Hearing protector systems

Abstract

A hearing protection device is presented. The hearing protection device includes a first hearing protection unit and a second hearing protection unit. Each of the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit includes a microphone to receive ambient sound, a processor to provide level-dependent attenuation of the ambient sound, and a speaker to broadcast the sound into the ear of a user. The hearing protection device also includes a first communication unit that broadcasts a digital push-to-talk signal via a first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is a low power communication protocol. The hearing protection device also includes a second communication unit that broadcasts a digital communication signal via a second communication protocol. The hearing protection device also includes a processor that facilitates pairing the hearing protection device with a mobile device that receives the push-to-talk signal, and receiving a digital communication signal based on the push-to-talk signal and sending the digital communication signal via a cellular network.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The "push to talk" feature available on some mobile phone systems operates similarly to that of a two-way radio or walkie-talkie. The push to talk feature allows one party to quickly and directly poll the mobile phone of another party over a dedicated channel. The push to talk feature was originally introduced through Motorola's Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) TM ) and Nextel Communication’s DirectConnect TM The service is provided and has now been expanded to other networks, including Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks. Summary of the invention

[0002] A hearing protection device is presented. The hearing protection device includes a first hearing protection unit and a second hearing protection unit. Each of the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit includes a microphone to receive ambient sound, a processor to provide level-dependent attenuation of the ambient sound, and a speaker to broadcast the sound into the ear of a user. The hearing protection device also includes a first communication unit that broadcasts a digital push-to-talk signal via a first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is a low power communication protocol. The hearing protection device also includes a second communication unit that broadcasts a digital communication signal via a second communication protocol. The hearing protection device also includes a processor that facilitates pairing the hearing protection device with a mobile device that receives the push-to-talk signal, and receiving a digital communication signal based on the push-to-talk signal and sending the digital communication signal via a cellular network.

[0003] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 A personal protective device is shown in which embodiments of the present invention are useful.

[0005] Figure 2 A plurality of personal protection devices in a communication network in which embodiments of the present invention are useful are shown.

[0006] Figure 3 The implementation according to the present invention is shown Components of personal protective equipment.

[0007] Figure 4 A component block diagram of a cellular-based push-to-talk enabled personal protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0008] Figure 5 A method of using a cellular-based push-to-talk enabled personal protection device is shown.

[0009] Figures 6 to 8 An exemplary apparatus is shown that can be used in the embodiments shown in the previous figures.

[0010] Reference symbols used repeatedly in the specification and drawings are intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the present disclosure. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can design many other modifications and embodiments that fall within the scope and essence of the principles of the present disclosure. The drawings may not be drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Noisy environments such as workplaces, airports, etc. may include noise sources that have the potential to damage a person's hearing. People working in noisy environments may experience hearing loss caused by acute auditory trauma or gradually developing noise-induced hearing loss. Acute auditory trauma may result in hearing loss from a one-time exposure to excessive noise levels, while gradually developing noise-induced hearing loss may result from exposure to unsafe noise levels over a long period of time.

[0012] To prevent hearing damage, people operating in noisy environments may wear hearing protection. Active hearing protection may include earmuffs that allow certain types of noise to pass through to a person by electronically reducing the decibel level or filtering out frequencies.

[0013] Although various forms of hearing protection devices may provide adequate protection against excessive noise, people wearing such hearing protection devices may need to communicate with each other. In a noisy environment, it may be difficult to communicate with each other while wearing hearing protection devices due to noise from the noise source and filtering from the hearing protection. In some cases, a person wearing hearing protection devices may carry an additional and independent communication device to facilitate communication with other individuals in a noisy environment. Although a separate communication device may facilitate such communication, a person may need to carry two separate devices (hearing protection device and communication device) that may be coupled by a cable. Such a dual device configuration may hinder a person's mobility, hinder the possibility of communication, and / or may introduce a safety risk (e.g., if the cable becomes entangled in the user or other objects in the environment).

[0014] In addition, dedicated communication devices require special maintenance and user training to adapt to the user interface and technical functions of the dedicated communication unit. Although the communication unit provides the function of push-to-talk technology, a more flexible configuration is needed. The dedicated communication unit will receive the push-to-talk command from the headset. When the user presses the button on the headset and the floor is available, the cellular-based PTT channel establishes a way for the user broadcasting audio to all other connected users.

[0015] Workers in noisy environments usually carry cellular phones, which are personal or used for business purposes. It is desirable to have a cellular-based push-to-talk specific implementation in active hearing protection devices. As described herein, in some embodiments, the worker's cellular phone may be installed with a mobile application that will provide a cellular-based push-to-talk function for personal protective hearing devices. Users can receive incoming audio by enabling the push-to-talk function, and can also use the cellular network of their cellular phone to send communications. Using a cellular phone allows users to simulate classic two-way radio technology with higher audio quality than that provided by analog communication radios. Using a mobile cellular phone also provides users with a familiar, simpler interface. Mobile cellular phones are easier to replace than traditional communication units, are compatible with more devices, and can be used anywhere in the world. The recipient in the meeting may be located anywhere in the world. This is in contrast to traditional PTT, in which the locations of all participants are limited to a certain geographical radius, which depends on the radio distance of the device, which can be extended by a repeater network.

[0016] As used herein, "active hearing protection" includes one or more microphones that receive ambient sound from around a user, and plays back the sound at a safe decibel level using one or more speakers. Active hearing protection uses electronic circuitry to pick up ambient sound through a microphone and convert the ambient sound to a safe level before playing it back to the user through a speaker. Additionally, active hearing protection may include filtering undesirable sound content, such as actively reducing the sound of a gunshot while providing human speech at a substantially unchanged volume. However, while some embodiments of the present invention explicitly contemplate units having active hearing protection, it is also explicitly contemplated that passive hearing protection units are included in other embodiments.

[0017] First, the sound signal is received by the microphone in the active hearing protection unit. The received sound signal is converted into an electronic signal for processing. After the sound signal is processed so that all frequencies are at a safe level, the sound signal is reproduced and played to the user through the speaker.

[0018] Some active hearing protection units are level dependent, so that the electronic circuit adapts to the sound pressure level. Level dependent hearing protection units help filter out impulse noises, such as gunshots, from ambient noise, and / or continuously adjust all received ambient sounds to appropriate levels before reproducing them to the user. Active hearing protection units, particularly level dependent active hearing protection units, may be necessary to facilitate communication in noisy environments, or in environments where noise levels may vary significantly, or in environments where high impulse sounds may cause hearing damage. Users may need to hear nearby ambient sounds, such as machine sounds or speech, while also being protected from harmful noise levels.

[0019] A hearing protection unit with active hearing protection may also receive digital signals from a source and provide these digital signals through a speaker inside the active hearing protection unit. The headset can stream audio, music, and play audio over a cell phone call. Existing headsets with push-to-talk technology can also issue a push-to-talk command to a mobile communication unit by the operator pressing a button.

