WO2006117439A1

WO2006117439A1 - A device to facilitate the use of cellular/mobile phones for the hearing impaired

Info

Publication number: WO2006117439A1
Application number: PCT/FI2006/050180
Authority: WO
Inventors: Miikka Valkonen
Original assignee: Miikka Valkonen
Priority date: 2005-05-05
Filing date: 2006-05-05
Publication date: 2006-11-09
Also published as: FI121908B; FI20060303A0; FI20060303L

Abstract

This invention relates to a device that eases the use of cellular/mobile phones for the hearing impaired or hard of hearing. The device includes a handset part (1) that incorporates a microphone (8) and a loudspeaker (9) and (an) inductive transmitter(s) (10; 10a) and the said handset part (1) incorporates a connecting device (2) coupled to the handset part microphone (8) and the loudspeaker (9) and the inductive transmitter(s) and facilitates connecting the handset part to a cellular/mobile phone (4). The invention relating to the device is characterized by that the inductive transmitter (10; 10a) is positioned next to the speaker (9) and the inductive coil is positioned so that its coil and the coil of the speaker (9) are parallel, and that the inductive coil is extremely small and shaped like an oblong cylinder. In addition the device is characterized by that the handset part (1) incorporates a switching device (11) to initiate and disconnect calls and a switching device (11a), which determines the functions of the inductive transmitter and the speaker. Furthermore, a device relating to this invention is characterized by that the handset part (1) has in addition to a speaker (9) incorporates an inductive transmitter specifically designed for this device (10 and 10a).

Description

A DEVICE TO FACILITATE THE USE OF CELLULAR/MOBILE PHONES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED

This invention relates to a device that facilitates the use of cellular/mobile phones for the hearing impaired. The device comprises a handset housing that includes a microphone and a loudspeaker, an induction transmitter device and a switch to initiate and end calls.

A user of an analog hearing aid device is unable to use a GSM telephone without the help of a separate device. This is due to the interference caused by the GSM telephone in the hearing device and originating from the phone signal. A hearing aid device user can, when desired, switch the hearing aid to work with induction principle, in which mode the device does not amplify the sound waves it picks up, but merely the magnetic field created by induction. In this mode the user of the hearing aid does not hear ambient noises but only the induction-device magnetic field signal, which is amplified by the hearing aid.

Presently there are various induction loop-principle hearing aid devices being marketed for the purpose of facilitating cellular/mobile phone use with hearing aid devices. These prod- ucts often comprise an amplifier, an inductive loop and a power source. The presently marketed devices are, however, regarded as inconvenient in use, because they require the user to wear the inductive loop around the neck. In addition they require a separate power source and for that reason tend to be heavy and awkward. Furthermore, due to the complicated structure and technique used, such devices are also expensive.

Moreover, there are also cellular/mobile phone accessories based on the inductive principle and shaped as headsets. The problem with these, however, is that they are also often difficult to use, because the receiver part makes adjusting the volume and switching between t- and m-settings of the hearing aid nearly or completely impossible. Presently known devices with headsets have not had a separate switch to initiate and end the call. This further inconveniences the use of the device, as the user must, in order to use the device, retrieve the phone from its holder, or pocket, to call and disconnect. Initiating a telephone conversation may be especially cumbersome if the phone used is of so-called 'clamshell' type and if it is to be used for instance while operating a motor vehicle.

As an example of such headset type device let us examine patent application US 6078675. The device in question has a coin-shaped inductive loop and it is located behind the speaker in the headset. This makes the distance between the hearing aid's receptive loop and the handset loop rather long, considering the total effective range of the devices in question, and thus the transmission level may fall short of the required level for adequate reception. Furthermore, such inductive loops typically require much power, because the loop size is, in relation to the power levels obtainable from cellular phone batteries, quite large. This in turn leads to excessive power drain on the phone battery. Also such devices are poorly directed at the hearing aid loop, which further alleviates the need for power in order to achieve adequate signal levels. It is commonly known that earphones intended for music listening purposes generally cause feedback in hearing devices, especially in situations where the hearing aid must be used with extreme volume levels. The same phenomena occurs also with headset-type accessory devices based on the induction principle, and often renders this type of devices unusable for people with very poor hearing. In addition using headset-type devices may be difficult if the hearing aid user does not wish to wear the device at all times, for instance during outings, driving a car, or wearing a hat.

