Coordinated binaural sound compression

Abstract

An in-ear hearing protection device is provided. The in-ear hearing protection device includes a microphone (410) configured to receive environmental sound. The in-ear hearing protection device also includes a processor (420) configured to perform an attenuation function on the received environmental sound to provide an attenuated sound. The in-ear hearing protection device also includes a speaker (440) configured to play the attenuated sound. The in-ear hearing protection device also includes a communication module (430) configured to receive second attenuation function details from a second in-ear protection device. The processor is configured to calculate first attenuation function details and compare the first attenuation function details to the second attenuation function details. The attenuation function performed is based on one of the first attenuation function details and the second attenuation function details.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] There are two main types of hearing protectors—those worn in the ear and those worn inside the ear. Some hearing protectors use sound-blocking materials to passively reduce the sound entering the user's ear. Others have additional electronic circuitry to actively process ambient sound to a safe level. Attached Figure Description

[0002] Figure 1 An example environment is shown that can be used for embodiments of the present invention.

[0003] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A protective hearing device is shown.

[0004] Figure 3 A pair of in-ear hearing protection devices according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0005] Figure 4 An exemplary in-ear hearing protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0006] Figure 5 A method for coordinating sound compression according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0007] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The calculated compression gain of an in-ear hearing protection device pair is shown.

[0008] Figures 7A to 7C The response, which is discussed in detail in the example, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Passive hearing protection can simply involve placing an inflatable foam product inside a user's ear. Alternatively, passive hearing protection may include placing earmuffs over the ears. However, passive hearing protection limits a user's ability to hear their surroundings. In some situations, users may need to hear sounds at a nearby level of security, such as voices, footsteps, or environmental warnings.

[0010] Active hearing protection includes one or more microphones that receive ambient sounds from the user's surroundings and reproduce those sounds using one or more speakers at a safe level. Active hearing protection devices use electronic circuitry to pick up ambient sounds through the microphones, convert those sounds to a safe level, and then play them back to the user through the speakers. Additionally, active hearing protection may include filtering or eliminating unwanted sound content, such as actively reducing gunshots, while providing human speech at a substantially constant level. Active hearing protection may include in-ear protection and over-ear protection.

[0011] Some active hearing protection units are level-dependent, allowing the electronic circuitry to adapt to sound pressure levels. Level-dependent hearing protection units help filter out impulse noise such as gunshots from ambient noise and / or continuously adjust the received ambient sounds to an appropriate level before reproducing all ambient sounds to the user. Active hearing protection units, especially level-dependent ones, may be necessary for communication in noisy environments, environments where noise levels may vary significantly, or environments where high-impulse sounds could cause hearing damage. Users may need to hear nearby ambient sounds, such as machine noise or speech, while also being protected from harmful noise levels. Active hearing protection can also be used to improve environmental perception by amplifying soft sounds.

[0012] Figure 1 An example environment suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention is shown. Environment 100 shows an individual 150 wearing a pair of in-ear protection devices 110, 120. Each of the in-ear protection devices 110, 120 operates independently. First, an audio signal is received by a microphone in the active hearing protection unit. The received audio signal is converted into an electronic signal for processing. After the audio signal is processed to ensure all frequencies are at a safe level, the audio signal is reproduced and played back to the user through a speaker.

[0013] However, each of the first sound 130 and the second sound 140 may be received and processed differently by each of the in-ear protection devices 110 and 120. For example, sound 130 travels a distance 132 to protection device 110 and a different distance 134 to protection device 120. Additionally, distance 132 may reach device 110 directly, while distance 134 may require the sound to travel around the head of user 150. The difference in distance and obstacles between paths 132 and 134 may cause devices 110 and 120 to process the received sound differently. Similarly, for sound 140, the path to the first protection device 110 is longer than the path to the second protection device 144.

[0014] Besides picking up sound and providing it to the brain for processing, the human ear is also important for determining the direction of sound source. The ability to locate sounds 130 and 140 is crucial for the safety of user 150. For example, for user 150, perceiving sound 140 as originating from a higher altitude than sound 130 is important. Furthermore, although... Figure 1 A two-dimensional diagram of the environment is shown, but its importance increases in a real three-dimensional environment. When a perceived sound indicates a security threat, it is crucial for the user to be able to accurately pinpoint the source of the sound. Typically, an individual locates the sound by comparing the different volumes of the sound in each ear; this is often referred to as interaural sound level difference (ILD).

