U.S. patent application number 11/799222 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for multimedia feature for diagnostic instrumentation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Diagnostic Group, LLC. Invention is credited to Leroy Braun, Jack Foreman.
Application Number | 20070204696 11/799222 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24565180 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070204696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Braun; Leroy ; et
al. |
September 6, 2007 |
Multimedia feature for diagnostic instrumentation
Abstract
A system for automatedly administering an audiometric test
includes an audiometer for performing the test by outputting test
tones, and a processor programmed for monitoring responses to the
test tones, detecting an error condition, automatically delivering
audible corrective instructions to address the error condition
detected, and automatically resuming outputting test tones after
the audible corrective instructions have been delivered without
intervention by a human test administrator.
Inventors: |
Braun; Leroy; (Austin,
TX) ; Foreman; Jack; (Pflugerville, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KINNEY & LANGE, P.A.
THE KINNEY & LANGE BUILDING
312 SOUTH THIRD STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55415-1002
US
|
Assignee: |
Diagnostic Group, LLC
Eden Prairie
MN
|
Family ID: |
24565180 |
Appl. No.: |
11/799222 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10685240 |
Oct 14, 2003 |
7210353 |
|
|
11799222 |
May 1, 2007 |
|
|
|
10156415 |
May 28, 2002 |
6644120 |
|
|
10685240 |
Oct 14, 2003 |
|
|
|
09139858 |
Aug 25, 1998 |
6416482 |
|
|
10156415 |
May 28, 2002 |
|
|
|
08639694 |
Apr 29, 1996 |
5811681 |
|
|
09139858 |
Aug 25, 1998 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
73/585 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/121 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
073/585 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/12 20060101
A61B005/12 |
Claims
1. A multimedia audiometer comprising: a basic audiometer
comprising: audio circuitry capable of generating audible test
tones for delivery to earphones worn by a test subject according to
logical testing procedures; and microprocessor circuitry including
a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory; a computer
selectively operable to produce instructions represented by sound
waves for delivery to the earphones, the computer being operatively
coupled to the basic audiometer; an interface operatively coupled
to the computer and the basic audiometer for signaling whether the
test subject perceives the audible test tones generated by the
audio circuitry; a switch having a first state in which audible
test tones generated by the audio circuitry are provided to the
earphones, and a second state in which the instructions represented
by sound waves produced by the computer are provided to the
earphones; software stored in at least one of the computer and the
memory of the microprocessor circuitry, the software operating the
computer, the microprocessor circuitry, the audio circuitry and the
interface to generate the audible test tones for delivery to the
earphones, monitor responses by the test subject, detect errors in
the test subject's responses, selectively produce the instructions
for delivery to the earphones in response to the detected errors,
and to control the switch to switch to the second state when errors
are detected in the test subject's responses and to automatically
switch back to the first state following delivery of the
instructions to the earphones so that testing is resumed without
human intervention; a multimedia input interface communicatively
connecting the computer and the basic audiometer; and a
communications interface communicatively connecting the computer
and the basic audiometer; wherein the computer and the basic
audiometer communicate over the communications interface and the
computer controls operation of the basic audiometer over the
communications interface.
2. The multimedia audiometer of claim 1, wherein the computer
includes a sound wave generator for converting digital information
to analog signals representative of the digital information.
3. The multimedia audiometer of claim 1, wherein the switch is
connected to deliver test tones from the basic audiometer to the
earphones in the first state, and to deliver the instructions
represented by sound waves produced by the computer via the
multimedia input interface to the earphones in the second
state.
4. The multimedia audiometer of claim 1, wherein the responses of
the test subject are compiled and stored in at least one of the
computer and the memory of the microprocessor circuitry.
5. The multimedia audiometer of claim 4, wherein the software
operates the computer, the microprocessor circuitry, the audio
circuitry and the interface according to a pre-programmed logical
testing procedure.
6. The multimedia audiometer of claim 5, wherein the logical
testing procedure is the Hughson-Westlake procedure.
7. The multimedia audiometer of claim 1, wherein the software is
stored in the computer.
8. The multimedia audiometer of claim 1, wherein the software is
stored in the memory of the microprocessor circuitry.
9. A multimedia audiometer comprising: a test signal generator for
delivering a test tone to a test subject; an input device for use
by the test subject for signaling whether the test subject
perceives the test tone delivered by the test signal generator; a
memory device that stores digital data representing a group of
sound signals that provide different corrective instructions to the
test subject to address different error situations created by the
test subject; and a processor communicatively connected to the
memory device and the test signal generator to control the test
signal generator to deliver test tones according to a logical
testing procedure, monitor the status of the input device, detect
whether an error has occurred in the input from the test subject,
interrupt the delivery of test tones by the test signal generator
when an error is detected, automatically locate and deliver a
corrective instruction responsive to the error to the test subject
from the group of sound signals, and automatically resume the
delivery of test tones to the test subject without intervention by
a human test administrator.
10. The multimedia audiometer of claim 9, wherein the logical
testing procedure is the Hughson-Westlake procedure.
11. The multimedia audiometer of claim 9, wherein the processor is
operable to automatically determine a proper manner in which to
resume the delivery of test tones to the test subject following
delivery of the corrective instructions responsive to the error by
the test subject, based on the detected error.
