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Abstract

To provide a speech processing device capable of outputting a speech signal which is clearly perceived by a user at the receiving side without depending on a telephone at the receiving side and preventing complication around a body.SOLUTION: A speech processing device (10) includes: a speech processing part (11) which performs speech processing for making speech clear to a speech signal indicating a speech at the transmission side supplied from a transmitter (a microphone 21); and a housing (12) which houses the speech processing part (11) and is provided with a modular plug (a port P11) corresponding to a module jack (a port P21) of a handset (20).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio processing device that can be connected to a telephone handset, and a handset equipped with an audio processing unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Many companies have a call center or support center to receive questions and requests from users. In the following, a call center is used as an example of such a service. A call center is equipped with one or more telephones. Each operator at the call center uses their telephone to speak with users, understanding their questions and requests, and then providing answers to those questions and requests.

[0003] Calls to call centers often include users with hearing impairments. These users may not fully understand what the operator is saying. As a result, communication problems can occur between the operator and the user.

[0004] Figures 1 and 2 of Patent Document 1 disclose an audio processor installed between the handset and the main unit of a telephone, which can output an audio signal processed to be perceived as clear by the user on the receiving end, independently of the telephone on the receiving end.

[0005] This voice processor can continue to use the telephones already in use at the customer service desks of the aforementioned companies. By simply installing it between the main unit and the handset, it can output a voice-processed audio signal to the receiving telephone, ensuring that the user on the receiving end perceives it as clear. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-108429

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, after installing the voice processor around the main body of the telephone and making a wired connection between the voice processor and the handset using a cable (see, for example, FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1), the area around the main body of the telephone tends to become cluttered.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems. The purpose is to be able to output a voice signal that has been voice-processed so that the user on the receiving side feels clear without depending on the telephone on the receiving side, and, compared with the voice processor of Patent Document 1, to provide a voice processing device or handset that does not clutter the area around the main body of the telephone.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, a voice processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a voice processing device installed between a handset and a main body that constitute a telephone, and performs voice processing for clarifying the voice on a voice signal representing the voice on the transmitting side supplied from a transmitter that constitutes the handset, and supplies the voice signal subjected to the voice processing to the main body, and a housing that houses the voice processing unit, the housing being provided with a modular plug corresponding to a modular jack of the handset.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the voice processing unit performs voice processing for clarifying the voice on a voice signal representing the voice on the transmitting side, and supplies the voice signal subjected to the voice processing to the main body. Therefore, it is possible to output a voice signal that has been voice-processed so that the user on the receiving side feels clear without depending on the telephone on the receiving side.

[0011] Furthermore, with the above configuration, since the housing containing the voice processing unit is provided with a modular plug corresponding to the modular jack of the handset, the voice processing unit can be fixed near the handset using these modular jacks and modular plugs. Therefore, compared to the voice processing unit of Patent Document 1, this voice processing unit does not clutter the area around the telephone body.

[0012] Thus, the voice processing device can output a voice signal that has been processed to be perceived as clear by the receiving user, without depending on the receiving telephone, and is a voice processing device that does not make the area around the telephone body more cluttered compared to the voice processing device of Patent Document 1.

[0013] In the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention described above, a further configuration is adopted in which a cable interposed between the handset and the main body is provided, with one end of the cable directly connected to the housing.

[0014] By simply replacing the cable that was previously interposed between the handset and the main unit of the telephone with an information processing device according to the second embodiment, the owner or user of the telephone (for example, a company with a customer service counter or a customer service operator) can upgrade the telephone so that it can output a voice signal that has been processed to be clearly perceived by the receiving user, without depending on the receiving telephone. Therefore, according to the above configuration, even if the handset and cable were directly connected in the telephone that was previously in use, the telephone can be easily upgraded.

[0015] In the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention described above, the housing is provided with a modular jack corresponding to a modular plug provided at one end of a modular cable interposed between the handset and the main body.

[0016] By simply adding an information processing device according to the third embodiment between the handset and the main unit of the telephone that was previously in use, the owner or user of the telephone (for example, a company or operator with a call center) can upgrade the telephone so that it can output an audio signal that has been processed to be clearly perceived by the user on the receiving end, without relying on the receiving telephone. Therefore, this audio processing device is suitable when the cable interposed between the handset and the main unit of the previously used telephone is a modular cable.

[0017] In the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention described above, the device further comprises a first communication unit and a second communication unit capable of sending and receiving audio signals from each other, wherein the first communication unit is housed in the housing, and a modular plug corresponding to a modular jack provided on the main body is connected to the second communication unit.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the same effects as the information processing device according to the first embodiment can be obtained while changing the transmission and reception of voice signals between the handset and the main unit of the telephone from the conventional wired method to a wireless method.

[0019] To solve the above problems, a fifth aspect of the present invention is a handset-type handset that constitutes a telephone together with a main unit, comprising: a transmitter and a receiver; an audio processing unit that applies audio processing to an audio signal representing the voice of the transmitting side supplied from the transmitter in order to clarify the voice, and supplies the audio processed audio signal to the main unit; and a handset-type housing that houses the transmitter, the receiver, and the audio processing unit.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the information processing device according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0021] Furthermore, with the above configuration, unlike the information processing device according to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to attach the voice processing device to the handset that was previously in use, so the area around the telephone handset does not become cluttered.

[0022] In the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the present invention described above, a further configuration is adopted in which a cable interposed between the housing and the main body is provided, with one end of the cable directly connected to the housing.

[0023] By simply replacing the handset and the cable between the handset and the main unit of the telephone being used with the handset according to the sixth embodiment, the owner or user of the telephone (for example, a company with a customer service counter or a customer service operator) can upgrade the telephone so that it can output an audio signal that has been processed to be clearly perceived by the receiving user, without depending on the receiving telephone. Therefore, according to the above configuration, even if the handset and cable are directly connected in the telephone being used, the telephone can be easily upgraded.

[0024] In the handset according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the handset according to the fifth aspect described above, the housing is provided with a modular jack corresponding to a modular plug provided at one end of a modular cable interposed between the handset and the main body.

[0025] By simply replacing the handset of the telephone being used with the handset according to the seventh embodiment, the owner or user of the telephone (for example, a company with a customer service counter or a customer service operator) can upgrade the telephone so that it can output an audio signal that has been processed to be clearly perceived by the receiving user, regardless of the receiving telephone. Therefore, this audio processing device is suitable when the cable between the handset and the main unit of the telephone being used is a modular cable.

[0026] In the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fifth aspect of the present invention described above, the handset further comprises a first communication unit and a second communication unit capable of sending and receiving voice signals to and from each other, wherein the first communication unit is housed in the housing, and a modular plug corresponding to a modular jack provided on the main body is connected to the second communication unit.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the same effects as the information processing device according to the fifth embodiment can be obtained while changing the transmission and reception of voice signals between the handset and the main unit of the telephone from the conventional wired method to a wireless method.

