Silicon-based transducer for use in hearing instruments and listening devices
US7142682B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2225/61
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A silicon-based transducer assembly coupled to a movable structure in a hearing instrument. The transducer assembly includes at least one microphone chip and an ASIC having multiple integrated components such as any combination of a DSP, an A/D converter, an amplifier, a filter, or a wireless interface. The movable structure may be a battery access door, a volume dial, a switch, or a touch pad. A protection strip can be disposed across the battery access door to prevent debris from clogging the silicon-based transducer assembly. The transducer assembly may also include an array of microphone chips to achieve adaptive beam steering or directionality. When equipped with a wireless interface, the hearing instrument wirelessly communicates with another hearing instrument or with a network.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.