EP1523216A1 - Drahtloses Mikrofon mit Verbindungselement - Google Patents

Drahtloses Mikrofon mit Verbindungselement Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1523216A1
EP1523216A1 EP03405718A EP03405718A EP1523216A1 EP 1523216 A1 EP1523216 A1 EP 1523216A1 EP 03405718 A EP03405718 A EP 03405718A EP 03405718 A EP03405718 A EP 03405718A EP 1523216 A1 EP1523216 A1 EP 1523216A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wireless microphone
functional module
module
interchangeable functional
coupling element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP03405718A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Louis Gerber
Stefan Gysin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Phonak Communications AG
Original Assignee
Phonak Communications AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Phonak Communications AG filed Critical Phonak Communications AG
Priority to EP03405718A priority Critical patent/EP1523216A1/de
Publication of EP1523216A1 publication Critical patent/EP1523216A1/de
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/02—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein
    • H04R1/04—Structural association of microphone with electric circuitry therefor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2420/00—Details of connection covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2420/07—Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wireless microphone; specifically, the present invention relates to a wireless microphone comprising a radio transmitter for transmitting radio signals carrying audio signals to a hearing device.
  • Wireless microphones are used as assistive listening devices for transmitting sound from the sound source directly to a hearing device arranged in or at a person's ear, whereby the signal-to-noise ratio is greatly improved.
  • the wireless microphones currently available for that purpose comprise radio transmitters for transmitting radio signals that carry audio signals to a radio receiver of a hearing aid, for example a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing instrument, or to a radio receiver with an electro-acoustic converter reproducing the sound directly into the ear.
  • BTE behind-the-ear
  • Common applications of wireless microphones as assistive listening devices include applications in schools, where the teacher wears the wireless microphone and the hearing impaired student wears a receiver connected to his hearing aid.
  • the wireless microphone is also used in business meetings or in restaurants, where the wireless microphone is placed on a table.
  • the wireless microphones are also useful for listening to the sound of a television or a stereo set without turning up the volume.
  • the known wireless microphones suitable as assistive listening devices are equipped to receive electrical audio signals through wire connections from external audio sources such as a television or a stereo set.
  • the users often find the connective wires not very practical. Because the wireless microphone needs to be placed at wire's length from the audio source, the wireless microphone is not always within reach of the user.
  • the known wireless microphones often comprise omnidirectional and/or beam-forming microphones.
  • the known wireless microphones comprise charging circuits.
  • a wireless microphone comprising a radio transmitter for transmitting radio signals carrying audio signals to a hearing device is provided with at least one coupling element for detachably fixing one of various interchangeable functional modules to the wireless microphone, said coupling element comprising electrical contacts for electrically connecting the interchangeable functional module to the wireless microphone when the interchangeable functional module is fixed to the wireless microphone by means of said coupling element.
  • the coupling element makes it possible to fix and connect different functional modules to the wireless microphone, the wireless microphone can be limited to an assistive listening device with basic functions and features, extendible by the user with extra functions and features as needed. The user can easily adapt the functionality of the assistive listening device to the requirements of a new situation by fixing (and thereby connecting) a desired functional module to the wireless microphone.
  • the wireless microphone and an additional functional module fixed and connected thereto can be carried comfortably by the user as one unit.
  • the coupling element constitutes a bidirectional electrical interface between the wireless microphone and the interchangeable functional module fixed to the wireless microphone.
  • electronic modules of the wireless microphone are connected to one or more of the electrical contacts for bidirectional exchange of electrical signals between said electronic modules and the interchangeable functional module fixed to the wireless microphone.
  • the bidirectional electrical interface makes it possible to transfer electrical signals from an external functional module to the wireless microphone, particularly to an electronic module of the wireless microphone, as well as from the wireless microphone to the external functional module, particularly from an electronic module of the wireless microphone.
  • audio signals received by the wireless microphone can be routed through a functional module for special processing, before being transmitted to the receiver of the hearing device.
  • the coupling element is designed to fix the interchangeable functional module to the wireless microphone by mating with a coupling element of the interchangeable functional module. Mating of the coupling elements, for example in a tight or snap-in fit, causes the wireless microphone and the fixed functional module to mechanically interlock so that they are not accidentally separated.
  • the wireless microphone comprises an electronic control module which is connected to one or more of the electrical contacts for exchanging electrical control signals with the interchangeable functional module fixed to the wireless microphone.
  • the wireless microphone comprises operating elements connected to the control module and the control module is designed for transferring electrical control signals, in response to operation of said operating elements, to the interchangeable functional module fixed to the wireless microphone. Consequently, a user using the operating elements of the wireless microphone can set operating parameters in a fixed functional module or control operation of the fixed functional module.
  • the wireless microphone is designed to transfer electrical control signals to the radio transmitter for transmission to the hearing device. As a result, control signals received in the control module from a fixed functional module can be passed to the hearing device for setting operational parameters in the hearing aid.
  • the wireless microphone comprises an electronic audio processing module which is connected to one or more of the electrical contacts for exchanging electrical audio signals with the interchangeable functional module fixed to the wireless microphone. It is thus possible to use an interchangeable functional module as an audio source in that electrical audio signals from the functional module are received in the electronic audio processing module and transmitted to the hearing device. In reverse direction, it is possible to transfer electrical audio signals from the electronic audio processing unit to the functional module, for example for further processing.
  • the electronic audio processing module is connected to one or more of the electrical contacts for receiving electrical control signals from the interchangeable functional module fixed to the wireless microphone. Therefore, it is, possible to control operation of the electronic audio processing module through control signals from the interchangeable functional module.
  • the radio transmitter is connected to one or more of the electrical contacts for exchanging electrical signals with the interchangeable functional module fixed to the wireless microphone.
  • electrical signals from the radio transmitter can be transferred to a special antenna, for example, located in the fixed functional module.