Also, not all hearing impaired are happy to use traditional inductive loops worn on the neck or headset-type accessories, because they consider the use of such devices to be stigmatizing. In various situations the use of such devices may also be extremely difficult or even dangerous. It may, for instance, be very inconvenient to wear an inductive loop around the neck in extremely cold weather under the clothes. The headset type may be very difficult or uncomfortable to wear with a hat, or it may advertise the fact that its user is hearing impaired. Such devices are also not suitable for occasional use, as they require they are actually worn by the user to function. This may be not only uncomfortable but also im- practical and even dangerous, as in the case of operating a vehicle.

Other devices intended for the amplification of sound for the hearing impaired include permanent fixtures in buildings and other facilities. As an example there are several public facilities with public access speakers complemented with inductive loops; households have inductive loops on the premises, possibly in addition to extra speakers to aid with watching television etc.

The presently marketed devices based on the inductive principle are significantly larger in size and they markedly differ in form from the inductive loop used in this invention. Previous devices are, due to the size of the inductive system, often bulky and heavy, and uncomfortable and difficult to use. Since such devices require much power to operate, they need a separate power source or alternatively excessively drain the battery of the device they are attached to it. In addition some of the devices marketed have proven to lack sufficient transmission power to ensure proper signal levels.

Present cellular/mobile phone HF-devices (hands-free) are not suitable for simultaneous use with a GSM-telephone and a hearing aid device. In particular the devices with ear at- tachments are completely unusable for the hearing impaired, because the hearing aid itself occupies the required position in the ear canal. In addition the devices in question have proven to lack power to ensure signal transmission. Cellular phone HF-devices have not had inductive systems either, an improvement, which would significantly better the hearing in situations where there is a lot of background noise.

The intended use of this invention is in particular to introduce a device to ease the use of cellular/mobile phones for the hearing impaired or hard of hearing and to eliminate the aforementioned problematic issues related to presently existing devices.

This invention meets the requirements of Finnish road traffic act of 2003 (§ 24) and is a HF-device approved for vehicular use. Since the device comprises both a speaker and an inductive transmitter, it can be used also as a regular HF-device, with or without a hearing aid device. The device does not require a separate power supply and has a simple construction and it is very reasonably priced in comparison with other devices currently on the market.

The inductive transmitter used in the device is very small and its coil is powered by the cellular/mobile phone it is attached to. The inductive transmitter is positioned in the device in such a manner that during use the coil axis is pointed directly at the head of the user. The positioning and the shape of the induction transmitter and coil together with the combined speaker makes the device extremely functional and facilitates best possible reception when used with the hearing aid on t-setting.

The purpose of the invention is achieved with a device that has such outstanding features as presented in the patent application.

A device relating to this invention has the typical outstanding features that the handset part includes a connection cord coupled to the handset microphone and inductive transmitter and speaker, and this cord incorporates a connector to facilitates the connection of the device to the external microphone/speaker connector in such a fashion that it can also be disconnected. Such a device attached to a cellular/mobile phone stops the transfer of interference caused by the GSM-phone into a hearing aid device, thus facilitating the use of a cellular/mobile phone with a hearing aid device. The connection method and the diminutive size of the inductive loop enable the device to function without a separate amplifier, but uses the amplifier built into the cellular phone and intended for HF-device speakers. The inductive transmitter of the invention differs from conventional inductive principle devices by its size, shape and unique positioning. Incorporating a speaker and an inductive trans- mitter in a single device and enabling the use of either one or both simultaneously makes it possible to use the device both with a hearing aid device or without one.

Because the invention meets the requirements of the road traffic act (24 a §) and is an approved hands-free-device, it can be used in a vehicle as a normal HF-device regardless of the user having a hearing impairment or not. This also creates an advantage over current devices, as there is no need for several different HF-devices.

The inductive transmitter coil of the invention is shaped as an oblong cylinder, measuring only a few millimeters in diameter. Although the transmitter used in the device is extremely small, it fulfills the ITU-T recommendations (international standard IEC 60118-4 induction loops for hearing-aid purposes) on the strength of the magnetic field of inductive loops. The size, shape and position as well as location in the device has been extensively tested with various hearing devices and hearing impairment types, and the best possible position to facilitate best reception when using the hearing aid device in T-position has been selected. The shape of the inductive loop makes the magnetic field generated very di- rectional, which enables pointing the magnetic field extremely accurately towards the receptive coil in the hearing aid device. In addition the small size of the inductive coil along with its positioning makes it possible to bring it very close to the receptive coil. Due to this the device requires little power to operate. Furthermore the inductive transmitter does not radiate excessively, which diminishes the total amount of possibly harmful radio wave emissions from the cellular phone. Due to its small size the inductive coil adds very little weight to the device. Alternatively a version with two inductive transmitters can be built, enabling using it with either left or right ear, or different versions may be manufactured to facilitate using the device over left and right ear, depending on the side of the hearing aid device.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings win which

