WO2004039126A2 - Mobile radio communications device and method for adjusting audio characteristics - Google Patents

Mobile radio communications device and method for adjusting audio characteristics Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004039126A2
WO2004039126A2 PCT/EP2003/010928 EP0310928W WO2004039126A2 WO 2004039126 A2 WO2004039126 A2 WO 2004039126A2 EP 0310928 W EP0310928 W EP 0310928W WO 2004039126 A2 WO2004039126 A2 WO 2004039126A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
communications device
mobile radio
radio communications
tone
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2003/010928
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2004039126A3 (en
Inventor
Douglas Ralph Ealey
Holly Kelleher
Original Assignee
Motorola Inc
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 Motorola Inc filed Critical Motorola Inc
Priority to AU2003293595A priority Critical patent/AU2003293595A1/en
Publication of WO2004039126A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004039126A2/en
Publication of WO2004039126A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004039126A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6016—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers in the receiver circuit
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72475—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones specially adapted for disabled users
    • H04M1/72478—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones specially adapted for disabled users for hearing-impaired users
    • 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
    • H04R25/70—Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of mobile radio communications .
  • Mobile radio communication devices commonly have a limited amplitude audio output, generally to maximise battery life. This applies to both mobile telephones, and portable- and mobile radios. Whilst a limited amplitude audio output is acceptable for the majority of users, it may make mobile radio communication devices less acceptable to the approximately 14% of the population who suffer from hearing impairment .
  • the majority of mobile radio communication devices are incompatible with hearing aids. Firstly, there is the comfort issue of holding a mobile device to the hearing aid. Additionally, there is a more fundamental problem that GSM and other digital transmission standards may cause electrical interference with hearing aids when the device is close to the hearing aid. This has been reported as varying from ⁇ a very loud rasping sound' , sometimes causing pain, to a ⁇ quieter but audible hum' . The interference prevents simultaneous use of the hearing aid and mobile communication device in the normal manner.
  • induction loops assume that the user will be wearing a hearing aid when they make, or - more unpredictably - answer a call. Similarly, this solution assumes that the user will be wearing or be able to quickly don the induction loop when a call occurs.
  • the induction loop also does not address additional aspects of hearing impairment:
  • the induction loop amplifies the signal uniformly via the hearing aid, making the signal appear distorted from the perspective of the user whilst not making best use of the user's residual hearing.
  • a method of adjusting audio characteristics as claimed in claim 1.
  • a mobile radio communications device as claimed in claim 11.
  • the mobile radio communications device may be a mobile telephone, or a portable- or a mobile two- way radio.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example screen providing information about a test tone frequency
  • FIG. 2 shows an example screen providing information about a test tone amplitude
  • FIG. 3 shows an example screen providing information about any deviation of test results from a norm.
  • a method is proposed to provide a specialised audiometric analysis and compensation means within a mobile communication device equipped with a frequency dependent amplitude control mechanism.
  • the frequency dependent amplitude control mechanism may be, e.g. a ⁇ graphic equaliser' .
  • an audiometric test is used to determine the degree of hearing loss of the user over specific frequency bands. That information is then used to drive the frequency dependent amplitude control mechanism during normal use of the radio communications device, such that it compensates for loss of hearing sensitivity in each frequency band.
  • GSM and other transmission standards provide a narrowband voice channel. Consequently the audiometric test should preferably be tailored to the narrowband audio frequency range available to the mobile communications device.
  • the narrowband signal limits the requirements of the audiometric test to frequencies between typically 300 and
  • the set of test frequencies may be calculated from frequency/ intelligibility relationships known in the art.
  • any set of test frequencies that reasonably populate the narrowband acoustic frequency range of the mobile device may be adopted, such as a linear distribution.
  • Step 1 The user selects the audiometric test from an appropriate menu on the mobile communication device, for example ⁇ tools' or ⁇ settings' .
  • Step 2 The test is initialised with the first test frequency.
  • the user starts the first test by pressing an appropriate key, or speaking a keyword.
  • An optional progress indicator can be provided (see Figure 1) .
  • Step 3 A tone at the current frequency is played for a short period, typically 1-2 seconds, while the user is listening.
  • the tone is repeated with rising increments in volume.
  • the user presses an appropriate key upon barely hearing the tone.
  • the tone decreases in volume until no longer perceivable by the user.
  • An optional visual feedback can be included to provide assurance that the phone is operating (see Figure 2) . After the user detects the tone, the level is recorded and the test progresses to the next frequency.
  • Step 4 After all test tone sequences have been completed, the user has the option to adopt or discard the new equalisation profile. To assist in this judgement, the phone may play before vs. after compensation segments of speech for the user. An optional visual feedback can be included to inform the user of the test results (see Figure 3) .
  • test results can be used determine gains in selected frequency bands that restore the perceived signal to some reference level for those frequency bands.
  • test results can be used to determine in which frequency bands the user has least sensitivity and boost a selection of those bands to improve apparent quality.
  • test results can be used to determine in which frequency bands the user has most sensitivity and boost a selection of those bands to improve intelligibility.
  • the phone could optionally cut the frequency out. This has the benefit of reducing power consumption and improving call privacy.
  • Selection of strategy could be an automatic choice, or the user could audition the methods using a test speech sample.
  • strategies 2, 3 and 4 provide lower power solutions for situations that require significant amplification.
  • the use of a hands-free kit may enable the selection of a ⁇ hearing aid' option, wherein the mobile communication device uses the microphone of the hands free kit as a signal source and applies a compensating equalisation to it that is sent to the earpiece, thus making the combined mobile communication device and hands free kit act as a frequency-dependent hearing aid.
  • the benefit of the present invention is in the provision of access to mobile telephony for those with impaired hearing, improving the intelligibility and apparent quality of the communication experience and optionally providing hearing assistance in a more general context.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)