[0015] However, since each of the hearing protection devices 110 and 120 operates independently, it is possible, and common in practice, that each device applies different compressions to the received sounds 130 and 140, resulting in inconsistent volume presented to the user. Besides disrupting the natural localization process, this inconsistency can also cause dizziness, signal processing distortion, and delays in some users.

[0016] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A protective hearing device is shown. The over-ear protection system 210 includes two earmuffs 214, each having a microphone (not shown) configured to pick up sound and a speaker (not shown) configured to transmit attenuated sound to the user wearing the system 210. In-ear protection devices 220 and 230 are each configured to be placed inside the user's ear. Each of the in-ear protection devices 220 and 230 includes microphones 224 and 234 and speakers 226 and 236, respectively.

[0017] Because over-ear headphones are larger, there is more space within each earcup 214 for power and communication modules. Additionally, since the earcup strap 212 is typically used to position the headphones 210 on the user's head, it can also be used to hold the wired cable 216 in place, thus allowing wired connections between each earcup 214. A processor connecting each earcup 214 allows for coordinated compression, thereby reducing distortion and discomfort.

[0018] Conversely, wired solutions are not the preferred option for in-ear protection devices because the wires can become tangled. Furthermore, while wired solutions could potentially allow continuous communication between in-ear protection devices 220 and 230, they do not address the power consumption issue.

[0019] The in-ear protection devices 220 and 230 can communicate using a wireless network. However, because the entire device 220 and 230 is configured to fit inside the user's ear, the wireless communication module must be very small. Furthermore, the communication module also requires its own power supply.

[0020] A system is needed that allows a pair of in-ear protection devices to communicate and coordinate sound compression. The system must allow communication between each of the pair of in-ear protection devices and is also sensitive to power consumption. The two in-ear protection devices should be able to send sound pressure level, compression level, and attenuation information between them.

[0021] Figure 3A pair of in-ear hearing protection devices according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. The hearing protection system 300 includes a first earpiece 310 and a second earpiece 320. In the illustrated embodiment, earpiece 310 is inserted into the user's left ear, and earpiece 320 is inserted into the user's right ear. In another embodiment, earpieces 310 and 320 are not dedicated to either the user's left or right ear. Earpiece 310 includes a microphone 312 configured to receive and process ambient sound and a speaker 314 configured to deliver processed sound to the user's ear. Earpiece 320 includes a microphone 322 configured to receive and process ambient sound and a speaker 324 configured to deliver processed sound to the user's ear.

[0022] Handpieces 310 and 320 can communicate directly using a wireless data link 340. The wireless data link 340 allows for the transmission of small amounts of data at a useful frequency without significant power consumption. Typically, power consumption is inversely proportional to the refresh rate of data transmission. Therefore, although each of the handsets 310 and 320 is capable of sampling ambient audio at a rate of at least 16,000 samples per second, it is possible to transmit data regarding compression and sound attenuation at a significantly reduced frequency, while still resulting in reduced distortion and improved user positioning. In one embodiment, data transmission occurs between the handsets 310 and 320 at a rate of once every 20 milliseconds.

[0023] In one embodiment, the in-ear hearing protection devices 310, 320 are part of a network having at least one other device 330, such as Figure 3 As shown. For example, device 330 may be a controller configured to provide access to the network to which devices 310 and 320 have joined. Additionally, in some embodiments, wireless data link 340 does not allow direct communication between handsets 310 and 320, but instead routes communication through device 330. In one embodiment, device 330 may also include a controller that controls the activity of one or more devices on the network. For example, in one embodiment, device 330 may instruct devices 310 and 320 to share attenuation function data.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one of the earpieces 310 and 320 periodically transmits attenuation information to the other earpiece 320 or 310. In at least some embodiments, the wireless data link facilitates bidirectional communication, such that earpiece 310 transmits attenuation information to earpiece 320, and earpiece 320 transmits attenuation information to 310. Periodically transmitting information can refer to a data transmission rate of at least about once per second, or at least about five times per second, or at least about ten times per second, or at least about twenty times per second, or at least about fifty times per second, or at least about 100 times per second, or at least about 500 times per second, or at least 1000 times per second, or even more frequently. Periodically transmitting attenuation information allows for continuous coordination of sound compression between earpieces 310 and 320, thereby allowing the user of the in-ear hearing protection system 300 to have a more natural sound experience.