Figure 1 is a schematic of principles used in a device in accordance with the present innovation,

Figure 2 shows a holder forming a part of the device in Figure 1, Figure 3 shows an example of a handset part as illustrated in Figure 1, top view Figure 4 shows an example of a handset part as illustrated in Figure 1 , side view Figure 5 shows an enlargement of the handset part as illustrated in Figure 1 In Figures 1 - 3 the device relating to the present invention includes a handset housing 1, the coupling cord 2 between the handset housing and the cellular/mobile phone 4, complete with a connector end 3 to facilitate attaching the handset part with the HF-socket 5 in a cellular/mobile phone as well as the holder 6 that can be attached to a vehicle in a desired lo- cation in such a manner that handset part 1 can be attached to the holder 6 at a hand's reach so that it is easy to grab and answer the phone while operating a vehicle.

In Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5 the handset part 1 shown comprises a housing frame 7, which resembles a known phone receiver, and includes a microphone 8 at the other end and a loud- speaker 9 and an inductive transmitter 10 and/or 1 Oa at the other end. In addition on the side of the handset housing there is a switching device 11 , which facilitates starting and ending a phone call. In this instance the switching device 11 is a push-button type micro- switch coupled with the microphone 8 in such a manner that it provides the cellular/mobile phone 4 with a pulse signal that connects the call into the handset microphone with a single click. When the push-button is pressed again during a call, the micro-switch ends the call. The frame of the handset housing 7 in this case comprises a boxlike structure formed from two shells attached to each other. Inside the frame the frame material is molded into forms that can be used to fasten the microphone 8, the speaker 9, the inductive device 10 and/or 1 Oa, a switching device 11 and all other necessary parts within the frame. The frame also incorporates a recess 12, which enables attaching the handset housing with the holder 6 that is a part of the device. Such a handset housing can be manufactured in conventional manner e.g. from suitable plastic material and injection molding.

In the device as shown in pictures 1 -3 the handset part 1 includes a switching device 11a, which facilitates the switching of the device function with the speaker 9 or also with induc- tion principle and vice versa. In the presented illustrations the switching device 11a is known sliding switching device, and its position determines whether the speaker 9, inductive transmitter 10 and/or 1 Oa, or both simultaneously, are switched on when answering the phone. This function preserves the battery of the cellular/mobile phone attached to the accessory by enabling the use of the inductive transmitter (10 and/or 10a) pr speaker 9 only when they are required. the connection device is a coupling cord 2, which in Figure 1 is shown as a coiled cord that is attached to the microphone end of the handset housing. The coiling facilitates the lengthening and the contraction of the cord, as does the coiled cord of a conventional telephone. The handset housing 1 end of the cord is fastened inside the frame of the handset part 7 with a strain reliever that attaches to the outer material of the cord. In this application the cord includes four leads, comprising a lead pair (+ and - leads) for the microphone 8 and another pair for the speaker 9 an the inductive transmitter 10 and/or 10a. The switching device 10 is connected side by side with the microphone using separate wires, causing a press form the switching device push-button to create a switching pulse on the microphone line. The cellular/mobile phone end of the coupling cord includes an attachment jack 3, which facilitates the connection of the cord to the HF-device socket 5 in the cellular/mobile phone. The lead pair from the handset microphone 8 is attached to those attachment jack 3 switching surfaces that connect to the cellular/mobile phone 4 external microphone connector and the lead pair from the loudspeaker 9 and the inductive transmitter 10 and/or 1 Oa are attached to those switching surfaces that connect to the cellular/mobile phone external speaker/earphone connector. According to the cellular/mobile phone model used the switch may also handle other phone operations. Such operations may include for instance microphone muting, placing the call on hold, adjusting the speaker volume or activating voice-controlled number selection system in the phone used.

In this case the attachment jack 3 is Nokia HDC-5, but in different applications the struc- ture of the attachment jack and the number of switching surfaces in it, as well as the number of wires inside the coupling cord are dependant on the attachment socket of the cellular/mobile phone. The most common attachment jacks used in a device relating to the present innovation and fitting Nokia cellular/mobile phones are the aforementioned HDC-5 and Pop-Port as well as, for example, HDC-9P. Attachment jacks suitable for use with other types of cellular/mobile phones include, for instance, a 2,5 mm plug used by several manufacturers, Sony Ericsson's HBP-10 or Motorola mini USB -connector.