Abstract

A method of adjusting audio characteristics of a mobile radio communications device, comprising an audiometric testing process, wherein tones at a selection of frequencies within the range of the audio bandwidth of the mobile radio communication device are presented to the user, the rpesentation of tones being such that the amplitude of the tone is altered until the user indicates by an input means that the user can bareley perceive the tone, and a frequency dependent means of amplitude adjustment adjusting the audio characteristics of the mobile radio communications device, based on the user indicated amplitude, for any or all of the plurality of tones. A mobile radio communications device is also provided. The benefit of the present invention is in the provision of access to mobile telephony for those with impaired hearing, improving the intelligibility and apparent quality of the communication experience.

Description

Mobile Radio Communications Device and Method for Adjusting
Audio Characteristics
Technical Field
The present invention relates to the field of mobile radio communications .
Background
Mobile radio communication devices commonly have a limited amplitude audio output, generally to maximise battery life. This applies to both mobile telephones, and portable- and mobile radios. Whilst a limited amplitude audio output is acceptable for the majority of users, it may make mobile radio communication devices less acceptable to the approximately 14% of the population who suffer from hearing impairment .
The majority of mobile radio communication devices are incompatible with hearing aids. Firstly, there is the comfort issue of holding a mobile device to the hearing aid. Additionally, there is a more fundamental problem that GSM and other digital transmission standards may cause electrical interference with hearing aids when the device is close to the hearing aid. This has been reported as varying from Λa very loud rasping sound' , sometimes causing pain, to a Λquieter but audible hum' . The interference prevents simultaneous use of the hearing aid and mobile communication device in the normal manner.
The current provisions for the hard of hearing that seek to circumvent this problem are limited to induction-loops, used to couple the mobile radio communication device to suitably enabled hearing aids at a distance from the device .
In addition to comfort and convenience issues, induction loops assume that the user will be wearing a hearing aid when they make, or - more unpredictably - answer a call. Similarly, this solution assumes that the user will be wearing or be able to quickly don the induction loop when a call occurs.
The induction loop also does not address additional aspects of hearing impairment:
1. The induction loop amplifies the signal uniformly via the hearing aid, making the signal appear distorted from the perspective of the user whilst not making best use of the user's residual hearing.
2. Only a relative minority of people with poor hearing wear hearing aids all the time. Moreover, many people have reduced hearing, but do not want the expense or any perceived stigma associated with hearing aids.
Thus the inventor has recognised a need for a discrete solution providing an improvement in perceived audibility for any user with hearing difficulties.
Summary of the Invention
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of adjusting audio characteristics, as claimed in claim 1. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile radio communications device, as claimed in claim 11.
Further aspects of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims. The mobile radio communications device may be a mobile telephone, or a portable- or a mobile two- way radio.
Brief description of the drawings
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows an example screen providing information about a test tone frequency;
FIG. 2 shows an example screen providing information about a test tone amplitude; and
FIG. 3 shows an example screen providing information about any deviation of test results from a norm.
Detailed description of the preferred embodiment
In summary, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method is proposed to provide a specialised audiometric analysis and compensation means within a mobile communication device equipped with a frequency dependent amplitude control mechanism. The frequency dependent amplitude control mechanism may be, e.g. a λgraphic equaliser' . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an audiometric test is used to determine the degree of hearing loss of the user over specific frequency bands. That information is then used to drive the frequency dependent amplitude control mechanism during normal use of the radio communications device, such that it compensates for loss of hearing sensitivity in each frequency band.
