Patents by Inventor Ullrich Sigwanz

Ullrich Sigwanz 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: 20200221239
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a system and method for providing pairing information to assist in pairing devices for wireless communication. For example, the disclosed technology includes a method for visually displaying time remaining in pairing time windows for hearing aid devices. A hearing aid professional can view the displayed information on a computer, fitting station, or mobile device and then use this information to determine which devices can be paired or how much time is remaining to pair the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Ullrich Sigwanz, Nanda SANDHU, Daniel LUCAS-HIRTZ
  • Patent number: 10638210
    Abstract: An exemplary hearing device configured to be worn by a user includes an accelerometer configured to output accelerometer data representative of an acceleration of the hearing device and a processor configured to maintain data representative of a walking detection algorithm, determine an optimized parameter for the user for use with the walking detection algorithm, and apply, in accordance with the optimized parameter, the walking detection algorithm to the accelerometer data to determine a walking state of the user while the user wears the hearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Sonova AG
    Inventors: Nadim El Guindi, Nina Stumpf, Ullrich Sigwanz, Nathalie Leuthold
  • Patent number: 10499169
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a hearing device comprising: providing a user profile (42) of the user comprising actual user information (44) and a fitting history (47) stored in a database (34) of a fitting system (32), wherein the fitting history comprises fitting information (46, 46?, 46?) of at least one previous fitting session, in which previous fitting session the hearing device (10) or a different hearing device was adjusted for the user; determining a user experience value (54) of the user, wherein the user experience value (54) depends on the actual user information (44) and the fitting history (47); determining sound processing parameters (30) for the hearing device (10) based on the user experience value (54); and applying the determined sound processing parameters (30) in the hearing device (10), such that the hearing device (10) is adapted for generating optimized sound signals based on the applied sound processing parameters (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Sonova AG
    Inventors: Ullrich Sigwanz, Volker Kuehnel, Solange Anderson
  • Publication number: 20190046089
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: SONOVA AG
    Inventors: Stefan Pislak, Alfred Stirnemann, Michael Boretzki, Manfred Duerst, Harald Krueger, Ullrich Sigwanz, Martina Schuepbach-Wolf
  • Publication number: 20180242090
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a hearing device comprising: providing a user profile (42) of the user comprising actual user information (44) and a fitting history (47) stored in a database (34) of a fitting system (32), wherein the fitting history comprises fitting information (46, 46?, 46?) of at least one previous fitting session, in which previous fitting session the hearing device (10) or a different hearing device was adjusted for the user; determining a user experience value (54) of the user, wherein the user experience value (54) depends on the actual user information (44) and the fitting history (47); determining sound processing parameters (30) for the hearing device (10) based on the user experience value (54); and applying the determined sound processing parameters (30) in the hearing device (10), such that the hearing device (10) is adapted for generating optimized sound signals based on the applied sound processing parameters (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Applicant: Sonova AG
    Inventors: Ullrich Sigwanz, Volker Kuehnel, Solange Anderson
  • Patent number: 9942674
    Abstract: A method for operating a hearing device for a user having tinnitus includes converting an acoustic input signal into a corresponding converted input signal, applying a transfer function to the converted input signal for generating a processed input signal, generating a stimulation signal depending on characteristics of a perceived disturbing internal signal resulting from a tinnitus perceived by a prospective user of the hearing device, limiting the stimulation signal by applying a predefined limiting scheme thereby generating a limited stimulation signal, superimposing the limited stimulation signal onto the processed signal thereby generating an output signal, and feeding the output signal to an output transducer for generating a hearing device output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: SONOVA AG
    Inventors: Robert Baur, Gavin Buddis, Stefan Pislak, Oliver Frank, Ullrich Sigwanz, Shin-Shin Hobi
  • Patent number: 9398385