  • the wireless microphone comprises a power source module connected to one or more of the electrical contacts for supplying power to the interchangeable functional module fixed to the wireless microphone and/or for receiving power from the interchangeable functional module fixed to the wireless microphone.
  • audio signal refers to acoustic signals audible to humans, typically in the range of 100 Hz to 8 KHz or, in the case of high fidelity electronic devices, in the extended range of 20 Hz to 20 KHz.
  • electrical audio signal refers to electrical signals representing audio signals in analogue or encoded form.
  • the reference numeral 1 refers to a wireless microphone having a housing 1' and a microphone element 13 for receiving audio signals from sound sources.
  • the wireless microphone 1 also includes user interface comprising operating elements 14, such as push buttons, and a display 15.
  • the wireless microphone 1 comprises a coupling element 11 for detachably fixing an interchangeable functional module 2 to the wireless microphone 1.
  • the coupling element 11 is designed to fix the interchangeable functional module 2 to the wireless microphone 1 by mating with a coupling element 21 of the interchangeable functional module 2.
  • the coupling element 21 is implemented as a counterpart complementary to the coupling element 11 of the wireless microphone 1.
  • the coupling element 11 is executed as an undercut clearance in the housing 1' of the wireless microphone 1, the undercut being formed by lateral recesses 111 in the clearance.
  • the coupling element 21 of the functional module 2 is executed as a protrusion fitting in the clearance in the housing 1' of the wireless microphone 1, lateral protrusions 211 of the coupling element 21 fitting the lateral recesses 111 of the coupling element 11.
  • wireless microphone 1 can be provided with more than one coupling element 11 for detachably fixing more than one interchangeable functional module 2 to the wireless microphone 1.
  • the wireless microphone 1 comprises electrical contacts 12 for electrically connecting an interchangeable functional module 2 to the wireless microphone 1.
  • the interchangeable functional module 2 comprises corresponding electrical contacts 22 for electrical connection with the wireless microphone 1.
  • the electrical contacts 12, 22 are arranged in the coupling element 11, respectively 21, so that electrical connections are established between the electrical contacts 12 of the wireless microphone 1 and the corresponding electrical contacts 22 of the functional module 2 when the coupling element 21 of the functional module 2 is engaged with the coupling element 11 of the wireless microphone 1.
  • the reference numeral 17 refers to an electronic audio processing module.
  • the audio processing module 17 is connected to the microphone element 13, to an electronic control module 16 and to a radio transmitter 18.
  • the audio processing module 17 includes signal processing functions such as parametric filter functions and amplification functions.
  • the radio transmitter 18 is designed for transmitting radio signals carrying audio signals received from the audio processing module 17 to a receiver of a hearing device or a headphone.
  • the hearing device comprises an electro-acoustic converter for reproducing the sound directly into the ear or a parametric hearing aid.
  • the radio transmitter 18 is preferably a low power radio transmitter with a transmitting power in the range of 0.1 milliwatts to 100 milliwatts, suitable for transmitting audio signals over a distance of approximately 10 to 100 metres.
  • the output of the radio transmitter 18 is connected to an internal antenna 20. For connection with an external antenna of an interchangeable functional module 2 connected to the wireless microphone 1, the output of the radio transmitter 18 is connected to the electrical contact 12a.
  • the electronic modules of the wireless microphone 1 are preferably integrated as an integrated circuit. It is also possible to build the electronic modules from several separate electronic components. Various functions of the electronic modules can be implemented by means of non-programmable logic circuits, by means of programmable logic circuits or by means of a combination of a processor and program code.
  • the control module 16 is connected to the operating elements 14 and to the display 15. In response to instructions and parameter values received from a user via the operating elements 14, the control module 16 transfers control signals including instructions and/or parameter values to the audio processing module 17 and/or via the electronic contacts 12d, 12e to a functional module 2 connected to the wireless microphone 1.
  • the control module 16 is designed for bidirectional exchange of control signals with the connected functional module 2, i.e. control signals from the functional module 2 can also be transferred to the control module 16. Control signals from the functional module 2 can also be transferred directly to the audio processing module 17.
  • the input of the audio control module 17 is connected to the electrical contact 12b for receiving electrical audio signals from a functional module 2 connected to the wireless microphone 1. Furthermore, the output of the audio control module 17 is connected to the electrical contact 12c for transferring electrical audio signals from the audio control module 17 to the functional module 2 connected to the wireless microphone 1.
  • the audio control module 17 is designed for transferring control signals received from the control module 16 or from the functional module 2 to the radio transmitter 18 for transmission to the receiver of the hearing aid. Control signals may be transmitted to the hearing aid on a carrier frequency different from the one used to transmit the audio signals to the hearing aid.
  • the reference numeral 19 refers to a power source module, preferably a rechargeable battery.
  • a positive charging line and a negative supply line of the power source module 19 are connected to the electrical contacts 12f and 12h, respectively.
  • a positive supply line of the power source module 19 is connected to the electrical contact 12g.
  • interchangeable functional module 2 comprising a charging circuit or an external antenna
  • a variety of interchangeable functional modules 2 with different functions can be fixed and connected to the wireless microphone 1.
  • One of the interchangeable communication modules 2 includes a communication module for communicating over a mobile network, for example a GSM- (Global System for Mobile Communication) or a UMTS-network (Universal Mobile Telephone System).
  • Other interchangeable communication modules 2 include an interface module for communicating with another communication device over a short distance of approximately 5 to 25 metres, for example infrared and/or radio interfaces, e.g. a so-called Bluetooth interface, for communicating bidirectionally with a remote control unit or a communication device such as a mobile telephone.
  • Other interchangeable functional modules 2 include receivers for receiving audio or control signals via wire, infrared, induction, ultrasound, or radio connections from devices such as a stereo set, a television set, a security alarm system, or a remote control unit for the wireless microphone 1 or the receiver of the hearing device.
  • Another interchangeable communication module 2 includes an audio recorder and/or an audio player for recording audio signals on a data carrier and/or for replaying audio signals from a data carrier, respectively, for example an MP3 player (MPEG3, Moving Picture Expert Group).
  • Still other interchangeable communication modules 2 include external microphones, for example omnidirectional or directional microphones, external power supplies, such as a battery pack or a solar cell, or external audio signal processing units with special purpose processing functions not available in the audio processing module 17 of the basic wireless microphone 1.
EP03405718A 2003-10-07 2003-10-07 Drahtloses Mikrofon mit Verbindungselement Ceased EP1523216A1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03405718A EP1523216A1 (de) 2003-10-07 2003-10-07 Drahtloses Mikrofon mit Verbindungselement

