WO2002029743A1 - Integrated hearing assistant device in a communication unit - Google Patents

Integrated hearing assistant device in a communication unit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002029743A1
WO2002029743A1 PCT/US2001/030797 US0130797W WO0229743A1 WO 2002029743 A1 WO2002029743 A1 WO 2002029743A1 US 0130797 W US0130797 W US 0130797W WO 0229743 A1 WO0229743 A1 WO 0229743A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sound
sounds
predetermined
communications device
wireless communications
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/030797
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Mimi Hutchison
Rachel Mckenzie
Original Assignee
Motorola Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Motorola Inc. filed Critical Motorola Inc.
Priority to AU2002211343A priority Critical patent/AU2002211343A1/en
Publication of WO2002029743A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002029743A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B6/00—Tactile signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B1/00—Systems for signalling characterised solely by the form of transmission of the signal
    • G08B1/08—Systems for signalling characterised solely by the form of transmission of the signal using electric transmission ; transformation of alarm signals to electrical signals from a different medium, e.g. transmission of an electric alarm signal upon detection of an audible alarm signal

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to sound activated alert systems, and in particular, to a wireless communications device that alerts a subscriber when the wireless communications device recognizes sounds.
  • Assistive listening systems or alerting systems are typically used to alert a hearing impaired person about various sounds that are detected in and around their dwelling or environment. These systems directly or indirectly detect sounds and alert a hearing impaired person by a visual indication, for example, flashing lights, or by a tactile alert, for example, a vibration. Some alerting systems indirectly detect sounds by detection of an electrical signal that is representative of a certain sound being made or generated. These alert systems work well with sound generating devices that are electronic. One example is a door bell alert system. In a doorbell alert system, the electronic switch that generates the door bell chime is also used to generate a visual indication or a tactile alert.
  • alerting systems directly detect sounds by sensing a magnitude or loudness of a sound or by sensing a certain frequency or vibration resulting from a sound.
  • the sensing device must be placed in close proximity to the sound that is to be sensed.
  • a door knock alerting system uses a loudness detecting sensing device in close proximity to the door to detect a loud knock at the door.
  • the sensing devices are often connected to transmitters that transmit an indication of the sound to a receiver that causes the visual indication or tactile alert.
  • the receiver may be a portable device, such as a pager.
  • One problem with existing assistive listening systems is the cost associated with placing a sensing device near, or connecting a sensing device to, every sound that is important.
  • the need to affix a sensing device near every sound restricts the ability to use the system in multiple environments or surroundings.
  • the methods presently used to sense and detect sounds are imprecise. This may limit the effectiveness of the system for a variety of sounds.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communications device in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for alerting a subscriber about sounds recognized by a wireless communications device in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for programming sounds into a wireless communications device in accordance with the present invention.
  • a wireless communications device alerts a subscriber when the communications device recognizes a predetermined sound.
  • the communications device receives an external sound that is compared to a predetermined set of sounds that are stored in a memory of the communications device.
  • the predetermined set of sounds may be factory programmed or subscriber programmed, or both.
  • the communications device vibrates if the external sound matches one of the predetermined set of sounds.
  • the communications device displays a visual indication, such as a text message, that identifies the type of sound that is recognized by the communications device.
  • the text message may also be transmitted to another communications device.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a wireless communications device 100.
  • Device 100 is preferably a two-way pager, but alternatively is a wireless telephone, wireless radio, one-way (receive only) pager, or personal digital assistant.
  • Device 100 comprises a transmitter 104, a receiver 106, a processor 112, a memory 114, an input device 116, a display 118, and a vibrator 120, which are standard components in a two-way pager.
  • Transmitter 104 transmits messages to other communications devices.
  • Receiver 106 receives messages from other communications devices.
  • Transmitter 104 and receiver 106 are interconnected to processor 112 for control over transmitting and receiving messages.
  • Processor 112 in conjunction with memory 114, executes programs to control the functions and user interface to device 100.
  • Input device 116 is coupled to processor 112 to allow a user to key in input, such as messages that are transmitted to other communications devices.
  • Input device 116 is preferably a keyboard.
  • A/D 110 is coupled to A/D 110 to transmit the audio signals of the external sounds to A/D 110.
  • A/D 110 converts the audio signals f om analog audio data to digital audio data.
  • Processor 112 compares the audio parameters of the digital audio data to the audio parameters of each of the predetermined set of sounds stored in memory 114. Vibrator
  • Display 116 is coupled to processor 112 to display a text message if the audio parameters of the external sound match the audio parameters of one of the predetermined set of sounds.
  • the text message preferably identifies the one of the predetermined set of sounds that is recognized.
  • transmitter 104 transmits the text message to another wireless communications device.
  • Processor 112 is preferably a microprocessor or digital signal processor. Memory
  • Vibrator 120 is any suitable vibrator capable of a sub-audible or tactile alert.
  • An exemplary vibrator is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,172,092, issued to Nguyen et al, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application.
  • Microphone 108 is any suitable microphone for receiving sound.
  • Display 116 is any suitable display device, such as a liquid crystal display provided with a two-way pager.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a method to alert a subscriber about external sounds using a wireless communications device in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is described below with respect to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
  • the wireless communications device receives an external sound (200). This is accomplished in the preferred embodiment when microphone 108 receives an external sound from around the communications device and A/D 110 converts the external sound to a digital format.
  • the external sound is compared with a predetermined set of sounds (202) to determine whether the external sound matches one of the predetermined set of sounds (204). This is accomplished in the preferred embodiment by processor 112 determining whether the audio parameters of the external sound matches the audio parameters of one of the predetermined set of sounds.
  • the external sound is converted to a pulse-code-modulated (PCM) format and the predetermined set of sounds are stored in a PCM format such that one or more of the PCM samples of the external sound are compared with one or more of the PCM samples of the predetermined set of sounds. If the comparison of the PCM samples indicates that the samples are within a predefined acceptable margin of error, then a match is determined, that is, a sound is recognized. After a sound is recognized, a determination is made as to the type of responsive action that is to be performed (206).
  • the responsive actions include the communication device vibrating, displaying a text message, or sending the text message to another communications device. After the responsive action is determined, the wireless communications device performs the responsive action (208).
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a method to program sounds into a wireless communications device in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is described below with respect to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
  • device 100 is set in a program mode (300), such that a user exerts control using input device 116.
  • an option is selected to modify a predetermined set of sounds on device 100 (302).
  • a manufacturer or subscriber, or both program the predetermined set of sounds. Sounds preprogrammed into device 100 by a manufacturer are selected by a user in program mode. Subscriber programmed sounds are preferably recorded on device 100. This is accomplished in the preferred embodiment by using microphone 108 to record the sound (304). Then, a description of the sound is entered into device 100 with input device 116 (306).
  • a determination is made as to whether to send a page to a remote device (308). If a page is to be sent to a remote device, then a number or other identifier of the remote device is entered (310). If a page is not to be sent to a remote device, then the program ends (312).
  • a wireless communications device in addition to providing wireless communications, alerts a subscriber about sounds that are recognized by the communications device.
  • the wireless communications device vibrates and displays a message to alert the subscriber about the sound.
  • the communications device may also transmit the displayed message to other communications devices.
  • this invention is more cost efficient than the other alternatives that require the installation of multiple transmitters for each sound to be sensed. Additionally, hardware available on the wireless communications device is reused to implement the assistive listening features.

