WO2009042651A2 - Method and system for adjusting audio of a wireless communication device - Google Patents

Method and system for adjusting audio of a wireless communication device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009042651A2
WO2009042651A2 PCT/US2008/077466 US2008077466W WO2009042651A2 WO 2009042651 A2 WO2009042651 A2 WO 2009042651A2 US 2008077466 W US2008077466 W US 2008077466W WO 2009042651 A2 WO2009042651 A2 WO 2009042651A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sound signal
wireless communication
communication device
recited
sound
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2008/077466
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2009042651A3 (en
Inventor
Pravesh Biyan
Shailesh Ramamurthy
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.
Publication of WO2009042651A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009042651A2/en
Publication of WO2009042651A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009042651A3/en

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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
    • H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03G—CONTROL OF AMPLIFICATION
    • H03G3/00—Gain control in amplifiers or frequency changers without distortion of the input signal
    • H03G3/20—Automatic control
    • H03G3/30—Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices
    • H03G3/32—Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices the control being dependent upon ambient noise level or sound level
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04R2499/00—Aspects covered by H04R or H04S not otherwise provided for in their subgroups
    • H04R2499/10—General applications
    • H04R2499/11—Transducers incorporated or for use in hand-held devices, e.g. mobile phones, PDA's, camera's

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to the field of wireless communication devices, and more particularly to a method for adjusting output sound signal of the wireless communication devices.
  • wireless communication devices With the increase in the need for communication and information, there has been a wide use of wireless communication devices.
  • One of the most widely used means of communication through the wireless communication devices is the voice communication. Therefore, the quality of sound produced by the wireless communication devices has become an important aspect in enhancing usability and effectiveness of the wireless communication devices.
  • Every listener has unique capability to decipher the output sound produced by the wireless communication devices. Some listeners may perceive even very low sounds, while some may need the sound to be amplified, for example, hearing impaired persons may need processing of certain specific frequencies of the sound before they can hear the audio clearly.
  • Hearing impaired persons face difficulty in using the wireless communication devices, for example, audio output from the mobile phones are not customized as per the listener's requirement, in particular a hearing impaired person.
  • an obvious way to deal with this difficulty is to use the wireless communication devices with a hearing aid.
  • using the wireless communication devices with the hearing aid may cause radio frequency interference.
  • the radio frequency interference comes into play when a wireless communication device is held close to the hearing aid.
  • Radio signal of the wireless communication device interrupts/obstruct proper functioning of the hearing aid.
  • noise in the surroundings of the user also gets amplified and can causes disturbance in hearing the audio emanated from the wireless communication device.
  • handling two devices simultaneously may be cumbersome.
  • Another method could be amplifying the output sound of the wireless communication device and using the wireless communication device without the hearing aid.
  • using the wireless communication device without the hearing aid will restrict the user to listen any useful sound such as alarms and important sound information in the surroundings that the user may need to react.
  • the wireless communication device without the hearing aid on the road the user may miss out sound of horn or some important alarm.
  • the user may not be able to hear any prompt from a person standing next to the user that may be useful for the user.
  • hearing impaired persons have individual frequency requirements. Different people have their individual Signal-to-Noise Ration (SNR) requirements. In other words, each individual may have different tolerances for various frequency bands. Therefore a simple amplification of the sound output of the wireless communication devices may not serve the purpose.
  • SNR Signal-to-Noise Ration
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment where the present invention can be practised
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless communication device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for adjusting audio of the wireless communication device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for adjusting audio of the wireless communication device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates pictorial representation of the method for adjusting output sound signal of the wireless communication device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements that are not expressly listed or inherent in such a process, method, article or apparatus.
  • An element proceeded by "comprises ... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus that comprises the element.
  • the term “another,” as used in this document, is defined as at least a second or more.
  • the terms “includes” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising.
  • a method for adjusting audio output of a wireless communication device includes receiving a first sound signal from the wireless communication device. Further, the method includes receiving a second sound signal from surroundings of the wireless communication device. Furthermore, the method includes adjusting an output sound signal by using the first sound signal and the second sound signal based on a set of parameters.
  • the wireless communication device includes a processor and a microphone.
  • the processor is configured to receive a first sound signal from the wireless communication device. Further, the processor is configured to receive a second sound signal from surroundings of the wireless communication device. Furthermore, the processor is configured to adjust an output sound signal by using the first sound signal and the second sound signal based on a set of parameters.
  • the microphone is configured to capture sound from the surroundings of the wireless communication device.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment 100 where the present invention can be practised.
  • the exemplary environment 100 includes a user with a wireless communication device 102, a first source of sound 104, and a second source of sound
  • the wireless communication device 102 in the surroundings of the wireless communication device 102.
  • the user is surrounded by people and various objects.
  • the wireless communication device 102 include, but are not limited to, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDAs), a mobile phone, a smart phone, a palmtop, a one-way radio handset, a Walkie-Talkie and the like.
  • PDAs Personal Digital Assistant
  • the wireless communication device 102 is capable of receiving sound signals in form of radio frequency signals.
  • the wireless communication device 102 is also capable of capturing sound signals emanated from a sound source in the surroundings of the wireless communication device 102. Further the wireless communication device 102 is capable of adjusting its audio output signal.
  • the first source of sound 104 is a sound signal transmitting source.
  • first source of sound 104 include, but are not limited to, a base transceiver station, a radio broadcasting tower, and the like.
  • the first source of sound 104 can be a Voice on Internet Protocol (VOIP) server.
  • the first source of sound 104 can transmit sound signals to wireless communication device 102 through the radio frequency signals.
  • the sound signals received from the first source of sound 104 constitute the first sound signal.
  • the first source of sound 104 transmits the first sound signal to the wireless communication device 102.
  • the wireless communication device 102 receives the first sound signal at a modem of the wireless communication device 102 when the received first sound signal corresponds to a voice call.
  • the first sound signal is received by a transceiver of the wireless communication device 102.
  • the first sound signal received at the transceiver include sound signal corresponding to a radio broadcast, streaming data and the like.
  • the first sound signal can be a sound signal generated by playing various files locally stored on the wireless communication device 102.
  • the wireless communication device 102 may store an audio file which can be played on the wireless communication device 102 using hardware or a software program.
  • the first sound signal can be received directly from within the wireless communication device 102.
  • the wireless communication device 102 can simultaneously receive a second sound signal from the second source of sound 106.
  • the second sound signal can be any sound present in the surroundings of the wireless communication device 102.
  • the second sound signal is the sound produced by a loudspeaker present in the surroundings.
  • the second sound signal can be a voice of a person standing next to a user of the wireless communication device 102.