[0028] To solve the above problems, a handset according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a headset-type handset that constitutes a telephone together with a main unit, comprising: a fixing member for fixing the handset to the user's head or ear; a transmitter and receiver directly or indirectly provided on the fixing member; an audio processing unit that applies audio processing to an audio signal representing the voice of the transmitting side supplied from the transmitter in order to clarify the voice, and supplies the audio processed audio signal to the main unit; and a housing for housing the audio processing unit.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the same effects as the information processing device according to the first embodiment and the handset according to the fifth embodiment can be obtained.

[0030] Furthermore, with the above configuration, unlike the information processing device according to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to attach the voice processing device to the handset that was previously in use, so the area around the telephone handset does not become cluttered.

[0031] Furthermore, while the handset according to the fifth embodiment is a handset type, the handset according to the ninth embodiment is a headset type. Therefore, with the above configuration, the telephone user (for example, a counter operator) can communicate with the receiving user hands-free (with both hands free).

[0032] In the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the handset according to the ninth aspect described above, a further configuration is adopted in which a cable interposed between the housing and the main body is provided, with one end of the cable directly connected to the housing.

[0033] By simply replacing the handset and the cable between the handset and the main unit of the telephone being used with the handset according to the 10th embodiment, the owner or user of the telephone (for example, a company with a customer service counter or a customer service operator) can upgrade the telephone so that it can output an audio signal that has been processed to be clearly perceived by the receiving user, without depending on the receiving telephone. Therefore, according to the above configuration, even if the handset and cable are directly connected in the telephone being used, the telephone can be easily upgraded.

[0034] In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the ninth aspect of the present invention described above, the housing is provided with a modular jack corresponding to a modular plug provided at one end of a modular cable interposed between the handset and the main body.

[0035] By simply replacing the handset of the telephone being used with the handset according to the 11th embodiment, the owner or user of the telephone (for example, a company with a customer service counter or a customer service operator) can upgrade the telephone so that it can output an audio signal that has been processed to be clearly perceived by the user on the receiving end, without depending on the telephone being used. Therefore, this audio processing device is suitable when the cable between the handset and the main unit of the telephone being used is a modular cable.

[0036] In the handset according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the handset according to the ninth aspect described above, a first communication unit and a second communication unit capable of sending and receiving voice signals to and from each other are further provided, wherein the first communication unit is housed in the housing, and a modular plug corresponding to a modular jack provided on the main body is connected to the second communication unit.

[0037] According to the above configuration, the same effects as the information processing device according to the ninth embodiment can be obtained while changing the transmission and reception of voice signals between the handset and the main unit of the telephone from the conventional wired method to a wireless method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an audio processing device or handset that can output an audio signal processed to be perceived clearly by the user on the receiving end, without depending on the receiving telephone, and that does not clutter the area around the telephone body compared to the audio processing device of Patent Document 1. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a telephone equipped with the voice processing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the voice processing device and the telephone handset shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]This is a schematic diagram of the main body of a telephone with the handset according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention applied. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the main body of a telephone with the handset according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention applied. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a telephone with the voice processing device shown in Figure 1 applied. [Figure 6] This graph shows the frequency characteristics of a telephone with the voice processing device shown in Figure 1 applied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] [Overview of the voice processing device and handset] Many companies have a call center or support center to receive questions and requests from users. In the following, a call center will be used as an example. A call center has one or more telephones. Each operator in the call center uses their telephone to speak with users, understands their questions and requests, and provides answers to them.

[0041] The voice processing device 10 (see Figures 1 and 2) and the handset 20A and 20B (see Figures 3 and 4) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be suitably applied to a telephone 1 already in use in such a call center. Furthermore, each of the handsets 20A and 20B can also be suitably applied as a handset constituting a new telephone 1. In the following, the user using telephone 1 will be referred to as the transmitting user, and the user using the telephone to which telephone 1 is connected will be referred to as the receiving user. This specification mainly describes a scenario in which the user of telephone 1 emits voice and the user of the telephone to which telephone 1 is connected hears the voice. The operator described above is an example of a transmitting user.

[0042] As mentioned above, the users who call the call center (the receiving users) include users with hearing impairments. Telephone 1, to which the voice processing device 10 and the handset 20A, 20B are applied, is likely to be effective when the user on the other end of the line is hard of hearing.

[0043] Therefore, the location where the telephone 1, to which the voice processing device 10 and the handset 20A, 20B are applied, is not limited to a call center, but may also be, for example, a nurse's station in a hospital ward, or a home. Examples of users on the receiving end include the following: if the telephone 1 is located in a call center, it may be a user of the products or services of the company that operates the call center; if the telephone 1 is located in a nurse's station, it may be a patient hospitalized in a hospital; and if the telephone 1 is located in a home, it may be a family member of that home.

[0044] In the following, the voice processing device 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the handset 20A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 3, and the handset 20B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a telephone 1 with the voice processing device 10 applied. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the voice processing device 10 and the handset 20 provided in the telephone 1. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the main body 30 of the telephone 1 with the handset 20A applied. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the main body 30 of the telephone 1 with the handset 20B applied.

[0045] Figure 1 shows telephone 1 with the modular jack and modular plug not connected. Figure 2 shows the handset 20 and voice processing unit 10 with the modular plug constituting port P11 and the modular jack constituting port P21 connected. Figures 3 and 4 show telephones 1A and 1B with the modular plugs constituting ports P21A and P21B and the modular jack constituting port P31 not connected.

[0046] The voice processing units 11, 11A, and 11B provided in the voice processing device 10 and the handset 20A and 20B, respectively, will be explained using the voice processing unit 11 as a representative example, with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a block diagram of the telephone 1 with the voice processing device 10 applied. Figure 6 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the telephone 1 with the voice processing device 10 applied.

[0047] [Embodiment 1] Telephone 1 comprises a handset 20, a main unit 30, a modular cable 40, and a modular cable 50, and these are often sold as a single package. In Embodiment 1, it is assumed that a company that purchased telephone 1 installs it in a call center to perform user support services. The voice processing device 10 according to Embodiment 1 is a suitable product for later application to telephone 1 that has already been purchased. Below, the voice processing device 10 will be described after a brief explanation of each component constituting telephone 1.

[0048] <Handset> As shown in Figure 1, the handset 20 comprises a microphone 21, a speaker 22, a housing 23, and a port P21. The microphone 21 and speaker 22 are housed in a handset-type housing 23. Each of the microphone 21 and speaker 22 is connected to port P21 inside the housing 23. The microphone 21 is an example of a transmitter, and the speaker 22 is an example of a receiver.

[0049] The microphone 21 converts the voice emitted by the transmitting user into an audio signal and supplies the audio signal to port P21. In this embodiment, the audio signal is an analog and electrical signal. However, the microphone 21 may be configured to convert the voice emitted by the transmitting user into a digital audio signal.