12. The multimedia audiometer of claim 9, wherein the test signal
generator generates test tones according to a prescribed
protocol.
13. The multimedia audiometer of claim 12, wherein the prescribed
protocol comprises a test tone generated by the test signal
generator followed by an input from the test subject that is
positive, negative or null.
14. The multimedia audiometer of claim 9, wherein the processor is
associated with a computer.
15. An audiometric test system comprising: an audiometer for
producing audible test tones in a headset worn by a test subject;
and a digital processor programmed for detecting errors in the test
subject's responses to the audible test tones, automatically
interrupting the production of audible test tones in the headset,
automatically producing in the headset audible verbal corrective
instructions related to the detected errors, and then automatically
resuming production of the audible test tones in the headset after
the audible verbal corrective instructions are complete. without
intervention by a human test administrator.
16. An audiometric test system comprising: a headset to be worn by
a test subject; a tone generator for producing audible test tones
in the headset; an input device by which the subject provides a
signal indicating that the subject has heard one of the test tones;
a memory for storing digital data representing audible verbal
corrective instructions for each of a plurality of different error
conditions; and a digital processor programmed for detecting error
conditions based upon signals received from the input device,
automatically interrupting the production of audible test tones in
the headset upon detection of an error condition, automatically
selecting one of the audible verbal corrective instructions based
upon the error condition detected and causing the selected audible
verbal corrective instruction to be delivered to the test subject
through the headset, and then automatically resuming the production
of the audible test tones in a proper manner based upon the error
condition detected and the audible verbal corrective instruction
delivered to the subject through the headset without intervention
by a human test administrator.
17. A diagnostic system comprising: a headset to be worn by a test
subject; a test signal generator that delivers test tones to the
test subject; an input device through which the test subject
responds to the test tones; and a processor for controlling the
test signal generator to perform a pre-programmed test sequence
with automatic error correction without intervention by a human
test administrator, the processor detecting error conditions based
on the subjects responses to the test tones, automatically
interrupting the delivery of test tones to deliver audible verbal
corrective instructions to the test subject through the headset
based upon the error condition corrected, and automatically
resuming the delivery of test tones after completion of the
corrective instructions based on the error condition detected.
18. A system for performing a diagnostic test protocol, comprising:
an audiometer for performing a test by outputting test tones to an
earphone and monitoring a test subject's responses; and a digital
processor for detecting an error condition based on the responses,
automatically delivering to the earphone audible corrective
instructions based on the error condition detected, and
automatically resuming the test by outputting test tones based upon
the error condition detected.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/685,240, filed Oct. 14, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,210,353,
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/156,415,
filed May 28, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,120, which is a
division of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/139,858, filed Aug. 25,
1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,482, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 08/639,694, filed Apr. 29, 1996, now U.S. Pat.
No. 5,811,681.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a multimedia interface of a
diagnostic test instrument and, more particularly, to automated
testing, including multimedia-derived instructions, test
monitoring, and error response, by an audiometer or other medical
or diagnostic test instrument.
[0003] A wide variety of medical and diagnostic test
instrumentation is known. An example of such instrumentation is an
audiometer. The audiometer is an electrically activated generator
of test tones for evaluation of hearing. Other medical and
diagnostic instrumentations include a spirometer for measuring lung
capacity, vision testing equipment, blood alcohol testing
equipment, and occupational health industry maintenance testing
equipment, such as blood pressure, EKG, and other wellness testing
equipment. Generally, these and other prior testing
instrumentations require one or more individuals to administer the
test by operating the equipment and giving instructions to the test
subject.
[0004] The trend in testing, however, appears to be toward
automation. Through automation, reduced numbers of test
administrators may be required and increased accuracy of testing,
with lack of deviation caused by human administrator error, may be
possible. Although certain limited automation has previously been
possible, that automation has been directed primarily to the
automated compilation, organization, and reporting of data in
desirable formats. Processing units, such as, for example, personal
computers, have previously been employed to achieve the automation
of the compilation, organization, and reporting functions. Little
automation, if any, has previously been achieved, however, in
connection with the actual administration of the test.
Administration of such tests has typically been performed almost
wholly by one or more human test administrators.
[0005] Hearing testing has for several decades been performed
utilizing an instrument called an audiometer. Prior to the
audiometer, tuning forks and other tone generating devices were
employed. In the early testing, a test subject responded directly
to a test administrator who recorded test results based on the
administrator's subjective determinations. The advent of the
audiometer, an electronic instrument that generates tones, provided
a degree of standardization in hearing testing because uniform
tones and proper calibrations are better achieved.
[0006] Even after the invention of the audiometer, however, hearing
testing was far from standardized, as testing varied in both
procedures and determinations. A standardized procedure, still
followed today, was then developed for hearing testing. That
procedure is referred to as the "Hughson-Westlake" procedure. Other
procedures are followed in some instances, but the Hughson-Westlake
procedure is probably the most common.
[0007] In the Hughson-Westlake procedure, tones at a level audible
to the test subject, such as, for example, 30 dB, are first
presented to the subject. The test subject responds that the tones
are heard, and then the level of the tones are reduced by 10 dB.