  • the second sound signal can be a noise produced by a motor running in the surroundings and the first sound signal can be a voice call received from a base transceiver station.
  • the second sound signal can be an intended sound signal that needs to be heard while listening to the first sound signal.
  • the second sound signal is the sound originating from a fire alarm.
  • the second sound signal can be an unwanted sound that hinders in hearing of the first sound signal.
  • the second sound signal is sound emanated from a nearby factory.
  • the second sound signal is received at a sound capturing device of the wireless communication device 102.
  • the sound capturing device includes but are not limited to a microphone, condenser microphone, capacitor microphone, moving coil microphone, ribbon microphone, transducer, and an equivalent sound capturing device.
  • the sound capturing device can be present outside the wireless communication device.
  • the wireless communication device 102 is a mobile phone.
  • the mobile phone receives the first sound signal of a voice call at the modem of the mobile phone.
  • the first sound signal is received from a base transceiver station.
  • a user of the mobile phone is crossing the road.
  • the second sound signal is the horn of vehicle or noise of the traffic in the surroundings.
  • the noise of the traffic is simultaneously captured by the microphone of the mobile phone.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram 200 of a wireless communication device 202, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the wireless communication device 202 include but are not limited to a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDAs), a smart phone, a palmtop, a one-way radio handset, and a Walkie-Talkie.
  • the wireless communication device 202 can be a portable communication device.
  • the wireless communication device 202 includes a processor 204, a microphone 206 and an audio output device 208. Further, the wireless communication device 202 also includes a memory unit 210.
  • the processor 204 is configured to receive the first sound signal.
  • the first sound signal is received at a modem of the wireless communication device 202. Thereafter, the modem sends the first sound signal to the processor 204.
  • the modem can be replaced by a transceiver or a receiver.
  • the transceiver/receiver can be configured to receive the first sound signal from a radio broadcast station, for example, the transceiver can be a Frequency Modulation (FM) channel receiver.
  • the processor 204 is configured to receive the second sound signal from the surroundings. In an embodiment the second sound signal in the surroundings can be defined as sound present in the environment or in the ambience of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the second sound signal is received by the processor 204 through the microphone 206.
  • the microphone 206 is configured to capture sound in the surroundings on the wireless communication device 202.
  • the microphone 206 can be an external microphone attached to the wireless communication device 202.
  • the processor 204 can be a digital signal processor.
  • the processor 204 is configured to adjust output sound signal of the wireless communication device 202 using the first sound signal and the second sound signal based on a set of parameters.
  • the processor 204 is configured to output the adjusted output sound signal.
  • the processor 204 is configured to output the adjusted sound signal through the audio output device 208.
  • the audio output device 208 include, but are not limited to, a mobile head phone, an internal speaker, a mobile phone loudspeaker, and an earpiece.
  • the audio output device 208 can be an integral part of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the audio output device 208 can be present outside the wireless communication device 202. For example, an external speaker attached to the wireless communication device 202.
  • the processor 204 is connected to the memory unit 210. Further, the processor 204 can be embedded with software for enhancing the output sound signal for a hearing impaired person.
  • the software can be stored in the memory unit 210.
  • the memory unit 210 can be a memory storage device such as Random Access Memory (RAM), Semi-conductor memory, and the like. Further, the memory unit 210 is configured to store a set of parameters.
  • the set of parameters may include various constrains, constants and variable terms, characteristics, factors and considerations for adjusting output sound signal. In an embodiment, these set of parameters can be in-built set of parameters, which are stored in the memory unit 210. In another embodiment, the set of parameters can be configured and re-configured by a user as per individual requirements.
  • the processor 204 is configured to calibrate the wireless communication device 202 based on the set of parameters stored in the memory unit 210.
  • the calibration of the wireless communication device 202 can be done by a user.
  • the user can update and input values for the set of parameters to calibrate the wireless communication device 202.
  • the calibration is done automatically by the processor 204.
  • the processor 204 is capable of configuring the set of parameters for one or more sub-bands that are associated with an audio frequency range.
  • the processor 204 receives the voice signal of the voice call.
  • the processor 204 also receives the sound of the surroundings captured by the microphone 206.
  • the voice signal of the voice call is the first sound signal and the noise in the market place is the second sound signal.
  • the processor increases the volume of the first sound signal i.e. the voice call signal.
  • the first sound signal with increased volume is combined with the second sound signal and is outputted through the audio output device 208.
  • processor 204 can reduce the volume of the second sound signal, and thereafter the second sound signal with reduced volume is combined with the first sound signal.
  • the processor 204 can prioritize the second sound signal over the first sound signal. For example, in a scenario where the second sound signal is an alarm, the processor 204 alters the volume of the second sound signal above the first sound signal. The first sound signal and the second sound signal are adjusted based on a set of parameters, for example, a hearing impaired user can input his/her signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or data from audiogram to calibrate the wireless communication device 202 in accordance with his/her hearing capabilities. Thereafter, the wireless communication device 202 will automatically adjust the volume of the first sound signal in accordance with the hearing capabilities of the user. In an alternate scenario, the user can also selectively adjust the volume of the first sound signal and the second sound signal.
  • SNR signal-to-noise ratio
  • the user can also selectively adjust the volume of the first sound signal and the second sound signal.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for adjusting audio of the wireless communication device 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the method initiates at step 302.
  • a first sound signal is received at the wireless communication device 202.
  • the wireless communication device 202 includes but are not limited to a mobile phone, a Walkie- Talkie, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Smart phone and a One-way radio phone.
  • the wireless communication device 202 receives the first sound signal at a modem.
  • the first sound signal can be a voice sound signal received from far end.
  • the voice sound signal is a voice signal of a caller or a called person during a voice call.
  • the voice signal can include a recorded voice message.
  • the first sound signal can be a sound signal of a radio broadcast received from a radio station.
  • the first sound signal can be a radio broadcast of a song on Frequency Modulation (FM) channel.
  • FM Frequency Modulation
  • the first sound signal is received at a transceiver of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the first sound signal is received at an external receiver.
  • the received sound signal is then fed to the wireless communication device 202.
  • the first sound signal can be a sound signal generated by playing various files locally stored on the wireless communication device 202.
  • the wireless communication device 202 may store an audio/video file which can be played using hardware or a software program.
  • the first sound signal can be received directly from within the wireless communication device 202.
  • a second sound signal is received at the wireless communication device 202.
  • the second sound signal is received from the surroundings of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the second sound signal is received at a microphone of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the microphone can be an external microphone.
  • the microphone can be any sound capturing device.
  • the second sound signal is sensed by the microphone from the adjacent sound sources. Thereafter, the second sound signal is sent to the wireless communication device 202.