[0050] For example, an electric condenser microphone can be used as the microphone 21. An electric condenser microphone has a DC voltage applied to drive it. Also, electric condenser microphones are often connected using different types of connectors depending on the manufacturer or model.

[0051] Speaker 22 converts the audio signal supplied from port P21, which is the voice uttered by the user on the receiving end, into sound and outputs the sound. In this embodiment, the audio signal supplied from port P21 is an analog signal and an electrical signal. However, the audio signal supplied from port P21 may be a digital signal, and speaker 22 may be configured to convert the digital audio signal into sound.

[0052] Port P21 is an example of a port on the handset 20, and in this embodiment, a modular jack conforming to the RJ-9 standard is used. However, port P21 is not limited to a modular jack conforming to the RJ-9 standard. Any modular jack capable of inputting and outputting audio signals may be used as port P21.

[0053] <Main body> As shown in Figure 1, the main unit 30 comprises a housing 31 and ports P31 and P32. Ports P31 and P32 are a pair of ports of the main unit 30 and are provided on the housing 31.

[0054] Port P31 is an example of a port on the handset 20 side of the main unit 30, and in this embodiment, a modular jack conforming to the RJ-9 standard is used, similar to port P21.

[0055] Port P32 is an example of a line-side port on the main unit 30, and in this embodiment, a modular jack conforming to the RJ-11 standard is used. However, port P32 is not limited to a modular jack conforming to the RJ-11 standard. For example, a modular jack conforming to the RJ-12 standard or the RJ-14 standard may be used as port P32.

[0056] The main unit 30 is the main unit of a telephone using a two-wire telephone line. The main unit 30 is configured to enable bidirectional voice signal communication with the main unit of the receiving telephone by connecting the telephone line to port P32 and the handset 20 to port P31. The main unit 30 can be configured in the same way as the main unit of an existing telephone. Therefore, in this embodiment, the description of the main unit 30 is omitted.

[0057] The main unit 30 outputs the synthesized voice signal supplied to port P31 from the adder / synthesizer 116 of the voice processing device 10 (described later) to the modular cable 50 (described later).

[0058] <Modular Cable> Each of the modular cables 40 and 50 has multiple signal lines. Each of the multiple signal lines is made of a conductor capable of transmitting an audio signal, which is an electrical signal.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, the modular cable 40 has a modular plug 41 at one end and a modular plug 42 at the other end. In this embodiment, the modular jack on the main unit 30 is the modular plug 41, and the modular jack on the handset 20 is the modular plug 42. The modular cable 40 connects the port P12 of the voice processing device 10 (described later) to the port P31 of the main unit 30.

[0060] Similarly, the modular cable 50 has a modular plug 51 at one end and a modular jack at the other end. In this embodiment, the modular jack on the main unit 30 is the modular plug 51. The modular jack at the other end of the modular cable 50 is connected to a modular outlet, which is not shown in Figure 1. The modular cable 50 connects port P32 of the main unit 30 to a telephone line.

[0061] In this embodiment, modular cable 40 is a cable equipped with modular plugs 41 and 42 conforming to the RJ-9 standard at both ends. Also in this embodiment, modular cable 50 is a cable equipped with modular plugs conforming to the RJ-11 standard at both ends. However, the standards of modular cables 40 and 50 are not limited to these. The standards of modular cables 40 and 50 can be appropriately selected to correspond to the standards of the modular jacks constituting each of the ports P21, P31, and P32 described above, and the modular outlets on the telephone line side.

[0062] <Sound processing device> As shown in Figure 1, the voice processing device 10 is installed between the handset 20 and the main unit 30. The voice processing device 10 comprises a voice processing unit 11, a housing 12, and ports P11 and P12. Ports P11 and P12 are a pair of ports of the voice processing device 10 and are provided on the housing 12.

[0063] Port P11 is an example of the port on the handset 20 side of a pair of ports on the voice processing device 10, and in this embodiment, a modular plug conforming to the RJ-9 standard is used, similar to port P21. The standard of the modular plug constituting port P11 can be appropriately determined to be the same as the standard of the modular jack constituting port P21. In other words, the modular plug constituting port P11 corresponds to the modular jack constituting port P21.

[0064] Port P12 is an example of the port on the main unit 30 side (in other words, the modular cable 40 side) of a pair of ports on the audio processing device 10. In this embodiment, a modular jack conforming to the RJ-9 standard is used, similar to the modular jack constituting port P21 and the modular plug 42 of the modular cable 40. The modular jack constituting port P12 corresponds to the modular plug 42 provided at one end of the modular cable 40.

[0065] Corresponding modular plugs and modular jacks can transmit audio signals by mating together.

[0066] The voice processing unit 11 is configured to perform voice processing on the voice signal representing the voice from the transmitting side, supplied from the microphone 21 that constitutes the handset 20, in order to clarify the voice, and to supply the voice-processed voice signal to the main unit 30. One example of the configuration of the voice processing unit 11 will be described later with reference to Figure 5.

[0067] The housing 12 houses the audio processing unit 11. In Figure 1, the dashed line illustrating the audio processing unit 11 indicates that the audio processing unit 11 is housed inside the housing 12.

[0068] The shape of the housing 12 can be determined as appropriate. In this embodiment, the housing 12 is a rectangular parallelepiped shape composed of six planes, with eight corners and twelve ridges rounded.

[0069] As shown in Figure 2, a switch 13 is provided on one of the six planes that make up the housing 12. The switch 13 is one specific example of the adjuster 115 (see Figure 5) of the voice processing unit 11, which will be described later, and is configured to adjust the intensity of the voice clarification voice processing performed by the voice processing unit 11.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, when viewing the side of the handset 20, it is preferable that the position of the port P11 on the housing 12 is determined so that the housing 12 of the voice processing device 10 can be offset relative to the housing 23 of the handset 20. With this configuration, an offset amount Δ is formed between the part of the housing 23 that houses the microphone 21 and the voice processing device 10. Therefore, even when the handset 20 is placed in a predetermined position on the main body 30, interference that may occur between the voice processing device 10 and the main body 30 can be avoided.

[0071] (Variations of connection methods) In the audio processing device 10 shown in Figure 1, a modular jack and modular plug 42, which constitute port P12, are used to connect the housing 12 and the modular cable 40.

[0072] However, these modular jacks and modular plugs 42 may be omitted, and a configuration in which one end of the cable interposed between the handset 20 and the main unit 30 is directly connected to the housing 12 may also be used. In this case, the voice processing device 10 of this modified example will be equipped with a cable interposed between the handset 20 and the main unit 30, with one end of which is directly connected to the housing 12, in addition to the voice processing unit 11 and the housing 12. Note that the handset 20A shown in Figure 3 employs a method in which the cable is directly connected to the housing, similar to this modified example.