    Abstract: The method for adjusting a hearing system to individual hearing needs and preferences of a specific hearing system user by means of a fitting system comprising a visual display comprises: a) presenting on the visual display a visualization (33) simultaneously visualizing for each of a group of data sets: whether or not the respective data set is accessible to a user of said fitting system; and for each device selected in said fitting system to be part of said hearing system: whether or not the respective device is accessible to a user of said fitting system; by b1) displaying on the visual display a graphics object (33a, 33b, . . . ) representing the respective data set or device, in case the respective data set and the respective device, respectively, is accessible to a user of said fitting system; and b2) not displaying on said visual display a graphics object (33a, 33b, . . .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: SONOVA AG
    Inventors: Philipp Schneider, Ullrich Sigwanz
  • Publication number: 20160150332
    Abstract: A method for operating a hearing device for a user having tinnitus includes converting an acoustic input signal into a corresponding converted input signal, applying a transfer function to the converted input signal for generating a processed input signal, generating a stimulation signal depending on characteristics of a perceived disturbing internal signal resulting from a tinnitus perceived by a prospective user of the hearing device, limiting the stimulation signal by applying a predefined limiting scheme thereby generating a limited stimulation signal, superimposing the limited stimulation signal onto the processed signal thereby generating an output signal, and feeding the output signal to an output transducer for generating a hearing device output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Baur, Gavin Buddis, Stefan Pislak, Oliver Frank, Ullrich Sigwanz, Shin-Shin Hobi
  • Patent number: 9204226
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a hearing device (1) to individual needs of a hearing device user includes the steps of operationally connecting the hearing device (1) to a fitting device (5) with a display unit (6), displaying a hearing threshold level (22) of the hearing device user as a function of frequencies on the display unit (6), displaying characteristics of a predefined sound sample (25, 30) on the display unit (6), and adjusting the input/output behavior such that at least a part of the predefined sound sample (25, 30) lies above the hearing threshold level (22) at corresponding frequencies. An arrangement for adjusting a hearing device (1) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: SONOVA AG
    Inventors: Ullrich Sigwanz, Patrick Baechler, Philipp Schneider, Nicola Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20130170661
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a hearing device (1) to individual needs of a hearing device user is disclosed. The hearing device (1) comprises an input transducer (2), a signal processing unit (3) and an output transducer (4), the signal processing unit (3) being operatively connected to the input transducer (2) as well as to the output transducer (4), and the signal processing unit (3) defining an input/output behavior of the hearing device (1). The method comprising the steps of operationally connecting the hearing device (1) to a fitting device (5) comprising a display unit (6), displaying a hearing threshold level (22) of the hearing device user as a function of frequencies on the display unit (6), displaying characteristics of a predefined sound sample (25, 30) on the display unit (6), and adjusting the input/output behavior such that at least a part of the predefined sound sample (25, 30) lies above the hearing threshold level (22) at corresponding frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Phonak AG
    Inventors: Ullrich Sigwanz, Patrick Baechler, Philipp Schneider, Nicola Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20130024798
    Abstract: The method for adjusting a hearing system to individual hearing needs and preferences of a specific hearing system user by means of a fitting system comprising a visual display comprises: a) presenting on the visual display a visualization (33) simultaneously visualizing for each of a group of data sets: whether or not the respective data set is accessible to a user of said fitting system; and for each device selected in said fitting system to be part of said hearing system: whether or not the respective device is accessible to a user of said fitting system; by b1) displaying on the visual display a graphics object (33a, 33b, . . . ) representing the respective data set or device, in case the respective data set and the respective device, respectively, is accessible to a user of said fitting system; and b2) not displaying on said visual display a graphics object (33a, 33b, . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: PHONAK AG
    Inventors: Philipp Schneider, Ullrich Sigwanz
  • Patent number: 6782110
    Abstract: In a method for detecting and/or removing errors in the transmission and storage of data in a digital hearing device and a digital hearing device operating according to the method, an internal check of transmitted and stored data occurs within the hearing device itself. The digital hearing device has an input transducer, an output transducer, a processor and a program memory, with a checking element for internal checking of transmitted and stored data within the hearing device, being connected at least to the program memory and the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Ullrich Sigwanz, Fred Zoels
  • Patent number: 6587568