Abstract

A wireless communications device (100) recognizes a particular sound (200, 202, 204) and alerts a subscriber when the sound is sensed (208). The wireless communications device vibrates to alert the subscriber that the communications device recognized a sound. The communications device also displays a text message that represents the type of sound that is recognized by the communications device. In addition, the communications device transmits a text message to another communications device.

Description

INTEGRATED HEARING ASSISTANT DEVICE IN A COMMUNICATION UNIT
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to sound activated alert systems, and in particular, to a wireless communications device that alerts a subscriber when the wireless communications device recognizes sounds.
Background Art
Assistive listening systems or alerting systems are typically used to alert a hearing impaired person about various sounds that are detected in and around their dwelling or environment. These systems directly or indirectly detect sounds and alert a hearing impaired person by a visual indication, for example, flashing lights, or by a tactile alert, for example, a vibration. Some alerting systems indirectly detect sounds by detection of an electrical signal that is representative of a certain sound being made or generated. These alert systems work well with sound generating devices that are electronic. One example is a door bell alert system. In a doorbell alert system, the electronic switch that generates the door bell chime is also used to generate a visual indication or a tactile alert. Other alerting systems directly detect sounds by sensing a magnitude or loudness of a sound or by sensing a certain frequency or vibration resulting from a sound. In these systems, the sensing device must be placed in close proximity to the sound that is to be sensed. For example, a door knock alerting system uses a loudness detecting sensing device in close proximity to the door to detect a loud knock at the door. Regardless of whether the sound is sensed directly or indirectly, the sensing devices are often connected to transmitters that transmit an indication of the sound to a receiver that causes the visual indication or tactile alert. The receiver may be a portable device, such as a pager.
One problem with existing assistive listening systems is the cost associated with placing a sensing device near, or connecting a sensing device to, every sound that is important. In addition, the need to affix a sensing device near every sound restricts the ability to use the system in multiple environments or surroundings. Also, the methods presently used to sense and detect sounds are imprecise. This may limit the effectiveness of the system for a variety of sounds.
Therefore, a need exists for an improved assistive listening device that is portable and cost efficient. Brief Description of Drawings
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless communications device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for alerting a subscriber about sounds recognized by a wireless communications device in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for programming sounds into a wireless communications device in accordance with the present invention.
Disclosure of Invention
In summary, a wireless communications device alerts a subscriber when the communications device recognizes a predetermined sound. First, the communications device receives an external sound that is compared to a predetermined set of sounds that are stored in a memory of the communications device. The predetermined set of sounds may be factory programmed or subscriber programmed, or both. Then, the communications device vibrates if the external sound matches one of the predetermined set of sounds. Next, the communications device displays a visual indication, such as a text message, that identifies the type of sound that is recognized by the communications device. The text message may also be transmitted to another communications device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a wireless communications device 100. Device 100 is preferably a two-way pager, but alternatively is a wireless telephone, wireless radio, one-way (receive only) pager, or personal digital assistant. Device 100 comprises a transmitter 104, a receiver 106, a processor 112, a memory 114, an input device 116, a display 118, and a vibrator 120, which are standard components in a two-way pager. Transmitter 104 transmits messages to other communications devices. Receiver 106 receives messages from other communications devices. Transmitter 104 and receiver 106 are interconnected to processor 112 for control over transmitting and receiving messages. Processor 112, in conjunction with memory 114, executes programs to control the functions and user interface to device 100. Input device 116 is coupled to processor 112 to allow a user to key in input, such as messages that are transmitted to other communications devices. Input device 116 is preferably a keyboard.
Device 100 preferably includes a microphone 108 and an analog-to-digital converter (A/D) 110, which in combination with processor 112 and memory 114 form a sound recognition device 121. More specifically, a stored program in memory 114 is executed by processor 112 to compare external sounds to a predetermined set of sounds stored in memory 114. Microphone 108 receives external sounds. Microphone
108 is coupled to A/D 110 to transmit the audio signals of the external sounds to A/D 110. A/D 110 converts the audio signals f om analog audio data to digital audio data.
Processor 112 compares the audio parameters of the digital audio data to the audio parameters of each of the predetermined set of sounds stored in memory 114. Vibrator
120 is coupled to processor 112 to vibrate if the audio parameters of the external sound sufficiently match the audio parameters of one of the predetermined set of sounds. Display 116 is coupled to processor 112 to display a text message if the audio parameters of the external sound match the audio parameters of one of the predetermined set of sounds. The text message preferably identifies the one of the predetermined set of sounds that is recognized. Preferably, transmitter 104 transmits the text message to another wireless communications device. Processor 112 is preferably a microprocessor or digital signal processor. Memory
114 is any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory. Vibrator 120 is any suitable vibrator capable of a sub-audible or tactile alert. An exemplary vibrator is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,172,092, issued to Nguyen et al, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application. Microphone 108 is any suitable microphone for receiving sound. Display 116 is any suitable display device, such as a liquid crystal display provided with a two-way pager.
