Hearing enhancement systems

• US 8,582,789 B2
• Filed: 06/06/2008
• Issued: 11/12/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/15/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.
• Original Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.
• Inventors: Cheung, Kwok Wai, Tong, Peter P., Thomas, C. Douglass
• Primary Examiner(s): Goins, Davetta W
• Assistant Examiner(s): DABNEY, PHYLESHA LARVINIA
• Application Number:
  US12/157,092
• Publication Number:
  US 20080279410A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,985 Days
• Field of Search: 455/575.6, 455/550.1, 381/312, 381/316, 381/320, 381/77, 381/79
• US Class Current: 381/313
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/61 for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/72 of terrestrial networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0214 Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position combined with translation movement H04M1/0235
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/03 Constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. telephone hand-sets
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/19 Arrangements of transmitters, receivers, or complete sets to prevent eavesdropping, to attenuate local noise or to prevent undesired transmission; Mouthpieces or receivers specially adapted therefor circuit arrangements for preventing eavesdropping H04M1/68; telephone cabinets E04H1/14
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/605 involving control of the receiver volume to provide a dual operational mode at close or far distance from the user
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6091 including a wireless interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/403 loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2201/023 Transducers incorporated in garment, rucksacks or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2201/401 2D or 3D arrays of transducers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2217/03 Parametric transducers where sound is generated or captured by the acoustic demodulation of amplitude modulated ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2225/55 Communication between hearing aids and external devices via a network for data exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/405 by combining a plurality of transducers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/554 using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 27/00 Public address systems circuits for preventing acoustic reaction H04R3/02; circuits for distributing signals to loudspeakers H04R3/12; monitoring or testing arrangements for public address systems H04R29/007; amplifiers H03F
• CPC Class Codes: H04S 1/00 Two-channel systems H04S5/00, H04S7/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04S 3/00 Systems employing more than two channels, e.g. quadraphonic H04S5/00, H04S7/00 take precedence

Abstract

A hearing enhancement system that enhances a user'"'"'s hearing is disclosed. For example, the system can include an interface unit that has a directional speaker and a microphone. The microphone captures input audio signals that are transformed into ultrasonic signals. The speaker transmits the ultrasonic signals, which are transformed into output audio signals by interaction with air. At least a portion of the output audio signals are modified to enhance the hearing of the user. Based on the system, the user'"'"'s ear remains free from any inserted objects and thus is free from annoying occlusion effects. Compared to existing hearing aids, the system is relatively inexpensive. In another embodiment, the system can also be used as a phone. In yet another embodiment, the system can also access audio signals from other portable or non-portable instruments, wired or wirelessly, such as from home entertainment units, phones, microphones at a conference or speakers at a movie theater.

Claims

1. A hearing enhancement system for a user, comprising:

an audio system configured to receive input signals for broadcasting, and configured to up-convert the received input signals into up-converted signals to be wirelessly transmitted;

a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive the up-converted signals;

a down-converter configured to down-convert the received up-converted signals into down-converted signals;

a modifier configured to modify the down-converted signals into modified signals based on at least one hearing characteristic of the user to enhance the hearing of the user; and

a speaker configured to generate audio output signals from the modified signals for the user.

2. A hearing enhancement system as recited in claim 1, wherein the up-converted signals are in the WiFi frequency band.

3. A hearing enhancement system as recited in claim 1, wherein the audio system is selected from the list consisting a television, a stereo system, a CD player and a radio.

4. A hearing enhancement system as recited in claim 1, wherein the audio system is a phone.

5. A hearing enhancement system as recited in claim 1, wherein the audio system receives the input signals from a microphone.

6. A hearing enhancement system as recited in claim 1, wherein the down-converted signals are modified such that a portion of the audio output signals has an increased power to enhance the hearing of the user.

7. A hearing enhancement system as recited in claim 6,

wherein the portion with increased power is selected based on frequency, and

wherein a higher frequency portion has increased power.

8. A hearing enhancement system as recited in claim 1,

wherein the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is determined via calibrating the user'"'"'s hearing,

wherein the power of the audio output signals can be changed as a function of frequency, and

wherein the user can change the power of the audio output signals.