GSM and other transmission standards provide a narrowband voice channel. Consequently the audiometric test should preferably be tailored to the narrowband audio frequency range available to the mobile communications device.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the narrowband signal limits the requirements of the audiometric test to frequencies between typically 300 and
3,500 Hz. Consequently a reasonable set of test frequencies are provided by the following twelve l/3rd octave band centre frequencies :
315Hz, 400Hz, 500Hz, 630Hz, 800Hz, 1000Hz, 1250Hz, 1600Hz,
2000Hz, 2500Hz, 3150Hz and 4000Hz.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the set of test frequencies may be calculated from frequency/ intelligibility relationships known in the art.
It should be clear to a person skilled in the art that any set of test frequencies that reasonably populate the narrowband acoustic frequency range of the mobile device may be adopted, such as a linear distribution.
A preferred process for conducting the test is as follows: Step 1: The user selects the audiometric test from an appropriate menu on the mobile communication device, for example ^tools' or ^settings' .
Step 2: The test is initialised with the first test frequency. The user starts the first test by pressing an appropriate key, or speaking a keyword. An optional progress indicator can be provided (see Figure 1) .
Step 3: A tone at the current frequency is played for a short period, typically 1-2 seconds, while the user is listening. The tone is repeated with rising increments in volume. The user presses an appropriate key upon barely hearing the tone. In an alternative embodiment, the tone decreases in volume until no longer perceivable by the user. An optional visual feedback can be included to provide assurance that the phone is operating (see Figure 2) . After the user detects the tone, the level is recorded and the test progresses to the next frequency.
Step 4: After all test tone sequences have been completed, the user has the option to adopt or discard the new equalisation profile. To assist in this judgement, the phone may play before vs. after compensation segments of speech for the user. An optional visual feedback can be included to inform the user of the test results (see Figure 3) .
In the preferred embodiment there should be options to select/discard/reacquire the test results in subsequent use.
Within the preferred embodiment, there are four strategies for applying the user' s indications from an audiometric test (the λtest results' ) to generate the compensating gains within the frequency dependent amplitude control mechanism that may be applied for each or all frequency bands :
1. If the user appears to be only slightly hard of hearing, the test results can be used determine gains in selected frequency bands that restore the perceived signal to some reference level for those frequency bands.
2. If the user appears to be moderately hard of hearing, the test results can be used to determine in which frequency bands the user has least sensitivity and boost a selection of those bands to improve apparent quality.
3. If the user appears to be more significantly hard of hearing, the test results can be used to determine in which frequency bands the user has most sensitivity and boost a selection of those bands to improve intelligibility.
4. If the user appears to be profoundly hard of hearing in a given frequency band, then instead of boosting that frequency band to maximum, the phone could optionally cut the frequency out. This has the benefit of reducing power consumption and improving call privacy.
Selection of strategy could be an automatic choice, or the user could audition the methods using a test speech sample.
Whilst strategy 1 above is preferable, strategies 2, 3 and 4 provide lower power solutions for situations that require significant amplification.
In the preferred embodiment it may be preferable to have several equalisation profiles, selected either manually, or automatically depending on the mode of use of the mobile communication device. For example use directly at the ear, via a hands-free kit or with an induction loop will all result in different profiles due to proximity of and response variations in the respective transducers. In the case of the induction loop, the benefit is primarily the introduction of a frequency-based amplitude gain.
In the preferred embodiment, the use of a hands-free kit may enable the selection of a ^hearing aid' option, wherein the mobile communication device uses the microphone of the hands free kit as a signal source and applies a compensating equalisation to it that is sent to the earpiece, thus making the combined mobile communication device and hands free kit act as a frequency-dependent hearing aid.
The benefit of the present invention is in the provision of access to mobile telephony for those with impaired hearing, improving the intelligibility and apparent quality of the communication experience and optionally providing hearing assistance in a more general context.

