RU190695U9 - PORTABLE INFORMATION DEVICE FOR THE HEARING - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable information device for the hearing impaired is proposed that provides increased accuracy in adjusting the volume of transmitted audio information, increased transmission efficiency of audio information, increased reliability of transmission of audio information, improved quality of perception of audio information by persons with hearing impairment, increased volume of audio information transmitted and perceived by persons with hearing impairment , increasing the service life of the device, its energy efficiency, functionality, improving er the gonomic characteristics of the device. The claimed technical results are achieved due to the fact that the device consists of a housing, a power source, a control unit and an electro-acoustic transducer. An amplifier, an emitter of electromagnetic waves in the form of an induction loop, and a regulator of the level of the electromagnetic field created by the induction loop are located in the control unit of the device. The device has a means of turning on / off the power of the device, a knob for adjusting the level of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction loop, and also an indicator of the level of the electromagnetic field. As an electro-acoustic transducer, a built-in microphone, a remote microphone or both built-in and remote microphones are used. A sound informant equipped with information carriers and connected to a control unit can be integrated into the housing of the proposed portable information device for the hearing impaired. The control unit of the portable information device for the hearing-impaired may include a radio channel — the receiving part of the radio microphone with an operating frequency switch, consisting of an antenna, receiver, channel selector, and tuning indicator, while the device also includes a radio microphone — the transmitting part, which includes an antenna , transmitter, channel selector, indicator of operating modes of the radio microphone, microphone, power supply unit of the radio microphone and power switch of the transmitting part of the radio microphone on. 13 s.p. f-ly, 2 ill.

Description

The utility model relates to the field of electronics, namely to devices for recording and reproducing audio information, in particular, voice messages. The utility model also relates to means for ensuring spatial orientation of persons with hearing impairment and transmission of sound information to them based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction.

Known talking information plate [1], designed to store and play audio information of various nature, for example, information about the purpose of the room, hours of operation, etc. The known device consists of a housing, power source, control unit, electro-acoustic transducer, unit for measuring the level of discharge of the element power supply and visual display unit for the level of discharge of batteries. The known device operates as follows. The recorded information is stored in a memory unit. When you click on the play button, information through the control unit is extracted from the memory unit and voiced by an electro-acoustic transducer. By indicating the level of discharge of the battery, it becomes possible to provide continuous operation of the device for the necessary periods of time.

As indicated in the description of the utility model according to [1], the known device is designed to transmit audio information to persons with visual impairment. It follows that the effectiveness of the transmission of sound information by a known device to persons with hearing impairment will be insufficient. Indeed, the device is not able to transmit acoustic information to people who suffer from partial hearing loss, because it does not contain elements that allow for the delivery of sound information to such persons.

An inductive coupling device [2] is also known, which comprises an adder, a clock generator, a clock generator, a switch and a transmitting antenna on the transmitting side, and a receiving antenna, a commutator, a synchronization device, a low-frequency amplifier, and an electro-acoustic transducer on the receiving side. This device uses the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction to transmit audio information and is intended for military and special purposes. A disadvantage of the known device is its unsuitability for transmitting audio information to hearing impaired persons.

The closest in technical essence and the achieved result to the proposed one is a portable audio information device manufactured by the Swedish company "Vo Edin AB" (address: Stockby Hantverksby 3, S-181 75 Lidingö, Sweden) [3], designed to transmit audio information to persons with hearing impairment based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction. The design of this device in the materials of the manufacturer is disclosed as follows [3]. The device consists of a housing with a transfer handle, a built-in battery (rechargeable battery), a built-in electro-acoustic transducer in the form of a microphone, and a microprocessor-based control unit connected to a memory unit. A plastic stand is attached to the device for convenient placement on a table, counter or counter. The prototype has an LED indicator that indicates the charge level of the built-in battery. The known device provides the transmission of audio information at a distance of up to 1.2 m to one hearing impaired user or group of such persons. The known device is also equipped with external microphones, allowing several people to simultaneously transmit audio information to the hearing impaired. Through an induction loop, sound information is transmitted to the hearing aid of the user or users.