This is repeated with the test subject responding that the tones
are heard followed by 10 dB reductions until the test subject's
response (or lack of response) indicates that the tones are not
heard. When the test subject so responds that the tones are not
heard, the tone level is raised 5 dB. If the test subject does not
then respond, the level is raised another 5 dB, and this is
repeated until the test subject signals that the tone is heard.
This entire process is repeated until the test subject has three
ascending positive responses at the same level. In order to make
comparison of hearing quality over time, a first test is
administered to establish a base line hearing level and later
testing, undertaken at subsequent time intervals, provides results
for comparison to base line. The comparison indicates any hearing
loss or other changes over time.
[0008] As with diagnostic and industrial health testing
instruments, generally, audiometers have progressed towards more
automation. Also as with other instruments, however, automation of
audiometers has typically focused on compilation, organization, and
reporting of test results. The automation has not been directed to
replacement of a human test administrator (or at least the
traditional functions of such an administrator) by a machine
automated process.
[0009] As previously mentioned, automation, particularly by a
machine such as a computer, achieves certain advantages. In
particular, the testing may be more uniform among subjects and test
periods, whereas testing is subject to variation when a human test
administrator administers and grades the test. Also, supplying
human test administrators to conduct tests is rather costly.
Reducing the required number of test administrators through further
automation of testing procedures may reduce or eliminate those
costs. Furthermore, test presentation and determined results may
vary among human test administrators. More standardized and
accurate testing may be possible if intervention of a human test
administrator is reduced through further automation. In addition to
those advantages, certain automation may provide added advantages,
for example, multi-lingual test administration, multiple
simultaneous different tests, multiple simultaneous test subjects,
visual features, and other possibilities.
[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide advantages of
multimedia automation in diagnostic testing employing electronic or
other instrumentation. The embodiments are particularly suited in
the case of an audiometer, however, numerous other applications of
the embodiments are possible. The above-described advantages, as
well as other advantages, are achieved through the embodiments. The
present invention is, thus, a significant improvement in the art
and technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An embodiment of the invention is a method for automatedly
administering an audiometric test. The method comprises the steps
of controlling an audiometer to selectively switch the audiometer
output between test tones generated by the audiometer and sound
signals generated from digital information, first switching the
audiometer output to sound signals when the step of controlling
indicates a beginning of a new test, a completion of a current
test, or a test error, outputting sound representative of the sound
signals after the step of first switching, second switching the
audiometer output to test tones after the step of outputting, and
outputting test tones until the next step of first switching.
[0012] Another embodiment of the invention is a multimedia
audiometer. The multimedia audiometer comprises means for
outputting sound signals generated from digital information, means
for outputting test tones, means for switching between the means
for outputting sound signals and the means for outputting test
tones, and means for controlling the means for switching, the means
for controlling being communicatingly connected with the means for
switching. The means for switching is communicatingly connected
with the means for outputting sound signals and the means for
outputting test tones.
[0013] Yet another embodiment of the invention is a multimedia
audiometer. The multimedia audiometer comprises a computer, a tone
generator, and a switch connected with the computer and the tone
generator. The switch selectively causes either the tone generator
or the computer to output sound waves, and the computer controls
the switch.
[0014] Another embodiment of the invention is an audiometer. The
audiometer comprises a processor, a memory, communicatingly
connected with the processor, for storing digital data, a sound
wave generator, for generating analog sound signals in respect of
digital data, electrically connected with the processor, a test
tone generator electrically connected with the processor, and a
switch connected with the sound wave generator, the test tone
generator, and the processor. The switch is controlled by the
processor to selectively cause either the sound wave generator or
the test tone generator to output sound waves.
[0015] A further embodiment of the invention is an instrument that
conducts a test protocol on a test subject. The test protocol
comprises an output by the instrument followed by an input to the
instrument. The test subject determines the input, which input may
be positive, negative, or null. The instrument comprises an output
generator, an input detector for detecting the input, a digital
data storage for storing a digital data, a multimedia converter,
the multimedia converter converts the digital data to an analog
signal, and logic circuitry connected to the input detector, the
digital data storage, the multimedia converter, and the output
generator, for logically operating on the input, reading the
digital data, delivering the digital data to the multimedia
converter, and controlling the output generator.
[0016] Yet another embodiment of the invention is a multimedia
audiometer. The multimedia audiometer comprises a basic audiometer,
a computer, a multimedia input interface communicatingly connecting
the computer and the basic audiometer, and a communications
interface communicatingly connecting the computer and the basic
audiometer.
[0017] Another embodiment of the invention is a diagnostic
instrument. The diagnostic instrument comprises means for
outputting an audible sound, means for generating a test tone,
means for storing a digital data, means for generating an analog
signal derived from the digital data, means for switching an output
of the means for outputting between the test tone and the analog
signal, the means for switching being electrically connected to the
means for generating a test tone and the means for generating an
analog signal, means for processing, means for inputting, the means
for inputting connects the means for processing to the means for
outputting, and the means for communicating, the means for
communicating connects the means for processing to the means for
outputting, the means for generating the test tone, the means for
storing the digital data, the means for generating the analog
signal, the means for switching, and the means for inputting.