[0073] Furthermore, in another modified version of the voice processing device 10, a wireless system can be used as the communication method between the handset 20 and the main unit 30. In this case, the voice processing device 10 may further include a first communication unit and a second communication unit capable of sending and receiving voice signals to and from each other. Here, the first communication unit is housed in the casing 12, and the second communication unit is connected to a modular plug corresponding to a modular jack (a modular jack constituting port P31) provided on the main unit 30. Note that the handset 20B shown in Figure 4 employs a wireless system using the first and second communication units, similar to this modified version.

[0074] [Embodiment 2] A handset 20A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 3. The handset 20A, together with the main unit 30, constitutes a telephone 1A.

[0075] The main body 30 shown in Figure 3 is identical to the main body 30 shown in Figure 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the description of the main body 30 is omitted. The handset 20A is a modified version of the handset 20 shown in Figure 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, only the modifications made to the handset 20A from the handset 20 will be described.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, the handset 20A comprises an audio processing unit 11A, a microphone 21, a speaker 22, a housing 23A, and a cable 24A. The microphone 21 and speaker 22 of the handset 20A are identical to those of the handset 20, so their description is omitted. The housing 23A has the same appearance as the housing 23. That is, the housing 23A is a handset-type housing, and the handset 20A is a handset-type handset. The housing 23A differs from the housing 23 in that it houses the audio processing unit 11A inside. The audio processing unit 11A is identical to the audio processing unit 11, but since the housing it is housed in has changed from the housing 12 of the audio processing device 10 to the housing 23A of the handset 20A, its reference numeral has been changed to 11A.

[0077] Furthermore, housing 23A differs from housing 23 in that one end of cable 24A is directly connected to it. The other end of cable 24A is an example of port P21A of handset 20A. In this specification, a cable with modular plugs at both ends, such as the modular cable 40 shown in Figure 1, is referred to as a modular cable, and a cable with a modular jack at only one end, such as the cable 24A shown in Figure 3, is simply referred to as a cable.

[0078] In this embodiment, port P21A is a modular plug corresponding to the modular jack constituting port P31 of the main unit 30, that is, a modular plug conforming to the RJ-9 standard. However, the standard to which the modular plug constituting port P21A conforms is not limited to the RJ-9 standard; it is sufficient if it conforms to the standard to which the modular jack constituting port P31 conforms.

[0079] (Summary of Embodiment 2) As described above, the handset 20A, together with the main unit 30, is a handset-type handset that constitutes the telephone 1A. The handset 20A includes an audio processing unit 11A and a housing 23A.

[0080] The audio processing unit 11A processes the audio signal, which represents the voice from the transmitting side and is supplied from the microphone 21 and speaker 22, to clarify the voice, and then supplies the processed audio signal to the main unit 30. This audio processing unit 11A is configured in the same way as the audio processing unit 11 shown in Figure 1.

[0081] The enclosure 23A is a handset-type enclosure that houses the microphone 21, speaker 22, and audio processing unit 11A.

[0082] Furthermore, the handset 20A is further equipped with a cable 24A interposed between the housing 23A and the main unit 30. One end of the cable 24A is directly connected to the housing 23A.

[0083] (Variations of connection methods) In a modified version of the handset 20A, the modular cable 40 shown in Figure 1 can be used instead of the cable 24A. In this case, a modular jack corresponding to the modular plug 42 provided at one end of the modular cable 40 should be provided on the housing 23A.

[0084] Furthermore, in another modified version of the handset 20A, a wireless communication method can be adopted as the communication method between the handset 20A and the main unit 30. In this case, the handset 20A may further include a first communication unit and a second communication unit capable of sending and receiving voice signals to and from each other. Here, the first communication unit is housed in the casing 23A, and the second communication unit may be connected to a modular plug corresponding to a modular jack (a modular jack constituting port P31) provided on the main unit 30. Note that the handset 20B shown in Figure 4 employs a wireless communication method using the first and second communication units, similar to this modified version.

[0085] [Embodiment 3] A handset 20B according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. The handset 20B, together with the main unit 30, constitutes the telephone 1B.

[0086] The main unit 30 shown in Figure 4 is identical to the main unit 30 shown in Figure 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the description of the main unit 30 is omitted. The handset 20B is based on the handset 20A shown in Figure 3, but has been modified from a handset type to a headset type, and the communication method between the handset 20B and the main unit 30 has been changed to a wireless method. Therefore, in this embodiment, only the modifications made to the handset 20B from the handset 20A will be described.

[0087] As shown in Figure 4, the handset 20B includes an audio processing unit 11B, a microphone 21B, a pair of speakers 22B1, 22B2, a pair of housings 23B1, 23B2, a first communication unit 24B1, a second communication unit 24B2, a housing 24B3, a cable 24B4, a headband 25B, and a microphone boom arm 26B. The handset 20B is a binaural type with a pair of speakers 22B1, 22B2 corresponding to both ears, but one modified version of the handset 20B may be a uninaural type with one speaker 22B1 corresponding to one ear.

[0088] The handset 20B is a headset-type handset. The headband 25B is an example of a fixing member that secures the handset 20B to the user's head. In one modified version of the handset 20B, a neckband, which is another example of a fixing member, can be used instead of the headband 25B. By using a neckband instead of the headband 25B, it is possible to suppress hair disturbance even when the handset 20B is fixed to the head. Another example of a fixing member is an ear loop or ear hook for hooking the handset 20B over the ear. The handset 20B equipped with an ear loop or ear hook is an ear-hook type headset handset.

[0089] Microphone 21B is a component corresponding to the microphone 21 provided in the handset 20 and handset 20A, and is an example of a handset. In handset 20B, microphone 21B is fixed to housing 23B1 via microphone boom arm 26B.

[0090] Speakers 22B1 and 22B2 are components corresponding to the speaker 22 provided in the handset 20 and handset 20A, and are examples of a handset. Speaker 22B1 is housed in housing 23B1, and speaker 22B2 is housed in housing 23B2.

[0091] As described above, housing 23B1 houses speaker 22B1, and housing 23B2 houses speaker 22B2. Housings 23B1 and 23B2 are also called housings. Ear pads are provided on the sides of housings 23B1 and 23B2 that come into contact with the head.

[0092] Furthermore, the housing 23B1 houses the speaker 22B1, as well as the voice processing unit 11B and the first communication unit 24B1. The voice processing unit 11B is identical to the voice processing unit 11, but since the housing it occupies has changed from the housing 12 of the voice processing device 10 to the housing 23B1 of the handset 20B, its designation has been changed to 11B.

[0093] The first communication unit 24B1 and the second communication unit 24B2 constitute a wireless communication module capable of sending and receiving voice signals to and from each other. The wireless communication method between the first communication unit 24B1 and the second communication unit 24B2 can be appropriately selected from existing wireless communication methods.

[0094] The housing 24B3 is a housing that houses the second communication unit 24B2. The second communication unit 24B2 is connected to a modular plug corresponding to the modular jack that constitutes port P31 of the main unit 30 via cable 24B4. This modular plug is an example of port P21B of the handset 20B.