The main disadvantage of the known device is that it is not equipped with an electromagnetic field level regulator, with which it would be possible to increase or decrease the volume of the transmitted audio information. The volume control of the transmitted audio information is provided in the known device by bringing the device closer to the hearing impaired person or moving the device away from it. In the case of the transmission of audio information to several persons, this leads to the inability to ensure the transmission of audio information at the optimum volume, since these persons are located at different distances from the device. Even in the case of transferring sound information to one person, moving the device towards or away from that person in some cases is impossible due to the lack of the necessary space for such movement at the location of the device. In addition, moving the device relative to the speaking person (operator) in itself leads to a change in the volume of the transmitted signal, which reduces the accuracy of adjusting the volume of transmission of audio information to the hearing impaired person.

This disadvantage is associated with such a disadvantage as the absence in the known device of an indicator of the level of the transmitted signal (the level of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction loop), which further complicates the adjustment of the volume of the transmitted sound information.

These shortcomings lead to insufficient transmission of sound information to those people who suffer from diseases of the hearing organs, causing its partial loss or weakening. This is especially evident when the known device is located in public places, where the level of external noise often does not allow persons with impaired hearing to receive sound information transmitted by the device with the required level of quality.

Another disadvantage of the known device is the inability to constantly use the AC network as a power source during operation of the device, which leads to increased load on the built-in battery and the need to replace it with a given frequency. It is known that the number of charge-discharge cycles of modern batteries is limited, so the inability to use the AC network as a power source during operation of the device inevitably leads to the fact that the built-in battery will require relatively soon replacement.

The absence of means (for example, buttons) to turn on / off the power on a known device leads to the fact that the device is turned on constantly. Automatic shutdown after a certain time of non-use in the known device is not provided. This disadvantage lies in the mismatch of the known device with modern energy efficiency requirements and, in addition, in reducing its service life, since the components of the known device operate continuously.

Another disadvantage of the known device is the lack of a jack for outputting an audio information signal to an external speaker. As a result, the known device cannot be used to alert people who do not use induction hearing aids.

The known device does not automatically reproduce recorded audio information (including repeatedly), since it is not equipped with a sound player. As a result, if it is necessary to re-inform hearing-impaired persons, the operator will need to re-pronounce the same phrase.

Another disadvantage of the known device is the lack of the ability to connect a radio microphone to it. The known device is equipped with means for connecting several microphones, but all of them are structurally wired. As a result, when using the known device, the mobility of the person transmitting the information (operator) relative to the device is limited by the wire of the connected microphone.

The portable information device for the hearing-impaired proposed by this device is designed to transmit sound information to persons with impaired hearing function using hearing aids in the “T” induction coil mode, including when there is an increased level of ambient noise or if there is an obstacle between the user and the operator (for example, in public places, near information desks, at the box office). In the absence of mode "T" in the hearing aid or in the absence of a hearing aid, it is possible to listen to audio information through an external loud-speaking device.

The technical results of this utility model are: a) increasing the accuracy of adjusting the volume of transmitted audio information, b) increasing the transmission efficiency of audio information, c) increasing the reliability of transmitting audio information, d) improving the quality of perception of audio information by people with hearing impairments, e) increasing the volume of audio information transmitted and perceived by persons with hearing impairment, e) increase the service life of the device’s built-in battery, g) increase the service life of the device in general, h) increasing the energy efficiency of the device, and) increasing the functionality of the device by providing the ability to transmit sound information to hearing impaired and persons with normal hearing, k) increasing the functionality of the device by allowing playback of recorded audio information, including repeated repetition of playback, l ) increasing the functionality of the device by providing the ability to move the operator relative to the device mst) improving the ergonomic characteristics of the device.