    Abstract: Given a hearing aid comprising a microphone, a signal processing unit and an earphone, a detector element for detecting electromagnetic disturb signals is provided, as well as a filter element that is configured dependent on the recognized disturbance signals in order to suppress the disturbance signals. Furthermore, the hearing aid as a clock element for acquiring the clock frequency of the disturbance signal detected by the detector element, whereby the clock element serves the purpose of generating the system clock frequency of the hearing aid proceeding from the clock frequency of the disturbance signal. This enables a particularly efficient disturbance signal suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Ullrich Sigwanz
  • Patent number: 6574340
    Abstract: In a method for determining a parameter set for a hearing aid during the computerized setting of the hearing aid, a macro call is determined, the macro call is converted into at least one setting command according to a macro definition, and the parameter set is determined dependent on the at least one setting command. Such a method is high-performance and nonetheless flexible and easy to manipulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Bindner, Eduard Kaiser, Ullrich Sigwanz, Roland Weidner
  • Patent number: 6539096
    Abstract: A digital hearing aid with a variable directional microphone characteristic, has a signal processing unit, an earphone and at least two microphones, with a sigma-delta converter as well as a delay element following immediately thereafter in at least one microphone signal path. In a method for the operation of such a digital hearing aid, an A/D conversion with the sigma-delta converter ensues in the signal path of at least one microphone and the resulting 1-bit signal is delayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Ullrich Sigwanz, Fred Zoels
  • Patent number: 6529607
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for producing constant sound pressure level in a hearing aid, a microphone, a receiver and a signal processing unit are provided. A switching unit produces constant sound pressure levels. The switching unit has an envelope generator for producing an envelope value of a signal value to be processed and a divider for calculating the ratio of the signal value and the envelope value as the signal to be output or further processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Ullrich Sigwanz, Frank Wagner
  • Patent number: 6366677
    Abstract: In a method and a hearing device for allowing processes arising in non-synchronous fashion relative to the execution of loaded programs for signal processing in a hearing device with digital signal processing to be taken into consideration at a time approximately contemporaneous with the occurrence of the non-synchronous process, first the occurrence of a non-synchronous process is detected, followed by an interruption of the execution of the loaded program or an avoidance of the starting of a new program. In a further step a classification of the non-synchronous process with respect to the process type and a decision is made as to whether the loaded program should be continued at a new program step or a suitable new program should be selected, depending on this decision, either a continuation of the loaded program takes place at a new program step, or a selection, loading and execution of a new program is undertaken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Ullrich Sigwanz, Fred Zoels
  • Patent number: 6240195
    Abstract: A hearing aid with different assemblies for picking up, further processing and adjusting an acoustic signal to the hearing ability of a hearing impaired person, wherein a digital signal processing is performed in the hearing aid, has a buffer storage unit which shifts or transposes a defined frequency region into another frequency region which is better detectable by the wearer of the hearing aid. The buffer storage unit has individual storage segments for receiving and storing digital data representing acoustic content of an incoming audio signal, and the read-in and read-out frequency of the buffer storage unit differs by a defined factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Bindner, Ullrich Sigwanz
  • Patent number: 6175635
    Abstract: A hearing device has a microphone, a signal processor, an earphone and a number of externally accessible final control elements for setting audiological/acoustical parameters of the signal processor. An allocation stage is connected between the signal processor and the final control elements for allowing a number of combined and/or derived parameters to be simultaneously set by actuation of a single final control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfram Meyer, Ullrich Sigwanz, Hans-Joachim Weiss
  • Patent number: 6049617
    Abstract: A method and circuit for signal amplification in digital hearing aids, in particular in hearing aids with automatic gain control (AGC). In the method there first ensues a digitization of an input signal from the signal path of the hearing aid, then a rectification of sampled values of the digitized input signal. Next a determination of gain values is allocated to the sampled values, after which there is a smoothing of the gain values. Finally, after previous allocation of the smoothed gain values to the sampled values, allocated values, reconverted to analog form, are outputted into the signal path of the hearing aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Ullrich Sigwanz, Fred Zoels