[0095] In this embodiment, a modular plug conforming to the RJ-9 standard is used as the modular plug constituting port P21B. However, the standard to which the modular plug constituting port P21B conforms is not limited to the RJ-9 standard; it is sufficient if it corresponds to the standard to which the modular jack constituting port P31 conforms.

[0096] As described above, the cable 24B4 is interposed between the second communication unit 24B2 and the housing 24B3 and the modular plug constituting port P21B. This allows the modular plug constituting port P21B to be inserted into the modular jack constituting port P31 of the main unit 30, even if the modular jack constituting port P31 is located in a recessed position from the housing 31.

[0097] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, if we only consider the case where the modular jack constituting port P31 is located in a position exposed on the surface of the housing 31, the cable 24B4 can be omitted, and the modular jack constituting port P31 can be directly provided to the housing 24B3. In this case, the handset 20B can be considered a form of a dongle.

[0098] Furthermore, power is required for wireless communication between the first communication unit 24B1 and the second communication unit 24B2. Therefore, it is preferable that the housing 23B1 houses batteries that supply electrodes to the voice processing unit 11B and the first communication unit 24B1, and that the housing 24B3 houses batteries that supply electrodes to the second communication unit 24B2. These batteries are preferably rechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium-ion batteries).

[0099] Since USB cable chargers (such as those conforming to the PD standard) are widely used as chargers for charging batteries, you can choose from the available technologies on the market as appropriate. In this case, you only need to provide a USB connector (such as a connector conforming to the USB Type-C standard) on both the housing 23B1 and the housing 24B3 as the charging connector.

[0100] (Summary of Embodiment 3) As described above, the handset 20B is a headset-type handset that, together with the main unit 30, constitutes the telephone 1B. The handset 20B includes a headband 25B, which is an example of a fixing member, a microphone 21B and a pair of speakers 22B1, 22B2, an audio processing unit 11B, and housings 23B1, 23B2.

[0101] The headband 25B is a fixing member that secures the handset 20B to the user's head. However, the fixing member can also be configured to secure the handset 20B to the user's ear.

[0102] The microphone 21B is fixed to the headband 25B via the housing 23B1 and the microphone boom arm 26B. Therefore, in this embodiment, the microphone 21B is indirectly provided to the headband 25B.

[0103] The speakers 22B1 and 22B2 are fixed to the headband 25B via housings 23B1 and 23B2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the speakers 22B1 and 22B2 are indirectly provided to the headband 25B. However, the speakers 22B1 and 22B2 may also be directly fixed to the headband 25B.

[0104] The audio processing unit 11B applies audio processing to the audio signal representing the voice on the transmitting side, supplied from the microphone 21B, in order to clarify the voice, and then supplies the processed audio signal to the main unit 30.

[0105] The enclosure 23B1 is configured to house the audio processing unit 11B.

[0106] Furthermore, the handset 20B is further equipped with a first communication unit 24B1 and a second communication unit 24B2 capable of sending and receiving voice signals to and from each other. The first communication unit 24B1 is housed in the casing 23B1. A modular plug corresponding to the modular jack constituting port P31 of the main unit 30 is connected to the second communication unit 24B2. This modular plug is an example of a modular plug corresponding to the modular jack provided on the main unit 30.

[0107] (Variations of connection methods) In addition, in a modified version of the handset 20B, the modular cable 40 shown in Figure 1 can be used instead of the first communication unit 24B1 and the second communication unit 24B2. In this case, a modular jack corresponding to the modular plug 42 provided at one end of the modular cable 40 should be provided on the housing 23B1.

[0108] Furthermore, in a further modification of the handset 20B, the modular jack provided on the housing 23B1 and the modular plug 42 shown in Figure 1 may be omitted, and a configuration in which one end of the cable interposed between the handset 20B and the main unit 30 is directly connected to the housing 23B1 may be used. In this case, the handset 20B of this modification will be equipped with a cable interposed between the handset 20B and the main unit 30, with one end of the cable directly connected to the housing 23B1, in addition to the voice processing unit 11B and the housing 23B1. Note that the handset 20A shown in Figure 3 employs a method in which the cable is directly connected to the housing, similar to this modification.

[0109] [Sound processing unit provided in each embodiment] As described above with reference to Figures 1, 3, and 4, the voice processing device 10 includes a voice processing unit 11, the handset 20A includes a voice processing unit 11A, and the handset 20B includes a voice processing unit 11B. The voice processing units 11, 11A, and 11B have the same configuration, and their designations are simply different to indicate the differences in the housings in which they are housed. Therefore, in the following, the voice processing unit 11 will be used as a representative of the voice processing units 11, 11A, and 11B, and will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a block diagram of the telephone 1 with the voice processing device 10 applied. In Figure 5, the block diagram of the telephone 1 is shown not only for the voice processing device 10 but also for the telephone 1 in order to make the transmission path of the voice signal easier to understand. Figure 6 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the telephone 1.

[0110] The audio processing unit 11 is configured to perform audio processing on the audio signal supplied from the microphone 21 to clarify the audio, and to output the audio signal that has undergone the audio processing.

[0111] As shown in Figure 5, the audio processing unit 11 includes port P11, port P12, branching unit 111, phase corrector 112, filter (bandpass filter) 113, amplifier 114, adjuster 115, and adder / combiner 116. The audio processing unit 11 also includes a power supply unit, a detection unit, and a control unit, which are not shown in Figure 5.

[0112] Port P11 is the port connected to the microphone 21. The audio signal S converted from the voice emitted by the speaker via the microphone 21 is connected to port P11. V However, it is supplied from microphone 21.

[0113] Audio signal S V As shown in Figure 1 of Patent No. 6548938, it includes a first-order formant component, a second-order formant component, ..., and an nth-order formant component. Note that n is a positive integer of at least 4, although there may be some individual differences depending on the user on the transmitting side. Note that each of the first-order formant component, the second-order formant component, ..., and the nth-order formant component can be read as the first formant, the second formant, ..., and the nth-order formant as shown in Figure 1 of Patent No. 6548938.

[0114] Note that the first-order formant components, second-order formant components, ..., and nth-order formant components are described in Patent Document 1, so their explanation is omitted in this embodiment.

[0115] The branching section 111 receives the audio signal S V to the first audio signal S V1 and the second audio signal S V2 It branches into two. In this embodiment, the branching section 111 receives the first audio signal S V1 and the second audio signal S V2 The system is configured so that the intensity ratio between the two is 1:1, i.e., the distribution ratio is 1:1. However, the distribution ratio of the branch section 111 is not limited to 1:1 and can be set as appropriate.

[0116] Note that the first audio signal SV1 and the second audio signal S V2 Each of their spectra is the same as that of the audio signal S V That is, the first audio signal S V1 and the second audio signal S V2 Each of them contains the first formant component, the second formant component, ···, the n-th formant component.