The claimed technical results are achieved due to the fact that the portable information device for the hearing impaired consists of a housing, a power source, a control unit and an electro-acoustic transducer. An AC power supply is used as the device’s power source, while the device contains a second power source in the form of a built-in battery. The device also has an indicator of the status of electrical power. An amplifier, an emitter of electromagnetic waves in the form of an induction loop, and a regulator of the level of the electromagnetic field created by the induction loop are located in the control unit of the device. The device has a means of turning on / off the power of the device, a knob for adjusting the level of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction loop, and also an indicator of the level of the electromagnetic field created by the induction loop (this indicator is an indicator of the power level of the transmitted signal).

In the form of a power source, an AC power supply unit with a plug and a cable with a plug can be used to connect to the connector jack on the case. The power source and the control unit can be located in the device.

As an electro-acoustic transducer, a built-in microphone, a remote microphone or both built-in and remote microphones are used. In this case, the built-in microphone can be located at the rear on the outer surface of the housing. On the outer surface of the housing there may be a jack for an external microphone, an indicator of the status of the device’s electrical power, an indicator of the level of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction loop, a jack for connecting an external audio source, and / or an output jack for an information signal to an external speaker.

A player (audio player) can be integrated in the housing of the proposed information portable device for the hearing impaired - i.e. sound informant, equipped with information carriers and connected to the control unit.

The control unit of the portable information device for the hearing-impaired may include a radio channel — the receiving part of the radio microphone with an operating frequency switch, consisting of an antenna, receiver, channel selector, and tuning indicator, while the device also includes a radio microphone — the transmitting part, which includes an antenna , transmitter, channel selector, indicator of operating modes of the radio microphone, microphone, power supply unit of the radio microphone and power switch of the transmitting part of the radio microphone on.

Equipping the device with an electromagnetic field level regulator, with which you can increase or decrease the volume of transmitted audio information, allows you to optimally inform the hearing impaired, improves the accuracy of adjusting the volume of the transmitted audio information. The presence on the device of an indicator of the level of the electromagnetic field created by the induction loop allows you to more precisely control the volume of the transmitted sound information.

As a result, the efficiency and reliability of the transmission of sound information to people suffering from diseases of the hearing organs increases, even in public places with a high level of external noise; the quality of perception and the volume of sound information transmitted to people suffering from diseases of the hearing organs increases.

The presence of AC power in the device allows for uninterrupted power supply from the AC mains, including through the use of a second built-in power source in the form of a battery located in the housing, due to its inclusion in case of power outages via the AC mains, and, thereby increasing the efficiency and reliability of information transfer, uninterrupted operation of the device.

At the same time, the built-in battery is an auxiliary power source, which is used only in case of power outages. Therefore, the battery is not exposed to constant load and lasts longer.

The presence of power on / off on a known device allows you to keep the device on only as needed. This makes the device more energy efficient compared to the prototype. In addition, as a result of the presence of this power on / off means, the service life of the device as a whole and its components in particular increases.

The presence of a built-in microphone, amplifier and emitter of electromagnetic waves in the form of an induction loop in the device allows you to transfer audio information to people with impaired hearing function in hearing aids in the “T” induction coil mode, and thereby increase the efficiency and reliability of information transfer, improve the quality of sound transmission information to people with hearing impairment in conditions of increased ambient noise.

The presence in the proposed device of the output jack of the audio information signal to an external loudspeaker allows you to send sound information simultaneously to hearing impaired through hearing aids in the induction coil "T" mode, to hearing impaired people who do not use this mode, as well as to people with normal hearing. Thus, the device gains more functionality.

Providing the handle with a carrying handle creates the convenience of transporting and using the device, makes the device more ergonomic, and its use is safer, since a compact device equipped with a handle is less prone to damage from falling and shock.

The presence in the device of an indicator of charging the battery and an indicator of the availability of power allows you to ensure reliable operation of the device and thereby increase the efficiency and reliability of information transfer, greater independence of the process of information transfer from power outages.

The use of an external microphone connected to the jack as an electro-acoustic transducer of an external microphone allows the operator to work effectively with the device at a considerable distance (more than 0.5 m) between the operator and the device’s body, even in the presence of ambient noise, and, therefore, thereby, increase the efficiency and reliability of the transmission of sound information, increase the quality and volume of sound information transmitted to people suffering from diseases of the hearing organs.