[0020] Figure 1 1 shows a personal protective device useful for embodiments of the present invention. As described herein, the personal protective device 100 has a support and (Also known as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology.

[0021] The present disclosure relates to an acoustic headset for providing hearing protection, wherein the acoustic headset includes digital and analog components for sending and receiving digital and analog wireless audio communications. The acoustic headset 100 can use components integrated within the hearing cup of the acoustic headset to provide digital and analog two-way communications. Therefore, no additional digital components on the exterior of the acoustic headset can be used to assist the digital components of the headset 100 in sending and receiving digital wireless audio communications from a mobile cellular device as described herein. In addition, no additional analog components on the exterior of the acoustic headset can be used to assist the analog components of the headset 100 in sending and receiving analog wireless audio communications.

[0022] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an exemplary protective headset 100 including digital and analog two-way communication components having Communication functions. Figure 1As shown, the protective headset 100 includes a first hearing cup 102A and a second hearing cup 102B. The hearing cups 102A and 102B are physically coupled by a stirrup or headband 104. The stirrup or headband 104 may be composed of any rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic, aluminum, steel, or any other suitable material. However, it is expressly contemplated that the headset 100 may not include a stirrup or headband. For example, the behind-the-neck headset 100 may have coupled hearing cups 102A and 102B that are connected behind the user's neck rather than above the user's head. In addition, it is expressly contemplated that a helmet version of the headset 100 may also be practiced such that the hearing cups 102A and 102B are incorporated into the helmet.

[0023] The protective headset 100 may include one or more antennas such as antenna 107 for receiving digital and / or analog signals from a device remote from the protective headset 100. As further described in the present disclosure, the hearing cups 102A and 102B may include hardware that provides digital and analog bidirectional communication. Such hardware may be implemented in part with a printed circuit board and components integrated into the printed circuit board.

[0024] In an example where the hardware for providing digital and analog bidirectional communication is distributed between the first hearing cup 102A and the second hearing cup 102B (such as Figure 1 ), one or more communication links may communicatively couple the distributed hardware. For example, the headset 100 includes a communication link 106 that communicatively and physically couples the hardware hearing cups 102A, 102B that provide digital and analog two-way communication. Examples of the communication link 106 may include one or more strands of wire comprised of copper, aluminum, silver, or other suitable conductive material. Ends of the communication link 106 may enter the hearing cups 102A, 102B via ports 108A, 108B and couple to hardware such as a printed circuit board included within each of the hearing cups 102A, 102B. Similarly, while a wired connection between the hearing cups 102A, 102B is shown and described, it is expressly contemplated that wireless connections may also be possible, particularly for embodiments that provide active hearing protection via earplugs (such as Figure 2 For hearing protection device 220).

[0025] Figure 1Cushions 110A and 110B are shown attached or otherwise attached to the hearing cups 102A and 102B. The cushions 110A and 110B may abut around the ears of a wearer of the headphone 100. The cushions 110A and 110B contribute to the ability of the hearing cups 102A, 102B to suppress or otherwise reduce ambient sound from the environment outside the hearing cups 102A, 102B. The cushions 110A and 110B may be composed of any compressible and / or expandable material such as foam, gel, air, or any other such suitable material. The hearing cups 102A, 102B may be composed of any rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic, which in some cases may be a non-conductive dielectric plastic.

[0026] The hearing cup 102B includes a loudspeaker component 112. In some examples, the hearing cup 102A may also include a loudspeaker component that is similar or identical in structure and function to the loudspeaker component 112. The loudspeaker component 112 may emit sound based on an analog or digital signal received or generated by the headphone 100. The loudspeaker component 112 may include one or more electroacoustic transducers that convert electrical audio signals into sound. Some exemplary loudspeaker components may include a magnet, a voice coil, a suspension, and a diaphragm or membrane. The loudspeaker component 112 may be communicatively coupled to hardware that provides digital and analog two-way communication. For example, if the headphone receives a signal representing a voice communication, the loudspeaker component 112 may emit a sound corresponding to the signal.

[0027] The headset 100 also includes a microphone 114. The microphone 114 may be communicatively and / or physically coupled to hardware that provides digital and analog bidirectional communication, the hardware being distributed between the first hearing cup 102A and the second hearing cup 102B, such as Figure 1 102A, it may also be placed on the exterior of the hearing cups 102A, 102B. The microphone 114 may be any device that converts sound into an electrical audio signal. For example, a person wearing the headset 100 may speak, thereby generating sound received by the microphone 114. The microphone 114 may convert the spoken sound into an electrical audio signal that is received by the hardware providing digital and analog two-way communication. The electrical audio signal may be sent to the hardware providing digital and analog two-way communication via the communication link 116.

[0028] Push-to-talk function 150 Figure 1102A and 102B, or another suitable location. For example, the push-to-talk functionality 150 may include an initiate and / or end button and a volume control. In some embodiments, the user must hold the push-to-talk button in the enabled position to maintain the ability to send. In other embodiments, the push-to-talk functionality remains operational until the user disables it. Although Figure 1 A mechanical button is shown that a user presses to enable or disable, but it is expressly contemplated that the button may also be a touch activated sensor or another mechanical function.

[0029] In some embodiments, the push-to-talk functionality 150 includes a voice-activated switch (VOX) for turning on the microphone when sound is detected above a certain threshold, such that the microphone can be enabled when a speaker is detected and disabled when the speaker stops speaking.

[0030] The user wearing the headset 100 can, for example, press or otherwise enable a PTT (push to talk) 150 function. The PTT 150 function is integrated into the hearing protector and uses a digital communication component connected to a mobile cell phone to establish a connection. Using an installed application on the mobile cell phone, the cell phone can then establish communication with the mobile cell phone of the second user, which can then broadcast the communication to the headset of the second user. In some embodiments, the cell phone simultaneously establishes communication with many other cell phones so that the message can be broadcast to multiple listeners.

[0031] The PTT 150 functionality includes an active signaling component that, when used, sends a signal to the user's mobile cellular telephone indicating that the user wants to actively communicate using PTT over cellular communications. Figure 4 As discussed in more detail in , the headset 100 is configured to passively receive digital communication signals and actively send digital signals to initiate communications.

[0032] Figure 2 2 shows a plurality of personal protective devices in a communication network 200 in which embodiments of the present invention are useful. Devices 210, 230, and 250 are circumaural protective hearing headsets, such as Figure 1 Devices 220 and 240 are in-ear protective hearing devices. Both types of active hearing protection may have cellular-based PTT functionality. Figure 2 Five devices are shown in FIG, but this is only an example. More or fewer devices may also be present in other embodiments, such as only two devices, three devices, four devices, or up to 10, up to 20, or more than 20 devices.

