초록 ▼

The microphone output signals are weighted (scaled) and combined to achieve desired spatial directivity responses. The weighting coefficients are determined by an optimization process. By bandpass filtering the weighted microphone signals with a set of filters covering the audio frequency range and

The microphone output signals are weighted (scaled) and combined to achieve desired spatial directivity responses. The weighting coefficients are determined by an optimization process. By bandpass filtering the weighted microphone signals with a set of filters covering the audio frequency range and summing the filtered signals, a receiving microphone array with a small aperture size is caused to have a directivity pattern that is essentially uniform over frequency in two or three dimensions. This method enables the design of highly-directive hearing instruments which are comfortable, inconspicuous, and convenient to use. The invention provides the user with a dramatic improvement in speech perception over existing hearing aid designs, particularly in the presence of background noise and reverberation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A directional acoustic receiving system comprising a housing supported on the chest of a user, an array of three or more microphones arranged in a V-shaped pattern mounted on the housing and directed away from the user's chest, each providing an output signal representative

[ What is claimed:] [1.] A directional acoustic receiving system comprising a housing supported on the chest of a user, an array of three or more microphones arranged in a V-shaped pattern mounted on the housing and directed away from the user's chest, each providing an output signal representative of received sound, signal processing electronics mounted on said housing for receiving and combining the microphone signals in such a manner as to provide an output signal which emphasizes sounds of interest arriving in a direction forward of the user, and means for amplifying said output signal, said output signal coupled by wire to an earphone or earphones in the ear of the user, or coupled by wireless telemetry based on ultrasound, infrared, radio frequency radiation, or magnetic coupling.