[0018] Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of
performing a diagnostic test protocol. The method comprises the
steps of outputting an audible sound, generating a test tone,
storing a digital data, generating an analog sound derived from the
digital data, switching the audible sound from the step of
outputting between the test tone and the analog signal, processing
the digital data, and controlling the steps of outputting,
generating the test tone, storing, generating the analog sound, and
switching.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a conventional
audiometer;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic of a typical audiometer,
corresponding to the functional block diagram of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a talkover card for use with the
audiometer of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an audiometer interfaced with a
personal computer for multimedia automation of audiometer
testing;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of an audiometer
interfaced with a multimedia personal computer;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a schematic of the personal computer connection
with the talkover card of FIG. 3, to provide multimedia automation
of audiometer testing; and
[0025] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a protocol for audiometric
testing utilizing the multimedia features of the embodiments of the
present invention to automate the test process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a functional block diagram of a
conventional audiometer 2 may be described. Although the following
discussion primarily addresses embodiments of the present invention
employed for an audiometer, the embodiments have varied application
in a wide variety of medical and diagnostic instrumentation. All
those applications are intended as included within the scope of the
invention. Also, the following describes various embodiments of the
present invention as particularly employed with the conventional
audiometer 2. It is to be understood that the conventional
audiometer 2 is detailed only for example purposes, and all other
alternative audiometer configurations, as well as other
instrumentation and configurations thereof, are also applications
for the invention in accordance with the principles herein.
[0027] Conventional Audiometer
[0028] The conventional audiometer 2 is generally comprised of
three parts: microprocessor circuitry 4, audio circuitry 6, and
certain optional elements 8. In addition to those three parts, the
conventional audiometer 2 includes a power supply and related
elements not shown in the functional block diagram. One example of
the conventional audiometer 2 is the RA250 Microprocessor
Audiometer available from TREMETRICS, Inc., Austin, Tex. Of course,
as previously mentioned, the conventional audiometer 2 illustrated
is shown only for purposes of illustration and example. Other
audiometers and other types of medical and diagnostic
instrumentation are also within the scope of the invention.
[0029] Microprocessor Circuitry
[0030] The microprocessor circuitry 4 of the conventional
audiometer 2 may include a processing unit (CPU) 12, such as, for
example, an Intel.TM. 8085 microprocessor or another
microprocessor. The CPU 12 serves to coordinate and control
operations and functions of the conventional audiometer 2. The CPU
12 conductively connects with various memory, such as, for example,
erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) 14 and random access
memory (RAM) 16. The memory 14, 16 may serve to store a software
protocol which controls the CPU 12 to cause the conventional
audiometer 2 to provide audiometric functions. The memory 14, 16
may also serve to maintain certain variables to achieve desired
operations and calibration of the conventional audiometer 2, or
simply to provide storage for values made available to and from the
CPU 12.
[0031] In addition to the memory 14, 16, the CPU 12 conductively
connects with various input and output ports and peripherals. Input
and output ports may include a serial I/O port 22 and a parallel
interface 24. The serial I/O port 22 may provide connections for
certain optimal elements 8, as hereinafter discussed. The parallel
interface 24 may connect with an input device, for example, a
keyboard 20. The parallel interface 24 may also connect with the
audio circuitry 6, as later explained. Another input device, such
as a display 18, for example, may connect with the memory 14, 16,
CPU 12, and other features of the microprocessor circuitry 4. Such
other features of the microprocessor circuitry 4 may include, for
example, certain programmable registers 26 and other elements.
[0032] Audio Circuitry
[0033] Now discussing the audio circuitry 6 of the conventional
audiometer 2, the audio circuitry 6 interfaces with the
microprocessor circuitry 4 in several ways. The programmable
registers 26 may serve as ports that connect with an oscillator
(also "frequency generator") 30. The oscillator 30 may provide
timing for a sine wave generator 32 that produces a digitally
synthesized sine wave from which audible test tones are derived.
Because the sine wave generator 32 produces a digitally synthesized
wave, the wave may be smoothed by a low pass filter 34.
[0034] The low pass filter 34 may connectively interface with the
parallel interface 24 of the microprocessor circuitry 4. Other
elements of the audio circuitry 6, such as frequency selector 36,
an electronic attenuator 38, a pulse control 40, a relay control
attenuator 42, and a handswitch jack 44, may conductively connect
with the parallel interface 24 to complete the interface of the
audio circuitry 6 with the microprocessor circuitry 4 of the
conventional audiometer. Pursuant to this interface arrangement,
the audio circuitry 6 and the microprocessor circuitry 4 may
communicate signals for control and other purposes.
[0035] In addition to the connection of the low pass filter 34 with
the parallel interface 24, the low pass filter 34 may conductively
connect with frequency compensation circuitry, such as, for
example, a frequency selector 36 that, together with the control
provided through the parallel interface 24, helps compensate for
attenuation. Other elements, such as the electronic attenuator 38
which connects with the frequency selector 36, also provide
compensation for attenuation. The sine wine generator 32 feeds the
pulse control 40 which, together with input to the pulse control 40
from the electronic attenuator 38, delivers signals representative
of desired test tones to a power amplifier 46. The power amplifier
46 feeds the relay control attenuator 42 for left and right
earphone signals. The relay control attenuator 42 is conductively
connected with an earphone jack 48.