[0033] Devices 210, 230, and 250 are active hearing protection devices that receive ambient sound and provide appropriate sound compression or attenuation of the ambient sound before broadcasting it through speakers inside each ear cup. Device 210 may also have at least some sound localization features so that sounds are presented to the user indicating the location of the sound relative to the user, where sounds to the left of the user are reproduced louder on the left. In addition, device 210 may provide other functionality not described in detail herein, including other passive sound broadcasting, including FM / AM / DAB radio, digital two-way radio (such as DMR or DPMR), and may also allow data exchange over WiFi and other wired inputs.

[0034] Device 210 is shown as an over-the-ear hearing protection device. Device 210 is used, for example, BLE or another suitable pairing protocol is paired with the mobile cellular device 212. There are two different communication protocols between the device 210 and the device 212. The first communication protocol 214 is a low power protocol that sends the PTT signal from the device 210 to the device 212. An indication of the open floor can be sent back to the device 212 from the device 212. The indication can be auditory, visual, tactile or other suitable feedback. When the PTT floor is open, an audio signal can be sent from the device 210 to the device 212 using the second communication protocol 216. The protocol 216 can be any suitable digital communication protocol, such as BLE or another protocol. When selecting the second protocol 216, the lower power consumption requirement and quality requirement of the audio signal transmission are considered. An incoming PTT signal from another device (such as device 220) may also be received by device 212 and sent to device 210 via protocol 216.

[0035] Device 220 is shown as an in-ear hearing protection device. Device 220 is used, for example, BLE or another suitable pairing protocol is paired with the mobile cellular device 222. There are two different communication protocols between the device 220 and the device 222. The first communication protocol 224 is a low power protocol that sends the PTT signal from the device 220 to the device 222. An indication of the open floor can be sent back to the device 220 from the device 222. The indication can be auditory, visual, tactile or other suitable feedback. When the PTT floor is open, an audio signal can be sent from the device 220 to the device 222 using the second communication protocol 226. The protocol 226 can be any suitable digital communication protocol, such as BLE or another protocol. When selecting the second protocol 226, the lower power consumption requirement and quality requirement of the audio signal transmission are considered. An incoming PTT signal from another device (such as device 210) can also be received by device 222 and sent to device 220 via protocol 226.

[0036] Device 230 is shown as an over-the-ear hearing protection device. Device 230 is used, for example, BLE or another suitable pairing protocol is paired with the mobile cellular device 232. There are two different communication protocols between the device 230 and the device 232. The first communication protocol 234 is a low power protocol that sends the PTT signal from the device 230 to the device 232. An indication of the open floor can be sent back to the device 230 from the device 232. The indication can be auditory, visual, tactile or other suitable feedback. When the PTT floor is open, an audio signal can be sent from the device 230 to the device 232 using the second communication protocol 236. The protocol 236 can be any suitable digital communication protocol, such as BLE or another protocol. When selecting the second protocol 236, the lower power consumption requirement and quality requirement of the audio signal transmission are considered. An incoming PTT signal from another device (such as device 220) can also be received by device 232 and sent to device 230 via protocol 236.

[0037] Device 240 is shown as an over-the-ear hearing protection device. Device 240 is used, for example, BLE or another suitable pairing protocol is paired with the mobile cellular device 242. There are two different communication protocols between the device 240 and the device 242. The first communication protocol 244 is a low power protocol that sends the PTT signal from the device 240 to the device 242. An indication of the open floor can be sent back to the device 242 from the device 240. The indication can be an auditory, visual, tactile or other suitable feedback. When the PTT floor is open, an audio signal can be sent from the device 240 to the device 242 using the second communication protocol 246. The protocol 246 can be any suitable digital communication protocol, such as BLE or another protocol. When selecting the second protocol 246, the lower power consumption requirement and quality requirement of the audio signal transmission are considered. An incoming PTT signal from another device (such as device 220) can also be received by device 242 and sent to device 240 via protocol 246.

[0038] Device 250 is shown as an over-the-ear hearing protection device. Device 250 is used, for example, BLE or another suitable pairing protocol is used to pair with the mobile cellular device 252. There are two different communication protocols between the device 250 and the device 252. The first communication protocol 254 is a low power protocol that sends the PTT signal from the device 250 to the device 252. An indication of the open floor can be sent back from the device 252 to the device 250. The indication can be an auditory, visual, tactile or other suitable feedback. When the PTT floor is open, an audio signal can be sent from the device 250 to the device 252 using the second communication protocol 256. The protocol 256 can be any suitable digital communication protocol, such as BLE or another protocol. When selecting the second protocol 256, the lower power consumption requirement and quality requirement of the audio signal transmission are considered. An incoming PTT signal from another device (such as device 220) can also be received by device 252 and sent to device 250 via protocol 256.

[0039] It is also expressly contemplated that the hearing protection device may be a dual hearing protection system, such as the system disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 909,989 filed on October 3, 2019, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0040] In one embodiment, when using the push-to-talk feature, the user can first select a recipient from a directory and then press a push-to-talk button. For example, the user can use an interface on a mobile cellular phone to select the recipient. However, in another embodiment, enabling the cellular-based push-to-talk feature allows the user to communicate to multiple users over the network, similar to the functionality of multiple walkie-talkies. In some embodiments, the push-to-talk feature includes a voice-activated switch (VOX) that turns on the microphone when sound is detected exceeding a certain threshold, so that the microphone can be enabled when a speaker is detected and disabled when the speaker stops talking.

[0041] One of the hearing protection devices 210, 220, 230, 240, or 250 using the first digital communication protocol sends a request to a mobile cellular device (not shown). If the floor is available for communication, the mobile cellular device receives an audio transmission from the hearing protection device using a second digital communication protocol and sends the audio transmission using a third communication protocol. In some embodiments, the first and second communication protocols correspond to Or BLE protocol. In some embodiments, the third communication protocol is protocol or cellular network protocol, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, or any other suitable data provider compatible with a given mobile cellular device.

[0042] Conventional push-to-talk systems require that when using the push-to-talk feature, the user must continue to hold down the push-to-talk button while speaking. The user must then release the push-to-talk button to release the floor and receive messages from others.

[0043] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be composed of one or more conventional processors and unique stored program instructions that control the one or more processors in combination with certain non-processor circuits to implement some, most, or all of the functions of establishing a push-to-talk communication session as described herein. The non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radio transmitter, a signal driver, a clock circuit, a power supply circuit, and a user input device. Therefore, these functions can be interpreted as performing steps of a method of establishing a push-to-talk communication session. Moreover, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein, it is expected that a person of ordinary skill will be readily able to generate such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation, although considerable effort may be required and there are many design choices driven by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations. Systems and methods for establishing a push-to-talk communication session for protective hearing devices are described.

[0044] In embodiments herein, several different digital communication protocols may be useful. Relies on the 2.4 GHz radio frequency to send data over a wireless link to another device within a range of up to about 10 meters.

[0045] The Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol is another protocol that can be used herein to send cellular-based PTT signals from a headset to a mobile device or to send audio signals from a headset to a mobile device. BLE is not backward compatible with classic Basic Rate / Enhanced Data Rate (BR / EDR) protocols. The 4.0 specification allows a device to implement either or both of a BLE system and a BR / EDR system.