FIG. 2 illustrates a method to alert a subscriber about external sounds using a wireless communications device in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is described below with respect to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1. First, the wireless communications device receives an external sound (200). This is accomplished in the preferred embodiment when microphone 108 receives an external sound from around the communications device and A/D 110 converts the external sound to a digital format. Then, the external sound is compared with a predetermined set of sounds (202) to determine whether the external sound matches one of the predetermined set of sounds (204). This is accomplished in the preferred embodiment by processor 112 determining whether the audio parameters of the external sound matches the audio parameters of one of the predetermined set of sounds. Preferably the external sound is converted to a pulse-code-modulated (PCM) format and the predetermined set of sounds are stored in a PCM format such that one or more of the PCM samples of the external sound are compared with one or more of the PCM samples of the predetermined set of sounds. If the comparison of the PCM samples indicates that the samples are within a predefined acceptable margin of error, then a match is determined, that is, a sound is recognized. After a sound is recognized, a determination is made as to the type of responsive action that is to be performed (206). In the preferred embodiment, the responsive actions include the communication device vibrating, displaying a text message, or sending the text message to another communications device. After the responsive action is determined, the wireless communications device performs the responsive action (208).
FIG. 3 illustrates a method to program sounds into a wireless communications device in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 is described below with respect to the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
First, device 100 is set in a program mode (300), such that a user exerts control using input device 116. Second, an option is selected to modify a predetermined set of sounds on device 100 (302). In the preferred embodiment, a manufacturer or subscriber, or both program the predetermined set of sounds. Sounds preprogrammed into device 100 by a manufacturer are selected by a user in program mode. Subscriber programmed sounds are preferably recorded on device 100. This is accomplished in the preferred embodiment by using microphone 108 to record the sound (304). Then, a description of the sound is entered into device 100 with input device 116 (306). Next, a determination is made as to whether to send a page to a remote device (308). If a page is to be sent to a remote device, then a number or other identifier of the remote device is entered (310). If a page is not to be sent to a remote device, then the program ends (312).
By virtue of the apparatus and method described above, a wireless communications device, in addition to providing wireless communications, alerts a subscriber about sounds that are recognized by the communications device. The wireless communications device vibrates and displays a message to alert the subscriber about the sound. The communications device may also transmit the displayed message to other communications devices. Advantageously, this invention is more cost efficient than the other alternatives that require the installation of multiple transmitters for each sound to be sensed. Additionally, hardware available on the wireless communications device is reused to implement the assistive listening features.
Whereas the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various changes and modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art and it is intended that the invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communications device comprising: a sound recognition device that compares sounds sensed around the wireless communications device with a set of predetermined sounds to determine if a sensed sound matches a predetermined sound of the set of predetermined sounds; and a vibrator coupled to the sound recognition device to vibrate when the sound recognition device determines the sensed sound matches a predetermined sound of the set of predetermined sounds.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a display that displays a text message representing a type of the predetermined sound of the set of predetermined sounds.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the sound recognition device comprises: a microphone that senses external sounds around the wireless communications device; and an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the microphone that converts the external sounds from analog audio data to digital audio data.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein the sound recognition device further comprises: a memory that stores the set of predetermined sounds; a processor coupled to receive the digital audio data and compare the digital audio data with the set of predetermined sounds to determine if the digital audio data matches a predetermined sound of the set of predetermined sounds.
5. The device of claim 4 further comprising: an input device coupled to the processor to receive input from a user; and wherein input from a user determines the set of predetermined sounds.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein external sounds sensed by the microphone are stored as a predetermined sound of the set of predetermined sounds.
7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a transmitter that transmits a message over the air when the sound recognition device determines the sensed sound matches a predetermined sound of the set of predetermined sounds.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein the message results in a notification to a user.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is at least one of a pager, wireless telephone, wireless radio, two-way pager, and personal digital assistant.
10. The device of claim 5 wherein the input device comprises a keyboard.
11. A method for alerting a user when a sound is recognized by a wireless communications device, the method comprising: receiving an external sound; comparing the external sound with a predetermined set of sounds; determining whether the external sound matches one of the predetermined set of sounds; if the external sound does match one of the predetermined set of sounds, then determining a responsive action; and performing the responsive action.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the responsive action comprises generating a vibration using a vibrator on the wireless communications device.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the responsive action comprises displaying a text message on the wireless communications device.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the responsive action comprises wireless transmission of a message from the wireless communications device to another communications device.
PCT/US2001/030797 2000-10-02 2001-10-02 Integrated hearing assistant device in a communication unit WO2002029743A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002211343A AU2002211343A1 (en) 2000-10-02 2001-10-02 Integrated hearing assistant device in a communication unit

