Wireless phone powered inductive loopset

• US 20040240696A1
• Filed: 05/29/2003
• Published: 12/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/29/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cingular Wireless LLC (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Cingular Wireless II LLC (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Shively, David, Frerking, Mel
• Granted Patent: US 7,117,010 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 381/331
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72409 by interfacing with external accessories hands-free H04M1/60
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72478 for hearing-impaired users
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/554 using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils

Abstract

An induction-type loopset is provided that is connectable to a wireless device. The loopset contains a first coil electromagnetically coupled to a t-coil hearing aid and an impedance-matching device coupled to the first coil. The impedance-matching device is responsive to an audio signal from the wireless device. The induction-type loopset is powered from the power source of the wireless device. The power source is responsive to an activation state of the wireless device.

Claims

1. An induction-type loopset for the hearing impaired configured to be connected to the wireless device comprising:

a first coil configured to be electromagnetically coupled to a t-coil hearing aid; and

an impedance-matching device coupled to the first coil, the impedance-matching device being responsive to an audio signal from a wireless device, and wherein the induction-type loopset is selectively powered from the power source of the wireless device.

2. The loopset of claim 1, wherein the power source of the wireless device selectively supplies power to the loopset responsive to an activation state of the wireless device.

3. The loopset of claim 1, further comprising a microphone, said microphone providing an input to be combined with the audio signal.

4. The loopset of claim 3, wherein the power source of the wireless device selectively supplies power to the loopset responsive to the activation state of the wireless device.

5. The loopset of claim 4, wherein the microphone is selectively supplied power responsive to the activation state of the wireless device.

6. The loopset of claim 5, wherein the microphone is selectively supplied power independently from the power being supplied to the loopset.

7. A method for selectively supplying power to an induction-type loopset for the hearing impaired, comprising the steps of:

connecting a wireless device to the loopset; and

selectively supplying power to the loopset from the wireless device depending on an activation state of the wireless device.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of selectively supplying power comprises the step of detecting a change in the activation state of the wireless device and controlling a switch based on the detecting step.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the switch is located within the wireless device.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the switch is located outside of the wireless device.

11. An apparatus for enhancing the use of a wireless device for the hearing impaired, comprising:

an induction loop configured to be worn around a user'"'"'s neck; and

a housing comprising;

a microphone and an impedance-matching device, wherein the output of the microphone provides a microphone signal to the impedance-matching device and wherein the impedance-matching device is coupled to the induction loop; and

a connector for receiving an external power signal to supply power to the apparatus.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the impedance-matching device is configured to receive an external audio input signal combined with the microphone signal.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a sound processor configured to receive the microphone signal, the sound processor configured to provide processed signals based on the microphone signal to both the impedance-matching device and an external connector.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the impedance-matching device is configured to receive an external audio signal combined with the processed signal.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a wire configured to be connected to the housing on one end and a wireless device on a second end, the wire containing at least a power supply wire.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a switch in the wire to control the electrical current flowing through the power supply wire.

17. An apparatus for enhancing the use of a wireless device for the hearing impaired, comprising:

an induction loop configured to be worn around a user'"'"'s neck; and

a housing comprising;

an impedance-matching device coupled to the induction loop;

a microphone having a microphone output signal;

a first connector for receiving an external audio signal;

a second connector for receiving an external power signal to supply power to the apparatus; and

a sound processor configured to receive the microphone output signal and output a first and second processed signal based on the microphone output signal;

wherein the first processed signal is combined with the external audio signal for input to the impedance-matching device, and the second processed signal is provided as an output signal to an external connector.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a wire configured to be connected to the housing on one end and a wireless device on a second end, the wire containing at least a power supply wire.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a switch in the wire to control the electrical current flowing through the power supply wire.

20. A wireless device for use with an externally connected inductive loopset for the hearing impaired, comprising:

a microcontroller for controlling the operation of the wireless device;

an external connector connected to the output of a power source for the wireless device; and

a switch positioned between the external connector and the power source, the switch operative under control of the microcontroller and whereby power is provided at the connector when the switch is closed.

21. The wireless device of claim 20, whereby the microcontroller monitors an activation state of the wireless device and controls the switch based on the activation state.