[0046] Low power usage and classic The same 2.4GHz radio frequency allows dual-mode devices to share a single radio antenna. However, BLE does use a simpler modulation system. The mesh specification enables the use of Low power consumption for many-to-many device communications for home automation, sensor networks, and other applications.

[0047] Energy consumption is an important parameter for active hearing protection units because the units are battery powered and wireless. The battery must fit within the active hearing protection unit without adding significant weight or causing a weight imbalance between the two ear cups, and must provide power for a useful amount of time to power level dependent processing functions as well as any communication functions between charges. Advances in low power communication protocols have enabled more communication functions to be available than before in a more user friendly configuration.

[0048] Most current low-power application profiles are based on the Generic Attribute Profile (GATT), a general specification for sending and receiving short pieces of data, called attributes, over low-power links. The exception is the mesh networking profile, which is based on the Generic Access Profile (GAP). Other low-power protocols may also be suitable, such as HOGP (HID (Human Interface Device Protocol) based on the GAP protocol).

[0049] Low power consumption technology is in line with classic The technology operates in the same spectral range (2.400 GHz to 2.4835 GHz ISM band), but uses a different set of channels. With 79 1MHz channels, Low power consumption has 40 2MHz channels. Within the channel, Gaussian frequency shift modulation is used to send data. The bit rate is 1Mbit / s ( 5 has a 2Mbit / s option), and the maximum transmit power is 10mW ( 5 is 100mW). Additional details are in Given in Core Specification V4.0 Volume 6 Part A (Physical Layer Specification).

[0050] Low power consumption uses frequency hopping to solve narrowband interference problems. Classic Also uses frequency hopping, but the details are different; therefore, although the FCC and ETSI classify Bluetooth technology as an FHSS scheme, Low power consumption is classified as systems that use digital modulation techniques or direct sequence spread spectrum.

[0051] Figure 3 A block diagram of a device 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The device 300 can be an over-the-ear protective hearing device, an in-the-ear protective hearing device, and / or any other personal protective device that includes a cellular-based PTT function. The device 300 includes a processor 302. The processor 302 can be a general-purpose microprocessor or a customizable integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In one embodiment, the processor includes a digital signal processor (DSP).

[0052] Device 300 may also include memory 304. Memory 304 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory. Memory 304 may reside on an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM). Battery 306 is present within device 300 to provide power. Battery 306 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery. Any suitable battery may be used.

[0053] The wireless communication device 300 also includes operating system software that may reside in the memory 304. A push-to-talk software application 314 may also reside in the memory 304. The push-to-talk software application 314 may interact with the operating system software.

[0054] In another embodiment, the push-to-talk software application 314 enables the wireless device 300 to perform push-to-talk functions without an operating system software interface. The device 300 includes a physical control switch 309 that enables a push-to-talk session with the device 300. The control switch 309 may be, for example, a button.

[0055] The wireless communication device 300 may optionally include a BLE module coupled to the antenna 318, which allows the wireless communication device 300 to communicate with a mobile cellular device using the above-mentioned BLE protocol. The device 300 may optionally include a wireless local area network (WLAN) radio 326 and antenna 328 to allow the wireless device 200 to communicate via a wireless local area network.

[0056] The apparatus 300 may further include Radio module 320. The radio module 320 includes hardware and software. For example, Module 320 may include a wireless transceiver 322 and software. The software may include Radio Driver and Application software. The wireless transceiver 322 is coupled to Antenna 324. Wireless transceiver 322 and Antenna 324 is configured to send and receive audio and data signals over relatively short distances. For example, when device 300 is within range of a mobile cellular device and when the cellular-based PTT function is enabled, device 300 may use The communication protocol sends the audio signal to the mobile device. When the devices are "paired" with each other, communication is possible.

[0057] In operation, the device 300 is configured to communicate wirelessly with other devices over a public or private communication network. In one mode of operation, the device 300 includes a push-to-talk function over a mobile cellular telephone as described herein. The push-to-talk function generally allows one party to speak to multiple parties in a "walkie-talkie"-like mode. In other embodiments, a push-to-talk session may occur between only two parties using a paired mobile cellular device as an intermediary.

[0058] To initiate a push-to-talk session, a user who wishes to send an audio signal activates control switch 309. Activation of control switch 309 indicates that the user wishes to request the floor. If it is possible to speak, the user will obtain the floor. Many PTT systems use a first-in-first-out system to determine the order in which the floor will be obtained. When the user releases control switch 309, the floor is released. In other embodiments, control switch 309 is a momentary switch and the user must activate the control switch once the floor is obtained and once the floor is released. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wireless communication device 300 is paired with a mobile cellular device via the BLE communication protocol, and the mobile cellular device checks for availability for the floor upon receiving a request to obtain the floor, and if the floor is available, uses or The low power consumption protocol or another suitable low power consumption protocol receives the audio signal from the device 300. For example, pairing can be achieved through standard Bluetooth pairing. Alternatively, pairing can be achieved using fast pairing by trying to use a public PIN code.

[0059] The call button 302 on the device 300 is typically used to send commands to the mobile cellular device. In one embodiment of the present invention, commands sent from the call button 302 are monitored by software on the device 300. When the appropriate command is sent, the software forwards the command to the push-to-talk module 314 on the wireless communication device 300. The push-to-talk module 314 then initiates a push-to-talk session by requesting the floor.

[0060] However, although Figure 3 An embodiment is shown in which the push-to-talk application module 314 and associated memory 304 are part of the personal protective device 300, but it is expressly contemplated that these components may also be stored on the mobile cellular device to conserve battery power of the battery 306 and extend the usage time between charges. PTT technology.

[0061] For example, The transceiver may be a local low-power transmitter capable of transmitting electronic signals including voice and software control commands to, for example, a wireless communication device. The wireless device may include support circuitry coupled to the call button for detecting actuation of the call button. The support circuitry may include a microprocessor, memory, signal processing circuitry, and other logic circuitry. An audio codec may be used to convert audible speech received by a microphone into a logic signal to be sent to a remote device. The audio codec is coupled to Transceiver. The transceiver is coupled to the antenna.

[0062] Figure 4 A component block diagram of a personal protective equipment enabled with cellular-based push-to-talk according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In some embodiments, the push-to-talk function includes a voice-activated switch (VOX) for turning on a microphone when sound is detected exceeding a certain threshold, so that the microphone can be enabled when a speaker is detected and disabled when the speaker stops speaking. Figure 4 As shown, three hearing protection devices 400, 450, and 500 may need to communicate with each other. For example, the wearers of the devices 400, 450, 500 may be in the same workplace, or may include workers communicating with an off-site supervisor. Other use cases are also contemplated.

[0063] Each of the devices 400, 450, and 500 is paired with a mobile cellular device 430, 480, 530, respectively. Figure 4 As shown, devices 400, 450, and 500 are not in direct communication with each other, but may communicate via a cellular network or other communication protocols using mobile cellular devices 430, 480, and 530, respectively.