  • the second sound signal can be a sound originating from the close vicinity of a user of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the second sound signal can be voice of a person standing next to the user.
  • the second sound signal is any sort of sound that the microphone can capture from the surroundings.
  • the second sound signal can be a voice prompt from a person standing close to the user.
  • the second sound signal can be sound of a horn or passing by vehicles.
  • the wireless communication device 202 adjust output sound signal.
  • the output sound signal is adjusted by the wireless communication device 202 by using the first sound signal and the second sound signal, based on a set of parameters.
  • the adjustment of the output sound signal further includes calibrating the wireless communication device 202.
  • the wireless communication device 202 can be adjusted for volume and amplitude of the first sound signal and the second sound signal.
  • the wireless communication device 202 can be calibrated by a user.
  • the user can set various conditions and requirements that need to inputted for calibrating the wireless communication device 202.
  • the user can input a set of conditions that pertains to specific hearing capabilities and personal listening comfort. For example, hearing impaired person can input various parameters and factors pertaining to an audiogram.
  • An audiogram is a pictorial representation of hearing capabilities of a person.
  • the audiogram shows a graph of how well a person can perceive different sound frequencies. Further each user has a personalized comfort level of listening.
  • sound is received by the ear drum and is interpreted by the brain.
  • the interpretation of the sound by the brain defines a person's capability to interpret loudness of the sound. For example, some people can hear very low sounds where as some can interpret sound above a certain threshold only. All individuals have their own perception for various sub-bands of an audio frequency range.
  • Hearing impaired persons have a high requirement of signal-to- noise ratio (SNR) to recognize speech in the noise.
  • SNR signal-to- noise ratio
  • the user can also input the SNR loss to adjust settings that are not predicted from the audiogram.
  • the user can input the SNR and other parameters obtained from the audiogram to calibrate the wireless communication device.
  • the wireless communication device 202 process the first sound signal and the second sound signal based on the values and the parameters inputted by the user.
  • the first sound signal and the second sound signal are processed by the processor 204 of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the first sound signal and the second sound signal include sound signals of various frequencies and amplitudes.
  • Various sub- bands of an audio frequency range of the first sound signal and the second sound signal are adjusted based on a suitable algorithm specific to each sub-band. In other words, adjustment for each sub-band of the audio frequency range is based on the frequency range and amplitude specified for the sub-band.
  • Each sub-band is treated independent of the other.
  • the processor 204 can identify various sub-bands and corresponding degree of adjustment required for each sub-band.
  • the first sound signal and the second sound signal are combined together to produce the output sound signal.
  • the first sound signal and the second sound signal are combined together in a relative proportion.
  • the user can select to listen to the first sound signal and suppress the second sound signal.
  • Different weighting for the sound signals can be dynamically adjusted by the user, as per individual hearing capabilities and perception. For better understanding consider a scenario where a user is in a market place. Further, the user is in a voice call through the wireless communication device 202. The user can adjust the settings of the wireless communication device 202. The user can select to suppress the second sound signal, the noise of the market and prioritize the first sound signal, the voice of the called person or caller.
  • a hearing impaired person with very high SNR requirements may adjust the relative proportion for the first sound signal and the second sound signal in accordance with his comfort level.
  • a hearing impaired person has a low tolerance to noise.
  • the hearing impaired persons have very high SNR requirements vis-a-vis a normal person. Based on the SNR, the user can adjust the sound levels of various sub-bands pertaining to the audio profile of the user. This is further described in conjunction with FIG. 5.
  • the relative proportion can be adjusted automatically by the wireless communication device 202.
  • the wireless communication device 202 identifies the background audio profile of the second sound signal.
  • the output sound signal is adjusted based on the identified sound profile of the second sound signal in accordance with the SNR requirements of a user.
  • the background audio profile of the second sound signal is identified by the processor 204 of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the processor 204 can differentiate the sound of the alarm from the noise in the surroundings. In other words, the processor 204 can identify various peaks and frequency profiles in the background noise.
  • the background audio profile characterizes the second sound signal.
  • the background audio profile describes various sound frequencies and sub-band in the second sound signal.
  • noise energy for a specified sub-band of the second sound signal can be adjusted for the frequencies or bands in which the user's hearing is impaired.
  • the background audio profile is identified when there is no useful audio activity in the surroundings; thereafter the output sound signal is adjusted based on the identified background audio profile.
  • the wireless communication device 202 Based on the noise in the background the wireless communication device 202 increases the volume of the first sound signal over the surrounding noise i.e the second sound signal.
  • the wireless communication device 202 identifies the frequency sub-band of human voice and separates the voice of the person from the background audio profile of surroundings. Thereafter, the wireless communication device 202 combines the voice of the person with the first sound signal. In case of a hearing impaired person the wireless communication device 202 can adjust the first sound signal in accordance with the hearing capabilities of the user. This enables the user to hear selective sound in the surroundings along with the first sound signal.
  • the output sound signal is adjusted to suit a user's requirement and comfort level.
  • the output sound signal includes the first sound signal and the second sound signal in a relative proportion.
  • the output sound signal is adjusted based on the set of parameters such as background audio profile of the second sound signal, and the parameters obtained from the audiogram.
  • the output sound signal can also be adjusted by a user.
  • the adjustment of the output sound signal can be done based on in-built functions. These functions can be customized by the set of parameters inputted by a user. For example, the functions may be logarithmic or non-liner based on a user specified settings.
  • the adjusted output sound signal is outputted through an audio output device.
  • the audio output device can be located inside the wireless communication device 202. In one embodiment the audio output device can be an external attachment of the wireless communication device 202. Examples of the audio output device includes but are not limited to a mobile headphone, an internal speaker, a mobile phone loudspeaker, external speaker, and an earpiece. Thereafter the method terminates at step 310.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for adjusting audio output of the wireless communication device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the methods initiates at step 402.
  • the first sound signal is received at the wireless communication device 202.
  • the first sound signal is received at modem of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the first sound signal is received by a transceiver of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the first sound signal is a radio broadcast or a VOIP call received from a server.
  • the second sound signal is received at the wireless communication device 202.
  • the second sound signal is captured by the microphone from the surroundings.
  • the microphone can be replaced by a sound capturing device.
  • the microphone can be an internal microphone or an external microphone attached to the wireless communication device 202.
  • the second sound signal can be any sound signal present in the surroundings of the user. In an embodiment the second sound signal is a voice prompt from a person standing next to the user.
  • the user can calibrate the wireless communication device 202 by inputting the set of parameters in accordance with their requirements. In other words, users can customize the settings of the wireless communication device 202 to personalize the output sound settings. The settings can be based on an audiogram setting of the user or the sound profile of the second sound signal.