An arrangement on the external side surface of the housing of the socket for an external microphone, socket for an external audio source, a knob for regulating the electromagnetic field level, jacks for connecting a plug of the AC power cable, means for turning the device on / off, and on the external rear the surface of the body of the built-in microphone and the status indicators of the device, provides the convenience of working with them and, therefore, increases the efficiency and reliability of soap has sound information, improving the quality and volume of the sound information to persons suffering from diseases of hearing organs.

The presence in the device case of an integrated player - an audio informant, equipped with information carriers and connected to the control unit allows you to convert information pre-recorded on electronic media, such as speech or music, or audio information received via the "Bluetooth" channel, into an electromagnetic signal that is received by induction hearing aid coil. As a result, it becomes possible to automatically reproduce and transmit audio information, including repeatedly the same audio information.

The inclusion in the control unit of the device information portable for the hearing impaired radio channel - the receiving part of the radio microphone with a working frequency switch, consisting of an antenna, receiver, channel selector and tuning indicator, and the device’s kit additional introduction of the radio microphone - the transmitting part of the antenna, transmitter, switch channels, indicator of the operating modes of the radio microphone, microphone, power supply unit of the radio microphone and power switch of the transmitting part of the radio microphone It allows you to wirelessly transmit audio information, which extends the capabilities and simplifies the work with the proposed device. In particular, this achieves the possibility of free movement of the operator relative to the device without reducing the quality of the transmission of sound information, the device is more ergonomic.

The device allows you to transfer audio information to people with impaired hearing function on hearing aids in the induction coil "T" mode. Application areas for the device are cash desks, information desks, meeting rooms, payment acceptance points, and public service areas.

The device converts an acoustic signal (operator's speech) or an electrical audio signal (hands-free signal) into an electromagnetic signal, which is received by the induction coil of the hearing aid. The device provides high-quality transmission of audio information even with an increased level of ambient noise.

The proposed device is illustrated by the following figures.

In FIG. 1-2 presents a portable information device for the hearing impaired, in which:

1 - device body;

2 - power source;

3 - electro-acoustic transducer (in the form of an integrated microphone 13 and / or remote microphone 20);

4 - control unit (elements included in it are circled by a common line);

5 - means (for example, a button) to turn on / off the power of the device;

6 - socket of an electrical connector for connecting special equipment (depending on the type of special equipment, sockets 21, 22, 25 are assigned to this socket);

7 - power supply;

8 - plug (electric plug);

9 - power cable;

10 - plug power cable 9 for connecting to the device through the socket of the connector 24;

11 - battery;

12 - handle for carrying the device;

13 - built-in microphone;

14 - amplifier;

15 - induction loop;

16 - electromagnetic field level regulator;

17 - signal strength indicator;

18 - battery charge indicator;

19 - power indicator;

20 - remote microphone;

21 - socket electrical connector for connecting a remote microphone;

22 - socket connector for connecting an external audio source;

23 - handle for adjusting the signal level;

24 - socket for connecting the plug 10 of the cable 9 power from the AC;

25 - socket connector output information signal to an external speaker;

26 - player - sound informant, equipped with information carriers;

27 - radio channel - the receiving part of the radio microphone;

28 - radio microphone - transmitting part;

29 - channel selector;

30 - setting indicator;

31 - antenna;

32 is the receiver.

In FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the device and its components in a three-dimensional image and in projections from the side and back. In FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a device.

As an example, a portable information device for the hearing impaired is presented, consisting of a housing 1 made of plastic and having dimensions of 348 × 303 × 116 mm. The mass of the entire device is not more than 3.0 kg. The device contains a power supply 2 in the form of a power supply unit 7 of type GS25E18-P1J with a plug 8 connected by cable 9 to plug 10 of an AC voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz and a second power source in the form of a lead-acid battery 11 of type 461P18650. The device includes an electro-acoustic transducer 3 in the form of an integrated microphone 13 of type M1C-01A and an external microphone 20 of type M1C-01, as well as a control unit 4, which are located inside the housing 1.