[0064] The first hearing protection device 400 includes a first level-dependent attenuation component 410, which includes a microphone 412 for detecting ambient sound, a processor 416 for receiving and processing ambient sound, and one or more speakers 414 for broadcasting the attenuated sound to the wearer of the hearing protection device 400. The first hearing protection device 400 also includes a push-to-talk component 420, which includes an activator, such as a depressible button located on the exterior of the first hearing protector 400. However, as discussed herein, in some embodiments, a physical activator is not included. For example, voice-activated communication may be used instead.

[0065] The first hearing protector 400 also includes a first communication component 424, which is Figure 44. The first hearing protector 400 is shown as being able to receive audio signals from the first mobile communication component 430. However, it is expressly contemplated that the first communication component 424 can also send digital communication signals to the first mobile communication component 430. A second communication component, shown as a first status communicator 422, is also present within the first hearing protector 400. The status communicator 422 uses a low power communication protocol to indicate to the first mobile communication component 430 that the PTT component 420 is enabled or disabled. In some embodiments, the status communicator 422 periodically sends an indication of the status of the PTT component 420. However, particularly in embodiments where battery conservation is very important, the status communicator 422 may only send an indication when the status of the PTT component 420 changes (e.g., from disabled to enabled or from enabled to disabled). Additionally, in some embodiments, the status communicator 422 may only indicate when the PTT component 420 is enabled.

[0066] The first mobile communication component 430 includes a first push-to-talk component 432, which may include a mobile application interface that receives status communications from the status communicator 422. Upon receiving a status indication indicating that the user of the first hearing protector 400 wants the floor, the first mobile communication component 430 may check for availability of the floor, and if the floor is available, receive an audio signal from the first communication component 424. The first mobile communication component 430 then transmits the received audio signal from the first hearing protector to the second mobile communication component 480, and / or the third mobile communication component 530, which transmit the audio signal to the second hearing protector 450 and the third hearing protector 500 using the second PTT components 482, 532, respectively.

[0067] Similarly, if the user of the second hearing protection device 450 or the third hearing protection device 500 wants to use the cellular-based PTT function, a status signal is sent from the second status communicator 472 or the third status communicator 522 and received by the second PTT component 482 or the third PTT component 532. If the floor is open, the user of the second device 450 or the third device 500 can broadcast a signal using the second cellular component 484 or the third cellular component 534, which receive the audio transmission from the second communication component 474 or the third communication component 524, respectively.

[0068] In some embodiments, the second hearing protection device 450 and the third hearing protection device 500 have similar functionality as the first hearing protection device 400, and thus both include level-dependent attenuation components 460, 510 that rely on receiving ambient sound through microphones 462, 512 and processing the ambient sound using processors 466, 516 before broadcasting the attenuated sound through speakers 464, 514. Both may also include other functionality 468, 518.

[0069] Status communicators 422, 472, and 522 all use a low-power communication protocol, such as BLE or another suitable low-power communication protocol. Communication components 424, 474, and 524 may also use a low-power protocol, such as BLE, or may use a conventional protocol.

[0070] The mobile cellular telephones 430, 480 and 530 may be any suitable "smart" telephone capable of connecting to a cellular network using the cellular components 434, 484 and 534 and capable of pairing with the hearing protectors 400, 450 and 500. The pairing may use a different pairing technique than the PPT components 432, 482 and 532, such as a conventional pairing technology or fast pairing technology. Although not shown here for simplicity Figure 4 , but mobile cellular devices 430, 480, and 530 may have other features, including user interfaces such as a touch screen, a keyboard, or buttons, and other features such as a battery and a processor. Similarly, hearing protection devices 400, 450, and 500 may also have additional features and components, including rechargeable batteries, buffering, etc. Hearing protection devices 400, 450, and 500 may be any suitable hearing devices, including over-ear hearing protection devices, in-ear hearing protection devices, or dual protection hearing devices, such as those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 909989 filed on October 3, 2019.

[0071] Figure 5 A method for using a cellular-based push-to-talk enabled personal protective equipment is shown. Figure 2 As shown in , the personal protective equipment (PPE) can be an over-ear headset, an in-ear plug, or another suitable PPE. The method 500 is described from the perspective of a cellular phone paired with the PPE.

[0072] In block 510, a signal is received from a PPE indicating that a user of the PPE wants to use a cellular-based PTT function. In one embodiment, the signal may be sent using a low-power communication protocol, as shown in block 512. The low-power protocol may be, for example, BLE. However, other suitable protocols may also be used, as shown in block 514. For example, in PPEs where energy usage is less of a concern, a conventional

[0073] In box 520, an open channel for PTT communication is detected. For example, an open channel can be detected by a mobile phone application that checks whether an incoming PTT signal is received from another device on the network. In some embodiments, as long as there is network capacity and the mobile device is within the range of the PPE, there will be an open channel. If an open channel is detected, feedback can be given to the wearer of the PPE. In addition, if an open channel is not detected, negative feedback can be given so that the wearer knows that they do not have an open floor. Feedback can be given by the mobile device itself, or a signal to send feedback can be sent from the mobile device to the PPE, and then the PPE transmits the feedback to the user. In some use cases, the mobile phone can be located in a pocket, backpack, tool bag or otherwise invisible to the user. The type of feedback can be visual, as shown in box 522, such as a flashing light indicating an open signal or a closed signal. The type of feedback can also be audio, as shown in box 524, such as a buzzer or voice prompt indicating whether the floor is open. The type of feedback can also be tactile, such as vibration of the mobile device or vibration of the PPE, as shown in box 526. Other feedback options are also contemplated, as shown at block 528 .

[0074] In box 530, an audio signal is received from the PPE. The audio signal can be a substantially simultaneous transmission from a microphone associated with the PPE, so that the recipient of the cellular-based PPT communication receives the transmission substantially in real time. However, in some embodiments, the first message can be received with a delay due to the delay caused by the cellular network in creating a mobile-to-mobile connection. Subsequent messages can be received substantially in real time, or can also be delayed, depending on the cellular network connection. The captured audio can also be processed in some way, for example to improve the quality of the wearer's voice and minimize ambient noise. However, in other embodiments, the recorded voice is sent without processing. The audio signal can be received by communication using a low-power digital communication protocol, as shown in box 532, or the audio signal can be received using a higher-power digital communication protocol, as shown in box 534.

[0075] In box 540, the audio signal is sent from the cellular device to other cellular devices that are part of a cellular-based PPT network. If the receiving mobile device is within range, a high power consumption digital communication protocol can be used to send the audio signal, as shown in box 542. The audio signal can also be sent using a cellular network 544. The benefit of using the cellular network capabilities of a mobile phone is that the audio signal can be sent farther without geographical restrictions while maintaining audio quality. Other sending methods are also possible. In some embodiments, a copy of the transmission can also be sent to, for example, a cloud storage device.

