Hearing assistive system with low power interface
First Claim
1. A communications interface device comprising:
- a communications module;
a low power radio frequency (RF) transmitter;
a processor; and
a memory for storing instructions, which when executed by the processor, perform a method comprising;
receiving an audio signal at the communications module;
generating a communication signal comprising the audio signal; and
transmitting the communication signal to a hearing assistive device using the low power RF transmitter, wherein the hearing assistive device extracts an audible signal from the communication signal and manipulates the extracted audible signal according to at least one of a user determined criterion and a hearing limitation associated with a user of the hearing assistive device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A communications interface provides for communication between a wireless communication device (WCD) and a hearing assistive device (HAD). In an exemplary embodiment the communications interface includes a communications module to receive an audio signal from the WCD. The communications interface transmits the audio signal to the HAD using a Low Power Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter. The HAD receives the Low Power RF signal and provides a voice signal to the HAD user via a speaker. In some embodiments, the HAD includes a microphone and a transmitter. The HAD transmits a voice signal generated by the microphone to the communications interface. Exemplary methods for using the WCD and the HAD are also disclosed.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A communications interface device comprising:
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a communications module; a low power radio frequency (RF) transmitter; a processor; and a memory for storing instructions, which when executed by the processor, perform a method comprising; receiving an audio signal at the communications module; generating a communication signal comprising the audio signal; and transmitting the communication signal to a hearing assistive device using the low power RF transmitter, wherein the hearing assistive device extracts an audible signal from the communication signal and manipulates the extracted audible signal according to at least one of a user determined criterion and a hearing limitation associated with a user of the hearing assistive device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A hearing assistive device comprising:
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a low power radio frequency (RF) receiver; a processor; a memory for storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, perform a method comprising; receiving a communication signal at the low power RF receiver; and extracting an audible signal from the communication signal; and a signal processor for manipulating the extracted audible signal according to at least one of a user determined criterion and a hearing limitation associated with a user of the hearing assistive device. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method comprising:
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receiving a low power radio frequency (RF) signal at a low power RF receiver of a hearing assistive device, the RF signal being received from a communications interface in communication with the hearing assistive device; extracting an audible signal from the low power RF signal; manipulating the audible signal using a signal processor of the hearing assistive device, wherein the signal processor manipulates the audible signal in accordance with at least one of a criterion associated with the user of the hearing assistive device and a hearing limitation association with the user of the hearing assistive device; and outputting the audible signal to a speaker of the hearing assistive device for output to a user of the hearing assistive device. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification