3614results about "Substation speech amplifiers" patented technology

A multi-party conversation analyzer and logger uses a variety of techniques including spectrographic voice analysis, absolute loudness measurements, directional microphones, and telephonic directional separation to determine the number of parties who take part in a conversation, and segment the conversation by speaking party. In one aspect, the invention monitors telephone conversations in real time to detect conditions of interest (for instance, calls to non-allowed parties or calls of a prohibited nature from prison inmates). In another aspect, automated prosody measurement algorithms are used in conjunction with speaker segmentation to extract emotional content of the speech of participants within a particular conversation, and speaker interactions and emotions are displayed in graphical form. A conversation database is generated which contains conversation recordings, and derived data such as transcription text, derived emotions, alert conditions, and correctness probabilities associated with derived data. Investigative tools allow flexible queries of the conversation database.

Techniques for providing audio services to multiple devices are described. For instance, connections between a hands-free unit and multiple wireless devices are established. The connections are themselves used to establish active communication channels, such as active audio communication channels, between the hands-free unit and the wireless devices, such as during a phone call. Upon establishment of an active communication channel with one of the wireless devices, the connections to the other wireless devices are disconnected—and / or additional connections refused—for the duration of the active communication channel. Furthermore, a routing module in various embodiments permits multiple hands-free units to route active communication channels to each other depending on user location.

In a vehicle, means of mounting a cell phone on the vehicle dashboard with minimal wiring and external connections, using manufacturer power connections made available on the dashboard. The mounting means is either an after market accessory addition to the vehicle or a option available at the time of purchase to render easy and convenient mounting of the cell phone without loose wires and providing proper positioning of a video camera built into the cell phone. The cell phone is positioned for viewing either through the windshield or backward onto the occupants enabling monitoring accidents between vehicles, the result of an accident on the occupants of the vehicle or for security monitoring of the trespassers within the vehicle. This is accomplished by mounting the camera at the dashboard. Another advantage is to improve the power output of the cell phone by positioning the antenna (part of the hand held cell phone device) near the windshield.

We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.

A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.

When a user wears a headset (12), a small display (107) is provided in front of an eye of the user. A main component (11) communicates with an external device to receive information, such as an electronic mail. The main component (11) extracts a portion of the received information, e.g., data about a sender, and transmits the extracted portion to a headset (12). The headset (12) displays the received information on the small display (107).

When there is an incoming call to a mobile telephone, it sends an incoming call notification signal to a watch-shaped information processing device. When the watch-shaped information processing device receives the incoming call notification signal, it notifies its user of the incoming call. The watch-shaped information processing device can also sends user's instructions to the mobile telephone. The instructions cause the mobile telephone to conduct processing for incoming call such as processing for asking the caller to wait, or asking the caller to leave a message.

A wireless headset for use with a separate communications device, such as a cellular telephone, includes automatic on / off capabilities to maximize battery life. By detecting a user's interaction, such as picking up the headset or placing it upon the user's body, the wireless headset automatically transitions from an inactive state to an active state. Techniques for automatic headset enabling include but are not limited to motion sensors, attitude or position sensors, proximity sensors, and contact sensors. These techniques may be used individually or in any combination. An internal timer allows the wireless headset to return to its inactive state a defined interval after cessation of movement or removal of the wireless headset. Including an optional sleep state further optimizes battery life. In the sleep state, only a portion of the wireless headset circuitry is enabled. Rather than transitioning from inactive to active, the headset transitions from inactive to sleep. In sleep, the headset periodically monitors for a signal from the separate communications device. Upon detection of such a signal, the wireless headset transitions to its active state, thereby providing full functionality to the user.

A wireless headset system for use with, e.g. mobile phones, and which incorporates a wireless headset which communicates with a base station via magnetic inductive coupling or radio frequency signals to dial and send or receive calls via a conventional phone, e.g. a mobile phone, attached to the base station. In one embodiment, the mobile phone is carried in the base station which is worn by the user.

A method for generating a ring tone for a given caller based on a prior conversation with that caller. A portion of a conversation with a given caller is recorded and stored in memory as a ring tone. When a subsequent call is received from the same caller, identified by caller ID, the ring tone is played, alerting the user to the incoming call as well as the context of their prior communication. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a prior textual or video conversation is used as the basis for a ring tone, and / or the ‘ring tone’ is delivered by other than audio means. The invention is capable of implementation in telecommunications systems such as cellular, local exchange, and VOIP, and in combination with other forms of internet-based telecommunication.

A system and method for detecting motion of a cell phone and disabling the use of the cell phone while moving or driving. The inventive system includes: a cell phone; a sensor to detect motion of the cell phone; software in the cell phone to disable the use of the cell phone when motion is detected. In a preferred embodiment, the system also recognizes the near proximity of an automobile and disables the use of the cell phone in this near proximity.