The device has a button 5 of type 9МТ-102-263 for turning on / off the power of the device and an electric socket for connecting special equipment 6. In this case, built-in microphone 13 or a remote microphone 20 are used as special equipment. Holes for the built-in microphone 13 and socket 21 of the electric connectors for remote microphone 20 are located on the outer surface of the housing 1.

The housing 1 is equipped with a handle 12 for carrying. In the housing 1, as part of the control unit 4, there is an integrated microphone 13 of the Genius MIC-01 brand, an IDA2005 amplifier 14, an electromagnetic wave emitter in the form of an induction loop 15 made of PVETA-2 wire, an electromagnetic field level regulator 16 of type R09026-TA1 -B103 created by the induction loop 15. The device has status indicators in the form of a signal level indicator 17 of the type КРБ3025, an indicator of charging the battery 18 of the type КРБ3025, and an indicator of the presence of power 19 of the type КРБ1206. As an electro-acoustic transducer 3, a remote microphone 20 of the type MIK01 is used.

On the outer side surface of the housing 1, there is a socket 21 of type ST214N of an electrical connector for connecting a remote microphone 20, socket 22 of type ST214N of a connector for connecting an external audio signal source, such as a television, handle 23 of a signal level (electromagnetic field) regulator 16 of type R09026-TA1-B103, slot 24 for connecting the plug 10 of the cable 9 from AC power, button 5 on / off the power of the device. On the external rear surface of the housing 1 there is an opening for an integrated microphone 13 of type MIC-01, a signal level indicator 17, a battery charge indicator 18, a power indicator 19. On the front surface of the housing 1 in the lower right corner there is a socket 25 of the information signal output connector to an external speaker .

Application areas for the device are cash desks, information desks, meeting rooms, payment acceptance points, public service areas, and other similar places.

A portable information device for the hearing impaired converts an acoustic signal (operator's speech) or an electric audio signal (hands-free signal) into an electromagnetic one, which is received by the induction coil of the hearing aid.

The proposed device provides a more efficient and reliable transmission of audio information even with an increased level of ambient noise. Compared with the prototype, the proposed device can improve the efficiency and reliability of transmission, improve the quality and volume of sound information transmitted to persons with impaired hearing function. The proposed device is more functional and more convenient to use.

A portable information device for the hearing impaired is as follows. The housing 1 of the device is installed on a horizontal surface at a distance of 0.2-0.7 m from the operator and 0.3-1.2 m from the hearing impaired. The housing 1 is installed face to the hearing impaired, and the built-in microphone 13 to the operator. The plug 10 of the power cable 9 is inserted into the socket 24 for connecting AC power, and the other end (plug) is inserted into the AC outlet. With a significant distance between the operator and the device body (more than 0.5 m) and the presence of ambient noise, it is recommended to use an external microphone 20, placing it in the immediate vicinity of the operator’s mouth (fixing it on clothes, installing it on a stand on a table, etc.) and connecting to the socket 22. If you need to use an external audio source, for example, a TV, you need to connect it to the socket 22. Next, you need to turn on the power on / off button of the device 5. The power supply 7 converts the variable network its voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz into a stabilized constant voltage of 18 V and ensures the operability of the device from an alternating current main or from a battery.

If it is necessary to use an external audio signal source, it is connected to the connector jack for connecting an external audio signal source 22. The power on / off button of the device 5 is turned on. Next, turning the knob of the electromagnetic field level control 23, you need to set the signal level, the electromagnetic field power corresponding to the optimal level.

In the event of a power outage, the device has a built-in battery 11, allowing the device to work autonomously for at least one hour.

The presence in the housing 1 of the device of the built-in audio player - the sound informant 26 of the JR-M11B type, equipped with information carriers (for example, a flash memory card or an SD card), allows you to convert the sound information previously recorded on an electronic medium into an electromagnetic signal, which is received by the induction coil of the hearing aid .