[0025] A near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) communication system is used to implement the wireless data link. In one embodiment, the wireless data link can maintain a distance of up to 1 meter between the handsets 310 and 320. In one embodiment, each handset 310 and 320 is joined to the communication network and can communicate with each other and with other devices on the network. NFMI can be used to transmit voice or other sound between devices on the network, for example, to or from one of the handsets 310 and 320. In one embodiment, the network can support up to four audio streams while still allowing the transmission of compression-related attenuation information between the handsets 310 and 320.

[0026] In one embodiment, the control unit 330 is configured to detect the first hearing protection system 310 and the second hearing protection system 320, and to provide a command to enter a coordination mode. In one embodiment, the coordination mode is a binaural mode, such that the left earpiece 310 and the right earpiece 320 simultaneously transmit compressed information using the wireless data link 340. However, asynchronous and near-simultaneous transmissions are also possible. Although the control unit 330 is shown as a separate device for clarity, it is conceivable that either earpiece 310 or 320 may include the control unit, enabling one system to send commands to the other.

[0027] Figure 4 An exemplary in-ear hearing protection system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. System 400 shows a single earpiece, such as... Figure 3 The handset 310 or 320. However, system 400 can also correspond to the one shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The earpiece designs shown are different earpiece designs.

[0028] Sound 402 is received by microphone 410. Microphone 410 provides the sound as an audio signal 412 to processor 420. In one embodiment, audio signal 412 may be an audio signal, or in another embodiment, the audio signal may be converted into an electronic signal. When operating as a stand-alone hearing protection device, earpiece 400 then applies an attenuation function 422, such as compression, based on attenuation parameters detected by attenuation detector 426. For example, attenuation detector 426 may detect sound pressure and determine the amount of compression and other attenuation functions to be performed before providing attenuation signal 422 to speaker 440. Attenuation signal 422 may be an electronic signal or may be converted back into an audio signal. Speaker 440 provides sound 460 to the inner ear of the user wearing earpiece 400.

[0029] The communication module 430 of the earpiece 400 is configured to facilitate communication and coordinated sound attenuation between the pair of earpieces 400. Once the properties of the sound signal 412 are received by the attenuation detector 426 and the attenuation function is ready, attenuation function details 438 are provided by the transmitter 436 to the other earpiece with which it wishes to coordinate attenuation. Periodically, attenuation function details 432 are also received from the other earpiece. In some embodiments, the communication module 430 operates such that it receives attenuation function details 432 and simultaneously transmits attenuation function details 438. However, in some embodiments, transmission and reception do not occur simultaneously. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the frequency at which attenuation function details 432 are received is different from the frequency at which attenuation function details 438 are transmitted. Additionally, in one embodiment, only one earpiece in the pair transmits details, such that the other earpiece in the pair modifies its attenuation parameters based on the received details.

[0030] When the earpiece 400 is in coordination mode, after the attenuation function 422 is prepared but before it is applied to the audio signal 412, the decision function 424 compares the calculated attenuation function detail 438 with the received attenuation function detail 432 and selects one of them to apply. A similar decision function 424 operates in the coordination earpiece, such that the same attenuation function is applied to both the left and right earpieces. For example, in one embodiment, the decision function 424 may consistently select the lowest compression value between the compression values ​​included in details 432 and 438. In another embodiment, the decision function may select the highest compression value. In one embodiment, the decision function 424 may also select between equalization criteria included in details 432 and 438, and / or between volume control parameters included in details 432 and 438.

[0031] The frequency at which the communication module 430 sends and receives information from the paired earpieces may depend on the power supply 450. For example, more frequent communication will make the sound 460 more natural to the user, but will also deplete the power supply 450 more quickly. Additionally, the frequency may depend on the remaining battery life. For example, the communication frequency may decrease when the battery life drops below a certain threshold. In one embodiment, the communication module sends and receives information 432, 438 at least about once per second, or at least about five times per second, or at least about ten times per second, or at least about twenty-five times per second, or at least about fifty times per second.

[0032] The power supply 450 needs to be fully integrated within the earpiece 400 and supply power to the communication module 430, speaker 440, processor 420, and microphone 410. Sufficient power needs to be provided to all components throughout the earpiece's lifespan. It is important that the earpiece 400 has a sufficient lifespan for the potential user, as failure could lead to hearing loss and prevent the user from hearing communications from nearby others. In one embodiment, the earpiece is rechargeable, so that when the battery is depleted, the entire earpiece is returned to the charging dock.

