An input audio signal is AD converted into digital signals which are processed by a central processing unit (CPU) in which Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operation and power spectrum calculation are effected. As a result power spectrum data is obtained, and then position determination is effected to determine the position of each bar of a bar graph to be displayed on a display unit screen, according to the power level at different frequencies within the spectrum of the audio signal. Pattern data is then produced in correspondence with the determined position, and output data from the CPU is fed via a video display processor to a video RAM, thereby displaying the spectrum by way of a predetermined pattern of a bar graph on the screen. In order to reduce the number of digital data used in FFT operation the input audio signal may be divided into a plurality of different frequency bands so that different sampling frequencies are used for AD conversion of signals of respective bands. As a result, operating time is reduced. To further reduce the operating time the CPU may be arranged to execute parallel operations in various manners. Furthermore, two or more CPUs may be employed to further increase the operating speed.

Spectrum display device for audio signals

Disclosed is a process of fitting a hearing prosthesis to a deaf or severely hearing impaired patient. The prosthesis is connected to the patient, and a signal is then applied to the prosthesis across an audioband. The frequency response of the prosthesis is adjusted so that the patient detects a desired response to the signal. In one application the prosthesis may include a sound processor driving a transmitter, a transcutaneous receiver, and an implanted electrode. A constant amplitude signal is applied to the sound processor, and the frequency response of the sound processor is adjusted so that the patient detects a generally uniform response to the signal. Other signals can be applied, such as bursts of a sine wave or other periodic wave, and band-filtered noise can be employed with the band center frequency being swept either step-wise or continuously. The transmitter and receiver are first adjusted for normal operating coupling and then a constant amplitude continuous sinusoidal signal, for example, is applied. In a multiple channel system, the signal is applied sequentially to each channel. For each channel, the signal is varied in discrete frequency steps across an audio band, and the frequency response of the transmitter is adjusted so that the patient detects a generally uniform response. The dynamic range is identified at each such frequency step between a threshold level and a discomfort level to establish desired aided thresholds and discomfort levels.

Method of fitting hearing prosthesis to a patient having impaired hearing

The present invention is a system for and method of adjusting hearing aids (130) by discrete frequency ranges (fig.3a); continual tuning and reprogramming of the hearing aid is accomplished in real time via iterations between a patient (with hearing aid in ear, 120) and an audiologist (131). A test tone or other sound is played and the patient gives feedback on the test tonei’s suitability (such as loudness). The hearing aid (130) is further tuned and reprogrammed accordingly as the sound is replayed and the patient (120) gives additional feedback. These steps continue until the patient (120) considers the hearing optimized, compensating for both the patient's hearing loss and individual preferences in the discrete frequency ranges. The following are twelve commonly tested frequency ranges: 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 750 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, 4000 Hz, 5000 Hz, 6000 Hz, 8000Hz, and 10,000 Hz.

System for and method of optimizing an individual"s hearing aid

The connections of speakers in an automotive audio system are automatically checked during the assembly process to determine whether any speakers are shorted or have wires incorrectly connected to battery voltage or to ground. A signal diagnostic line can be used to indicate a plurality of different conditions. In addition, the actions of an audio limiting function can be monitored to detect shorts.

Automatic detection of shorted loudspeakers in automotive audio systems

A method and apparatus for determining the connection status of a communication system speaker connection to the amplifier includes digital signal processing (DSP) circuitry contained in the system receiving a clip detect feedback loop from the amplifier in response to a tone signal delivered to the amplifier from the DSP microprocessor. Preferably, the diagnosis is initiated by actuation of a predetermined plurality of controllers on a face control unit, each of which is otherwise actuated individually to control portions of the communication system. Preferably, a tone signal generated for diagnosis is generally inaudible to the human ear but the front control unit includes a display screen for illustrating the condition of the speaker-to-amplifier connection after the diagnostic function has been completed.

Method and apparatus for diagnosing AMP to Speaker Connections

An acoustical analyzer system analyzes the operating characteristics of an acoustical device by operator selection of frequencies and amplitudes of test tone signals, automatically generating test tone signals representative of the selected frequencies and amplitudes and driving the acoustical device thereby to produce output signals from the device, sampling the output signals, generating sampled signals representative of the output signals, applying Fast Fourier Transform analysis to the sampled signals to generate readout signals therefrom and operating readout means via the readout signals to display the operating characteristics of the device.

Leonardus J. Geerling

Papers

Automatic audiological analyzer