Group session features for earmuffs

Abstract

The present invention relates to group session features for earmuffs. Embodiments of the present invention include a communication system and a method for establishing a wireless communication system. The method may include: monitoring, by a first headset, a distance between the first headset and a second headset; establishing a voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset is less than a predefined limit; allowing voice communication via the voice channel between the first headset and the second headset, wherein the first headset and the second headset include a microphone and a speaker; and terminating the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset increases to be greater than the predefined limit.

Description

[0001] Related parent application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 201780053210.9 filed on February 28, 2019. Background Art

[0003] When a work site may have potentially harmful factors such as high noise levels, harmful substances or chemicals, or dangerous equipment, users may need personal protective equipment (PPE) to enter the work site. PPE can include earmuffs, safety helmets, helmets, boots, goggles, gloves, suits, hoods, gas detectors, protective clothing, hearing protection devices, bibs, work pants, safety vests, gas detectors, respiratory systems, and other PPE equipment. Users may need to wear multiple PPE devices when entering the work site. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a method of establishing a wireless communication system may include: monitoring, by a first headset, a distance between the first headset and a second headset; establishing, when the distance between the first headset and the second headset is less than a predefined limit, a voice channel between the first headset and the second headset; allowing voice communication via the voice channel between the first headset and the second headset, wherein the first headset and the second headset include microphones and speakers; and terminating, when the distance between the first headset and the second headset increases to exceed (is greater than) the predefined limit, the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset.

[0005] In one embodiment, a communication system may include: a first headset including a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module; a second headset including a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module, wherein at least one of the headsets is configured to monitor a distance between the first headset and the second headset; establish a voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset is less than a predefined limit; allow voice communication via the voice channel between the first headset and the second headset; and terminate the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset increases to exceed (is greater than) the predefined limit.

[0006] In one embodiment, a headset may include a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module, wherein the headset is configured to monitor the distance between a first headset and a second headset; establish a voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset is less than a predefined limit; allow voice communication via the voice channel between the first headset and the second headset; and terminate the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset increases to exceed (is greater than) the predefined limit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To more fully understand the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, in which like reference numerals represent like parts in the drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 A block diagram of a headset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0009] Figure 2 A communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] First, it should be understood that although the following shows exemplary implementations of one or more embodiments, any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet existing, may be used to implement the disclosed systems and methods. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations, drawings, and techniques shown below, but may be modified within the full scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0011] The following short-term definitions shall apply throughout the application:

[0012] The term "comprising" means including but not limited to, and shall be construed in the manner commonly used in the patent context;

[0013] Phrases such as "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment", etc. generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

[0014] If the specification describes something as "exemplary" or "an example", it should be understood to mean a non-exclusive example;

[0015] The term "about" or "approximately" or the like, when used in connection with a number, may mean the specific number, or alternatively, a range close to the specific number as understood by a person skilled in the art; and

[0016] If the specification states that a component or feature "may", "can", "is able to", "should", "will", "preferably", "potentially", "ordinarily", "optionally", "for example", "frequently" or "might" (or other such words) be included or have a characteristic, then the particular component or feature is not necessarily included or have the characteristic. Such a component or feature may optionally be included in some embodiments, or may be excluded.

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for providing group session capabilities for a user wearing a hearing protection device.

[0018] In a noisy environment such as a noisy production plant, etc., workers may need to wear hearing protection devices, but there may still be a need for communication among the workers. A typical conversation may occur organically, where a person walking by near the conversation may be able to hear at least a part of the conversation. Then if they wish, they can join the conversation. In a noisy environment where most workers are wearing hearing protection devices, this type of group conversation is generally not possible.