To facilitate the use of the device it includes a holder 6, which shown in Figure 2. To hang the handset part 1 onto the holder part there is a hook extension 13 in the holder, which enables attaching the handset part 1 by means of the recess 12. The holder part may, depend- ing on the shaping of the handset and holder, in addition to the hook extension 13 include other kinds of fastening extensions/recesses or equivalents that enable fastening the handset part to the holder in an appropriate manner. In the application described in Figure 2 the holder includes also cord fasteners 14 for the coupling cord between the handset part and the cellular/mobile phone. Their purpose is to facilitate handling of the cord and avoid tan- gling of the cord.

When using a device such as described in Figures 1 -5 the user of the device places the handset part 1 near his or her head 18 in such a manner that the handset microphone 8 is near the user's mouth (not illustrated), the speaker 9 is near the ear 15 and the inductive transmitter 10 and/or 10a is near the hearing aid device 16 reception coil 17. This arrange- ment enables accurate direction of the handset speaker 9 and inductive coil 10 and/or 1 Oa as well as correct distance to ensure proper transmission of signals.

A handset part 1 relating to the present innovation may include one inductive coil 10, if the device is built to be used with the inductive principle only over the right ear. Alternatively the handset part 1 may include one inductive coil 1 Oa, if the device is built to be used with the inductive principle over the left ear. In addition to these options the inductive coils 10 and 10a may be simultaneously used, in which case the device can be used with the inductive principle independent of whether the user has a hearing device in his or her right or left ear, or both.

When using a device such as described in Figures 1 to 5, a holder 6 which is a part of the device, is fastened at a convenient spot on the car instrument board e.g. in such a manner that the handset part 1 is easy to reach while driving. When entering the vehicle the handset coupling cord 2 is plugged into the cellular/mobile phone 4 HF-attachment jack 5 and the phone is placed in a convenient location for the duration of driving, such as a pocket or a holder in the car) in such a way, that the coupling cord of the handset is not stretched too far while talking on the phone of while the handset is attached to its holder. When the phone rings, the handset is then lifted and the push-button of the switching device 11 is pressed, which connects the call from the phone to the handset. After the call the pushbutton of the switching device is pressed again, which disconnects the call. A device relating to the present invention can in various aspects be realized as deviating from the exemplary applications shown in Figures 1 to 5. The handset part that is a part of the device may vary in size and appearance if necessary. Instead of a handset part that is reminiscent of a traditional telephone receiver, for instance a more modern shape of handset housing may be employed. In the application of the device as shown in Figures 1 to 5 the coupling cord that is a part of the device may instead of a coiled cord be, for instance, a straight cord.

In devices as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the controlling of the handset part functions and the devices used for that purpose may vary between different applications of the device. In some applications the handset part loudspeaker emits a sound signal when the connection between the phone and the handset is established. Furthermore, some applications of the device may include an extra speaker, amplifier and a microphone to facilitate using the device as a normal HF-device by keeping it in its cradle during use. In this case the switch controlling the initiation and ending of calls is positioned on the handset part in a suitable location so that it is within easy reach. Using an inductive transmitter is possible in this case by integrating an amplifier of sufficient power into the handset part. Furthermore, some applications may include various user comfort enhancements in the handset part, such as volume control, an indicator light to denote the functioning of the connection between the handset and the cellular/mobile phone, or a screen that transmits information related to the calls and the handset part. In an affordable application of a device relating to this invention the connecting device 2 is a coupling cord attached to the microphone 8 and the inductive transmitter 10 and/or 1 Oa and loudspeaker 9 in a handset housing, including a connection plug 3 to facilitate attaching and fixing as well as disconnecting the coupling cord to and from the external microphone/speaker connector jack 5 of a cellular/mobile phone 4. The device can be used with the normal hearing aid device setting (M) or induction setting (T) or both together (M+T). A person with normal hearing can use the device without a hearing aid as a regular HF- device.

In the second affordable application of a device relating to this invention the handset part 1 includes a switching device 11 to initiate and end telephone calls. Such a switching device can be positioned so that connecting and disconnecting calls can be facilitated by pressing with one's thumb on a button suitably located under the finger when the handset is held in hand.

In the third affordable application of a device relating to this invention the handset part 1 includes a switching device 11a, which enables the selection of whether the device works in addition to speaker 9 also with the inductive principle and vice versa. This function disconnects the speaker or the induction loop 10 and/or 10a, to preserve the battery of the cellular/mobile telephone attached to this accessory. In this mode the device can be used with the hearing aid device 16 in normal setting or inductive setting or both at the same time as well as a normal HF-device without a hearing aid device. In the fourth affordable application of a device relating to this invention the device includes a holder 6 installed in an easy-to reach location, for hanging a receiver handset 1 in the vehicle (not illustrated) between calls. This assures the handset always being as easily available as possible when the phone 4 rings and adds to the user comfort as well as diminishes the traffic risks related to answering a phone during driving, of the device is being used as the HF-device in a car.

In the fifth affordable application of a device relating to this invention the handset part 1 includes an attachment jack socket (not illustrated) and the attachment cord incorporates an attachment jack (not illustrated) to enable repeatable connecting and disconnecting of the cord and the handset part. This makes using a different cord with the same handset possi- ble, for instance when a different cellular/mobile phone connector or a longer cord is required, without having to acquire a new handset part.

In the sixth affordable application of a device relation to this invention the handset part 1 includes in addition to the speaker 9, inductive transmitter 10 and/or 10a as well as the mi- crophone 8 an additional, extremely effective loudspeaker (not illustrated) and enabling the device to be used as a pure HF-device, keeping it in its holder 6 or for instance on a table- top (not illustrated) during a call.

In the seventh affordable application of a device relation to this invention the handset part 1 includes in addition to the speaker 9, inductive transmitter 10 and/or 1 Oa as well as the microphone 8 an additional, extremely effective loudspeaker (not illustrated) and a microphone (not illustrated) and enabling the device to be used as a pure HF-device, keeping it in its holder 6 or for instance on a tabletop (not illustrated) during a call.

In the eighth affordable application of a device relation to this invention the handset part 1 includes in addition to the speaker 9, inductive transmitter 10 and/or 10a as well as the mi- crophone 8, also an amplifier (not illustrated) and an additional, extremely effective loudspeaker (not illustrated) and enabling the device to be used as a pure HF-device, keeping it in its holder 6 or for instance on a tabletop (not illustrated) during a call.

In the ninth affordable application of a device relation to this invention the handset part 1 includes in addition to the speaker 9, inductive transmitter 10 and/or 10a as well as the mi- crophone 8, also an amplifier (not illustrated) and an additional, extremely effective loudspeaker (not illustrated) and a microphone (not illustrated), and enabling the device to be used as a pure HF-device, keeping it in its holder 6 or for instance on a tabletop (not illustrated) during a call.

In the tenth affordable application of a device relation to this invention the handset part 1 includes in addition to the speaker 9, inductive transmitter 10 and/or 10a as well as the microphone 8, also an amplifier (not illustrated) and an additional, extremely effective loudspeaker (not illustrated) and several microphones (not illustrated) and enabling the device to be used as a pure HF-device, keeping it in its holder 6 or for instance on a tabletop (not illustrated) during a call. The invention is not limited to the embodiments and affordable applications presented and described herein, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for cellular/mobile phone use for the hearing impaired of hard of hearing, wherein a handset part (1), to be used when necessary, accommodating a micro- phone (8) and a loudspeaker (9), and a minimum of one inductive transmitter (10;

1 Oa) and in the said handset part housing incorporates a connecting device (2) coupled to the handset part microphone (8) and the loudspeaker (9) and the inductive transmitter(s)(10; 10a) in order to connect the handset part with a cellular/mobile phone (4) characterized by that the handset part (1) inductive transmitter (10; 10a) is positioned next to the speaker (9) in the handset part.

2. A device according to the claim 1, characterized by that the inductive transmitter (10; 10a) axis is parallel to the handset part (1) speaker (9) coil (not illustrated) axis.

3. A device according to the claim 1, characterized by that the inductive transmitter (10; 10a) is small in size and shaped as an oblong cylinder.

4. A device according to the claim 1, characterized by that the inductive transmitter(s) (10; 10a) in the handset part (1) can be positioned extremely close to the reception coil of a hearing aid device.

5. A device according to the claim 1, characterized by that the handset part (1) is equipped with a switching device (11) to facilitate starting and ending telephone calls.

6. A device according to the claim 1, characterized by that the handset part (1) speaker (9) and inductive transmitter (10 and/or 10a) are built to function simultaneously.

7. A device according to the claim 1, characterized by that the handset part (1) is equipped with a switch (1 Ia) which enables the selection of the speaker (9), inductive transmitter (10 and/or 10a) to function separately or simultaneously.

8. A device according to the claim 1, characterized by that the connecting device (2) is, in addition to a microphone (8) and a speaker (9) and an inductive transmitter, coupled with an other, high-powered speaker (not illustrated).

9. A device according to the claim 1, characterized by that the connecting de- vice (2) is, in addition to a microphone (8) and a speaker (9) and an inductive transmitter, coupled with one or more microphones (not illustrated).

10. A device according to the claim 1, characterized by that the device includes a holder part (6) to facilitate hanging the handset part (1) in a vehicle (not illus- trated) so that it is within reach during the time between calls.