  • the output sound signal is adjusted based on the set of parameters. The set of parameters are inputted by the user of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the set of parameters can be in-built functions of the wireless communication device 202.
  • the output sound signal includes the first sound signal and the second sound signal adjusted based on the parameters inputted by the user.
  • the set of parameters can be in-built in the wireless communication device, and the user chooses a profile as per his requirements.
  • the method terminates. For better understanding consider the following scenario. A user of the mobile phone is on a voice call with another user. The voice signal of caller/called person on the other end is received as a first sound signal at the modem of the mobile phone. In an embodiment the first sound signal can be a recorded voice message from an answering machine. During the voice communication, the microphone of the mobile phone captures the sound in the surroundings of the user.
  • the output sound signal includes both the first sound signal and the second sound signal.
  • the user may find it difficult to hear.
  • the user can then adjust the settings of the mobile phone, to suit his comfort level of listening.
  • the user can choose a profile by rotating a radio dial or by selecting a profile thorough a user interface.
  • the user can choose to select the profile according to sound level in the surroundings. For example user can adjust the setting whether there is no sound activity in the surrounding, or whether the surroundings are noisy.
  • the user can choose a specific profile and input the parameters according to his personalized listening capabilities. For example, the user can input the parameters from an audiogram and select the logarithmic functions in accordance with his personalized settings.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates pictorial representation of the method for adjusting output sound signal of the wireless communication device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the pictorial representation includes the first sound signal.
  • the first sound signal is weighted as per the set of parameters and the settings selected by the user.
  • the pictorial representation includes two types of sound signals that contribute to the second sound signal.
  • the second sound signal may include a sound signal that is desirable and another sound signal that may be undesirable to a user.
  • the second sound signal may include noise in market place and simultaneously a voice of person, prompting a directive to the user.
  • the voice of the person is the desirable part of the second sound signal.
  • the undesirable part of the second sound signal can be for example noise in the surroundings.
  • the noise in the market is the part of the second sound signal that needs to be suppressed, and the voice prompt is the desired part of the second sound signal.
  • the desired sound signal and the undesired sound signal can be identified by analyzing the signal for example, with respect to time and frequency. This enables the processor 204 to recognize specific sounds or properties.
  • the signals can be identified and separated by using various pattern classification techniques such as Blind Signal Separation (BSS). Based on separation, the user can independently vary the separated parts of the second sound signal.
  • BSS Blind Signal Separation
  • the user can choose to weight both the parts of the second sound signal independent of each other.
  • the user can selectively opt to adjust the amplitude or any other attribute of the desired part and the undesired part.
  • the user can increase the volume of the voice prompt and suppress the noise sound signal, the undesired part.
  • the wireless communication device 202 identifies various frequencies and sub-bands of different sound signal. Thereafter, the wireless communication device 202 can apply one kind of adjustment on one frequency sub-band and other kind of adjustment for another frequency sub-band. This enables the user to hear the desirable sound signal over the undesirable sound signal. As shown in FIG. 5, the desired sound signal is adjust according to weight Wl and the undesired sound signal is adjusted in proportion to weight W2.
  • the second sound signal includes only one part, i.e., desired part.
  • the second sound signal does not contain any sound. In other words, there is no sound in the surroundings. Thereafter the first sound signal and the second sound signal can be again weighed by a factor of W3 and W4 respectively.
  • the prompt form the co-drives forms the desirable part and the traffic noise forms the undesirable part.
  • the desired sound of the co-driver is amplified in proportion of weight Wl, and the undesired part, the traffic noise is suppressed in accordance with weight W2.
  • the second sound signal with the proportional mix of the desired sound and undesired sound signal is combined with the first sound signal.
  • the first sound signal and the second sound signal can again be combined in the proportion of weights W3 and W4. This enables the mobile phone to filter out the undesired sound, and selectively allow the desired component of the second sound signal to combine with the first sound signal.
  • the weighed proportion of the first sound signal and the second sound signal are fed into the processor 204.
  • the processor 204 combines the first sound signal and the second sound signal, based on the weights W3 and W4.
  • the weights can be determined based on the set of parameters, for a hearing impaired person and one with the normal hearing capability. Further, the combined output sound signal is outputted through the audio output device.
  • the present invention provides a wireless communication device which enables a user to adjust the audio output of the wireless communication device to suit individual listening comfort.
  • the user can customize settings of the wireless communication device by inputting the parameters in accordance with personal requirements.
  • the user can also select in-built settings to suit individual listening comfort.
  • the wireless communication device can be calibrated and programmed for a hearing impaired person.
  • the invention enables hearing impaired user to adjust the audio output of the wireless communication device.
  • embodiments of the invention described herein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors and unique stored program instructions that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the embodiments of the invention described herein.
  • the non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radio transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, and user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method to adjust output sound signal. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of these approaches could be used. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been described herein.

Abstract

A method and system for adjusting audio output of the wireless communication device (202) is provided. The method includes receiving (304) a first sound signal from the wireless communication device. The method also includes receiving (306) a second sound signal from surroundings of the wireless communication device. Furthermore, the method include (308) adjusting an output sound signal by using the first sound signal and the second sound signal based on a set of parameters.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING AUDIO OF A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of wireless communication devices, and more particularly to a method for adjusting output sound signal of the wireless communication devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the increase in the need for communication and information, there has been a wide use of wireless communication devices. One of the most widely used means of communication through the wireless communication devices is the voice communication. Therefore, the quality of sound produced by the wireless communication devices has become an important aspect in enhancing usability and effectiveness of the wireless communication devices.
Every listener has unique capability to decipher the output sound produced by the wireless communication devices. Some listeners may perceive even very low sounds, while some may need the sound to be amplified, for example, hearing impaired persons may need processing of certain specific frequencies of the sound before they can hear the audio clearly.
Hearing impaired persons face difficulty in using the wireless communication devices, for example, audio output from the mobile phones are not customized as per the listener's requirement, in particular a hearing impaired person. For the hearing impaired person an obvious way to deal with this difficulty is to use the wireless communication devices with a hearing aid. However, using the wireless communication devices with the hearing aid may cause radio frequency interference. The radio frequency interference comes into play when a wireless communication device is held close to the hearing aid. Radio signal of the wireless communication device interrupts/obstruct proper functioning of the hearing aid. Moreover, while using a hearing aid with the wireless communication device, noise in the surroundings of the user also gets amplified and can causes disturbance in hearing the audio emanated from the wireless communication device. Furthermore, handling two devices simultaneously may be cumbersome. Another method could be amplifying the output sound of the wireless communication device and using the wireless communication device without the hearing aid. However, using the wireless communication device without the hearing aid will restrict the user to listen any useful sound such as alarms and important sound information in the surroundings that the user may need to react. For example, using the wireless communication device without the hearing aid on the road, the user may miss out sound of horn or some important alarm. Also without the hearing aid, the user may not be able to hear any prompt from a person standing next to the user that may be useful for the user. In addition to this, hearing impaired persons have individual frequency requirements. Different people have their individual Signal-to-Noise Ration (SNR) requirements. In other words, each individual may have different tolerances for various frequency bands. Therefore a simple amplification of the sound output of the wireless communication devices may not serve the purpose.