[0019] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include systems that utilize a voice communication channel. In some embodiments, any kind of low-range radio frequency (RF) communication standard may be used (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, low power or a proprietary protocol may be implemented). To capture the user's voice, one or more hearing protection headsets may include a microphone. As an example, if person A approaches person B within a predefined distance, then one or more headsets may automatically establish a voice channel between the two headsets, and they may start talking. Additionally, if person C approaches person A and / or person B within a predefined distance, then person C may join the voice channel. The RF signal strength may be used to identify or determine the distance between the headsets for entering the voice channel. For example, the headset may include a received signal strength indicator (RSSI). In other embodiments, other methods for determining proximity or distance may be used, such as ultrasonic propagation. In some embodiments, establishing the voice channel may not require any kind of user input or button pressing by the user, where the voice channel may be automatically established based on the distance between two or more headsets.

[0020] In some embodiments, the headset may include some indicator configured to indicate when the headset is in an established voice channel (or "session"). This may indicate to the user that they can start talking to one or more other users on the voice channel. An example of the indicator may be an LED light visible on the outside of the headset. Another example of the indicator may include an audible indicator emitted via a speaker in the headset. In some embodiments, a multi-color light may be used as the indicator, where headsets communicating on the same voice channel may be indicated by lights of the same color, and different groups on different voice channels may have different colors.

[0021] In some embodiments, the user may be able to control the voice channel by pressing one or more buttons. For example, if a voice channel is established and the user wishes to prevent any other user from entering the voice channel, the user may activate a private session by pressing the button. Additionally, if the user wishes to block anyone from establishing a voice channel with their headset, the user may activate the "do not disturb" function on the headset. In some embodiments, the distance or range for initiating a voice channel may be controlled on the headset.

[0022] Now referring Figure 1 , a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a headset is shown, where the headset 100 includes hearing protection. The headset 100 may include ear cups, ear plugs, or any other device suitable for hearing protection and voice communication purposes. In some embodiments, the headset 100 may include a voice capture device 102 or microphone, which may include one microphone. The voice capture system may be constructed in such a way as to reliably capture the voice of a person wearing the headset 100 even in a noisy environment. Depending on the construction of the headset 100, there may be one or more microphones 102 in one headset 100. The headset 100 may also include a wireless module 104 configured to transmit data to and / or from the headset 100. The wireless module 104 may be configured to transmit the audio (voice) signal captured by the microphone 102 by means of electromagnetic waves. The wireless module 104 may also be configured to transmit any digital and / or analog data representing the distance between the headset 100 and other headsets in the area.

[0023] In some embodiments, the headset 100 may include an acoustic transducer 106 or a speaker. The speaker 106 may be configured to deliver audio to the user. The audio may be from voice input from another headset and / or the status indicator 114. The status indicator 114 may include visual and / or audible indicators for the user and other users that indicate the communication status between the headset 100 and other headsets. The status indicator 114 may be configured to indicate states such as power on, do not disturb mode, private mode, start session, end session, etc. In some embodiments, the status indicator 114 may include a user audio notification that the headset 100 has established communication with another headset and / or has left communication with another headset. In some embodiments, the status indicator 114 may include a light (or LED) located on the exterior of the headset 100. In some embodiments, the status indicator 114 may include a multi-color light configured to change color based on the status of the headset 100. The light may be placed in a visible location on the headset 100 such that other users may be able to see the light.

[0024] In some embodiments, the headset 100 may include a proximity (or distance) measurement system 110. The proximity measurement system 110 may be configured to measure the distance between the headset 100 and one or more other surrounding headsets. In some embodiments, the proximity measurement system 110 may use RF signal strength to determine the distance. In some embodiments, the proximity measurement system 110 may use ultrasonic transmissions to and from the headset 100. Each headset 100 may include an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver, where the transmitter may send unique pulses (datagrams, modulated acoustic patterns), and the receiver of another headset may respond with another unique pulse. The delay of the response from another headset may be used to determine the distance measurement. Using ultrasonic transmissions may provide increased accuracy.

[0025] In some embodiments, the headset 100 may include a positioning system 108. The positioning system 108 may be used in place of or in combination with the proximity measurement system 110. The positioning system 108 may be configured to position the headset 100 within a specific area according to coordinates, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS). Alternatively, an indoor positioning system may be used. In some embodiments, the headset 100 may include one or more control buttons 112. The control buttons 112 may include any type of control input, such as buttons, switches, knobs, touchscreens, etc.

[0026] Now refer to Figure 2, shows a communication system 200, where the communication system 200 includes one or more headsets 202, 204, 206. Each headset 202, 204, 206 can be worn by a user. Each headset 202, 204, 206 can include one or more hearing protection elements 220 (also referred to as "hearing protection devices"). When the first headset 202 is powered on, the headset 202 detects the presence of other powered headsets 204, 206 in the nearby area. In some embodiments, the detection area can be about 10 meters. The headset 202 can also include a limit A 210 for the distance to establish a voice channel (or "session"). In some embodiments, the limit A 210 can be between about 2 to 3 meters. In some embodiments, the limit 210 can be less than about 2 meters.

[0027] When the first headset 202 detects one or more headsets 204, 206 nearby, the first headset 202 can measure and / or calculate the distance from the first headset 202 to one or more other powered headsets 204, 206. The distances between the headsets 202, 204, 206 are represented by distance x 212, distance y 214, and distance z 216. As an example, if the distance x 212 between the first headset 202 and the second headset 204 is less than the limit A 210, a voice channel can be established between the headsets 202 and 204. Once the voice channel is established, the users wearing the headsets 202 and 204 can talk to each other simultaneously without having to press a button or other controls.

[0028] Additionally, if the distance y 214 and / or the distance z 216 is less than the limit A 210 (of one or both of the headsets 202 and 204), the third headset 206 can join the voice channel between the first headset 202 and the second headset 204.

[0029] There can be several methods for establishing and controlling one or more voice channels between multiple headsets. In one embodiment, when a first voice channel is established between two headsets, any other headset that enters within the limit A 210 of either of the two headsets can join the group voice channel. Alternatively, separate voice channels can be established between certain headsets, depending on the distances between these headsets.

[0030] In one example, if the distances x 212, y 214, and z 216 are all less than the limit A 210, a voice channel can be established between the three headsets 202, 204, and 206. In another example, if the distances x 212 and y 214 are less than the limit A 210, but the distance z 216 is greater than the limit A 210, a first voice channel can be established between the first headset 202 and the second headset 204, and a second voice channel can be established between the first headset 202 and the third headset 206, where the second headset 204 and the third headset 206 may not communicate directly with each other. The above principles and methods can be applied to any number of headsets.

[0031] In some embodiments, the limit A 210 can be a distance defined in the design and manufacture of the headsets 202, 204, and 206, where the limit A 210 can be the same for each of these headsets. In some embodiments, the limit A 210 can be controlled and / or adjusted individually for each headset. For example, the limit A 210 can be adjusted via an input from the user to the headset, and / or the limit A 210 can be automatically adjusted based on other information input to the headset.

[0032] In some embodiments, once a voice channel is established between two headsets 202 and 204 (for example), if the distance x 212 between the headsets 202 and 204 decreases (while within the limit A 210), the volume of the voice channel can be increased to simulate natural voice communication.

[0033] In a first embodiment, a method of establishing a wireless communication system includes: monitoring, by a first headset, a distance between the first headset and a second headset; establishing a voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset is less than a predefined limit; allowing voice communication via the voice channel between the first headset and the second headset, where the first headset and the second headset include a microphone and a speaker; and terminating the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset increases to exceed (is greater than) the predefined limit.

[0034] The second implementation may include the method described in the first implementation, and the method further includes: before terminating the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset, monitoring, by the first headset, the distance between the first headset and the third headset; when the distance between the first headset and the third headset is less than a predefined limit, adding the third headset to the established voice channel; and allowing voice communication via the voice channel among the first headset, the second headset, and the third headset.

[0035] The third implementation may include the method described in the first implementation or the second implementation, and the method further includes: before terminating the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset, monitoring, by the second headset, the distance between the second headset and the third headset; when the distance between the second headset and the third headset is less than a predefined limit, adding the third headset to the established voice channel; and allowing voice communication via the voice channel among the first headset, the second headset, and the third headset.

