Pad-type telecoil zone system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pad-type telecoil zone system that forms a magnetic field detectable by a telecoil embedded in a hearing aid or cochlear implant, thereby enabling a hearing impaired person to clearly hear desired sounds without being affected by ambient noise, and which can be installed immediately in a necessary location without the need to be embedded in a floor or wall, and retrieved and reused in another location when not needed. More specifically, the invention relates to a pad-type telecoil zone system characterized by comprising an audio source input unit, an inductive loop amplifier that converts sound input into the audio source into an electromagnetic signal and transmits it to an inductive loop cable, and a pad containing an inductive loop cable that forms a magnetic field as current transmitted from the amplifier flows.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a telecoil zone system for assisting the hearing impaired in recognizing voice, and more specifically, to a pad-type telecoil zone system that forms a magnetic field detectable by a telecoil embedded in a hearing aid or cochlear implant, thereby enabling the hearing impaired to clearly hear desired sounds without being affected by ambient noise, and which can be installed immediately in the required location without the need to be embedded in the floor or wall, and retrieved and reused in another location when not needed. Background Technology

[0002] Hearing aids are devices that amplify and deliver sound to users with hearing loss. In cases of severe hearing loss or auditory impairment, cochlear implants are used to bypass lost auditory cells and send electrical stimulation directly to the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to perceive it as sound. However, in noisy public places such as lecture halls, terminals, or movie theaters, users may not be able to properly hear desired sounds due to ambient noise, even when using assistive hearing aids like hearing aids or cochlear implants. To address this, audio loop systems and telecoils are utilized to reduce ambient noise and amplify only the desired sound, thereby enabling the clear recognition of key information.

[0003] A telecoil is a small wireless receiver built into a hearing aid. The telecoil detects magnetic signals transmitted to the receiver, converts them into acoustic signals that are easy for the hearing impaired to hear, and outputs them. Telecoils are installed in approximately 60% of hearing aids and 100% of cochlear implants, and hearing aids can selectively activate the telecoil. When the telecoil is activated, the device reduces ambient noise and allows the user to hear sounds from audio sources received as magnetic signals, thereby enabling clearer hearing.

[0004] An audio loop system is a device that converts sound from an audio source into a magnetic signal and transmits it; also known as a hearing loop system, it consists of an input source, an amplifier, and a loop cable (or wire). Examples of input sources include microphones, audio players, and PA (Public Address System) devices. It converts the sound intended for the user into an electrical signal and provides it to an amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input sound signal and transmits it through the loop cable. As the amplified electrical signal travels along the loop cable, it is converted into a magnetic signal, which is then received by a hearing aid equipped with a telecoil.

[0005] In registered patents No. 10-0714233 and No. 10-1912632, a portable audio loop system in which a loop cable is configured in the form of a necklace or a belt has been developed. The portable audio loop system can be usefully utilized in small-scale conversations regardless of location, such as during one-on-one conversations at store counters and reception desks or during small group meetings. However, as can be seen in Fig. 1, wearing the device affects the appearance, causing discomfort to users and thus limiting its use in daily life.

[0006] A fixed audio loop system provides a telecoil zone in which loop cables are embedded within a structure (see Figs. 2a and 2b). The telecoil zone allows users of hearing aids containing telecoils to hear sounds from input sources clearly and minimize background noise within the space, even without wearing or carrying a separate audio loop. Forming telecoil zones in public places such as public transportation facilities, conference rooms, auditoriums, theaters, and churches helps people with hearing impairments communicate better in their daily lives and improves accessibility in public spaces. Since the effectiveness of the audio loop system depends heavily on the strength and uniformity of the magnetic field generated through the cables, it is important to maintain a consistent signal strength throughout the entire space of the telecoil zone. Therefore, since the loop cables connected to the amplifier must be installed close to the audience, it is common practice to embed them in a grid pattern across the entire area, as exemplified in Fig. 2b (see Fig. 3). As such, since long wires must be buried in a grid pattern across a specific area of ​​public spaces, a large amount of electricity is required, and significant electromagnetic radiation is inevitably generated. Furthermore, structural modifications are often impossible, or extensive construction is required for any changes or repairs. Additionally, even when telecoil zones are installed, the reality is that the actual 'utilization rate' is very low, as these areas are more frequently used by non-hearing-impaired individuals.

[0007] Meanwhile, burying telecoil zones in public places, stores, or residences intermittently visited by the hearing impaired is highly uneconomical and therefore unrealistic.

[0008] In addition, since conventional telecoil zones are embedded in the floor of the space, the physical distance from the hearing aid is usually more than 1m, so the magnetic signal must be relatively strong, and cognitive discomfort is caused because the intensity of the sound heard changes as the distance from the telecoil zone changes when a hearing-impaired person moves in the area where the telecoil zone is installed. Prior art literature

[0009] Registered Patent No. 10-0714233 Registered Patent No. 10-1912632 The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art by providing a simplified installation type telecoil zone system that does not require landfilling and can be easily installed and retrieved when needed.

[0011] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a telecoil zone system capable of providing optimal quality at an optimal location to individual hearing-impaired persons.

[0012] In addition, the present invention aims to provide various types of telecoil zone systems that can be selectively activated depending on the usage environment and application.

[0013] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art, even if not mentioned above. means of solving the problem

[0014] The pad-type telecoil zone system of the present invention for achieving the aforementioned purpose is characterized by comprising an audio source input unit, an inductive loop amplifier that converts sound input to the audio source into an electromagnetic signal and transmits it to an inductive loop cable, and a pad that incorporates an inductive loop cable that forms a magnetic field as current transmitted from the amplifier flows.

[0015] Further details of the present invention will be more clearly understood through the specific details and drawings for the implementation of the invention below. Effects of the invention

[0016] As described above, according to the present invention, by providing the telecoil zone in the form of a pad without burying it in the floor, installation and removal are easy, and it can be installed and used immediately where needed.

[0017] In addition, since the inductive loop cable embedded in the pad is detachably connected to the amplifier, maintenance is easy, and the pad can be freely replaced or moved, thereby increasing space utilization.

[0018] Furthermore, multiple pads can be selectively activated, allowing for the configuration of an optimal telecoil zone depending on the usage environment and improving energy efficiency.

[0019] Furthermore, since the pads can be provided in various forms, such as horizontal installation types like mats, rugs, and cushions, or vertical installation types like partitions and backrest covers, the telecoil zone can be implemented in an optimal form depending on the location or purpose of use.

[0020] This invention can be used economically and efficiently not only in public places or offices frequently visited by the hearing impaired, but also in homes or small gathering places. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a necklace-type portable audio loop system according to the prior art. FIGS. 2a and 2b are conceptual diagrams showing the configuration of a telecoil zone according to the prior art in which a loop cable is embedded in a structure, and figures showing an example of the installation form of the loop cable. Figure 3 is a photograph showing a loop cable laying operation according to the prior art. FIG. 4a is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pad-type telecoil zone system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4b is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pad-type telecoil zone system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5a and 5b are examples of actual installation and partial enlarged photographs of a pad-type telecoil zone system according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings and embodiments. However, these drawings and embodiments are merely examples to easily explain the content and scope of the technical concept of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited or altered by them. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention based on these examples. Furthermore, where drawing reference numerals are indicated alongside the components of the claims, this is merely illustrative for explanation purposes and is not intended to limit the components by the drawing reference numerals.

[0023] In addition, when describing the invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technology related to the invention could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0024] FIG. 4a is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pad-type telecoil zone system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4b is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pad-type telecoil zone system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are photographs showing an example of a pad-type telecoil zone system according to the present invention actually installed.

[0025] The pad-type telecoil zone system of the present invention includes an audio source input, an inductive loop amplifier, and a telecoil zone pad.

[0026] The audio source input section can receive various types of audio signals. For example, voice signals input directly through a microphone, digital audio signals from mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, voice signals from computers or video playback devices, and line output signals from PA systems can be input. Additionally, audio signals can be received via wireless communication such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and it is also possible to receive signals from multiple sources simultaneously, mix them, and output them. Due to this support for diverse inputs, it can be utilized in various environments, including watching TV or listening to music at home, video conferencing in conference rooms, performance sound systems in theaters, and sermons in religious facilities.

[0027] An inductive loop amplifier converts an input audio signal into an electrical signal suitable for generating a magnetic field and amplifies it. In an embodiment of the present invention, the amplifier is provided with an output unit for connection to a pad, and this output unit may include a connector that is detachably coupled to an inductive loop cable embedded in the pad. The amplifier may include a function that automatically adjusts the output according to the number of connected pads. For example, when using a single pad, an output of about 3W is sufficient, but when three pads are connected simultaneously, the output is increased to 9W to ensure that sufficient power is supplied to each pad.

[0028] In one embodiment, the connector may be a 6.35mm TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) connector. TRS connectors have the advantage of being verified for their robustness and reliability, and are readily available on the market. In another embodiment, the connector may be a 3.5mm TRS connector, XLR connector, RCA connector, Speakon connector, DIN connector, etc.

[0029] In a more preferred embodiment, the connector includes a first connector provided on the pad side and a second connector provided on the amplifier side, and may be configured to be coupled by magnetism and have directionality (not shown). By employing such a magnetic connector, the user can intuitively connect the pad in the correct direction, and a robust connection is possible.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 4b, in another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of telecoil zone pads (telecoil zone mat 1 to telecoil zone mat n) may be provided. In this case, the amplifier includes a switching unit to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of pads. This allows for increased energy efficiency by activating only the necessary pads depending on the size or situation of the usage space. FIG. 4b illustrates that one telecoil zone mat corresponds to one hearing aid / cochlear implant, but this is exemplary, and depending on the size and output of the mat, multiple hearing aids / cochlear implants may correspond to a single mat. Furthermore, when mats are installed adjacently, the magnetic field of each mat may affect the adjacent hearing aid / cochlear implant; however, since all mats transmit the same audio signal, no problems caused by signal interference occur.