[0033] In one embodiment, processor 420 is a microprocessor. In one embodiment, microprocessor 420 also provides compression functionality. In one embodiment, the compressor has a startup time of 1 ms and a release time of 500 ms. However, depending on power limitations, the release time can be shorter.

[0034] Figure 5 A method for coordinating sound compression according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. In one embodiment, method 500 is shown as a method 500 that can be performed in parallel in earpieces 550. However, in another embodiment, method 500 operates independently of any method performed by earpieces 550. However, although method 500 is described as being performed in parallel in each earpiece, other configurations are clearly contemplated as possible. For example, method 500 may be performed in parallel for two earpieces, each configured to operate independently. It is also contemplated that, in another embodiment, only one earpiece calculates the gain to be applied to both earpieces. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a separate device, such as a controller, may calculate the gain to be applied to both earpieces 550 and the earpiece performing method 500.

[0035] Method 500 is described in relation to the gain calculations that occur in hearing protection devices. However, Method 500 can also be applied to other attenuation parameters, such as equalization and volume control. These, along with other suitable parameters, can also be the subject of Method 500.

[0036] In method 500, in response to receiving an audio signal, a gain is calculated as shown in step 510. When the earpiece operates independently, or when no other calculated gain is available, the gain calculated in step 510 is applied, as shown by arrow 512.

[0037] In step 520, the calculated gain is received from another source, as indicated by arrow 554. In one embodiment, the calculated gain is received from earpiece 550. In another embodiment, the gain can be transmitted wirelessly from earpiece 550. In another embodiment, the gain received in step 520 is received from a controller separate from earpieces 500 and 550. NFMI technology or another suitable wireless technology can be used to transmit the gain.

[0038] In block 530, the gain calculated by the earpiece is compared with the gain received from earpiece 550. This comparison can be performed by a processor located within the earpiece. In another embodiment, the comparison is performed by a means separate from the earpiece. For example, the comparison can be performed by earpiece 550, and the earpiece performing method 500 can apply only the gain provided by earpiece 550. Alternatively, the comparison can be performed by a separate controller that determines the lowest gain and provides it to both earpieces.

[0039] In box 540, the selected gain is applied. In one implementation, the lowest gain or maximum compression is applied. The gain is applied by the compressor, and the compressed sound can then be provided to the speaker for the user to listen to.

[0040] The parallel method of method 500 can occur in another earpiece, such as earpiece 550. Applying the same gain in earpiece 550 and the earpiece performing method 500 provides a more natural sound experience for users of a pair of in-ear hearing protection devices. A more natural sound experience increases the user's ability to locate sounds. In addition, applying the same gain reduction can reduce discomfort.

[0041] Method 500 can be repeated frequently, causing the earpiece to continuously sample the incoming audio signal and determine the appropriate gain to apply. In one implementation, user safety is prioritized and the lowest gain is used. For example, if -6dB gain was the lowest gain during the last comparison, that gain is used until a new lowest gain is detected. If the earpiece samples again before obtaining another receive gain 554, the newly calculated gain is compared with -6dB, and the lower gain is used again. This achieves power savings by reducing the communication frequency between the earpieces.

[0042] In another implementation, both earpieces in a pair simultaneously execute method 500, such that both earpieces sample the incoming sound, calculate the gain, and simultaneously send the calculation result. The advantage of running method 500 simultaneously in each earpiece of a pair is reduced latency, which improves the naturalness of the sound experience.

[0043] In one implementation, the handset is configured to perform method 500 at a frequency of about once per second, or about five times per second, or about ten times per second, or about twenty times per second, or about fifty times per second, or even more frequently.

[0044] Although the steps of method 500 are described in a certain order, in at least some embodiments, these steps may be performed in a different order. For example, in one embodiment, a corresponding gain may be received from another earpiece before the gain is calculated for the earpiece performing method 500.

[0045] The embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for reproducing a safety-level sound for a user using a pair of hearing protection devices. The embodiments described herein require the first and second hearing protection devices to work together to produce a more natural sound than if the two hearing protection devices were to work independently.