[0036] The fourth implementation may include the method described in any one of the first implementation to the third implementation, and the method further includes: monitoring, by the first headset, the distance between the first headset and the third headset; when the distance between the first headset and the third headset is less than a predefined limit, establishing a second voice channel between the first headset and the third headset; and allowing voice communication via the second voice channel between the first headset and the third headset.

[0037] The fifth implementation may include the method described in any one of the first implementation to the fourth implementation, and the method further includes: monitoring, by the second headset, the distance between the second headset and the third headset; when the distance between the second headset and the third headset is less than a predefined limit, establishing a third voice channel between the second headset and the third headset; and allowing voice communication via the third voice channel between the second headset and the third headset.

[0038] The sixth implementation may include: the method described in any one of the first implementation to the fifth implementation, wherein monitoring the distance includes detecting the radio frequency signal strength of the second headset relative to the first headset.

[0039] The seventh implementation may include the method described in any one of the first to sixth implementations, and the method further includes indicating that a voice channel has been established via an indicator on at least one of the headsets.

[0040] The eighth implementation may include the method described in the seventh implementation, wherein the indicator includes an audio alert.

[0041] The ninth implementation may include the method described in the seventh implementation, wherein the indicator includes a light located on the outside of the headset.

[0042] The tenth implementation may include the method described in the ninth implementation, wherein the indicator includes a multicolor light, and wherein different colors indicate different states of the headset.

[0043] The eleventh implementation may include the method described in the ninth implementation, wherein the indicator includes a multicolor light, and wherein different colors indicate different voice channels.

[0044] The twelfth implementation may include the method described in any one of the first to eleventh implementations, and the method further includes: receiving a do-not-disturb command by at least one of the headsets; and preventing any other headset from joining the voice channel.

[0045] The thirteenth implementation may include the method described in any one of the first to twelfth implementations, and the method further includes: increasing the volume of the voice channel when the distance between the first headset and the second headset decreases after the voice channel is established.

[0046] In a fourteenth implementation, a communication system includes: a first headset including a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module; a second headset including a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module, wherein at least one of the headsets is configured to monitor the distance between the first headset and the second headset; establish a voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset is less than a predefined limit; allow voice communication via the voice channel between the first headset and the second headset; and terminate the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset increases beyond (greater than) the predefined limit.

[0047] The fifteenth implementation may include the communication system described in the fourteenth implementation, wherein the distance is monitored by detecting the signal strength of one or more wireless modules.

[0048] The sixteenth implementation may include the communication sensor described in the fourteenth or fifteenth implementation. The communication sensor further includes a third headset receiver, which includes a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module. At least one of the headset receivers is configured to monitor the distance between the first headset receiver and the third headset receiver; when the distance between the first headset receiver and the third headset receiver is less than a predefined limit, add the third headset receiver to the established voice channel; and allow voice communication via the voice channel among the first headset receiver, the second headset receiver, and the third headset receiver.

[0049] The seventeenth implementation may include the communication sensor described in any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth implementations. The communication sensor further includes a third headset receiver, which includes a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module. At least one of the headset receivers is configured to monitor the distance between the second headset receiver and the third headset receiver; when the distance between the second headset receiver and the third headset receiver is less than a predefined limit, add the third headset receiver to the established voice channel; and allow voice communication via the voice channel among the first headset receiver, the second headset receiver, and the third headset receiver.

[0050] The eighteenth implementation may include the communication sensor described in any one of the fourteenth to seventeenth implementations. The communication sensor further includes a third headset receiver, which includes a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module. At least one of the headset receivers is configured to monitor the distance between the first headset receiver and the third headset receiver; when the distance between the first headset receiver and the third headset receiver is less than a predefined limit, establish a second voice channel between the first headset receiver and the third headset receiver; and allow voice communication via the second voice channel between the first headset receiver and the third headset receiver.