[0076] The audio signal can be sent to any cellular device located in the selected network. For example, using the application program interface, the user may be able to create a group of individuals who should receive the message, such as a group of workers on a given shift or a group of workers located at a given site. In addition, individual recipients can be selected or added to the group.

[0077] Figure 6 An exemplary mobile device that can be used in the embodiments shown in the previous figures is shown. Figure 6 2 is a simplified block diagram of an illustrative example of a handheld or mobile computing device that can be used, for example, as a user or client's handheld device 212, 222, 232, 242, or 252, in which the system (or portions thereof) of the present invention can be deployed. For example, the mobile device can be deployed in an operator's compartment of a computing device for generating, processing, or displaying data.

[0078] Figure 6 A general block diagram of the components of a mobile cellular device 616 that can run some of the components shown and described herein is provided. The mobile cellular device 616 interacts with these components, or runs some components and interacts with some components. In the device 616, a communication link 613 is provided, which allows the handheld device to communicate with other computing devices, and in some embodiments provides a channel for automatically receiving information (such as by scanning). Examples of communication links 613 include allowing communication through one or more communication protocols, such as wireless services for providing cellular access to a network, and protocols for providing local wireless connections to a network.

[0079] In other examples, the application may be received on a removable secure digital (SD) card connected to the interface 615. The interface 615 and the communication link 613 communicate with a processor 617 (which may also be embodied as a processor) along a bus 619, which is also connected to a memory 621 and input / output (I / O) components 623, as well as a clock 625 and a positioning system 627.

[0080] In one embodiment, I / O components 623 are provided to facilitate input and output operations, and the device 616 may include input components such as buttons, touch sensors, optical sensors, microphones, touch screens, proximity sensors, accelerometers, orientation sensors, and output components such as display devices, speakers, and / or printer ports. Other I / O components 623 may also be used.

[0081] Clock 625 illustratively includes a real-time clock component that outputs time and date. It can also provide a timing function for processor 617.

[0082] Illustratively, positioning system 627 includes components for outputting the current geographic location of device 616. The positioning system may include, for example, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a LORAN system, a dead reckoning system, a cellular triangulation system, or other positioning systems. It may also include, for example, mapping software or navigation software that generates desired maps, navigation routes, and other geographic functions.

[0083] Memory 621 stores operating system 629, network settings 631, applications 633, application configuration settings 635, data repository 637, communication driver 639, and communication configuration settings 641. Memory 621 may include all types of tangible volatile and non-volatile computer-readable memory devices. It may also include computer storage media (described below). Memory 621 stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed by processor 617, cause the processor to perform computer-implemented steps or functions in accordance with these instructions. Processor 617 may also be activated by other components to facilitate its functions.

[0084] Fig. 7A An exemplary device 700 is shown with a user interface 710. The user interface 710 may represent an exemplary interface that a user may use to interact with a cellular-based PTT application on their cell phone, tablet, or other device 700. However, it is expressly contemplated that in at least some embodiments, the user need not interact with the device 700 to initiate a call, and that interacting with the PTT function on the headset will automatically cause the device 700 to launch the cellular-based PTT application on the phone.

[0085] The user interface 710 may include one or more groups 712 that have been previously set up to facilitate communication. A group may be composed of one or more individuals, as shown in a group list 714. Enabled communication channels 716 may also be indicated on the interface 710.

[0086] The user interface may also have a search feature 718, and one or more menus, such as on the left hand side 720 of the interface or along the top 722 of the interface. Additionally, tickets that have been picked up or not picked up may also be selected 724.

[0087] Figure 7B The device is also shown to be a smart phone 771. Smart phone 771 has a touch-sensitive display 773 that displays icons or tiles or other user input mechanisms 775. Mechanisms 775 can be used by the user to run applications, make phone calls, perform data transfer operations, etc. In general, smart phone 771 is built on a mobile operating system and provides more advanced computing capabilities and connectivity than non-smart phones. It should be noted that other forms of the device are possible.

[0088] Figure 8 is an example of a computing environment in which elements or (for example) portions of the systems and methods described herein may be deployed. Figure 8 , an exemplary system for implementing some embodiments includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a computer 810. Components of the computer 810 may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 820 (which can include a processor), a system memory 830, and a system bus 821 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit 820. The system bus 821 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The memory and programs described with respect to the systems and methods described herein may be deployed in Figure 8 in the corresponding part of .

[0089] Computer 810 typically includes various computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer 810, and includes both volatile / non-volatile media and removable / non-removable media. As an example and not limiting, computer-readable media can include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media is different from, and does not include modulated data signals or carrier waves. Computer storage media include hardware storage media, which include volatile / non-volatile and removable / non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disk storage devices, cassettes, tapes, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and can be accessed by computer 810. Communication media can embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a transport mechanism, and include any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.

[0090] The system memory 830 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) 831 and random access memory (RAM) 832. A basic input / output system 833 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the computer 810, is typically stored in ROM 831. RAM 832 typically contains data and / or program modules that are immediately accessible to and / or currently being operated on by the processing unit 820. By way of example and not limitation, Figure 8 Operating system 834 , application programs 835 , other program modules 836 , and program data 837 are shown.

[0091] The computer 810 may also include other removable / non-removable and volatile / non-volatile computer storage media. For example only, Figure 8 Shown is a hard drive 841 that reads or writes to non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media, a non-volatile magnetic disk 852, an optical drive 855, and a non-volatile optical disk 856. The hard drive 841 is typically connected to the system bus 821 through a non-removable memory interface such as interface 840, and the optical drive 855 is typically connected to the system bus 821 through a removable memory interface such as interface 850.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, the functions described herein can be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (e.g., ASICs), application specific standard products (e.g., ASSPs), systems on chips (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0093] Discussed above and in Figure 8 The drives and their associated computer storage media shown in FIG. 8 provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the computer 810. Figure 8 844, application programs 845, other program modules 846, and program data 847. Note that these components may be the same as or different from operating system 834, application programs 835, other program modules 836, and program data 837.

[0094] A user may enter commands and information into the computer 810 through input devices such as a keyboard 862, a microphone 863, and a pointing device 861 such as a mouse, trackball, or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a joystick, a game pad, a satellite dish, a scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are typically connected to the processing unit 820 through a user input interface 860 coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interfaces and bus structures. A visual display 891 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 821 via an interface such as a video interface 890. In addition to the monitor, the computer may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers 897 and a printer 896, which may be connected by an output peripheral interface 895.

[0095] Computer 810 operates in a networking environment with one or more remote computers, such as remote computer 880 , using logical connections such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).

[0096] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 810 is connected to the LAN 871 through a network interface or adapter 870. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 810 typically includes a modem 872 or other means for establishing communications over the WAN 873 (e.g., the Internet). In a networking environment, program modules may be stored in the remote memory storage device. For example, Figure 8 Remote application programs 885 are shown as being residing on remote computer 880 .