Furthermore, for a user with normal hearing ability, sounds in the surrounding may cause disturbance, and make it difficult for the user to decipher correct sound emanated from the wireless communication device. For example, it is difficult for the user to hear properly on the mobile phone in a market place or a in a party/disco. Therefore, there is need to adjust audio output of the wireless communication devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments, and to explain various principles and advantages, all in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment where the present invention can be practised; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a wireless communication device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for adjusting audio of the wireless communication device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for adjusting audio of the wireless communication device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 illustrates pictorial representation of the method for adjusting output sound signal of the wireless communication device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, to help in improving an understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Before describing in detail the particular method and system for adjusting audio output of a wireless communication device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in combinations of a method for adjusting audio output. Accordingly, the method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the description herein.
In this document, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements that are not expressly listed or inherent in such a process, method, article or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises ... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus that comprises the element. The term "another," as used in this document, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "includes" and/or "having", as used herein, are defined as comprising.
A method for adjusting audio output of a wireless communication device is provided according to various embodiments of the present invention. The method includes receiving a first sound signal from the wireless communication device. Further, the method includes receiving a second sound signal from surroundings of the wireless communication device. Furthermore, the method includes adjusting an output sound signal by using the first sound signal and the second sound signal based on a set of parameters.
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device includes a processor and a microphone. The processor is configured to receive a first sound signal from the wireless communication device. Further, the processor is configured to receive a second sound signal from surroundings of the wireless communication device. Furthermore, the processor is configured to adjust an output sound signal by using the first sound signal and the second sound signal based on a set of parameters. The microphone is configured to capture sound from the surroundings of the wireless communication device.
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment 100 where the present invention can be practised. The exemplary environment 100 includes a user with a wireless communication device 102, a first source of sound 104, and a second source of sound
106, in the surroundings of the wireless communication device 102. The user is surrounded by people and various objects. For example, the user is in a market place with the wireless communication device 102. Examples of the wireless communication device 102 include, but are not limited to, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDAs), a mobile phone, a smart phone, a palmtop, a one-way radio handset, a Walkie-Talkie and the like. The wireless communication device 102 is capable of receiving sound signals in form of radio frequency signals. The wireless communication device 102 is also capable of capturing sound signals emanated from a sound source in the surroundings of the wireless communication device 102. Further the wireless communication device 102 is capable of adjusting its audio output signal.
The first source of sound 104 is a sound signal transmitting source. Examples of first source of sound 104 include, but are not limited to, a base transceiver station, a radio broadcasting tower, and the like. In an embodiment, the first source of sound 104 can be a Voice on Internet Protocol (VOIP) server. The first source of sound 104 can transmit sound signals to wireless communication device 102 through the radio frequency signals. In an embodiment of the present invention the sound signals received from the first source of sound 104 constitute the first sound signal. The first source of sound 104 transmits the first sound signal to the wireless communication device 102. In one embodiment, the wireless communication device 102 receives the first sound signal at a modem of the wireless communication device 102 when the received first sound signal corresponds to a voice call. In another embodiment, the first sound signal is received by a transceiver of the wireless communication device 102. In this embodiment, the first sound signal received at the transceiver, include sound signal corresponding to a radio broadcast, streaming data and the like. In another embodiment the first sound signal can be a sound signal generated by playing various files locally stored on the wireless communication device 102. For example, the wireless communication device 102 may store an audio file which can be played on the wireless communication device 102 using hardware or a software program. In this embodiment the first sound signal can be received directly from within the wireless communication device 102.
While receiving the first sound signal, the wireless communication device 102 can simultaneously receive a second sound signal from the second source of sound 106. The second sound signal can be any sound present in the surroundings of the wireless communication device 102. For example the second sound signal is the sound produced by a loudspeaker present in the surroundings. In an embodiment the second sound signal can be a voice of a person standing next to a user of the wireless communication device 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the second sound signal can be a noise produced by a motor running in the surroundings and the first sound signal can be a voice call received from a base transceiver station. In one embodiment the second sound signal can be an intended sound signal that needs to be heard while listening to the first sound signal. For example, the second sound signal is the sound originating from a fire alarm. In another embodiment, the second sound signal can be an unwanted sound that hinders in hearing of the first sound signal. For example, the second sound signal is sound emanated from a nearby factory.
The second sound signal is received at a sound capturing device of the wireless communication device 102. Examples of the sound capturing device includes but are not limited to a microphone, condenser microphone, capacitor microphone, moving coil microphone, ribbon microphone, transducer, and an equivalent sound capturing device. In an embodiment the sound capturing device can be present outside the wireless communication device.
For better understanding, consider a scenario, where the wireless communication device 102 is a mobile phone. The mobile phone receives the first sound signal of a voice call at the modem of the mobile phone. The first sound signal is received from a base transceiver station. A user of the mobile phone is crossing the road. In this case the second sound signal is the horn of vehicle or noise of the traffic in the surroundings. The noise of the traffic is simultaneously captured by the microphone of the mobile phone.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram 200 of a wireless communication device 202, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Examples of the wireless communication device 202 include but are not limited to a mobile phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDAs), a smart phone, a palmtop, a one-way radio handset, and a Walkie-Talkie. In one embodiment of the present invention, the wireless communication device 202 can be a portable communication device. The wireless communication device 202 includes a processor 204, a microphone 206 and an audio output device 208. Further, the wireless communication device 202 also includes a memory unit 210.
The processor 204 is configured to receive the first sound signal. In an embodiment the first sound signal is received at a modem of the wireless communication device 202. Thereafter, the modem sends the first sound signal to the processor 204. In another embodiment of the present invention the modem can be replaced by a transceiver or a receiver. The transceiver/receiver can be configured to receive the first sound signal from a radio broadcast station, for example, the transceiver can be a Frequency Modulation (FM) channel receiver. Further, the processor 204 is configured to receive the second sound signal from the surroundings. In an embodiment the second sound signal in the surroundings can be defined as sound present in the environment or in the ambience of the wireless communication device 202. The second sound signal is received by the processor 204 through the microphone 206. The microphone 206 is configured to capture sound in the surroundings on the wireless communication device 202. In an embodiment the microphone 206 can be an external microphone attached to the wireless communication device 202. In an embodiment the processor 204 can be a digital signal processor.