[0046] In one implementation, this functionality is achieved through a hard limiter, which limits the sound to a specific threshold above a certain sound pressure level. Furthermore, when the sound pressure level inside the cup reaches a certain threshold, the amplifier is disabled; that is, the level-dependent earpiece amplifier is turned off until the sound inside the earcups drops below that threshold.

[0047] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The calculated compression gain of an in-ear hearing protection device pair is shown. Figure 6A The gain 610 applied for a pair of handsets operating independently is shown. The gain 612 for the left handset and the gain 614 for the right handset show the delay 616 that can occur when the handsets are operating independently and the applied gain difference 618.

[0048] Figure 6B The coordinated gain 650 applied by a pair of earpieces operated according to the system and / or method described herein is shown. The left earpiece gain 652 and the right earpiece gain 654 are shown. As can be seen in the comparison between independent operation 610 and coordinated operation 650, the delay 656 and the applied gain difference 658 are reduced.

[0049] An in-ear hearing protection device is presented. The hearing protection device includes a microphone configured to receive ambient sound. The hearing protection device also includes a processor configured to perform an attenuation function on the received ambient sound to provide attenuated sound. The hearing protection device further includes a speaker configured to play the attenuated sound. The hearing protection device also includes a communication module configured to receive details of a second attenuation function from a second in-ear protection device. The processor is configured to calculate details of a first attenuation function and compare the first attenuation function details with details of a second attenuation function. The performed attenuation function is based on one of the first attenuation function details and the second attenuation function details.

[0050] The in-ear hearing protection device can be implemented such that a first attenuation function detail includes a first gain, and a second attenuation function detail includes a second gain. The performed attenuation function includes the lowest gain between the first gain and the second gain.

[0051] The in-ear hearing protection device can be implemented such that the communication module is configured to send the calculated details of the first attenuation function to the second in-ear protection device.

[0052] The in-ear hearing protection device can be implemented such that the communication module is configured to send the calculated details of the first attenuation function to the second in-ear protection device using a wireless network.

[0053] This in-ear hearing protection device can be implemented such that wireless networks include near-field magnetic induction communication networks.

[0054] The in-ear hearing protection device can be implemented such that the communication module is configured to send the calculated details of the first attenuation function, so that the second in-ear protection device receives the details of the first attenuation function substantially simultaneously with the in-ear protection device receiving the details of the second attenuation function.

[0055] The in-ear hearing protection device can be implemented such that the controller is configured to manage a near-field magnetic induction communication network.

[0056] The in-ear hearing protection device can be implemented such that the first attenuation function details include a first equalization parameter, and the second attenuation function details include a second equalization parameter. The executed attenuation function includes applying one of the first equalization parameter and the second equalization parameter.

[0057] The in-ear hearing protection device can be implemented such that the details of the first attenuation function include a first volume control parameter, and the details of the second attenuation function include a second volume control parameter.

[0058] A hearing protection system is presented. The system includes a first earpiece and a second earpiece. Each earpiece includes a microphone configured to receive ambient sound and provide the received ambient sound to a processor, which performs an attenuation function based on the received ambient sound. Each earpiece also includes a speaker configured to play attenuated sound. Each earpiece further includes a communication module configured to send and receive attenuation function data. The first and second earpieces are each configured to operate in a coordination mode. In the coordination mode, the first earpiece is configured to: send details of a first calculated attenuation function to the second earpiece using the communication module; receive details of a second calculated attenuation function from the second earpiece using the communication module; and apply one of the first and second calculated attenuation functions to the received ambient sound using the processor to produce attenuated sound.

[0059] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the details of the first calculated attenuation function are calculated by a first processor associated with the first earpiece.

[0060] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the details of the second calculated attenuation function are calculated by a second processor associated with the second earpiece.

[0061] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the detail of the first calculated attenuation function is the gain.

[0062] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the details of the first calculated attenuation function are a compressed calculation.

[0063] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the details of the first calculated attenuation function are equalization parameters.

[0064] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the details of the first calculated attenuation function are volume control parameters.

[0065] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the first earpiece is configured to transmit the details of the first calculated attenuation function while receiving the details of the second calculated attenuation function.

[0066] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the first earpiece is configured to repeat the steps of sending, receiving, and applying at least once per second.

[0067] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the first earpiece is configured to repeat the steps of sending, receiving, and applying at least five times per second.