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03405718A EP1523216A1 (de) 2003-10-07 2003-10-07 Drahtloses Mikrofon mit Verbindungselement

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1523216A1 true EP1523216A1 (de) 2005-04-13

Family

ID=34307062

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03405718A Ceased EP1523216A1 (de) 2003-10-07 2003-10-07 Drahtloses Mikrofon mit Verbindungselement

Country Status (1)

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EP (1) EP1523216A1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102011001793A1 (de) * 2011-04-05 2012-10-11 Burmester Audiosysteme Gmbh Hörgerät und Verfahren zum Einstellen und Betreiben eines Hörgeräts

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4920570A (en) * 1987-12-18 1990-04-24 West Henry L Modular assistive listening system
WO1994024775A1 (en) * 1993-04-20 1994-10-27 Cell Port Labs, Inc. Method and apparatus for transmission of data using radio frequency signals
WO1994029968A1 (en) * 1993-06-08 1994-12-22 Mitsui Comtek Corporation Pcmcia cellular card adaptable to a portable computer or a cellular phone handset
FR2779598A1 (fr) * 1998-06-05 1999-12-10 Alain Aisenberg Kit mains libres autonome pour telephones mobiles

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4920570A (en) * 1987-12-18 1990-04-24 West Henry L Modular assistive listening system
WO1994024775A1 (en) * 1993-04-20 1994-10-27 Cell Port Labs, Inc. Method and apparatus for transmission of data using radio frequency signals
WO1994029968A1 (en) * 1993-06-08 1994-12-22 Mitsui Comtek Corporation Pcmcia cellular card adaptable to a portable computer or a cellular phone handset
FR2779598A1 (fr) * 1998-06-05 1999-12-10 Alain Aisenberg Kit mains libres autonome pour telephones mobiles

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102011001793A1 (de) * 2011-04-05 2012-10-11 Burmester Audiosysteme Gmbh Hörgerät und Verfahren zum Einstellen und Betreiben eines Hörgeräts

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