Furthermore, the processor 204 is configured to adjust output sound signal of the wireless communication device 202 using the first sound signal and the second sound signal based on a set of parameters. In addition, the processor 204 is configured to output the adjusted output sound signal. The processor 204 is configured to output the adjusted sound signal through the audio output device 208. Examples of the audio output device 208 include, but are not limited to, a mobile head phone, an internal speaker, a mobile phone loudspeaker, and an earpiece. In an embodiment the audio output device 208 can be an integral part of the wireless communication device 202. In another embodiment the audio output device 208 can be present outside the wireless communication device 202. For example, an external speaker attached to the wireless communication device 202. In one embodiment of the present invention the processor 204 is connected to the memory unit 210. Further, the processor 204 can be embedded with software for enhancing the output sound signal for a hearing impaired person. The software can be stored in the memory unit 210. The memory unit 210 can be a memory storage device such as Random Access Memory (RAM), Semi-conductor memory, and the like. Further, the memory unit 210 is configured to store a set of parameters. The set of parameters may include various constrains, constants and variable terms, characteristics, factors and considerations for adjusting output sound signal. In an embodiment, these set of parameters can be in-built set of parameters, which are stored in the memory unit 210. In another embodiment, the set of parameters can be configured and re-configured by a user as per individual requirements. Moreover, the processor 204 is configured to calibrate the wireless communication device 202 based on the set of parameters stored in the memory unit 210. The calibration of the wireless communication device 202 can be done by a user. The user can update and input values for the set of parameters to calibrate the wireless communication device 202. In one embodiment, the calibration is done automatically by the processor 204. The processor 204 is capable of configuring the set of parameters for one or more sub-bands that are associated with an audio frequency range.
In order to aid better understanding, consider a scenario where a user is in a voice call and is standing in a market place. The processor 204 receives the voice signal of the voice call. The processor 204 also receives the sound of the surroundings captured by the microphone 206. The voice signal of the voice call is the first sound signal and the noise in the market place is the second sound signal. Thereafter, the processor increases the volume of the first sound signal i.e. the voice call signal. The first sound signal with increased volume is combined with the second sound signal and is outputted through the audio output device 208. Hence, the user is able to hear the voice call over the surrounding noise. In another scenario, processor 204 can reduce the volume of the second sound signal, and thereafter the second sound signal with reduced volume is combined with the first sound signal. In one embodiment the processor 204 can prioritize the second sound signal over the first sound signal. For example, in a scenario where the second sound signal is an alarm, the processor 204 alters the volume of the second sound signal above the first sound signal. The first sound signal and the second sound signal are adjusted based on a set of parameters, for example, a hearing impaired user can input his/her signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or data from audiogram to calibrate the wireless communication device 202 in accordance with his/her hearing capabilities. Thereafter, the wireless communication device 202 will automatically adjust the volume of the first sound signal in accordance with the hearing capabilities of the user. In an alternate scenario, the user can also selectively adjust the volume of the first sound signal and the second sound signal.
FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for adjusting audio of the wireless communication device 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method initiates at step 302. At step 304, a first sound signal is received at the wireless communication device 202. Examples of the wireless communication device 202 includes but are not limited to a mobile phone, a Walkie- Talkie, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Smart phone and a One-way radio phone. In an embodiment the wireless communication device 202 receives the first sound signal at a modem. The first sound signal can be a voice sound signal received from far end. In other words, the voice sound signal is a voice signal of a caller or a called person during a voice call. In another embodiment, the voice signal can include a recorded voice message. In yet another embodiment, the first sound signal can be a sound signal of a radio broadcast received from a radio station. For example, the first sound signal can be a radio broadcast of a song on Frequency Modulation (FM) channel. In this embodiment, the first sound signal is received at a transceiver of the wireless communication device 202. In one embodiment the first sound signal is received at an external receiver. The received sound signal is then fed to the wireless communication device 202. In another embodiment the first sound signal can be a sound signal generated by playing various files locally stored on the wireless communication device 202. For example, the wireless communication device 202 may store an audio/video file which can be played using hardware or a software program. In this embodiment the first sound signal can be received directly from within the wireless communication device 202. At step 306, a second sound signal is received at the wireless communication device 202. The second sound signal is received from the surroundings of the wireless communication device 202. The second sound signal is received at a microphone of the wireless communication device 202. In an embodiment the microphone can be an external microphone. In another embodiment the microphone can be any sound capturing device. The second sound signal is sensed by the microphone from the adjacent sound sources. Thereafter, the second sound signal is sent to the wireless communication device 202. The second sound signal can be a sound originating from the close vicinity of a user of the wireless communication device 202. In an embodiment the second sound signal can be voice of a person standing next to the user. In other words, the second sound signal is any sort of sound that the microphone can capture from the surroundings. For example, the second sound signal can be a voice prompt from a person standing close to the user. The second sound signal can be sound of a horn or passing by vehicles.
At step 308, the wireless communication device 202 adjust output sound signal. The output sound signal is adjusted by the wireless communication device 202 by using the first sound signal and the second sound signal, based on a set of parameters. The adjustment of the output sound signal further includes calibrating the wireless communication device 202. The wireless communication device 202 can be adjusted for volume and amplitude of the first sound signal and the second sound signal. In an embodiment the wireless communication device 202 can be calibrated by a user. In this embodiment the user can set various conditions and requirements that need to inputted for calibrating the wireless communication device 202. In other words, the user can input a set of conditions that pertains to specific hearing capabilities and personal listening comfort. For example, hearing impaired person can input various parameters and factors pertaining to an audiogram. An audiogram is a pictorial representation of hearing capabilities of a person. The audiogram shows a graph of how well a person can perceive different sound frequencies. Further each user has a personalized comfort level of listening. In general sound is received by the ear drum and is interpreted by the brain. The interpretation of the sound by the brain defines a person's capability to interpret loudness of the sound. For example, some people can hear very low sounds where as some can interpret sound above a certain threshold only. All individuals have their own perception for various sub-bands of an audio frequency range. Hearing impaired persons have a high requirement of signal-to- noise ratio (SNR) to recognize speech in the noise. The user can also input the SNR loss to adjust settings that are not predicted from the audiogram. The user can input the SNR and other parameters obtained from the audiogram to calibrate the wireless communication device.