[0051] The nineteenth implementation may include the communication sensor described in any one of the fourteenth to eighteenth implementations. The communication sensor further includes a third headset receiver, which includes a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module. At least one of the headset receivers is configured to monitor the distance between the second headset receiver and the third headset receiver; when the distance between the second headset receiver and the third headset receiver is less than a predefined limit, establish a third voice channel between the second headset receiver and the third headset receiver; and allow voice communication via the third voice channel between the second headset receiver and the third headset receiver.

[0052] In the twentieth implementation, the headset receiver includes a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module. The headset receiver is configured to monitor the distance between the first headset receiver and the second headset receiver; when the distance between the first headset receiver and the second headset receiver is less than a predefined limit, establish a voice channel between the first headset receiver and the second headset receiver; allow voice communication via the voice channel between the first headset receiver and the second headset receiver; and when the distance between the first headset receiver and the second headset receiver increases to exceed (is greater than) the predefined limit, terminate the established voice channel between the first headset receiver and the second headset receiver.

[0053] Although various implementations in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been shown and described above, those skilled in the art may make modifications thereto without departing from the essence and teachings of the disclosure. The implementations described herein are merely representative and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative implementations obtained by combining, integrating, and / or omitting features of one or more implementations are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description given above, but is defined by the following claims, which include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each claim is incorporated into the specification as further disclosure, and the claims are one or more implementations of one or more of the present inventions. Additionally, any of the above advantages and features may relate to a particular implementation, but the application of the recited claims should not be limited to methods and structures that achieve any or all of the above advantages or have any or all of the above features.

[0054] In addition, the section headings used herein are for consistency with the recommendations of 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or to provide organizational cues. These headings should not limit or characterize any one or more inventions set forth in any of the claims that may be published from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although a heading may refer to a "Technical Field", the claims should not be limited by the language selected under that heading to describe the so-called field. Additionally, the description of the art in the "Background Art" should not be construed as an admission that any art is prior art to any one or more inventions in this disclosure. The "Summary of the Invention" should also not be regarded as a limiting characterization of any one or more inventions set forth in the published claims. Further, any reference in this disclosure to the singular "invention" should not be used to argue that there is only one novelty point in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims published from this disclosure, and these claims correspondingly define one or more inventions and their equivalents that are protected thereby. In all cases, the scope of these claims should be considered in light of this disclosure in accordance with the merits of the claims themselves and should not be limited by the headings set forth herein.

[0055] It should be understood that the use of broad terms such as "comprising", "including", and "having" provides support for narrower terms such as "consisting of", "consisting essentially of", and "substantially consisting of". The use of terms such as "optionally", "may", "might", "possibly", etc. with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required, or alternatively, that the element is required, and both alternative scenarios are within the scope of one or more embodiments. Additionally, the mention of examples is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be exclusive.

