors: Harald Krueger, Stefan Launer, Michael Boretzki
  • Patent number: 8737631
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a hearing system to the hearing preferences of a user of said hearing system is disclosed, wherein said hearing system is capable of carrying out frequency transposition of audio signals, which frequency transposition depends on at least one parameter. The method comprises the steps of A) carrying out a distinction test for examining said user's ability to distinguish between two stimulus signals which differ in their frequency contents; B) adjusting said at least one parameter in dependence of the result of said distinction test. The distinction test comprises the steps a2) consecutively playing said two stimulus signals to said user; b2) receiving from said user information indicative of whether said user perceived said two stimulus signals as two times the same sound or as two different sounds; c2) deriving a value from said information received from said user; wherein said result of said distinction test is dependent on said value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Michael Boretzki, Rene Buergin, Hugh McDermott
  • Patent number: 8666084
    Abstract: The inventor has found that a considerable portion of hearing system users have a considerable lack of understanding the effect of adjusting adjustable audio processing parameters of the hearing system. Therefore, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of a) playing a first test sound to a user of a hearing system; r) receiving user input from said user in reaction to step a); s) interpreting said user input as a request for selecting and/or adjusting at least one audio processing parameter of a signal processing unit; h) calculating—based on said request obtained in step s), and in dependence of said first test sound played to said user—at least one value, which is related to said user's ability to make use of one or more adjustable audio processing parameters of said hearing system. This method can be used for improving said user's ability to make use of one or more adjustable audio processing parameters of said hearing system. A corresponding arrangement is disclosed, too.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventor: Michael Boretzki
  • Publication number: 20130322669
    Abstract: The present invention proposes two alternative methods for remote fitting of one or two hearing devices (5, 5?), i.e. where a hearing device fitter (1) located in a first room (R1) provides remote support to a user (6) of the one or two hearing devices (5, 5?) located in a distant second room (R2) in order to adjust the one or two hearing devices (5, 5?) to the individual needs of the user (6). According to a first method a voice rendering signal processing is applied to the fitter's voice, thus achieving that the fitter's voice is perceived by the user (6) as if the user (6) were at a virtual user location (L) in the first room (R1) wearing the one or two hearing devices (5, 5?). The same is achieved according to a second, alternative method, wherein the fitter's voice is picked up by at least one or two microphones of one or two further hearing devices located at the virtual user location (L) at a first position (P1) and/or at a second position (P2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventors: Michael Boretzki, Harald Krueger, Stefan Launer
  • Publication number: 20130243210
    Abstract: A method for testing a hearing device (1, 4) comprising at least one microphone unit (2) and a receiver unit (3) is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of positioning the hearing device (1) at a predefined position in relation to an accessory device (4) comprising a microphone (5) and a loudspeaker (6), generating a first sound signal (7) by the loudspeaker (6), recording the first sound signal (7) by the microphone unit (2), generating a second sound signal (8) by the receiver unit (3), the second sound signal (8) being at least partly dependent on the recorded first sound signal (7), recording the second sound signal (8) by the microphone (5), evaluating the recorded second sound signal (8), and at least triggering further action based on results of evaluating the recorded second sound signal (8) in case the results do not conform to predefined expectation. Furthermore, an arrangement for testing a hearing device (1, 4) is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventors: Hans-Ueli Roeck, Rainer Platz, Michael Boretzki, Stefan Launer, Nicola Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20130208933
    Abstract: A method for operating a hearing device (1) that is openly coupled to an ear (4) of a hearing device user is described. The method comprising the steps of determining a momentary acoustic situation by processing an input signal of the hearing device (1), selecting a hearing program out of at least two hearing programs in dependence on the determined momentary acoustic situation, at least one of the at least two hearing programs being suitable for calm acoustic situations, and at least another one of the at least two hearing programs being suitable for noisy acoustic situations, applying a gain only above a predefined frequency limit to the input signal of the hearing device (1) if one of the at least one hearing program for calm acoustic situations is selected, and reducing noise in the input signal only in a frequency range within audible frequencies if one of the at least one hearing program for noisy acoustic situations is selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventors: Nicola Schmitt, Volker Kühnel, Michael Boretzki
  • Publication number: 20130121496
    Abstract: A method for adapting a hearing device (6, 7) to the hearing needs and preferences of an individual (U) is presented, wherein sound processing in said hearing device (6, 7) is programmable by means of adjustable parameters. The method comprises the steps of a) presenting at least one auditory test signal (1a) to said individual (U); b) capturing at least one image (2a) of at least a portion of said individual's body; c) analyzing said at least one image (2a); d) deducing from said image analysis whether or not said individual (U) has shown a reaction upon said presenting said at least one auditory test signal (1a) and, if yes, which reaction said individual (U) has shown; e) determining, in dependence of said at least one auditory test signal (1a) and of said reaction or lack of reaction, a setting for at least one of said adjustable parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventor: Michael Boretzki