[0097] A hearing protection device including a first hearing protection unit and a second hearing protection unit is presented. Each of the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit has a microphone for receiving ambient sound, a processor for providing level-dependent attenuation of the ambient sound, and a speaker for broadcasting the sound into the ear of the user. The hearing protection device also has a first communication unit that broadcasts a digital push-to-talk signal via a first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is a low-power communication protocol. The hearing protection device also includes a second communication unit that broadcasts a digital communication signal via a second communication protocol. The hearing protection device also includes a processor that facilitates pairing the hearing protection device with a mobile device that receives a push-to-talk signal, and receives a digital communication signal based on the push-to-talk signal, and sends the digital communication signal via a cellular network (such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, or any other suitable data provider compatible with a given mobile cellular device).

[0098] The hearing protection device may be implemented such that the first communication protocol uses an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

[0099] The hearing protection device may be implemented such that the first communication protocol has forty 2 MHz channels.

[0100] The hearing protection device may be implemented such that the second communication protocol uses an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

[0101] The hearing protection device may be embodied such that the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit are circum-ear muffs.

[0102] The hearing protection device may be implemented such that the first circum-ear cup and the second circum-ear cup are connected by a headband.

[0103] The hearing protection device may be implemented such that the first circum-ear cup and the second circum-ear cup are wired together.

[0104] The hearing protection device may be implemented such that both the first communication unit and the second communication unit are located in the first circum-aural cup.

[0105] The hearing protection device may be implemented such that the first over-the-ear muff comprises a rechargeable battery.

[0106] The hearing protection device may be implemented such that the rechargeable battery provides power to the first over-ear cup and the second over-ear cup.

[0107] The hearing protection units may be implemented such that the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit comprise in-ear units.

[0108] The hearing protection unit may be implemented such that the microphone is part of a portion of the in-ear unit extending inside the ear canal of the user.

[0109] The hearing protection unit may be implemented such that each of the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit has a rechargeable battery.

[0110] A method for sending communications between personal protective hearing devices using cellular-based push-to-talk communications is presented. The method includes receiving, on a first mobile cellular device, a signal from a first personal protective hearing device via a first communications protocol, the signal including a request to gain control of a cellular network connection. The first communications protocol is a low power protocol. The method also includes detecting, using the first mobile cellular device, that a cellular network connection between the first mobile cellular device and a second mobile cellular device is open. The method also includes receiving, on the first mobile cellular device, digital audio communications from the first personal protective hearing device via a second communications protocol. The method also includes sending the digital audio communications from the first mobile device to the second mobile device using the cellular network connection.

[0111] The method may be implemented such that it further comprises providing, using the first mobile device, feedback that the cellular network connection is available for cellular-based PPT communications.

[0112] The method may be implemented such that the provided feedback is a feedback signal provided from the first mobile device to the first personal protective hearing device. The feedback signal comprises a command for the personal protective hearing device to provide feedback.

[0113] The method may be implemented such that the feedback provided is audio, visual or other feedback.

[0114] The method may be implemented such that it further comprises sending the digital audio communication from the first mobile device to the third mobile device.

[0115] The method may be implemented such that sending the digital audio communication from the first mobile device to the second mobile device and the third mobile device occurs substantially simultaneously.

[0116] The method may be implemented such that it includes sending the digital audio communication from the second mobile device to the second personal protective hearing device using a second communication protocol.

[0117] The method may be implemented such that detecting that the cellular network connection is open includes detecting the absence of an incoming transmission from the second mobile device or sending a signal verifying that the second personal protective hearing device has not enabled the cellular-based PPT functionality.

[0118] The method may be implemented such that the only communication channel between the first personal protective hearing device and the second personal protective hearing device passes through the first mobile device and the second mobile device.

[0119] The method may be implemented such that the first mobile device and the second mobile device are cellular devices. Receiving the signal, detecting an open cellular network connection, receiving the audio signal, and transmitting the audio signal are facilitated by a mobile application installed on the cellular device.

[0120] The method may be implemented such that the first communication protocol is different from the second communication protocol.

[0121] The method may be implemented such that the first communication protocol uses an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

[0122] The method may be implemented such that the first communication protocol has forty 2 MHz channels.

[0123] The method may be implemented such that the second communication protocol uses an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

[0124] The method may be implemented such that the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit are circum-aural muffs.

[0125] The method may be implemented such that the first circum-ear cup and the second circum-ear cup are connected by a headband.

[0126] The method may be implemented such that the first circum-ear cup and the second circum-ear cup are connected together by wire.

[0127] The method may be implemented such that both the first communication unit and the second communication unit are located in the first circum-ear cup.

[0128] The method may be implemented such that the first over-the-ear cup comprises a rechargeable battery.

[0129] The method may be implemented such that the rechargeable battery provides power to the first over-ear cup and the second over-ear cup.

[0130] The method may be implemented such that the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit comprise in-ear units.

[0131] The method may be implemented such that the microphone is part of the portion of the in-ear unit that extends inside the ear canal of the user.

[0132] The method may be implemented such that each of the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit has a rechargeable battery.

[0133] Computer-implemented instructions are stored in a memory on a smartphone, the instructions causing the smartphone to: pair the smartphone with a first personal protective hearing device. The pairing includes pairing the smartphone and the first personal protective hearing device to communicate via a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol. The instructions also cause the smartphone to receive a digital communication signal from the personal protective device via the first communication protocol. The digital communication signal includes a command to enable a cellular-based PTT communication link between the first personal protective hearing device and the second personal protective hearing device. The instructions also cause the smartphone to receive a digital audio communication signal from the first personal protective hearing device and send the digital audio communication to the second smartphone via a cellular network. The first communication protocol is a low power communication protocol.

[0134] The computer implemented instructions may be implemented such that the first communication protocol is different from the second communication protocol.

[0135] The computer implemented instructions may be implemented to cause the first communication protocol to use an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

[0136] The computer implemented instructions may be implemented such that the first communication protocol has forty 2 MHz channels.

[0137] The computer implemented instructions may be implemented to cause the second communication protocol to use an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

[0138] The computer-implemented instructions may be implemented such that the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit are circum-aural muffs.

[0139] The computer-implemented instructions may be implemented such that the first circum-aural cup and the second circum-aural cup are connected by a headband.

[0140] The computer-implemented instructions may be implemented to cause the first circum-aural cup and the second circum-aural cup to be wired together.

[0141] The computer-implemented instructions may be implemented such that both the first communication unit and the second communication unit are located in the first circum-aural cup.

[0142] The computer-implemented instructions may be implemented to cause the first over-the-ear cup to include a rechargeable battery.

[0143] The computer-implemented instructions may be implemented to cause the rechargeable battery to provide power to the first over-the-ear cup and the second over-the-ear cup.

[0144] The computer-implemented instructions may be implemented such that the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit comprise in-ear units.

[0145] The computer implemented instructions may be implemented such that the microphone is part of a portion of the in-ear unit that extends inside the ear canal of the user.