The wireless communication device 202 process the first sound signal and the second sound signal based on the values and the parameters inputted by the user. The first sound signal and the second sound signal are processed by the processor 204 of the wireless communication device 202. The first sound signal and the second sound signal include sound signals of various frequencies and amplitudes. Various sub- bands of an audio frequency range of the first sound signal and the second sound signal are adjusted based on a suitable algorithm specific to each sub-band. In other words, adjustment for each sub-band of the audio frequency range is based on the frequency range and amplitude specified for the sub-band. Each sub-band is treated independent of the other. The processor 204 can identify various sub-bands and corresponding degree of adjustment required for each sub-band.
The first sound signal and the second sound signal are combined together to produce the output sound signal. The first sound signal and the second sound signal are combined together in a relative proportion. For example, the user can select to listen to the first sound signal and suppress the second sound signal. Different weighting for the sound signals can be dynamically adjusted by the user, as per individual hearing capabilities and perception. For better understanding consider a scenario where a user is in a market place. Further, the user is in a voice call through the wireless communication device 202. The user can adjust the settings of the wireless communication device 202. The user can select to suppress the second sound signal, the noise of the market and prioritize the first sound signal, the voice of the called person or caller. In another scenario, a hearing impaired person with very high SNR requirements may adjust the relative proportion for the first sound signal and the second sound signal in accordance with his comfort level. In general, a hearing impaired person has a low tolerance to noise. The hearing impaired persons have very high SNR requirements vis-a-vis a normal person. Based on the SNR, the user can adjust the sound levels of various sub-bands pertaining to the audio profile of the user. This is further described in conjunction with FIG. 5.
In one embodiment the relative proportion can be adjusted automatically by the wireless communication device 202. In this embodiment the wireless communication device 202 identifies the background audio profile of the second sound signal. The output sound signal is adjusted based on the identified sound profile of the second sound signal in accordance with the SNR requirements of a user. For example, the background audio profile of the second sound signal is identified by the processor 204 of the wireless communication device 202. The processor 204 can differentiate the sound of the alarm from the noise in the surroundings. In other words, the processor 204 can identify various peaks and frequency profiles in the background noise. The background audio profile characterizes the second sound signal. The background audio profile describes various sound frequencies and sub-band in the second sound signal. After identifying the background audio profile, noise energy for a specified sub-band of the second sound signal can be adjusted for the frequencies or bands in which the user's hearing is impaired. In an embodiment, the background audio profile is identified when there is no useful audio activity in the surroundings; thereafter the output sound signal is adjusted based on the identified background audio profile. In order to aid better understanding consider a scenario where the user is standing on roadside pavement and is in voice conversation through his wireless communication device 202. Based on the noise in the background the wireless communication device 202 increases the volume of the first sound signal over the surrounding noise i.e the second sound signal. Thereafter, in this scenario when a person comes and tries to talk to the user, the wireless communication device 202, identifies the frequency sub-band of human voice and separates the voice of the person from the background audio profile of surroundings. Thereafter, the wireless communication device 202 combines the voice of the person with the first sound signal. In case of a hearing impaired person the wireless communication device 202 can adjust the first sound signal in accordance with the hearing capabilities of the user. This enables the user to hear selective sound in the surroundings along with the first sound signal. The output sound signal is adjusted to suit a user's requirement and comfort level. The output sound signal includes the first sound signal and the second sound signal in a relative proportion. Further, the output sound signal is adjusted based on the set of parameters such as background audio profile of the second sound signal, and the parameters obtained from the audiogram. The output sound signal can also be adjusted by a user. The adjustment of the output sound signal can be done based on in-built functions. These functions can be customized by the set of parameters inputted by a user. For example, the functions may be logarithmic or non-liner based on a user specified settings. Further, the adjusted output sound signal is outputted through an audio output device. The audio output device can be located inside the wireless communication device 202. In one embodiment the audio output device can be an external attachment of the wireless communication device 202. Examples of the audio output device includes but are not limited to a mobile headphone, an internal speaker, a mobile phone loudspeaker, external speaker, and an earpiece. Thereafter the method terminates at step 310.
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method for adjusting audio output of the wireless communication device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The methods initiates at step 402. At step 404, the first sound signal is received at the wireless communication device 202. In an embodiment the first sound signal is received at modem of the wireless communication device 202. In another embodiment the first sound signal is received by a transceiver of the wireless communication device 202. In this embodiment the first sound signal is a radio broadcast or a VOIP call received from a server. At step 406, the second sound signal is received at the wireless communication device 202. The second sound signal is captured by the microphone from the surroundings. In an embodiment the microphone can be replaced by a sound capturing device. The microphone can be an internal microphone or an external microphone attached to the wireless communication device 202. The second sound signal can be any sound signal present in the surroundings of the user. In an embodiment the second sound signal is a voice prompt from a person standing next to the user. At step 408, the user can calibrate the wireless communication device 202 by inputting the set of parameters in accordance with their requirements. In other words, users can customize the settings of the wireless communication device 202 to personalize the output sound settings. The settings can be based on an audiogram setting of the user or the sound profile of the second sound signal. At step 410 the output sound signal is adjusted based on the set of parameters. The set of parameters are inputted by the user of the wireless communication device 202. In an embodiment the set of parameters can be in-built functions of the wireless communication device 202. The output sound signal includes the first sound signal and the second sound signal adjusted based on the parameters inputted by the user. In another embodiment the set of parameters can be in-built in the wireless communication device, and the user chooses a profile as per his requirements. At step 412, the method terminates. For better understanding consider the following scenario. A user of the mobile phone is on a voice call with another user. The voice signal of caller/called person on the other end is received as a first sound signal at the modem of the mobile phone. In an embodiment the first sound signal can be a recorded voice message from an answering machine. During the voice communication, the microphone of the mobile phone captures the sound in the surroundings of the user. Typically, the output sound signal includes both the first sound signal and the second sound signal. Further, due to the noise in the surroundings the user may find it difficult to hear. The user can then adjust the settings of the mobile phone, to suit his comfort level of listening. In an embodiment the user can choose a profile by rotating a radio dial or by selecting a profile thorough a user interface. In embodiment the user can choose to select the profile according to sound level in the surroundings. For example user can adjust the setting whether there is no sound activity in the surrounding, or whether the surroundings are noisy. In an embodiment, for a hearing impaired user, the user can choose a specific profile and input the parameters according to his personalized listening capabilities. For example, the user can input the parameters from an audiogram and select the logarithmic functions in accordance with his personalized settings. The output sound signal is adjusted based on the settings selected by the user. Thereafter, the adjusted output sound signal is outputted through the earpiece of the mobile phone. This enables user to adjust the output sound signal and customize the mobile phone for his personalized hearing capabilities. FIG. 5 illustrates pictorial representation of the method for adjusting output sound signal of the wireless communication device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The pictorial representation includes the first sound signal. The first sound signal is weighted as per the set of parameters and the settings selected by the user. Further, the pictorial representation includes two types of sound signals that contribute to the second sound signal. The second sound signal may include a sound signal that is desirable and another sound signal that may be undesirable to a user. For example, the second