A user interface 103 for an electronic device 101 (and corresponding method) is arranged and constructed for intuitive control of interface functionality. The user interface includes: a user interface component, e.g. speaker, microphone, display backlighting, etc., that is one of a plurality of user interface components 105; interface circuitry 117 coupled to the user interface components 105; and a sensor 129 located in a position that is logically associated with, e.g. proximate to or co-located with, the user interface component and configured to provide an output signal when the sensor 129 is triggered, e.g. by proximity to a user, where the output signal facilitates, via for example a controller 143, a change in an operating mode of one or more of the user interface components 105.

A wearable wireless audio device includes a support, an electronics circuit, and a speaker. The support includes a first ear stem and an orbital, and is configured to support at least one lens in a wearer's field of view. The electronics circuit is supported by the support and is configured to receive at least one digital audio file and generate an audio signal indicative of the at least one digital audio file. The speaker is supported by the support, and is directed toward at least one of the wearer's ears. The speaker is configured to convert the audio signal into sound. The speaker has a speaker face, and the speaker is configured to rotate from a first position in which the speaker face is substantially parallel to a yz-plane to a second position in which the speaker is inclined at an angle with respect to the yz-plane. The speaker is coupled to the support with a speaker pivot, and is configured to rotate about the speaker pivot while maintaining the speaker face substantially parallel to a yz-plane. The speaker is configured to move along an axis substantially parallel to a z-axis with respect to the support.

A wireless communications system and method adapted for use in automotive applications for enabling automatic, high-speed, wireless voice and / or data communications link to be established between a wide variety of external devices and various electronic subsystems of a vehicle. The apparatus includes first and second RF transceivers which are operated in accordance with a communications specification to enable a seamless, automatic communications link to be created when the two RF transceivers come within a pre-determined proximity of one another, for example, within up to 100 meters of one another. Information from one device is then automatically transmitted over the wireless communications link to the other device. In various implementations the apparatus is used to obtain information from a home PC, a work PC, a notebook PC and various other electronic devices, as well as information from the Internet, which is displayed and / or played back for the user by various subsystems of the vehicle while traveling in the vehicle. Other applications involving retail and manufacturing applications are disclosed by which the apparatus is used to facilitate and / or expedite manufacturing processes or retail transactions via one or more high-speed, secure, wireless communications links which are created automatically and seamlessly between the RF transceivers of the apparatus of the invention.

The interior cabin of a vehicle is provided with a vehicular sound-processing system that comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly, the mirror assembly including a mirror housing and a reflective element. An accessory is located in the interior cabin. The interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a user-interaction site for a wireless communication system, the wireless communication system communicating with the accessory. The user-interaction site comprises at least one microphone for producing an audio output in response to detection of vocal input of a human speaker in the interior cabin with the vehicle cabin noise superimposed thereon. Preferably, the user-interaction site further comprises at least one manually operated control input. The restricted-range wireless communication system preferably comprises one of a radio frequency restricted-range wireless communication system and an infrared restricted-range wireless communication system. Signals indicative of the vocal input detected at the user-interaction site of the interior mirror assembly are wirelessly broadcast to the accessory located in the interior cabin of the vehicle.

A mobile phone with music reproduction function has a reproduction unit that reproduces music data and a ring tone which are recorded in a music data recording medium, and a communication unit 108 that detects an incoming call from outside. The mobile phone 100 has a control unit that instructs the reproduction unit to perform a fade-out process of reproducing the music data and to perform a fade-in process of outputting the ring tone when the communication unit detects an incoming call while the reproduction unit is reproducing music data.

Systems, structures, and methods are provided to fit, program, or upgrade a hearing aid system to a patient. One embodiment includes the use of a mobile device to interact with the hearing aid system through a short-range network. The mobile device is also adapted to communicate with a server through a long-range wireless network. The server may reside on the Internet.

An apparatus comprising a pair of headphones which have selective port connections formed in their housings allowing connection with an auxiliary audio appliances such as an AM / FM radio, CD player, cassette players, MP3 player as well as a cellular telephone. The apparatus specifically has one port for connection to a cellular telephone which is connected to a switching circuit which when activated by the occurrence a telephonic connection interrupts the audio from the auxiliary audio appliance.

A microphone, transmitter, speaker, receiver, and power source, all mounted to an eyeglasses frame, for sending and receiving signals wirelessly to and from a remote cell phone or other electronic device. The microphone and the transmitter can be mounted to extension arms that can be extended, pivoted, or otherwise moved to a position for use, and then moved to a stored position when not in use. Alternatively, the microphone, transmitter, speaker, receiver, and power source, can be mounted onto a clip-on or other attachment member that mounts onto a conventional eyeglasses frame, or to a hat or other article worn on the head.