[0036] In order to allow a test subject to interface with the audio
circuitry 6, earphone speakers 50 and a handswitch 52 may be
provided. The earphone speakers 50 may plug into the earphone jack
48. The test subject wearing the earphone speakers 50 will then
receive test tones generated by the conventional audiometer 2. The
handswitch 52 may plug into the handswitch jack 44. The handswitch
52 provides means for the test subject to interface with the
conventional audiometer 2 in order to signal to the conventional
audiometer 2 that the test subject either does or does not
correctly receive test tones through the earphone speakers 50.
[0037] Options
[0038] In addition to the basic elements just described, the
conventional audiometer 2 may include certain optional elements 8.
Various optional elements 8 are possible, depending upon desired
operations and functions. Two common optional elements 8 of the
conventional audiometer 2 have been an RS232 port 8a and a talkover
card 8b. The RS232 port 8a may conductively connect to the serial
I/O port 22 to allow communications of the microprocessor circuitry
4 with external peripherals (not shown) connected with the RS232
port 8a. Examples of external peripherals which may connect to the
RS232 port 8a may include printers, terminals, and modems. The
RS232 standard and suitable connections to ports conforming thereto
are generally known.
[0039] The other of the common optional elements 8, the talkover
card 8b, is of particular significance in embodiments of the
present invention. The talkover card 8b is conductively connected
with the audio circuitry 6 of the conventional audiometer 2 between
the relay control attenuator 42 and the earphone jack 48. In
effect, the talkover card 8b serves as a switch to divert input to
the earphone jack 48 when desired by a human test administrator
(not shown). The human test administrator may selectively "throw"
the switch and cause the input to the earphone jack 48 to switch
from signals from the relay control attenuator 42 representative of
test tones to signals representative of the human test
administrator's instructions then being voiced. Details of the
talkover card 8b are hereinafter more fully discussed with respect
to FIG. 3.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 2, a detailed schematic of the
conventional audiometer 2 of FIG. 1 is shown. Those skilled in the
art will understand and appreciate the electrical elements and
connectivities of the detailed schematic.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, a detailed schematic is provided of
the talkover card 8b of the conventional audiometer 2. The talkover
card 8b comprises a fixed gain operational amplifier 60. A voice
microphone 62 is an input to the amplifier 60. Other common
electronic elements, such as, for example, resistors, capacitors,
and others, may be included in the circuitry of the talkover card
8b. The amplifier 60 is connected to the input to the earphone jack
48 of the audio circuitry 6 of the conventional audiometer 2 (shown
in FIG. 1) by a relay 64a. When a human test administrator wishes
to deliver voice sounds, rather than test tones, to a test subject
wearing the earphone speakers 50 plugged into the earphone jack 48
(shown in FIG. 1), the test administrator causes the relay 64a to
be thrown. The test administrator, by such action, simultaneously
causes the conventional audiometer 2 to interrupt the test then in
progress, discontinuing test tone generation.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in conjunction, the relay 64a when
so thrown connects the amplifier 60, across switches 66a, to the
input to the earphone jack 48. In particular, electrical connector
68 passes the voice signals from the amplifier 60 to the earphone
jack 48 for delivery through the right ear speaker of the earphone
speakers 50 and electrical connector 70 similarly passes the voice
signals to the left ear speaker. When relay 64a results in closure
of its switches 66a, relay 64b results in opening of its switches
66b, and vice versa. In this manner, either voice signals through
the talkover card 8b or test tone signals through the audio
circuitry 6 at any instant, but not both simultaneously, is
delivered through the earphone speakers 50. As those skilled in the
art will understand and appreciate, this design of the conventional
audiometer 2 has allowed a human test administrator to interrupt
test tone testing to give instructions, error messages, and other
voice commands. The conventional audiometer 2 has required
intervention of a human test administrator, however, by selectively
throwing relays 64a,b and speaking into microphone 62 of the
talkover card 8b, in order to conduct hearing test with
intermittent instructions and messages.
[0043] Multimedia Embodiments
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 4, a multimedia audiometer 100,
according to embodiments of the present invention, may be
described. The multimedia audiometer 100 includes a basic
audiometer 200 having the basic elements of the conventional
audiometer 2 (shown in FIG. 1). That is, the multimedia audiometer
100 is also comprised of the microprocessor circuitry 4 and the
audio circuitry 6 (or other similar processing and audio
electronics and circuits) of the conventional audiometer 2 (shown
in FIG. 1). The earphone speakers 50 and the handswitch 52 are also
interfaced with the basic audiometer 200.
[0045] Although the multimedia audiometer 100 and the conventional
audiometer 2 share these similar basic elements, the basic
audiometer 200 is merely a subset of the entire multimedia
audiometer 100, as is apparent in FIG. 4. In addition to the
elements of the basic audiometer 200, 2, the multimedia audiometer
100 includes a computer 102, such as a personal computer, another
type of computer, or some other processing and storage device. The
computer 102 may be equipped and connected with peripherals, such
as a keyboard 106 and a display monitor 104, as well other known
input/output, communications, printing, and peripheral equipment.
In any event, the computer 102 should have multimedia capabilities,
that is, the computer 102 should be capable of producing sound
waves and/or visual images from representative digital information
stored, generated, and/or manipulated within or by the computer
102.