[0068] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the first earpiece is configured to repeat the steps of sending, receiving, and applying at least 10 times per second.

[0069] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the first earpiece is configured to repeat the steps of sending, receiving, and applying at least 50 times per second.

[0070] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the first earpiece is configured to send the details of the first calculated attenuation function directly to the second earpiece.

[0071] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the first earpiece is configured to send details of a first calculated attenuation function to the controller.

[0072] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the communication module is configured to wirelessly send and receive data.

[0073] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the communication module is configured to operate using near-field magnetic induction technology.

[0074] The hearing protection system can be implemented such that the delay in coordinated mode is less than the delay in independent mode.

[0075] A method for coordinating attenuation between a first in-ear protection device and a second in-ear protection device is presented. The method includes receiving a sound indication using a microphone of the first in-ear protection device. The method also includes calculating a first attenuation parameter value using a first processor of the first in-ear protection device. The method further includes receiving a second attenuation parameter value from the second in-ear protection device using a communication module of the first in-ear protection device. The method also includes comparing the first attenuation parameter value and the second attenuation parameter value using the first processor. Finally, the method further includes applying one of the first attenuation parameter value and the second attenuation parameter value to the sound signal using the first processor.

[0076] The method can be implemented such that it also includes playing an attenuated sound signal through a speaker of an in-ear protection device.

[0077] The method can be implemented such that the first in-ear protection device calculates the first attenuation parameter value at least once per second.

[0078] The method can be implemented such that the first in-ear protection device receives the second attenuation parameter value at least once per second.

[0079] The method further includes receiving a second sound indication using a second microphone of the second in-ear protection device. The method further includes calculating a second attenuation parameter value using a second processor of the second in-ear protection device. The method further includes receiving a first attenuation parameter value from a first in-ear protection device using a second communication module of the second in-ear protection device. The method further includes comparing the first attenuation parameter value with the second attenuation parameter value using the second processor. The method further includes applying one of the first attenuation parameter value and the second attenuation parameter value to a second sound signal using the second processor.

[0080] This method can be implemented such that the first processor and the second processor apply the same attenuation parameter value.

[0081] The method can be implemented such that the steps of receiving the first attenuation parameter value and receiving the second attenuation parameter value occur substantially simultaneously.

[0082] The method can be implemented such that it further includes a second processor using a second in-ear protection device applying one of a first attenuation parameter value and a second attenuation parameter value to the sound signal.

[0083] This method can be implemented such that the first processor and the second processor apply the same attenuation parameter value.

[0084] The method can be implemented such that a second attenuation parameter value is received from a second in-ear protection device.

[0085] This method can be implemented such that a second attenuation parameter value is received from the controller.

[0086] This method can be implemented such that the communication module and the second communication module are configured to perform wireless communication.

[0087] This method can be implemented such that the communication module is configured to communicate using NFMI.

[0088] This method can be implemented such that the communication module is also configured to wirelessly transmit sound signals.

[0089] Example

[0090] Example 1

[0091] Figure 7A The sound measured at the left and right ears of a Kemar acoustic test mannequin is shown without hearing protection in place.

[0092] It's important to note that because the sound originates from the left, the amplitude of the signal on the left is higher than that on the right. This interaural sound level difference (ILD) is an important directional cue for the brain.

[0093] It's important to note that there's a delay of approximately 1 millisecond before the sound reaches the right ear. This delay is known as the interaural time difference (ITD).

[0094] Example 2

[0095] This measurement was taken at the left and right ears of the same Kemar mannequin as in Example 1, with the original "asynchronous" in-ear hearing protector installed. Note that the left signal has been significantly attenuated by the sound compression (LDF) function, but the right signal is unaffected because its amplitude is much lower. The end result is a significant disturbance to the interaural sound level difference (ILD), making sound localization much more difficult.

[0096] Example 3

[0097] This is sound measurement taken at the left and right ears of the same Kemar mannequin as in Examples 1 and 2, with the "synchronized" in-ear hearing protector installed. Note that the left signal has been significantly attenuated to a safe listening level using a sound compression (LDF) function, and in this case, the right signal has also been attenuated due to the coordination of the device. The end result is preservation of the interaural sound level difference (ILD), which allows for more effective sound localization.