A personal portable integrator is used to integrate the services of an arbitrary audio delivery device such as an MP3, CD, DVD, radio, or other media player, with the services of an arbitrary two-way communication device such as a mobile phone, or a two-way radio such as a walkie talkie, citizen band radio (e.g. CB), HAM radio, marine or aviation radio, and the like. The portable integrator receives and provides input and output signals from both the audio delivery device and the two-way communication device, thereby enabling a user to listen to music or other audio material and receive and place phone calls on a mobile phone simultaneously. The portable integrator provides these services by switching between the audio and communication devices, mixing signals received therefrom, and optionally enabling a user to reduce the volume or mute the signals as desired.

A voice communication device such as an earpiece that provides for ultra short range transmission of voice sound information using ultra wide band (UWB) radio communications is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a voice communication device includes a speaker, a bone conduction sensor for sensing voice sound vibrations, and an UWB transceiver operatively connected to the speaker and the bone conduction sensor. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a voice communication device is disclosed that includes an earpiece housing, a speaker operatively connected to the earpiece housing for transducing audio, an air conduction sensor operatively connected to the housing for sensing voice sound information, a processor electrically connected to the speaker and the bone conduction sensor and disposed within the earpiece housing, and an UWB transceiver operatively connected to the processor.

The audio player of the present invention comprises: an audio playing module to decode audio compressed files, produce an audio signal transmitted to an earphone, and receive a voice signal from a microphone; and an attachment mechanism to combine a wireless earphone with the audio playing module, to accomplish an electrical connecting interface therebetween. Therefore, the audio playing module operates the wireless earphone via the electrical connecting interface and establishes two-way audio communication with a mobile phone. Another embodiment of this invention provides an audio player having a wireless transceiver, which can establish a wireless connectivity with a mobile phone and allow two-way audio communication, enabling the audio player to communicate with the mobile phone at any time in response to a ring indication received from the mobile phone.

The present invention provides a method for preventing a driver of a motor vehicle from using a cellular telephone while the motor vehicle is in motion. The invention comprises a step of determining a position of the gear shift lever in such motor vehicle and generating a first signal when the position of such gear shift lever is moved to and remains in one of drive, overdrive, second, low, and reverse. Another step involves transmitting such signal generated in a previous step to a means disposed in a predetermined location on such motor vehicle for generating a reverse phase signal. Another step involves generating such reverse phase signal when such first signal is received by such means. A next step is transmitting such reverse phase signal for a predetermined radius from such predetermined location. A last step is preventing any cellular telephone transmission within such predetermined radius when such reversed phase frequency signal is being transmitted.

A mobile device integrates a wireless headset with the housing of a mobile terminal. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing of the mobile terminal includes a fastener for mechanically connecting the wireless headset to the housing. When the wireless headset is mechanically disconnected from the housing, a speaker and microphone associated with the wireless headset interfaces with the mobile terminal via a wireless interface. However, when the wireless headset mechanically connects to the housing, the speaker and microphone associated with the wireless headset mechanically and electrically connect to the housing and operate as the speaker and microphone for the mobile terminal. A detector circuit included in the mobile device also determines the position of the wireless headset relative to the mobile terminal, and may automatically select a wireless or electrical interface between the wireless headset and the mobile terminal based on the determined position.

A wireless multi-handset telephone system with integrated video monitoring. A speakerphone base unit, at least one camera module, at least one combination video / voice handset, and at least one voice handset operate together such that voice and data are transmitted (i) between the speakerphone base unit and the at least one camera module and (ii) between the speakerphone base unit and the at least one voice handset, and video images are transmitted from the at least one camera module to the at least one combination video / voice handset.

A mechanism is provided for automatically controlling the operation of a media device based at least in part upon whether a portable presentation device coupled to the media device is currently being worn by a user. A portable presentation device may be any device that is meant to be worn by a user and that is capable of presenting media content to the user (e.g. earphones, headphones, goggles or faceplates with video / audio capability, etc.). With this mechanism, a user can affect the operation of the media device by simply putting on or taking off the portable presentation device. The user does not need to manually manipulate the controls of the media device. By automatically controlling the operation of the media device in this manner, use of the media device and the portable presentation device as a unit is made much simpler and more convenient.

A safety control system for vehicles including a telephone and sensors for sensing a potentially dangerous condition and for automatically disabling the telephone when sensing such condition. The sensors include two sensors mounted on a steering member to be gripped by the two hands of the driver of the vehicle and effective to disable an operation of the telephone when the two hands of the driver are not sensed as gripping the steering member while the vehicle is in motion. The sensors may also disable the telephone, and / or actuate a signaling device, when sensing other driver conditions or vehicle conditions in which the distraction of the driver by a telephone conversation could increase the risk of accidents.