This electromagnetic signal can also be supplied via the "Bluetooth" channel connected to the control unit.

The inclusion in the control unit 4 of the radio channel device - the receiving part of the radio microphone 27, consisting of an antenna 31 of the ANT-LEA-02-R type 31, a receiver of the 32 type WA-RX-03-R, a channel selector 29 of the ERD716 type and a tuning indicator 30 in the form of an LED as well as a radio microphone - the transmitting part 28 of the Sonnet-PCM brand consisting of an antenna, a transmitter, a channel selector, an indicator of the operating modes of the radio microphone, a microphone, a power supply for the radio microphone and a power switch for the transmitting part of the radio microphone allow wireless acoustic transmission second information device that expands the capabilities of the device and simplifies the device.

Information sources:

1. Yakovlev G.V. Talking information board. // RF patent №135912. Prior. 08/06/2013. Publ. 12/27/2013. Bull. Number 36.

2. Lazin AS The device of inductive coupling. RF patent for the invention No. 2163050. Prior. 07/10/1998. Publ. 02/10/2001. Bull. Number 4.

3. Website of the Swedish company "Vo Edin AB" at the Internet address https://univox.eu/product/p-ctc/ with information about the portable system for the hearing impaired "R-STS", article 202070, 202071 (published as of 10/07/2016).

Claims (16)

1. A portable information device for the hearing impaired, having a housing, a power source, an electro-acoustic transducer, a control unit, an electric power status indicator, characterized in that an AC power supply unit is used as a power source; wherein the device comprises a second power source in the form of a battery; the control unit contains an amplifier, an emitter of electromagnetic waves in the form of an induction loop, a level regulator of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction loop; the device has a means of turning on / off the power of the device, a knob for adjusting the level of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction loop, an indicator of the level of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction loop. 2. A portable information device for the hearing impaired according to claim 1, characterized in that an AC power supply unit with a plug and a cable with a plug for connecting to the connector jack on the housing is used as a power source. 3. Portable information device for the hearing impaired according to any one of paragraphs. 1-2, characterized in that the housing is equipped with a handle for transfer. 4. Portable information device for the hearing impaired according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, characterized in that the power source and the control unit are located in the device. 5. Portable information device for the hearing impaired according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, characterized in that the electro-acoustic transducer uses a built-in microphone, a remote microphone or both built-in and remote microphones. 6. The portable information device for the hearing impaired according to claim 5, characterized in that the built-in microphone is located on the rear surface of the housing. 7. Portable information device for the hearing impaired according to any one of paragraphs. 5-6, characterized in that on the outer side surface of the housing there is a socket for an electrical connector for connecting a remote microphone. 8. Portable information device for the hearing impaired according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, characterized in that the indicator of the status of the electrical power of the device is located on the outer surface of the housing. 9. Portable information device for the hearing impaired according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, characterized in that on the outer surface of the housing is an indicator of the level of the electromagnetic field created by the induction loop. 10. Portable information device for the hearing impaired according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, characterized in that on the outer side surface of the housing there is a jack socket for connecting an external audio source. 11. Portable information device for the hearing impaired according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, characterized in that in front of the outer surface of the housing is a socket for outputting an information signal to an external speaker. 12. Portable information device for the hearing impaired according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, characterized in that it has a built-in player - a sound informant, equipped with storage media. 13. Portable information device for the hearing impaired according to claim 12, characterized in that the built-in player, an audio informant equipped with information carriers, is connected to the device control unit. 14. Portable information device for the hearing impaired according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13, characterized in that the control unit of the device includes a radio channel - the receiving part of the radio microphone with an operating frequency switch, consisting of an antenna, receiver, channel selector and tuning indicator, and a radio microphone is added to the device’s kit - the transmitting part of the antenna , transmitter, channel selector, indicator of operating modes of the radio microphone, microphone, power supply of the radio microphone and power switch of the transmitting part of the radio microphone.

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