[0117] The filter 113 is a high-pass filter that removes the low-frequency components, which are components with a frequency of less than 400 Hz, from the first audio signal S that has passed through the branch 111. The filter 113 outputs the first audio signal S that does not contain the low-frequency components. Therefore, the first audio signal S V1 does not contain the first formant component and is an audio signal that contains the second formant component, the third formant component, ···, the n-th formant component. V1’ V1’ is an audio signal that does not contain the first formant component and contains the second formant component, the third formant component, ···, the n-th formant component.

[0118] The amplifier 114 amplifies the first audio signal S that has passed through the filter 113 V1’ to output the first audio signal S with the intensities of the second formant component, the third formant component, ···, the n-th formant component enhanced. V1”

[0119] The regulator 115 adjusts the gain of the amplifier 114. The audio processing device 10 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to control the regulator 115 using the switch 13 provided on the housing 12 and adjust the gain in three steps from 0 to 2. The regulator 115 is configured such that when "0" is selected by the switch 13, the gain becomes 1-fold, when "1" is selected by the switch 13, the gain becomes 3-fold, and when "2" is selected by the switch 13, the gain becomes 5-fold.

[0120] ​​However, the number of stages of the switch 13 constituting the adjuster 115, and the gain selected by the switch 13, are not limited to the example described above and can be selected as appropriate. For example, the system may be configured such that when "0" is selected by the switch 13, the gain is 0 times; when "1" is selected by the switch 13, the gain is 1 time; and when "2" is selected by the switch 13, the gain is 5 times. When the gain is set to 0 times, the audio processing in the audio processing device 10 is effectively canceled. Therefore, the audio processing unit 11 converts the audio signal supplied from the microphone 21 into audio and outputs it from the speaker without applying any audio processing to clarify the audio. If it is known that audio clarification processing is unnecessary, the audio processing may be canceled as described above. In addition, it is possible to normally use the system with the audio processing canceled, and if the listener shows signs of difficulty hearing, the speaker can adjust the adjuster 115 as appropriate to adjust the degree of audio processing in the audio processing device 10. Furthermore, the regulator 115 can employ a volume control that continuously changes the gain instead of the switch 13 that discretely changes the gain. Also, if the listener can be identified to some extent, the gain can be pre-set, and the regulator 115 can be omitted.

[0121] The phase corrector 112 processes the first audio signal S that has passed through the amplifier 114. V1” The second audio signal S is set to match the phase of the first audio signal. V2 The phase is corrected. That is, the phase corrector 112 corrects the phase of the first audio signal S V1” The second audio signal S is in phase with it. V2’ Outputs.

[0122] The adder / combiner 116 processes the first audio signal S that has passed through the amplifier 114. V1” Then, the second audio signal S that has passed through the phase corrector 112 V2’ By adding and combining, a synthesized speech signal S is produced. SV It generates a synthesized speech signal S SV This is supplied to port P12.

[0123] Port P12 is a port connected to the main unit 30. The combined speech signal S is received from the adder / combiner 116 at the terminals of port P12. SV It will be supplied.

[0124] In this way, the audio processing device 10 receives the audio signal S supplied from the microphone 21. V Audio processing is applied to this, and a synthesized speech signal S is produced. SV This is supplied to speaker 22.

[0125] Microphone 21 receives an analog audio signal S V This is supplied to port P11. Port P12 receives the synthesized voice signal S, which is an analog signal. SV The signal is supplied to the main unit 30. However, the microphone 21 receives the audio signal S, which is a digital signal. V The synthesized voice signal S is supplied to port P11, and port P12 receives the synthesized voice signal S, which is a digital signal. SV It may be configured to supply the power to the main unit 30.

[0126] Furthermore, in the audio processing unit 11, the phase corrector 112, filter 113, amplifier 114, and adder / combiner 116 are each composed of analog circuits. However, the phase corrector 112, filter 113, amplifier 114, and adder / combiner 116 may each be composed of digital circuits.

[0127] Furthermore, in the audio processing unit 11, the audio processing unit 11 processes the first audio signal S V1 The system includes a filter 113, which is a high-pass filter, to apply filtering to the first audio signal S that has passed through the branching section 111. V1Therefore, it may be configured to remove (1) low-frequency components with a frequency of less than 400 Hz and (2) high-frequency components with a frequency of more than 7 kHz. That is, filter 113 may be a band-pass filter that allows components with a frequency of 400 Hz or more and 7 kHz or less to pass through, or a band-pass filter that allows components with a frequency of 400 Hz or more and 5 kHz or less to pass through. In this case, filter 113 may be implemented as a single band-pass filter, or it may be implemented by connecting a high-pass filter and a low-pass filter in series.

[0128] Furthermore, in the audio processing unit 11, the housing 12 is made of aluminum. However, the material constituting the housing 12 is not limited to aluminum; for example, it may be a metal such as copper or stainless steel. Alternatively, the material constituting the housing 12 may be mainly resin with a metal layer on its surface. The housing 12 can shield electromagnetic waves from entering from the outside by having at least its surface covered with metal. However, even when resin is used as the material constituting the housing 12, the metal layer on the surface of the housing 12 may be omitted. In that case, it is preferable to take measures to counter electromagnetic waves inside the housing 12.

[0129] The power supply unit, detection unit, and control unit, which are not shown in Figure 5, are configured as follows.

[0130] The power supply unit supplies power to the audio processing unit (particularly the amplifier 114) and the control unit. In order to make the audio processing unit 10 portable, the power supply unit is preferably a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). By using a battery as the power supply unit, the speaker can speak while moving freely without having to worry about a power cable.

[0131] Since USB cable chargers (such as those conforming to the PD standard) are widely used as chargers for charging batteries, you can choose from the technologies available on the market as appropriate. In this case, you can simply provide a USB connector (such as a connector conforming to the USB Type-C standard) on the housing 12 as the connector for charging.

[0132] However, an AC / DC converter, such as an AC adapter, may be used as the power supply. By using an AC / DC converter as the power supply, commercial power can be used, allowing the speaker to speak without worrying about the remaining power. Alternatively, the power supply may employ both batteries and an AC / DC converter.

[0133] The detection unit is configured to detect whether or not power is being supplied from the power supply unit to the audio processing unit. If the power supply unit is functioning normally, the detection unit supplies detection information indicating "Yes" to the control unit. On the other hand, if the power supply unit is not functioning normally, the detection unit supplies detection information indicating "No" to the control unit. If the power supply unit is an AC / DC converter, an example of a state in which it is not functioning normally is a power outage. Also, if the power supply unit is a battery, an example of a state in which it is not functioning normally is a dead battery.

[0134] The control unit, according to the detection result of the detection unit, outputs the audio signal S V The control unit controls the selection unit to either apply or not apply audio processing to the audio signal S if the detection result of the detection unit is "Yes". V The selection unit controls the audio processing to be applied to the audio signal S. V The selection unit is controlled so that no audio processing is applied to it.

[0135] Furthermore, the audio processing device 10 may also include a polarity switch and an amplifier interposed between the port P11 and the branching section 111.