[0056] Although several embodiments are provided in this disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the essence or scope of this disclosure. The examples of the present invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the present invention is not limited to the details given herein. For example, various elements or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0057] Furthermore, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the technologies, systems, subsystems, and methods that are described and shown as separate or independent in the various embodiments may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, technologies, or methods. Other items that are shown or discussed as being directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether such coupling or communication is by electrical, mechanical, or other means. Other examples of variations, substitutions, and alterations that may be determined by those skilled in the art and made without departing from the essence and scope disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a wireless communication system, the method comprises: monitoring, by a first headset, a distance between the first headset and a second headset, wherein an RF signal strength is used to determine the distance between the first headset and the second headset; establishing a voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset is less than a predefined limit; allowing voice communication via the voice channel between the first headset and the second headset, wherein the first headset and the second headset include hearing protection devices, microphones, speakers, and wireless modules; terminating the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset increases to be greater than the predefined limit; and preventing any other headset from joining the voice channel when one or more buttons on at least one of the first or second headset are activated due to a do-not-disturb command.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, before terminating the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset: monitoring, by the first headset, a distance between the first headset and a third headset; adding the third headset to the established voice channel when the distance between the first headset and the third headset is less than the predefined limit; and allowing voice communication via the voice channel between the first headset, the second headset, and the third headset.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, before terminating the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset: monitoring, by the second headset, a distance between the second headset and a third headset; adding the third headset to the established voice channel when the distance between the second headset and the third headset is less than the predefined limit; and allowing voice communication via the voice channel between the first headset, the second headset, and the third headset.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprises: monitoring, by the first headset, a distance between the first headset and a third headset; establishing a second voice channel between the first headset and the third headset when the distance between the first headset and the third headset is less than the predefined limit; and allowing voice communication via the second voice channel between the first headset and the third headset.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: monitoring, by the second headset, the distance between the second headset and a third headset; establishing, when the distance between the second headset and the third headset is less than a predefined limit, a third voice channel between the second headset and the third headset; and allowing voice communication via the third voice channel between the second headset and the third headset.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising indicating that the voice channel has been established via an indicator on at least one of the first headset and the second headset.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the indicator comprises an audio alert.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the indicator comprises a light located on an exterior of at least one of the first headset and the second headset.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the indicator comprises a multicolor light, and wherein different colors indicate different states of at least one of the first or second headset.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the indicator comprises a multicolor light, and wherein different colors indicate different voice channels.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: increasing the volume of the voice channel when the distance between the first headset and the second headset decreases after the voice channel is established.

12. A communication system, comprising: a first headset comprising a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module; a second headset comprising a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module, wherein at least one of the first or second headset is configured to: monitor the distance between the first headset and the second headset, wherein an RF signal strength is used to determine the distance between the first headset and the second headset; establish a voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset is less than a predefined limit; allow voice communication via the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset; terminate the established voice channel between the first headset and the second headset when the distance between the first headset and the second headset increases beyond a predefined limit; and prevent any other headset from joining the voice channel when one or more buttons on at least one of the first or second headset are activated due to a do not disturb command.

13. The communication system according to claim 12 further includes a third headset, which includes a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third headsets is configured to: Monitor the distance between the first headset and the third headset; When the distance between the first headset and the third headset is less than a predefined limit, add the third headset to the established voice channel; and Allow voice communication via the established voice channel among the first headset, the second headset, and the third headset.

14. The communication system according to claim 12 further includes a third headset, which includes a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third headsets is configured to: Monitor the distance between the second headset and the third headset; When the distance between the second headset and the third headset is less than a predefined limit, add the third headset to the established voice channel; and Allow voice communication via the established voice channel among the first headset, the second headset, and the third headset.

15. The communication system according to claim 12 further includes a third headset, which includes a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third headsets is configured to: Monitor the distance between the first headset and the third headset; When the distance between the first headset and the third headset is less than a predefined limit, establish a second voice channel between the first headset and the third headset; and Allow voice communication via the second voice channel between the first headset and the third headset.

16. The communication system according to claim 12 further includes a third headset, which includes a hearing protection device, a microphone, a speaker, and a wireless module, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third headsets is configured to monitor the distance between the second headset and the third headset; When the distance between the second headset and the third headset is less than a predefined limit, establish a third voice channel between the second headset and the third headset; and Allow voice communication via the third voice channel between the second headset and the third headset.

17. A headset comprising: A hearing protection device; A microphone; A speaker; One or more buttons; And A wireless module, wherein the headset is configured to: Use the RF signal strength to monitor the distance between the headset and a second headset; When the distance between the headset and the second headset is less than a predefined limit, establish a voice channel between the headset and the second headset; Allow voice communication via the voice channel between the headset and the second headset; When the distance between the headset and the second headset increases beyond the predefined limit, terminate the established voice channel between the headset and the second headset; and When the one or more buttons are activated due to a do-not-disturb command, prevent any other headset from joining the voice channel.

18. The headset according to claim 17, further comprising an indicator indicating that the voice channel has been established.

19. The headset according to claim 18, wherein the indicator comprises an audio alert.

20. The headset according to claim 18, wherein the indicator comprises a light located on an exterior of the headset.

Images