[0031] The telecoil zone pad according to the present invention can be implemented in various forms.

[0032] FIG. 5a is a photograph showing an example of the installation of a system in which a mat-type horizontal installation pad is applied as an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, an input unit (10) and an amplifier (20) are positioned on a desk surface, and a telecoil zone mat is installed on the floor surface below them. The surface of the mat is provided with identification markings (a T-mark and an ear-shaped symbol) indicating that it is a telecoil zone, so that the user can easily recognize it. In addition to the mat, it can be implemented in a form that is installed horizontally, such as a rug, carpet, cushion, or floor mat, and such forms are mainly installed and used in seating areas or floor spaces.

[0033] FIG. 5b is a photograph showing a part of a mat-type pad (30), showing an induction loop cable (31) arranged along the outer edge of the mat and a connector (32) for connecting it to an amplifier. The induction loop cable is embedded within the mat and, in this embodiment, is arranged in a loop shape along the outer edge of the mat. However, the arrangement of the cable is not limited to this and can be arranged in various patterns such as a spiral or a figure-eight shape. Such cable arrangement patterns can be designed to form an optimal magnetic field depending on the usage environment and purpose.

[0034] The telecoil zone pad of the present invention can also be implemented in a vertically installed form (not shown). For example, it can be attached to an office partition, hung on a wall, or installed as a cover that wraps around the backrest or headrest of a chair. This vertical installation type has distinct advantages compared to the case where it is installed as a floor mat.

[0035] While mat-type devices must be placed more than 1 meter away from the user's ears and are prone to wear and tear from being stepped on, vertical-mounted devices can be installed close to the user's ears and minimize physical wear. For example, when installed as a headrest cover for a chair, the distance to a hearing aid or cochlear implant can be very close, within 20 cm, allowing a sufficient magnetic field to be generated with much less power compared to floor-mounted devices.

[0036] Furthermore, since the magnetic field is formed close to the hearing aid, the signal is transmitted more clearly, and stable listening is possible as the magnetic field strength does not change significantly even when the user moves. Moreover, it can be designed in the form of a picture frame or wall-mounted decoration, allowing it to be used as an interior element; in this case, the inductive loop cable is completely embedded within the frame or decoration, enabling stable use for a long time without visual exposure.

[0037] The telecoil zone pad according to the present invention may be formed with a double or higher structure with a thickness of 2 to 5 mm so that an inductive loop cable can be stably embedded between fibers or films. The outer sheath of the pad may be made of polyester or nylon material that is durable and has low lint, and it is particularly desirable to use a material treated with antistatic properties to minimize noise generation. In the case of a floor-mounted type, a silicone coating for anti-slip purposes may be added to the bottom surface.

[0038] The pad-type telecoil zone system of the present invention, configured as described above, can be easily installed and used in various environments, as exemplified in FIG. 5a. In particular, unlike conventional embedded systems, it can be installed when needed and removed when not needed, allowing for efficient utilization in public places or offices frequently visited by the hearing impaired, as well as in homes and small gathering places. Since the physical distance between the pad and the hearing aid is constant and close, power consumption is expected to be reduced by approximately 40% compared to conventional embedded systems. Furthermore, as no embedding work is required, the installation time, which previously took 2-3 days, can be shortened to within 10 minutes. Additionally, installation costs can be reduced by approximately 80% as embedding work and finishing material installation are unnecessary. Moreover, since immediate response is possible simply by replacing the pad in the event of a malfunction, more than 90% of the time required for maintenance in conventional embedded systems can be saved. Explanation of the symbols

[0039] 10. Input section 20. Amplifier 30. Pad 31. Inductive loop cable 32. Connector

Claims

Claim 1 A pad-type telecoil zone system comprising: an audio source input section; an inductive loop amplifier that converts sound input to the audio source into an electromagnetic signal and transmits it to an inductive loop cable; and a plurality of pads that contain an inductive loop cable forming a magnetic field as current transmitted from the amplifier flows, wherein the amplifier is equipped with an output section for connection with the pads and automatically adjusts the output according to the number of connected pads. Claim 2 A pad-type telecoil zone system according to claim 1, characterized in that the inductive loop cable embedded in the pad is detachably coupled to the output of the amplifier by a predetermined connector. Claim 3 A pad-type telecoil zone system according to claim 1, wherein the amplifier comprises a switching unit capable of selectively activating one or more of the plurality of pads. Claim 4 A pad-type telecoil zone system according to claim 1, wherein the pad is in the form of a horizontally installed mat, rug, carpet, cushion, or rug. Claim 5 A pad-type telecoil zone system according to claim 1, wherein the pad is in the form of a vertically installed partition type, a hanging type, a backrest cover or a headrest cover that can be hung on a chair. Claim 6 delete

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