Claims

Claims
1. A method of adjusting audio characteristics of a mobile radio communications device, the mobile radio communications device comprising a frequency dependent means of audio output amplitude adjustment, comprising: (i) an audiometric testing process, wherein tones at a selection of frequencies within the range of the audio bandwidth of the mobile radio communication device are each presented to the user;
(ii) the presentation of each of the plurality of tones is such that the amplitude of the tone is altered until the user indicates by an input means that the user can barely or no longer perceive the tone; and (iϋ) the frequency dependent means of amplitude adjustment adjusts the audio characteristics of the mobile radio communications device based on the user-indicated amplitude for any or all of the plurality of tones; and (iv) the user indications provided during the audiometric test are analysed to characterise the severity of hearing sensitivity impairment for any or all test frequencies within four groups of increasing severity.
2. A method according claim 1, wherein the four groups of increasing severity of hearing sensitivity impairment are:
A) Slightly Impaired;
B) Moderately Impaired;
C) Severely Impaired; and
D) Profoundly Impaired.
3. A method of adjusting the audio characteristics of a mobile radio communications device according claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the presentation of each of the plurality of tones is further characterised by: each tone being presented such that the amplitude of the tone increases until the user indicates by an input means that they can perceive the tone, or a maximum amplitude is reached.
4. A method of adjusting the audio characteristics of a mobile radio communications device according claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the presentation of each of the plurality of tones is further characterised by: each tone being presented such that the amplitude of the tone decreases until the user indicates by an input means that they can no longer perceive the tone, or a minimum amplitude is reached.
5. A method of adjusting the audio characteristics of a mobile radio communications device according to any of claims 1-4, wherein respectively each tone substantially matches one of the plurality of 1/3 octave band centre frequencies spanning the audio range of the mobile communications device.
6. A method of adjusting the audio characteristics of a mobile radio communications device according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein for any or all frequency bands in which the user is characterised as slightly hearing impaired, the frequency dependent means of amplitude adjustment alters the gain of the aforesaid frequency bands proportionate to the degree of sensitivity loss of the user, as compared with a reference sensitivity.
7. A method of adjusting the audio characteristics of a mobile radio communications device according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein for any or all frequency bands in which the user is characterised as moderately hearing impaired, the frequency dependent means of amplitude adjustment alters the gain of the user's n least sensitive frequency bands proportionate to the degree of sensitivity loss of the user, as compared with a reference sensitivity, where n is some value between 1 and the number of aforesaid frequency bands.
8. A method of adjusting the audio characteristics of a mobile radio communications device according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein for any or all frequency bands in which the user is characterised as severely hearing impaired, the frequency dependent means of amplitude adjustment alters the gain of the user's m most sensitive aforesaid frequency bands proportionate to the degree of sensitivity loss of the user, as compared with a reference sensitivity, where m is some value between 1 and the number of aforesaid frequency bands.
9. A method of adjusting the audio characteristics of a mobile radio communications device according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein for any or all frequency bands in which the user is characterised as profoundly hearing impaired, the frequency dependent means of amplitude adjustment alters the gain of the aforesaid frequency bands substantially to zero.
10. A method of adjusting the audio characteristics of a mobile radio communications device according to any of the above claims, wherein the user indications from multiple audiometric tests may be stored, and subsequently selected either manually or by automatic detection of operating mode or other connected equipment.
11. A mobile radio communications device comprising a frequency dependent means of audio output amplitude adjustment, comprising: (i) a means for audiometric testing, wherein tones at a selection of frequencies within the range of the audio bandwidth of the mobile communication device are each presented to the user; (ii) the presentation of each of the plurality of tones being such that the amplitude of the tone is altered until the user indicates by an input means that they can barely or no longer perceive the tone; (iii) the frequency dependent means of amplitude adjustment is adapted to adjust the audio characteristics of the mobile communications device based on the user-indicated amplitude for any or all of the plurality of tones; and (iv) the user indications provided during the audiometric test are analysed to characterise the severity of hearing sensitivity impairment for any or all test frequencies within four groups of increasing severity.
12. A mobile radio communications device according to claim 11, wherein the four groups of increasing severity of hearing sensitivity impairment are:
A) Slightly Impaired;
B) Moderately Impaired;
C) Severely Impaired; and
D) Profoundly Impaired.
13. A mobile radio communications device according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the user indications from multiple audiometric tests may be stored and subsequently selected either manually or by automatic detection of operating mode or other connected equipment.
14. A mobile radio communications device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein microphone signals from a hands-free kit operably coupled to the mobile communications device are processed by the frequency dependent means of amplitude adjustment, the frequency dependent means of amplitude adjustment being responsive to stored user-indications from an audiometric test, before being sent to the audio output of the hands free kit.
15. A mobile radio communications device according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein the device is a mobile telephone, or a portable- or a mobile two-way radio.
PCT/EP2003/010928 2002-10-25 2003-09-29 Mobile radio communications device and method for adjusting audio characteristics WO2004039126A2 (en)