[0146] The computer implemented instructions may be implemented such that each of the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit has a rechargeable battery.

[0147] The network of personal protection devices includes a first personal protection device paired with a first mobile cellular device and a second personal protection device paired with a second mobile cellular device. The first personal protection device and the second personal protection device are configured to communicate using a cellular-based PTT communication network.

[0148] The network can be implemented such that using the PTT cellular-based communication network also includes: the first personal guard device uses a first communication protocol to send a request to broadcast through the cellular-based PTT communication network to the first mobile cellular device, the first personal guard device uses a second communication protocol to send a digital audio signal to be broadcast through the cellular-based PTT communication network to the first mobile cellular device, and the first mobile cellular device uses a cellular network connection to send the digital audio signal to the second mobile cellular device and the second mobile cellular device sends the digital audio signal to the second personal guard device.

[0149] The network may be implemented such that the first communication protocol is a low power communication protocol.

[0150] The network may be implemented such that the second communication protocol is a low power communication protocol.

[0151] The network may be implemented such that the first communication protocol is different from the second communication protocol.

[0152] The network may be implemented such that the first communication protocol uses an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

[0153] The network may be implemented such that the first communication protocol has forty 2 MHz channels.

[0154] The network may be implemented such that the second communication protocol uses an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

[0155] The network may be implemented such that the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit are circum-aural muffs.

[0156] The network may be implemented such that the first circum-ear cup and the second circum-ear cup are connected by a headband.

[0157] The network may be implemented such that the first circum-ear cup and the second circum-ear cup are wired together.

[0158] The network may be implemented such that both the first communication unit and the second communication unit are located in the first circum-aural cup.

[0159] The network may be implemented such that the first over-the-ear cup comprises a rechargeable battery.

[0160] The network may be implemented such that the rechargeable battery provides power to the first over-the-ear cup and the second over-the-ear cup.

[0161] The network may be implemented such that the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit comprise in-ear units.

[0162] The network may be implemented such that the microphone is part of the portion of the in-ear unit that extends inside the user's ear canal.

[0163] The network may be implemented such that each of the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit has a rechargeable battery.

Claims

1. A hearing protection device, comprising: A first hearing protection unit and a second hearing protection unit, wherein each of the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit comprises: A microphone for receiving ambient sound; a processor that provides level-dependent attenuation of the ambient sound; and a speaker that broadcasts the attenuated ambient sound to the user's ears; a first communication unit, the first communication unit broadcasting a digital push-to-talk signal through a first communication protocol, wherein the first communication protocol is a low power consumption communication protocol; a second communication unit that broadcasts a digital communication signal via a second communication protocol; and a processor that facilitates pairing of the hearing protection device with a mobile device, the mobile device receiving the push-to-talk signal, and receiving the digital communication signal based on the push-to-talk signal and sending the digital communication signal over a cellular network, A push-to-talk function is attached to at least one of the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit and includes a voice-activated switch that turns on the microphone when sound exceeding a threshold is detected, so that the microphone can be enabled when a user is detected and disabled when the user stops speaking.

2. The hearing protection device of claim 1, wherein the first communication protocol uses an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

3. The hearing protection device of claim 2, wherein the first communication protocol has forty 2 MHz channels.

4. The hearing protection device of claim 1, wherein the second communication protocol uses an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

5. The hearing protection device of claim 1, wherein the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit are first circum-ear caps and second circum-ear caps, respectively.

6. The hearing protection device of claim 5, wherein the first circum-aural cup and the second circum-aural cup are connected by a headband.

7. The hearing protection device of claim 5, wherein the first circum-aural cup and the second circum-aural cup are wired together.

8. The hearing protection device of claim 7, wherein both the first communication unit and the second communication unit are located in the first circum-aural cup.

9. The hearing protection device of claim 7, wherein the first over-the-ear cup comprises a rechargeable battery.

10. The hearing protection device of claim 9, wherein the rechargeable battery provides power to both the first circum-aural cup and the second circum-aural cup.

11. The hearing protection unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit comprise in-ear units.

12. The hearing protection unit of claim 11, wherein the microphone is part of a portion of the in-ear unit extending inside the ear canal of the user.

13. The hearing protection unit of claim 11, wherein each of the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit has a rechargeable battery.

14. A method of sending communications between personal protective hearing devices using cellular-based push-to-talk communications, the method comprising: receiving, on a first mobile cellular device, a signal from a first personal protective hearing device via a first communication protocol, the signal comprising a request to acquire control of a cellular network connection, wherein the first communication protocol is a low power protocol and the first personal protective hearing device is a hearing protection device according to claim 1; Using the first mobile cellular device, detecting that the cellular network connection between the first mobile cellular device and a second mobile cellular device is open; receiving, at the first mobile cellular device, digital audio communications from the first personal protective hearing device via a second communications protocol; as well as The digital audio communication is sent from the first mobile device to the second mobile device using a cellular network connection.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: Using the first mobile device, providing feedback that the cellular network connection is available for cellular-based PPT communications.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the provided feedback is a feedback signal provided from the first mobile device to the first personal protective hearing device, wherein the feedback signal comprises a command for the personal protective hearing device to provide feedback.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the feedback provided is audio, visual or other feedback.

18. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The digital audio communication is sent from the first mobile device to a third mobile device.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein sending the digital audio communication from the first mobile device to the second mobile device and the third mobile device occurs substantially simultaneously.

20. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: The digital audio communication is sent from the second mobile device to a second personal protective hearing device using the second communication protocol.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein detecting that the cellular network connection is open comprises: detecting an absence of incoming transmission from the second mobile device; or A signal is sent to verify that the second personal protective hearing device has not enabled the cellular-based PPT function.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the only communication channel between the first personal protective hearing device and the second personal protective hearing device is via the first mobile device and the second mobile device.

23. The method of claim 14, wherein the first mobile device and the second mobile device are cellular devices, and wherein receiving the digital audio communication, detecting the open cellular network connection, receiving the digital audio communication, and sending the digital audio communication are facilitated by a mobile application installed on the cellular devices.

24. The method of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the first communication protocol is different from the second communication protocol.

25. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the first communication protocol uses an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

26. The method of claim 15, wherein the first communication protocol has forty 2 MHz channels.

27. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the second communication protocol uses an ISM frequency band of 2.44 GHz to 2.4835 GHz.

28. The method of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit are a first circum-ear cap and a second circum-ear cap, respectively.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the first circum-aural cup and the second circum-aural cup are connected by a headband.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the first circum-aural cup and the second circum-aural cup are wired together.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein both the first communication unit and the second communication unit are located in the first circum-aural cup.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the first over-the-ear cup comprises a rechargeable battery.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the rechargeable battery provides power to both the first circum-aural cup and the second circum-aural cup.

34. The method of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit comprise in-ear units.

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein the microphone is part of a portion of the in-ear unit that extends inside the user's ear canal.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein each of the first hearing protection unit and the second hearing protection unit has a rechargeable battery.

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