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US67727900A 2000-10-02 2000-10-02
US09/677,279 2000-10-02

Publications (1)

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WO (1) WO2002029743A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008067638A1 (en) * 2006-12-08 2008-06-12 Harmonya Technologies Inc. Environment sensing system for the hearing-impaired
WO2011101623A1 (en) * 2010-02-16 2011-08-25 Hosiden Besson Limited Assistive listening system

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4959850A (en) * 1987-05-29 1990-09-25 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Radio telephone apparatus
US5335276A (en) * 1992-12-16 1994-08-02 Texas Instruments Incorporated Communication system and methods for enhanced information transfer
US6157844A (en) * 1999-08-02 2000-12-05 Motorola, Inc. Method and apparatus for selecting a communication mode in a mobile communication device having voice recognition capability

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4959850A (en) * 1987-05-29 1990-09-25 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Radio telephone apparatus
US5335276A (en) * 1992-12-16 1994-08-02 Texas Instruments Incorporated Communication system and methods for enhanced information transfer
US6157844A (en) * 1999-08-02 2000-12-05 Motorola, Inc. Method and apparatus for selecting a communication mode in a mobile communication device having voice recognition capability

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008067638A1 (en) * 2006-12-08 2008-06-12 Harmonya Technologies Inc. Environment sensing system for the hearing-impaired
WO2011101623A1 (en) * 2010-02-16 2011-08-25 Hosiden Besson Limited Assistive listening system

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