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GB0224865.6 2002-10-25
GB0224865A GB2394632B (en) 2002-10-25 2002-10-25 Mobile radio communications device and method for adjusting audio characteristics

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WO2004039126A3 WO2004039126A3 (en) 2004-06-03

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US9426599B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2016-08-23 Dts, Inc. Method and apparatus for personalized audio virtualization
US9794715B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2017-10-17 Dts Llc System and methods for processing stereo audio content

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US9101299B2 (en) 2009-07-23 2015-08-11 Dean Robert Gary Anderson As Trustee Of The D/L Anderson Family Trust Hearing aids configured for directional acoustic fitting
US8879745B2 (en) 2009-07-23 2014-11-04 Dean Robert Gary Anderson As Trustee Of The D/L Anderson Family Trust Method of deriving individualized gain compensation curves for hearing aid fitting
US8942397B2 (en) 2011-11-16 2015-01-27 Dean Robert Gary Anderson Method and apparatus for adding audible noise with time varying volume to audio devices
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EP2732762A1 (en) * 2012-11-20 2014-05-21 Bit Wave Pte Ltd User interface and method to discover hearing sensitivity of user on smart phone
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US9426599B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2016-08-23 Dts, Inc. Method and apparatus for personalized audio virtualization
US10070245B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2018-09-04 Dts, Inc. Method and apparatus for personalized audio virtualization
US9794715B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2017-10-17 Dts Llc System and methods for processing stereo audio content

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AU2003293595A8 (en) 2004-05-13
WO2004039126A3 (en) 2004-06-03
GB0224865D0 (en) 2002-12-04
GB2394632B (en) 2004-09-01
AU2003293595A1 (en) 2004-05-13
GB2394632A (en) 2004-04-28

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