9. A hearing enhancement system as recited in claim 1, wherein the speaker is configured to generate ultrasonic signals, with at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transformed into the audio output signals in air.

10. A hearing enhancement system as recited in claim 1, wherein the speaker is a directional speaker.

11. A hearing enhancement system as recited in claim 1, wherein the speaker is an ear speaker.

12. A hearing enhancement system as recited in claim 1, wherein the speaker is in a headset.

13. A hearing enhancement apparatus for a user, the apparatus being wirelessly coupled to an audio system, which is configured to up-convert input signals into up-converted signals to be wirelessly transmitted, the apparatus comprising:

a wireless receiver configured to wirelessly receive the up-converted signals;

a down-converter configured to down-convert the received up-converted signals into down-converted signals;

a modifier configured to modify the down-converted signals into modified signals based on at least one hearing characteristic of the user to enhance the hearing of the user; and

a speaker configured to generate audio output signals from the modified signals for the user.

14. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the down-converted signals are modified such that a portion of the audio output signals has an increased power to enhance the hearing of the user.

15. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 14,

wherein the portion with the increased power is selected based on frequency,

wherein a higher frequency portion has increased power,

wherein the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is determined via calibrating the user'"'"'s hearing,

wherein the power of the audio output signals can be changed as a function of frequency, and

wherein the user can change the power of the audio output signals.

16. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the down-converted signals are further modified based on the noise level of the environment of the apparatus.

17. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein the apparatus is also configured to operate as at least a part of a phone.

18. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 14,

wherein the portion with increased power is selected based on frequency, and

wherein a higher frequency portion has increased power.

19. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the up-converted signals are in the WiFi frequency band.

20. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13,

wherein the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is determined via calibrating the user'"'"'s hearing,

wherein the power of the audio output signals can be changed as a function of frequency, and

wherein the user can change the power of the audio output signals.

21. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the speaker is configured to generate ultrasonic signals, with at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transformed into the audio output signals in air.

22. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the down-converted signals are further modified based on the noise level of the environment of the apparatus.

23. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the apparatus is also configured to operate as a phone.

24. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is wirelessly received and stored in the hearing enhancement apparatus.

25. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is retrieved from a portable media storage device while being physically in contact with the apparatus.

26. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the speaker is a directional speaker.

27. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the speaker is an ear speaker.

28. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the speaker is in a headset.

29. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13,

wherein the audio system is configured to operate as a phone,

wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is configured to operate in conjunction with or at least as a part of a mobile phone,

wherein the speaker is an ear speaker, and

wherein to enhance the hearing of the user, the modifier is configured to modify the down-converted signals into modified signals at one or more frequencies within the audio frequencies, with the one or more frequencies being determined by the at least one hearing characteristic of the user.

30. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 29,

wherein the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is determined via calibrating the user'"'"'s hearing at least across the one or more frequencies to generate at least a portion of the hearing profile of the user, and

wherein the hearing profile is stored in the hearing enhancement apparatus.

31. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 30, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus allows the user to calibrate the user'"'"'s hearing via a computing device.

32. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 30, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is configured to periodically remind the user to calibrate the user'"'"'s hearing.

33. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 30, wherein at least a portion of the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is wirelessly received by and stored in the hearing enhancement apparatus.

34. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is a headset.

35. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is a computing device that is wearable.

36. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is a mobile phone.

37. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 36, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is configured to periodically remind the user to calibrate the user'"'"'s hearing.

38. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 36, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus includes a user control configured to allow the user to control the power of the audio output signals on a plurality of frequency bands across the audio frequencies.

39. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein at least a portion of the at least one hearing characteristic is wirelessly received by and stored in the hearing enhancement apparatus.

40. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 39, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is a headset.

41. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 39, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is a computing device that is wearable.

42. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 39, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is a mobile phone.

43. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is configured to alter a power level of the audio output signals based on a noise level of the environment of the apparatus.

44. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 43,

wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is configured to increase the power of the audio output signals as the noise level increases, and

wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is configured not to further increase the power of the audio output signals if the noise level is beyond a certain predetermined threshold.

45. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein the apparatus includes a volume control that is configured to respond to a voice command of the user.

46. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is a headset.

47. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 46, wherein the speaker is an ear speaker.

48. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 47, wherein the audio output signals are changed in view of a preference of the user stored in the apparatus.

49. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 48, wherein the audio output signals are changed based on audio sound in the environment of the apparatus.

50. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 49 further comprising a microphone at least for receiving the audio sound in the environment of the apparatus.

51. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 50, wherein the microphone is a directional microphone.

52. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 46, wherein the audio output signals are changed in view of a preference of the user stored in the apparatus.

53. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 46, wherein the audio output signals are changed based on audio sound in the environment of the apparatus.

54. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 53 further comprising a microphone at least for receiving the audio sound in the environment of the apparatus.

55. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is a mobile phone.

56. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 55, wherein the audio output signals are modified in view of a preference of the user stored in the apparatus.

57. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 56, wherein the audio output signals are modified based on audio sound in the environment of the apparatus.

58. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 57 further comprising a microphone at least for receiving the audio sound in the environment of the apparatus.

59. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 58, wherein the microphone is a directional microphone.

60. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 55, wherein the audio output signals are modified based on audio sound in the environment of the apparatus.

61. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 60 further comprising a microphone at least for receiving the audio sound in the environment of the apparatus.

62. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the hearing enhancement apparatus is in a head-mounted electronic device.

63. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in 62, wherein the apparatus comprises a volume control that is configured to respond to a voice command.

64. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in 62, wherein the apparatus is configured to recognize at least a voice command from the user and operate according to the voice command.

65. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 64, wherein the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is identified via measuring the user'"'"'s hearing at least across a plurality of frequencies.

66. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 65, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is configured to alter a power level of the audio output signals so as to suppress at least a sound level associated with the environment of the apparatus so as to provide noise cancellation.

67. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 66 further comprising a microphone configured to receive audio sound at the environment of the apparatus for determining the sound level associated with the environment of the apparatus.

68. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 67, wherein the apparatus is configured to wirelessly couple to a cell phone.

69. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 68, wherein based on at least a preference of the user, the power of a first range of frequencies of the audio output signals is increased, and the power of a second range of frequencies of the audio output signals is not increased.

70. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 64, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is configured to alter a power level of the audio output signals so as to suppress at least a sound level associated with the environment of the apparatus so as to provide noise cancellation.

71. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 70 further comprising a microphone configured to receive audio sound at the environment of the apparatus for determining the sound level associated with the environment of the apparatus.

72. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 71, wherein the apparatus is configured to wirelessly couple to a cell phone.

73. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 72, wherein based on at least a preference of the user, the power of a first range of frequencies of the audio output signals is increased, and the power of a second range of frequencies of the audio output signals is not increased.

74. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 73, wherein the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is identified via measuring the user'"'"'s hearing at least across a plurality of frequencies.

75. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in 62, wherein the apparatus is configured to wirelessly couple to a cell phone.

76. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in 62, wherein based on at least a preference of the user, the power of a first range of frequencies of the audio output signals is increased, and the power of a second range of frequencies of the audio output signals is not increased.

77. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in 62, wherein the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is identified via measuring the user'"'"'s hearing at least across a plurality of frequencies.

78. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 77, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus assists in measuring the user'"'"'s hearing.

79. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in 62, wherein information regarding the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is wirelessly received and stored in the hearing enhancement apparatus.

80. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in 62, wherein information regarding the at least one hearing characteristic of the user is retrieved from a portable media storage device while the portable media storage device is physically and electrically connected to the apparatus.

81. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in 62, wherein the hearing enhancement apparatus is configured to alter a power level of the audio output signals so as to suppress at least a sound level associated with the environment of the apparatus so as to provide noise cancellation.

82. A hearing enhancement apparatus as recited in claim 81 further comprising a microphone configured to receive audio sound at the environment of the apparatus for determining the sound level associated with the environment of the apparatus.