[0136] (speaker) Speaker 22 converts the audio signal supplied from port P21, which is the voice uttered by the user on the receiving end, into sound and outputs the sound. In this embodiment, the audio signal supplied from port P21 is an analog signal and an electrical signal. However, the audio signal supplied from port P21 may be a digital signal, and speaker 22 may be configured to convert the digital audio signal into sound.

[0137] <Frequency characteristics of the audio processing device> Figure 6 is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the telephone 1 to which the voice processing device 10 is applied. The characteristic line a shown in Figure 6 represents the voice signal S supplied from the microphone 21. V The frequency characteristics are shown. The characteristic line b shown in Figure 6 represents the audio signal S after its output value has been adjusted by the amplifier interposed between port P11 and branch 111. V The frequency characteristics are shown. The characteristic line c shown in Figure 6 represents the first audio signal S after passing through amplifier 114. V1” The frequency characteristics are shown. The characteristic line d shown in Figure 6 represents the synthesized speech signal S. SV The frequency characteristics are shown. The difference between characteristic line b and characteristic line d, indicated by arrows in Figure 6, represents the effect of the audio processing performed by the audio processing device 10.

[0138] The first audio signal S is represented by characteristic line c. V1” The output level of the frequency response can be adjusted by adjusting the gain of the amplifier 114 using the regulator 115.

[0139] <Effects of the audio processing unit>

[0140] Here, we will explain the effect using an audio processing device 10 equipped with an audio processing unit 11. This effect can be obtained similarly with a handset 20A equipped with an audio processing unit 11A, and with a handset 20B equipped with an audio processing unit 11B.

[0141] The voice processing unit 11 is a conversation assistance device equipped with a function that provides a method for reliably transmitting conversation content in face-to-face conversations with people with hearing impairments. This method was born from a completely opposite concept to conventional hearing aids and sound amplifiers. The speaker processes the voice to make it easier for people with hearing impairments to hear, and then emits the voice through the voice processing unit 10. This makes it possible for people with hearing impairments to communicate conversation content without using hearing aids or other devices.

[0142] The speech clarification technology of the speech processing unit 11 focuses on the fact that the efficiency of the cochlea, the auditory organ of the inner ear that causes hearing impairment with age, particularly the decrease in efficiency of the high-frequency band (called formants) in converting sound to electrical signals, hinders language comprehension. It incorporates the feature that hearing can be restored by applying processing that emphasizes the high-frequency components contained in words. In the spectral analysis of speech, the peak frequency with a large level that appears at the lowest frequency is called the first formant, the second peak frequency that appears is called the second formant, and so on. Each peak frequency appears at points that are integer multiples of the peak frequency, and the peak frequencies differ depending on the speaker's skeletal structure, but our many years of experience have revealed that it is generally necessary to reliably hear the formant components from the first to the fourth formant in order to understand language, and it has been confirmed that the speech processing unit 11 can achieve this effect by focusing on compensating for 400Hz to 5KHz.

[0143] As described above, the audio processing unit 11 includes a port P11, a branching unit 111, a filter 113, an amplifier 114, a phase corrector 112, an adder / combiner 116, and port P12.

[0144] According to the above configuration, amplifier 114 receives the first audio signal S V1’ The second audio signal S is amplified. V2The first-order formant component is not amplified. Therefore, the audio processing unit 11 can output a synthesized speech signal in which the first-order formant component is not amplified, and predetermined formant components (e.g., the second-order, third-order, and fourth-order formant components) are amplified. Therefore, the audio processing unit 11 can output a synthesized speech signal S that the listener can perceive as clear without the use of auxiliary devices. SV It can output.

[0145] As a result, the possibility of misunderstandings or offenses between the speaker and listener can be reduced, making it easier to facilitate smooth communication between the speaker and the listener.

[0146] Furthermore, when clarifying the sound, the first audio signal S V1 From this, (1) low-frequency components with a frequency of less than 400 Hz and (2) high-frequency components with a frequency of more than 7 kHz are removed, and then the first audio signal S V1’ The first audio signal S is amplified and its phase is aligned. V1” and the second audio signal S V2 The inventors have found that it is preferable to add and combine the two. However, the wavelength of the human voice is usually between 100 Hz and 1 kHz. Therefore, in the audio processing unit 11, the filter 113 often filters only the low-frequency component into the first audio signal S. V1 It would be sufficient if it could be removed from it. That is, in filter 113, the first audio signal S V1 It is not necessary to configure the filter to remove the high-frequency components. Therefore, the filter 113 can be easily configured and costs can be reduced.

[0147] Furthermore, it is preferable that in the audio processing unit 11, each of the phase corrector 112, filter 113, amplifier 114, and adder / combiner 116 is configured as an analog circuit.

[0148] According to the above configuration, the audio processing unit 11 can be easily configured and miniaturized. Furthermore, compared to the case where the filter 113 is configured with a digital circuit, the audio processing device 10 configured in this way produces a synthesized speech signal S that the listener perceives as clearer. SV This can be output. This is thought to be because the filtering characteristics in the lower limit region of the passband (i.e., the region around 400 Hz) tend to be smoother in the filter 113 configured with analog circuits than in the filter 113 configured with digital circuits.

[0149] Furthermore, it is preferable that the audio processing unit 11 further includes a regulator 115.

[0150] With the above configuration, the speaker can adjust the gain of amplifier 114 according to the listener's behavior, regardless of the listener's intentions. In other words, the degree of clarity in the synthesized speech signal can be adjusted. Therefore, the speech processing unit 11 configured in this way produces a synthesized speech signal S with the degree of clarity adjusted according to the listener. SV It can output.

[0151] Furthermore, in the audio processing unit 11, it is preferable that the filter 113 is configured to remove the low-frequency components that are below the lower limit frequency and the high-frequency components that are above the upper limit frequency. In addition, the band that is above the lower limit frequency and below the upper limit frequency may include second-order formant components, third-order formant components, and fourth-order formant components.

[0152] The inventors of this application have found that the frequency band that contributes to clarifying the audio signal is approximately 400 Hz to 7 kHz. With the audio processing unit 11 configured in this way, the amplifier 114 receives the first audio signal S included in the frequency band that contributes to clarifying the audio signal. V1’ It amplifies.

[0153] The audio processing unit 11 can output a synthesized speech signal in which the first-order formant component is not amplified, and predetermined formant components (for example, the second-order, third-order, and fourth-order formant components) are amplified.

[0154] Furthermore, in the audio processing unit 11, the audio signal S V and synthesized speech signal S SV It is preferable that each of these is an analog signal.

[0155] Furthermore, it is preferable that in the audio processing unit 11, each of the phase corrector 112, filter 113, amplifier 114, and adder / combiner 116 is configured as an analog circuit.