sound signal may include noise in market place and simultaneously a voice of person, prompting a directive to the user. The voice of the person is the desirable part of the second sound signal. Further, the undesirable part of the second sound signal can be for example noise in the surroundings. The noise in the market is the part of the second sound signal that needs to be suppressed, and the voice prompt is the desired part of the second sound signal. The desired sound signal and the undesired sound signal can be identified by analyzing the signal for example, with respect to time and frequency. This enables the processor 204 to recognize specific sounds or properties. The signals can be identified and separated by using various pattern classification techniques such as Blind Signal Separation (BSS). Based on separation, the user can independently vary the separated parts of the second sound signal. For example, the user can choose to weight both the parts of the second sound signal independent of each other. In other words, the user can selectively opt to adjust the amplitude or any other attribute of the desired part and the undesired part. For example, the user can increase the volume of the voice prompt and suppress the noise sound signal, the undesired part. The wireless communication device 202 identifies various frequencies and sub-bands of different sound signal. Thereafter, the wireless communication device 202 can apply one kind of adjustment on one frequency sub-band and other kind of adjustment for another frequency sub-band. This enables the user to hear the desirable sound signal over the undesirable sound signal. As shown in FIG. 5, the desired sound signal is adjust according to weight Wl and the undesired sound signal is adjusted in proportion to weight W2. In an embodiment the second sound signal includes only one part, i.e., desired part. In another embodiment the second sound signal does not contain any sound. In other words, there is no sound in the surroundings. Thereafter the first sound signal and the second sound signal can be again weighed by a factor of W3 and W4 respectively. In order to aid better understanding, consider a scenario, where a user driving and is attending a voice call on his mobile device. Simultaneously, a person sitting on co-driver seat is guiding the directions. The first signal in form of the voice call is amplified in accordance with weight W3. The second sound signal includes the traffic noise in the surroundings and prompts from the co-driver. The noise in the surroundings and the prompts of the co-driver are captured by the microphone of the mobile phone. The prompt form the co-drives forms the desirable part and the traffic noise forms the undesirable part. The desired sound of the co-driver is amplified in proportion of weight Wl, and the undesired part, the traffic noise is suppressed in accordance with weight W2. Thereafter, the second sound signal with the proportional mix of the desired sound and undesired sound signal is combined with the first sound signal. Further, the first sound signal and the second sound signal can again be combined in the proportion of weights W3 and W4. This enables the mobile phone to filter out the undesired sound, and selectively allow the desired component of the second sound signal to combine with the first sound signal. The weighed proportion of the first sound signal and the second sound signal are fed into the processor 204. The processor 204 combines the first sound signal and the second sound signal, based on the weights W3 and W4. The weights can be determined based on the set of parameters, for a hearing impaired person and one with the normal hearing capability. Further, the combined output sound signal is outputted through the audio output device.
Various embodiments of the present invention have significant advantages. The present invention provides a wireless communication device which enables a user to adjust the audio output of the wireless communication device to suit individual listening comfort. The user can customize settings of the wireless communication device by inputting the parameters in accordance with personal requirements. The user can also select in-built settings to suit individual listening comfort. For another embodiment the wireless communication device can be calibrated and programmed for a hearing impaired person. The invention enables hearing impaired user to adjust the audio output of the wireless communication device. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention described herein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors and unique stored program instructions that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the embodiments of the invention described herein. The non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radio transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, and user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method to adjust output sound signal. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of these approaches could be used. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been described herein. In those situations for which functions of the embodiments of the invention can be implemented using a processor and stored program instructions, it will be appreciated that one means for implementing such functions is the media that stores the stored program instructions, be it magnetic storage or a signal conveying a file. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such stored program instructions and ICs with minimal experimentation.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

We claim:
1. A method for adjusting audio output of a wireless communication device, the method comprising:
receiving a first sound signal from the wireless communication device;
receiving a second sound signal from surroundings of the wireless communication device; and
adjusting an output sound signal by using the first sound signal and the second sound signal based on a set of parameters.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising receiving the first sound signal from one of a modem of the wireless communication device, audio files stored in the wireless communication device, and a transceiver of the wireless communication device.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein receiving the second sound signal comprises receiving the second sound signal through a microphone.
4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein receiving the second sound signal from the microphone further comprises capturing sound from the surroundings at the microphone.
5. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising outputting the adjusted output sound signal at an audio output device.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein adjusting the output sound signal comprises:
altering amplitude of the first sound signal based on amplitude of the second sound signal; and
generating the output sound signal with the altered amplitude of the first sound signal.
7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein adjusting the output sound signal further comprises calibrating the wireless communication device based on the set of parameters.
8. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein calibrating the wireless communication device comprises configuring the set of parameters for one or more sub-bands, wherein each of the one or more sub-bands is associated with an audio frequency range.
9. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the set of parameters include parameters obtained from an audiogram of a user.
10. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the set of parameters include a relative proportion in which the first sound signal and the second sound signal are combined.
11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein the relative proportion is dynamically adjusted by a user of the wireless communication device.
12. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein calibrating the wireless communication device further comprises:
identifying a background audio profile of the second sound signal, wherein the background audio profile characterizes the second sound signal and wherein the background audio profile is identified when there is no desired audio activity in the surroundings; and
adjusting the output sound signal of the wireless communication device based on the identified background audio profile of the second sound signal.
13. A wireless communication device comprising:
a processor configured to:
receive a first sound signal from the wireless communication device; receive a second sound signal from surroundings of the wireless communication device; and
adjust an output sound signal by using the first sound signal and the second sound signal based on a set of parameters; and
a microphone configured to capture sound from the surroundings of the wireless communication device.
14. The wireless communication device as recited in claim 13 further comprising an audio output device.
15. The wireless communication device as recited in claim 13 further comprising a memory storage device for storing the set of parameters.
16. The wireless communication device as recited in claim 13 further comprising a transceiver configured to receive the first sound signal.
17. The wireless communication device as recited in claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to calibrate the wireless communication device based on the set of parameters.
18. The wireless communication device as recited in claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to identify a background audio profile of the second sound signal, wherein the background audio profile characterizes the second sound signal.
19. The wireless communication device as recited in claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to output the adjusted sound signal at an audio output device.
20. The wireless communication device as recited in claim 13, wherein the processor is a digital signal processor.
PCT/US2008/077466 2007-09-26 2008-09-24 Method and system for adjusting audio of a wireless communication device WO2009042651A2 (en)

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