[0046] The computer 102 may be conductively connected with the
basic audiometer 200 through two interfaces: a communications
interface 108 and a multimedia input interface 110. The
communications interface 108 may allow for serial, parallel, or
other communications. If communications are serial, the
communications interface 108 may connect the computer 102 with the
RS232 port 8a (shown in FIG. 1) in standard manner, as though the
basic audiometer 200 is peripheral to the computer 102. The
multimedia input interface 110 requires, however, that the
conventional audiometer 2 be modified in certain respects to
provide the basic audiometer 200 for multimedia automation of
testing, as hereafter described.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 5, the communications interface 108
and the multimedia input interface 110 connect the computer 102
with the basic audiometer 200 to form the multimedia audiometer
100, as shown in functional block form. A serial input/output port
(not shown in detail) of the computer 102 may directly connect via
the communications interface 108 with RS232 port 8a of the basic
audiometer 200. A multimedia output port (not shown in detail) of
the computer 102 may directly connect via the multimedia input
interface 110 with a multimedia talkover card 118b, similar to the
talkover cord 8b (shown in FIG. 3) of the conventional audiometer
2. The multimedia output port of the computer 102 may, for example,
be a port of a sound card (not shown in detail) from which sound
signals are output by the computer 102. Alternatively or
additionally, other multimedia outputs (not shown) of the computer
102, for example, graphical image or video outputs, may connect
with the multimedia input interface 110 in similar manner. The
talkover card 8b (shown in FIG. 3) of the conventional audiometer 2
configuration has not previously provided a port for connection of
the multimedia input interface 110. The conventional audiometer 2
may, therefore, be adapted to provide such port. The adapted
conventional audiometer 2 is the basic audiometer 200.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 6, a sound port 120 of a multimedia
talkover card 118b for multimedia input to the basic audiometer 200
may be described. The sound port 120 connects with the multimedia
input interface 110, so that multimedia outputs of the computer 2
are input to the multimedia talkover card 118b. The sound port 120
may include a connector 120a to which the multimedia input
interface 110 may be plugged. The connector 120a may be attached
with two input leads 120b. The input leads 120a,b may be attached
with an audio jack plug 121. The audio jack plug 121 is insertable
in an audio jack 122 connected to the amplifier 60 output. When the
audio jack plug 121 not is inserted in the audio jack 122, the
output of amplifier 60 is shorted prior to the switches 66a. When
the audio jack plug 121 is inserted in the audio jack 122, however,
the circuit is completed and the computer 102 connected to the
sound port 120 may supply multimedia input to the switches 66a. In
effect, the microphone 62 is substituted with the multimedia input
via the sound port 120. All other features of the multimedia
talkover card 118b are substantially the same as the features of
the talkover card 8b of the prior technology.
[0049] Although the input leads 120b of the sound port 120 are
shown as connected with an output of the amplifier 60 in Figure,
alternatively, the input leads 120b could in similar manner connect
with inputs to the amplifier 60 or at some other location prior to
or after the amplifier 60. Furthermore, although the multimedia
talkover card 118b is expressly described as a "card" to the basic
audiometer 200, it is to be understood that any other functional
elements and circuitry that perform similarly, such as, for
example, a relay circuit that switches between the tone generator
of the basic audiometer 200 and the multimedia output from the
computer 102, as well as other possibilities, are all within the
scope of the invention.
[0050] Now referring to FIG. 7, in conjunction with FIGS. 4-6,
operations 300 of the multimedia audiometer 100 and the software
driving those operations 300 are discussed. When power is supplied
to the multimedia audiometer 100, the basic audiometer 200, as well
as the computer 102, may perform various set-up functions 302.
Those set-up functions 302 of the multimedia audiometer 100, for
example, boot-up and initialization of the computer 102 and
start-up and initialization of the basic audiometer 200, are
conventional. The start-up and initialization of the basic
audiometer 200 may be substantially the same as that of the
conventional audiometer 2 (shown in FIG. 1).
[0051] Generally, this start-up and initialization of the basic
audiometer 200 may proceed, for example, as follows: [0052] At
turn-on, the basic audiometer 200 presents a first tone and a
message appears on the display 18. The basic audiometer 200 is now
ready for operation. If a processing error by the CPU 12 is
discovered during the turn-on, an appropriate message is
displayed.
[0053] The following example illustrates an initialization
procedure for the basic audiometer 200. Keys of the keyboard 20 are
indicated by [ ] and messages in quotes. To begin, press:
TABLE-US-00001 KEYBOARD DISPLAY [SPECIAL] SPC00 [ENTER] MM DD
YY
[0054] Now enter today's date. For example: TABLE-US-00002 KEYBOARD
DISPLAY COMMENT [04 30 96] OM DD YY
[0055] The message "mode pulsed" then appears on the display 18.
Press [NO] to switch to continuous mode. "Continuous Mode" will be
displayed. Press [ENTER] when the desired code is displayed. The
display should now read "1KL AA AUTO" and then displays "PRESS [NEW
TEST]". Other parameters which may be selected include the test
other ear first and delete 8000 Hz. To do this, press:
TABLE-US-00003 KEYBOARD DISPLAY COMMENT [SPECIAL] SPC 04 [04] SPC
04 [ENTER] LEFT EAR FIRST [NO] RIGHT EAR FIRST [ENTER] 1KR AA AUTO
(Now testing right ear first) [SPECIAL] SPC 06 [06] SPC 06 [ENTER]
8KR SEL AUTO [NO] 8KR DEL AUTO [ENTER] 1KR AA AUTO (8 Khz is
deleted)
[0056] The basic audiometer 200 is now initialized.