[0156] This allows for easy configuration of the audio processing unit 11 and enables miniaturization of the audio processor. Furthermore, compared to the case where the filter 113 is configured using a digital circuit, the audio processing unit 11 configured in this way can output a synthesized speech signal that is perceived as clearer by the listener.

[0157] [Examples of variations in the audio processing unit] In the following, we will describe modified examples of the audio processing unit using the audio processing unit 11 as a representative of the audio processing units 11, 11A, and 11B.

[0158] The voice processing unit 11 can be implemented by including, or in combination with, the configuration described in the patent publications relating to the following patent numbers. The technologies described in the respective patent publications of Japanese Patent No. 3731179 and Japanese Patent No. 6548938 are technologies that perform voice processing for speech clarification by focusing on primary (or lower-order) formant components and higher-order formant components (see, for example, Figure 1 of Japanese Patent No. 3731179 and Figure 4 of Japanese Patent No. 6548938). Therefore, as a configuration for realizing the voice processing unit 11, instead of the configuration shown in the block diagram of Figure 5, the configurations shown in Figures 2, 4, and 6 of Japanese Patent No. 3731179 can be adopted, or the configuration of Figure 5 of Japanese Patent No. 6548938 can be adopted. The audio processing unit 11 only needs to perform audio processing on the audio signal representing the voice on the transmitting side supplied from the microphone 21 in order to clarify the voice, and then supply the audio signal that has undergone this processing to the main unit 30.

[0159] Alternatively, instead of the audio processing unit 11 shown in Figure 5, the configuration shown in Figure 4 of the Japanese Patent Publication No. 7105756 can be adopted.

[0160] [Variations of the audio processing device] In the following, a modified example of a voice processing device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described using the voice processing device 10 as a representative of the voice processing device 10 and the handset 20A and 20B.

[0161] In the voice processing device 10, the handset 20 to which the voice processing device 10 is connected, together with the main unit 30, constitutes the telephone 1. That is, in the embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1, the device to which the voice processing device 10 and the handset 20 are connected is the main unit 30 of the telephone 1. However, in this reference example, the device to which the voice processing device 10 and the handset 20 are connected is not limited to the main unit 30, but may be, for example, a personal computer or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0162] In this case, the standard for connecting the audio processing device 10 to a personal computer or mobile terminal can be appropriately selected from existing standards. Examples of such standards include USB, Bluetooth, and HDMI®.

[0163] For example, when connecting the voice processing unit 10 to a personal computer using USB, a USB connector such as Type-A or Type-C can be provided on the housing 12 of the voice processing unit 10, and a USB cable can be used instead of the modular cable 40. Also, for example, when connecting the handset 20B to a personal computer using Bluetooth, a communication module compliant with the Bluetooth standard can be used instead of the first communication unit 24B1.

[0164] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0165] 1 telephone 10. Audio Processing Device P11 port (modular plug) P12 port (modular jack) 11, 11A, 11B Audio Processing Unit 111 Branching point 112 Phase corrector 113 Filters 114 Amplifier 115 Regulator 116 Adder / Synthesizer 12. Enclosure (Enclosure for the audio processing device) 13 switches 20,20A,20B handset P21 Port (Modular Jack) 21. Microphone (transmitter) 22. Speaker (handset) 23, 23A, 23B1, 23B2 Housing (Handset housing) 24A cable 24B1 1st Communication Department 24B2 2nd Communication Department 25B Headband (fixing component) 26B Microphone Boom Arm 30 Main Unit P31, P32 ports (modular jacks) 40, 50 Modular Cables 41, 42, 51 Modular Plugs

Claims

1. A handset-type receiver that connects to a personal computer or mobile terminal, Transmitter and receiver, A voice processing unit that applies voice processing to the voice signal representing the voice of the transmitting party supplied from the transmitter in order to clarify the voice, and supplies the voice-processed voice signal to the personal computer or mobile terminal. It comprises a handset-type housing that houses the transmitter, the receiver, and the voice processing unit, At least the surface of the housing is provided with a metal electromagnetic wave shielding member that blocks electromagnetic waves. A handset characterized by the following features.

2. A handset type handset connected to a personal computer or mobile terminal, Transmitter and receiver, A voice processing unit that applies voice processing to the voice signal representing the voice of the transmitting party supplied from the transmitter in order to clarify the voice, and supplies the voice-processed voice signal to the personal computer or mobile terminal. A handset-type housing that houses the transmitter, the receiver, and the voice processing unit, The electromagnetic wave shielding member provided inside the housing comprises a metal electromagnetic wave shielding member that houses the audio processing unit and shields against electromagnetic waves. A handset characterized by the following features.

3. The system further comprises a cable interposed between the housing and the personal computer or mobile terminal, with one end of the cable directly connected to the housing. The handset according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The personal computer or mobile terminal is connected via a wired connection using a cable with connectors at both ends. The housing is provided with a port corresponding to a connector provided at one end of the cable interposed between the handset and the personal computer or mobile terminal. The handset according to claim 1 or 2.

5. It further comprises a first communication unit and a second communication unit capable of sending and receiving voice signals to and from each other. The first communication unit is housed in the casing, The second communication unit is connected to a connector that corresponds to a port provided on the personal computer or mobile terminal. The handset according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A headset-type handset that connects to a personal computer or mobile terminal, A fixing member for securing the handset to the user's head or ear, A microphone and a receiver are provided directly or indirectly on the aforementioned fixed member, A voice processing unit that applies voice processing to the voice signal representing the voice of the transmitting party supplied from the transmitter in order to clarify the voice, and supplies the voice-processed voice signal to the personal computer or mobile terminal. It comprises a housing that houses the aforementioned audio processing unit, At least the surface of the housing is provided with a metal electromagnetic wave shielding member that blocks electromagnetic waves. A handset characterized by the following features.

7. A headset type handset connected to a personal computer or mobile terminal, A fixing member for securing the handset to the user's head or ear, A microphone and a receiver are provided directly or indirectly on the aforementioned fixed member, A voice processing unit that applies voice processing to the voice signal representing the voice of the transmitting party supplied from the transmitter in order to clarify the voice, and supplies the voice-processed voice signal to the personal computer or mobile terminal. A housing for the aforementioned audio processing unit, The electromagnetic wave shielding member provided inside the housing comprises a metal electromagnetic wave shielding member that houses the audio processing unit and shields against electromagnetic waves. A handset characterized by the following features.

8. The system further comprises a cable interposed between the housing and the personal computer or mobile terminal, with one end of the cable directly connected to the housing. The handset according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The personal computer or mobile terminal is connected via a wired connection using a cable with connectors at both ends. The housing is provided with a port corresponding to a connector provided at one end of the cable interposed between the handset and the personal computer or mobile terminal. The handset according to claim 6 or 7.

10. It further comprises a first communication unit and a second communication unit capable of sending and receiving voice signals to and from each other. The first communication unit is housed in the casing, The second communication unit is connected to a connector that corresponds to a port provided on the personal computer or mobile terminal. The handset according to claim 6 or 7.

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