Claims

1. A hearing protection device, the hearing protection device comprising: A microphone configured to receive ambient sound; A processor configured to perform an attenuation function on received ambient sound to provide attenuated sound; A speaker configured to play the attenuated sound; and A communication module configured to receive second attenuation function details from a second protection device, wherein the processor is configured to calculate first attenuation function details, compare the first attenuation function details with the second attenuation function details, and wherein the attenuation function performed is based on the lowest gain between the first attenuation function details and the second attenuation function details, and wherein the hearing protection device is configured to receive the second attenuation function details at least once per second.

2. The hearing protection device according to claim 1, wherein the communication module is configured to send the calculated details of the first attenuation function to the second protection device.

3. The hearing protection device according to claim 2, wherein the communication module is configured to send the calculated details of the first attenuation function to the second protection device using a wireless network.

4. The hearing protection device according to claim 3, wherein the wireless network includes a near-field magnetic induction communication network.

5. The hearing protection device of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to manage the near-field magnetic induction communication network.

6. A hearing protection system, the hearing protection system comprising: A first earpiece and a second earpiece, each of the first earpiece and the second earpiece comprising: A microphone configured to receive ambient sound and provide the received ambient sound to a processor, the processor performing an attenuation function based on the received ambient sound; A speaker, configured to play attenuated sound; and A communication module configured to send and receive attenuation function data; The first earpiece and the second earpiece are each configured to operate in a coordination mode, and in the coordination mode, the first earpiece is configured as follows: The communication module is used to send the details of the first calculated attenuation function to the second earpiece; The communication module is used to receive details of the second calculated attenuation function from the second earpiece; and The processor applies either the first calculated attenuation function details or the second calculated attenuation function details to the received ambient sound to generate the attenuated sound. The details of the attenuation function used in the calculation include the minimum gain in the details of the first calculated attenuation function and the details of the second calculated attenuation function, and the first earpiece and the second earpiece are configured to perform the operation of the coordination mode at least once per second.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the details of the first calculated attenuation function are calculated by a first processor associated with the first earpiece.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the details of the second calculated attenuation function are calculated by a second processor associated with the second earpiece.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the first earpiece is configured to transmit the first calculated attenuation function details while receiving the second calculated attenuation function details.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the first earpiece is configured to repeat the transmitting, receiving, and applying steps at least five times per second.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first earpiece is configured to repeat the transmitting, receiving, and applying steps at least 10 times per second.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first earpiece is configured to repeat the transmitting, receiving, and applying steps at least 50 times per second.

13. The system according to any one of claims 6-12, wherein the first earpiece is configured to send the details of the first calculated attenuation function directly to the second earpiece.

14. The system according to any one of claims 6-12, wherein the first earpiece is configured to send the details of the first calculated attenuation function to the controller.

15. The system according to any one of claims 6-12, wherein the communication module is configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the communication module is configured to operate using near-field magnetic induction technology.

17. The system according to any one of claims 6-12, wherein the delay in the coordinated mode is less than the delay in the independent mode.

18. A method for coordinating attenuation between a first protection device and a second protection device, the method comprising: The microphone of the first protection device is used to receive sound indications; The first processor of the first protection device calculates the first attenuation parameter value; The communication module of the first protection device receives the second attenuation parameter value from the second protection device; The first processor is used to compare the first attenuation parameter value with the second attenuation parameter value; as well as The first processor is used to apply the lowest gain of the first attenuation parameter value and the second attenuation parameter value to the audio signal, and the method is performed at least once per second in the first protection device or the second protection device.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising playing an attenuated sound signal through a speaker of the protection device.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of: The second microphone of the second protection device is used to receive the second sound indication; The second processor of the second protection device calculates the second attenuation parameter value; The second communication module of the second protection device receives the first attenuation parameter value from the first protection device; The second processor is used to compare the first attenuation parameter value with the second attenuation parameter value; as well as The second processor is used to apply one of the first attenuation parameter value and the second attenuation parameter value to the second sound signal.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first processor and the second processor apply the same attenuation parameter value.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the steps of receiving the first attenuation parameter value and receiving the second attenuation parameter value occur substantially simultaneously.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18-22, wherein the second attenuation parameter value is received from the second protection device.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18-22, wherein the second attenuation parameter value is received from the controller.

25. The method according to any one of claims 18-22, wherein the communication module and the second communication module are configured to perform wireless communication.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the communication module is configured to communicate using NFMI.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the communication module is further configured to wirelessly transmit the sound signal.

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