Voice communication device

• US 7,203,331 B2
• Filed: 04/29/2002
• Issued: 04/10/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Peter V Boesen
• Original Assignee: SP Technologies LLC
• Inventors: Boesen, Peter V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ni, Suhan
• Application Number:
  US10/134,239
• Publication Number:
  US 20020118852A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,807 Days
• Field of Search: 381/361, 381/312, 381/314, 381/320, 381/321, 381/313, 381/315, 381326-328, 381/330, 381/322, 181/130, 181/135, 181/129, 380/181, 380/129, 380/130, 380/135, 380/381
• US Class Current: 381/380
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0256 wherein the modules are operable in the detached state, e.g. one module for the user interface and one module for the transceiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6066 including a wireless connection
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1016 Earpieces of the intra-aural type
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/1041 Mechanical or electronic switches, or control elements switches in general H01H
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2201/107 Monophonic and stereophonic headphones with microphone for two-way hands free communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/07 Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2460/13 Hearing devices using bone conduction transducers

Abstract

A voice communication device including an earpiece adapted to be inserted into the external auditory canal of a user is disclosed. The earpiece is smaller than the interior of the external auditory canal and the earpiece does not block the canal. The earpiece includes one or more sensors disposed within the earpiece to sense vibrations. In one embodiment, the earpiece includes a processor disposed within the earpiece and operatively connected to each of the sensors, and a transmitter operatively connected to the processor.

Claims

1. A voice communication device for sensing voice sound information from a user, comprising:

a one piece earpiece adapted to be inserted into an external auditory canal of the user;

a fitting portion adapted to be fitted against contours of a wall of the external auditory canal while not contacting the external auditory canal along an opposite wall of the external auditory canal;

a plurality of sensors disposed within the earpiece and within the external auditory canal of the user to sense vibrations;

a transmitter operatively connected to the plurality of sensors and adapted to transmit sensed information to a remote location;

a processor disposed within the earpiece and operatively connected to each of the plurality of sensors; and

the earpiece being smaller in size then the interior of the external auditory canal whereby the earpiece does not block the canal.

2. The voice communication device of claim 1 further comprising a behind the ear portion connected to the earpiece.

3. The voice communication device of claim 1 wherein the fitting portion being adapted to be fit along the posterior superior wall of the external auditory canal.

4. The voice communication device of claim 1 wherein the transmitter is operatively connected to the processor.

5. The voice communication device of claim 4 further comprising a receiver and a speaker disposed within the earpiece, the receiver electrically connected to the speaker.