[0057] Any or all of the above-mentioned parameters can be changed
at any time by entering a desired special routine. Various
"Special" codes that may be possible with the basic audiometer 200
of the multimedia audiometer 100 may, for example, include the
following: TABLE-US-00004 SPECIAL FUNCTION 00 Initialization of
audiometer 01 Enter date and time 02 Mode Pulsed/Continuous 03
Enter Examiner ID 04 Invent runtable to test better ear first 05
Select Printer Format 06 Select or Delete 8K 07 Select Baud rate 08
Turn on or off audio feedback for key pushes 09 Accelerated
listening check 10 Check calibration date 11 Call Ram Rock check 12
Calibration mode and program calibration eeprom 13 Printer Text 14
Not used 15 Display routine for time and date (no entry) 16 Not
used 17 Display selected audiogram 18 Print selected audiogram or
audiograms 19 Display and/or enter serial number 20 Not used
[0058] Software protocols to accomplish the start-up and
initialization of the basic audiometer 200 may be stored in the
memory 14, 16 of the basic audiometer 200 or elsewhere. Processing
and control for the start-up and initialization of the set-up
functions 302 are performed by the CPU 12 of the basic audiometer
200. Alternatively, the basic audiometer 200 could be controlled by
the computer 102 to perform the start-up and initialization, or
start-up and initialization could be controlled manually or in some
other manner.
[0059] After the set-up functions 302, including start-up and
initialization of the basic audiometer 200, are completed, the
basic audiometer 200 may be ready to begin administering a new
audiometric test of a test subject. A new test may be begun, for
example, by pressing a key of the basic audiometer 200 or,
alternatively, by a similar input to the computer 102. Upon the
start of the new test, the computer 102 may control the basic
audiometer 200 by communications over the communications interface
108 (shown in FIGS. 4-5).
[0060] If initial instructions to the test subject are desired, the
computer 102 may control 304 the basic audiometer 200 over the
communications interface 108 (shown in FIGS. 4-5). This control 304
may trigger the relay 64a and the relays 64b (shown in FIG. 2) to
close the switches 66a and open the switches 66b (shown in FIG. 2),
respectively. When the switches 66a are closed and the switches 66b
are opened in this manner, sound signals passed to the sound port
120 from the computer 102 over the multimedia input interface 110
are delivered through the amplifier 69 of the multimedia talkover
card 118b and through the earphone jack 48 to the earphone speakers
50.
[0061] The particular sound signals so passed to the earphone
speakers 50 may be derived from digital information stored or
generated in, or read by, the computer 102. The computer 102 may
select and output 306 signals representative of the particular
digital information. If the testing is just beginning, the signals
so selected and output 306 may be initial instructions to the test
subject about the test and the testing procedure. Of course, the
particular signals could be representative of virtually any type of
information which is subject to derivation from digital data.
Although sound is described here as being derived from digital
data, those skilled in the art will know and appreciate that
digital data may be manipulated and processed in a multitude of
ways to derive other types of information, for example, visual
graphics and images and others.
[0062] After the computer has selected and output 306 the desired
sound signals to the basic audiometer 200 and signals have been
delivered to the test subject as sound waves through the earphone
speakers 50, the computer 102, again may control 308 the basic
audiometer 200. The control 308 at this instant may trigger the
relay 64a to close the switches 66a and the relays 66b (shown in
FIG. 2) to open the switches 66b, respectively. The control 308,
then, causes the basic audiometer 200 to generate 310 a series of
test tones, such as, for example, tones in accordance with the
Hughson-Westlake procedure or another testing protocol.
[0063] When the switches 66a are closed and the switches 66b are
opened because of the control 308, the test tones generated 310 by
the audio circuitry 6 of the basic audiometer 200 are delivered
through the earphone jack 48 to the earphone speakers 50. According
to the particular testing protocol, the test subject may respond to
the test tones by input 312 via the handswitch 52 connected to the
basic audiometer 200. The basic audiometer 200, in cooperation with
the computer 102, will detect and determine any error 314 of the
input 312 response.
[0064] If there is not any error 316, then the basic audiometer 200
may continue to generate successive test tones 320 according to the
particular test protocol, until the test is completed 322. The
successive test tones 320 are generated in the same manner as
previously described. That is, the basic audiometer 200 operates to
generate test tones 310 delivered to the test subject; the test
subject responds with input 312 via the handswitch 52; and the
audiometer 200, in conjunction with the computer 102, detects and
determines 314 any error.
[0065] If an error 318 is detected and determined 314, the computer
102, based on its particular programmed logic, determines 324
whether to proceed 326 with the testing, to re-test 328, or to
perform some other function (not shown). Certain errors that may be
encountered during the administration of the test include, for
example, the following: [0066] No response at 1 kHz, Error Code E1,
signifies that the test subject is not responding to the test tone.
The test subject may receive a multimedia sound message, generated
by the computer 102 and passed through the earphone speakers 50, as
to how to take the test, for example, as follows: [0067] "There has
been no response for any tone in the initial test--as soon as you
hear a tone cut it off by pressing and releasing the hand switch."