  • Publication number: 20130114836
    Abstract: Acclimatization of a hearing device user to a hearing device is made more acceptable by automatic acclimatization management. The intensity of the hearing device is increased in the long term, e.g. during several months. The speed of the intensity increase depends on user inputs. A user controls an audio processing parameter (APP), such as volume, with a user control. Each time the user switches the hearing device off and on again, the power-on value (POV) of the audio processing parameter (APP) is changed. The amount of the change depends on which settings for the audio processing parameter (APP) have been selected by the hearing device user and how long the settings have been active. An initial power-on value (iPOV) and a target power-on value (tPOV), which is to be reached at the end (H) of the acclimatization phase, may be programmed by an audiologist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventors: Elmar Fichtl, Michael Boretzki
  • Patent number: 8412495
    Abstract: The method for adjusting a hearing device (11) to the hearing preferences of a user of the hearing device comprises a) adjusting at least one of N parameters (P1, P2), preferably with 2?N?4; b) obtaining a gain model (G), which is identical with the output of a fitting rationale (F) applied to a model audiogram (A), wherein the model audiogram depends on the N parameters and is independent of possibly existing audiogram values measured for the user; and c) using the gain model (G) or a gain model derived therefrom in said hearing device (11). Preferably, the model audiogram (A) is an approximation to an audiogram occurring in a pre-defined empirical sample of individual audiograms. The user preferably carries out the method by himself and without external equipment. A corresponding arrangement (1) is disclosed, too. A simple and efficient hearing device fitting can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventor: Michael Boretzki
  • Patent number: 8243938
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a hearing device, by registering characteristics of an individual (I) a personality vector (K(CI)) is established in a fitting machine. The personality vector (K(CI)) of the individual (I) momentarily involved is compared with stored personality vectors (K1(C) to Kn(C)). That stored personality vector which is most similar to that of the individual (I) is selected and therefrom a personality profile (PP) which is assigned to such personality vector. There is assigned to the personality profile which accords to the most similar personality vector, a respective fitting vector which controls subsequent manufacturing of the hearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Michael Boretzki, Stefan Launer, Valentin Chapero-Rueda, Hilmar Meier
  • Patent number: 8224004
    Abstract: A hearing system includes a hearing device with a signal processing unit. A control input of the signal processing unit is connected to a device communication port. A remote control device has a wireless communication port for single or bi-directional wireless communication with the device communication port. A computer is embedded in the remote control device. An output of the computer is connected to the wireless communication port and to a machine/man interface at the remote control device. An input of the computer is connected to a man/machine interface at the remote control device. A set of application programs is executable by the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Herbert Baechler, Hilmar Meier, Michael Boretzki
  • Patent number: 8090127
    Abstract: A method for: Adjusting a hearing device in a computer-aided manner towards the needs of an individual, and storing a workflow data of the adjusting. The workflow data may include adjusting steps, fitting operations, timing of performing of the adjusting steps or fitting operations, or a time sequence of the adjusting steps or fitting operations. The adjusting can be performed in dependency of the workflow data of adjusting hearing devices, as performed and stored previously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Michael Boretzki, Manfred Duerst, Elmar Fichtl
  • Patent number: 8077889
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recording information in a hearing device and/or in a recording unit at least temporally operationally connected to the hearing device. The method consists in that a point in time of the recording and/or a recording frequency as well as the information to be recorded, as data and/or parameters and/or adjustments of the hearing device are adjusted freely or are programmable, respectively. Furthermore, a hearing device is described that is suitable to use the method. By the present invention, a multitude of the parameters being adjustable in a hearing device can be checked or surveyed all together or selectively in real, i.e. actually existing acoustic environments in order to optimally adjust or adapt the hearing device afterwards, that means after the analysis by the fitter, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Herbert Bächler, Volker Kühnel, Silvia Allegro, Stefan Daniel Menzl, Hilmar Meier, Michael Boretzki, Stefan Launer, Ivo Hasler, Hans-Ueli Roeck, Christoph Widmer
  • Patent number: 7957548
    Abstract: A hearing device has an adjustable transfer function comprising M?1 sub-functions (M is an integer). A method for operating the hearing device includes deriving input audio signals from a current acoustic environment. For each of the M sub-functions, derive, based on the input audio signals and for each class of N?2 classes that describe a predetermined acoustic environment, a class similarity factor indicative of the similarity of the current acoustic environment with the predetermined acoustic environment described by the respective class (N is an integer). Derive from N predetermined base parameter sets assigned to the respective sub-function and in dependence of the class similarity factors, an activity parameter set for the respective sub-function. Each of the N base parameter sets assigned to the respective sub-function is assigned to a different class of the N classes. Adjust the respective sub-function by means of the activity parameter set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Hilmar Meier, Michael Boretzki, Hubert Lechner, Manuela Feilner, Silvia Allegro-Baumann, Hans-Ueli Roeck, Andi Vonlanthen