[0068] Then, the test may be restarted. [0069] Failed to Establish
Threshold, Error Code E2, signifies that the basic audiometer 200
is unable to establish a hearing threshold level (HTL) from the
response of the test subject. The test subject may be instructed
based on digital data of the computer 102, for example, as follows:
[0070] "The audiometer has been unable to establish a
threshold--listen for the tone and as soon as you hear the tone cut
it off by pressing and releasing the hand switch." [0071] The test
may then recommence. [0072] Hand Switch Error, Error Code E4,
signifies that the test subject is not releasing the response
handswitch 52. The test subject may, for example, receive the
following instructions generated from the digital data stored by
computer 102: [0073] "The audiometer is recognizing the hand switch
as being on for a length of time--as soon as you hear a tone cut it
off by pressing and releasing the hand switch." [0074] The test may
then recommence.
[0075] Response no tone, Error Code E5, signifies that the test
subject has [0076] responded at least three times when no tone or
stimulus was present. A multimedia message, for example, as
follows, may be delivered through the earphone speakers 50: [0077]
"The audiometer is recognizing responses when no tone is
present--as soon as you hear a tone cut it off by pressing and
releasing the hand switch." [0078] The test is, thereafter,
restarted.
[0079] The foregoing error codes, multimedia messages, and
operations are merely example possibilities. An example of an
entire error code list is as follows: TABLE-US-00005 Error Code
Indication Multimedia Audiometer Response AA Not Tested DD Deleted
Frequency EE No Response Test Continues EF Test Incomplete EB 25
Presentations Test Continues No HTL E1 No Response Stops Test
Repeat Instructions 1 KHz E2 1 KHz Stops Test Repeat Instructions
25 Presentations No HTL E3 1 KHz Retest Error Stops Test Repeat
Instructions E4 Hand Switch Error Stops Test Holding Switch MSG E5
Response No Tone Stops Test Response w/window closed E6 Error For
Stops Test Examiner Intervention Second Time E7 Max. Failed Stops
Test Examiner Intervention Frequencies >6 E8 Hardware Error Only
seen at Turnon and After EPROM Diagnostic Check
[0080] Error Codes That Do Not Stop Test [0081] EE [0082] Error
Codes that Get Instructions and Resume Testing [0083] EB--Same as
E2 message [0084] E1 [0085] E2 [0086] E4 [0087] E5 [0088] Error
Codes That Stop Test and Pop Up Message on PC for Operator Test
Does Not Restart [0089] E3 [0090] E6 [0091] E7
[0092] In the case that a re-test 328 is warranted because of an
error or otherwise, the operations 300 begin anew with the computer
control 304 of the basic audiometer 200 over the communications
interface 108 (shown in FIGS. 4-5) to trigger the relays 64a,b. The
testing thereafter proceeds through the steps of selections and
output 306, computer control 308, test tone generation 310, test
subject response input 312, and detection and error determination
314.
[0093] Once the entire test protocol is completed in the foregoing
manner, the test is completed 322. The computer 102 may then
control 330 the basic audiometer 200 to trigger the relays 64a,b to
close the switches 66a and to open the switches 66b. The control
330 is accomplished in the manners previously described by
communications between the computer 102 and the basic audiometer
200 over the communications interface 108.
[0094] After the control 330 so sets the switches 66a,b, the
computer 102 may further select and output 340 sound signals, which
sound signals are derived from digital data stored, generated or
read by the computer 102. The sound signals may travel to the
earphone jack 48 and the earphone speakers 50 to deliver final
instructions and messages to the test subject.
[0095] Numerous alternatives and variations are possible for the
multimedia audiometer 100. For example, digital data stored,
generated or read by the computer 102 may be representative of a
wide variety of sounds, images, video, or other multimedia
features. In certain embodiments, the particular digital data may
allow the test subject to select any of a number of different
languages through which testing is administered. Further, digital
data may be manipulated by the computer 102 in such a manner that
multiple simultaneous tests may be administered. There are, of
course, numerous other possibilities.
[0096] There are also many possible variations and alternatives in
the configuration of the computer 102 and the basic audiometer 200
by providing the audiometer with additional memory, processing,
wave sound generation, and appropriate software. Alternatively, the
computer 102 could include a test tone generation means and
appropriate software programming to perform the functions of the
basic audiometer 200. Even further, the multimedia audiometer 100
could be implemented by using a programmable digital tape player or
compact disc (CD) player and allowing the basic audiometer 200 to
select desired tracks to play. Other alternatives may be possible,
it being understood that those skilled in the art will generally
know and appreciate that the employment of computer or other
control of instrumentation operations during test administration
and the use of multimedia features for instruction, messages, and
other herebefore required human administrative actions is possible
with the incorporation of digital data, according to the
embodiments of the present invention, from which are derived
multimedia features.
[0097] It is to be understood that multiple variations, changes and
modifications are possible in the aforementioned embodiments of the
invention. Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have
been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change, and
substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in
some instances, some features of the present invention may be
employed without a corresponding use of the other features.
Accordingly, it is appropriate that the foregoing description be
construed broadly and understood as being given by way of
illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the
invention being limited only by the appended claims.
[0098] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *