Personal induction loop

Abstract

The claimed technical solution relates to the field of electronics, and more particularly to a personal induction loop for converting and transmitting audio information to a personal device for transmitting sound to a hearing organ of the user. The personal induction loop comprises a housing containing a data processing unit configured for wireless connection to a personal device for transmitting sound to a hearing organ, said data processing unit being connected to a microphone unit and to an amplification unit capable of transmitting processed audio information to a load which is in the form of a loop worn on the user's neck and which is connected to the amplification unit, the personal induction loop further comprising an external control unit connected to the data processing unit, and a port configured in the housing to allow connection of an external power supply for charging a rechargeable battery. The technical result of the claimed solution is that of improving the manufacturability of the personal induction loop.

Description

[0001]

[0002] PERSONAL INDUCTION LOOP

[0003] The claimed technical solution relates to the field of electronics, namely to a personal induction loop for converting and transmitting sound information to a personal device for transmitting sound to the user's hearing organ.

[0004] A prior art solution comprises a device for the hearing-impaired, comprising a housing, a power source, an electroacoustic transducer, a control unit, and a power supply status indicator. The power source is an AC power supply; the device also includes a second power source in the form of a battery. The control unit comprises an amplifier, an electromagnetic wave emitter in the form of an induction loop, and a regulator for the electromagnetic field generated by the induction loop. The device has a power on / off switch, a knob for regulating the electromagnetic field generated by the induction loop, and an indicator for the electromagnetic field generated by the induction loop. Russian Federation Patent No. 190695, published July 9, 2019.

[0005] A solution is also known in the art, which is an information and communication device for the hearing-impaired, comprising a housing, a power source, a control unit, and an electroacoustic transducer. The device has a power cable for connecting an alternating current network to the power source, as well as a second power source in the form of a battery located in the device housing. The device's control unit includes an amplifier, an electromagnetic wave emitter in the form of an induction loop, and a regulator for the level of the electromagnetic field generated by the induction loop. The device is equipped with a means for switching the device on and off and an indicator of the electromagnetic field level generated by the induction loop, and also has an input and display unit in the form of a touchscreen with an on-screen keyboard. Patent No. 194209, published December 3, 2019. PCI7RU2025 / 000034

[0006] The distinctive feature of the declared technical solution is, in particular, the presence of a power supply with a rechargeable battery in the design of the personal induction loop.

[0007] The technical result of the claimed solution consists in increasing the technological effectiveness of the personal induction loop.

[0008] Improved technology is achieved, in particular, by increasing the ease of use of the loop and the personal device for transmitting sound to the hearing organ.

[0009] The claimed technical result is achieved due to the fact that the personal induction loop includes a housing in which a data processing unit is placed, configured with the possibility of wireless connection to a personal device for transmitting sound to the hearing organ, connected to a microphone unit and to an amplification unit with the possibility of transmitting processed audio information to a load made in the form of a loop worn on the user's neck, connected to the amplification unit, an external control unit connected to the data processing unit, placed on the housing, a power supply with a battery, connected to the data processing unit, a connector for connecting an external power source for charging the battery, made in the housing.

[0010] A personal hearing device shall mean any device that is worn directly on the ear or inserted into the user's auricle or canal, in particular devices for people with hearing impairments, such as a hearing aid, a cochlear device; or, without limitation, an earpiece, including an earpiece.

[0011] A data processing unit, configured to be connected to a personal device for transmitting sound to the hearing organ, connected to a microphone unit and to an amplification unit with the ability to transmit processed audio information to a load made in the form of a loop worn on the user's neck, connected to the amplification unit, provides the ability to transmit converted sound directly to the user's hearing organ, without interference and distortion, which increases the convenience of using a personal device for transmitting sound to the hearing organ and a personal loop by obtaining pure sound (as opposed to using, for example, only a hearing aid) by means of a device located at an optimal distance from the user's hearing organs (on the neck), while, due to the described design, which is based on a housing in which all the components necessary for transmitting sound are located, connected to the neck loop,Acting as a source of transmission of sound information adjusted for better perception, the use of the claimed induction loop is characterized by convenience and functionality, due to the absence of the need to hold the device in one's hands or maintain a certain distance from the sound source (as, for example, when using stationary induction loops in rooms intended for hearing-impaired people). The claimed loop does not place significant strain on the user's body and can be hidden under clothing.

[0012] An external control unit, connected to the data processing unit, located on the housing, provides the ability to adjust the operating mode of the declared device from the outside, without the need to access the internal structure of the housing, characterizing the ease of use of the declared personal induction loop and personal device for transmitting sound to the hearing organ.

[0013] The presence of a power supply unit connected to the data processing unit, with a rechargeable battery recharged via a connector in the housing, allows the device to be used for a certain period of time (limited by the battery's capacity) without connecting to an external power source. This ensures ease of use, as it eliminates the need to carry an additional power source and connect it to the loop during operation. This would limit the user's freedom of movement and the device's ergonomics due to the additional load from the weight of the power source itself, the use of power cables, and so on. Furthermore, the presence of a connector in the housing for connecting an external power source allows for quick charging of the personal induction loop, without disassembling the housing or removing the battery, for subsequent safe and reliable use.

[0014] Making the battery removable allows for easy removal for subsequent charging (for example, in a charging box) and installation of a similar charged battery. This solution further simplifies the use of the device, as it allows for continuous operation of the induction loop, allowing the loop to be connected to an external power source for recharging. This design is particularly useful, for example, during extended use of a personal induction loop and a connected personal hearing device. The presence of a battery retaining element in the housing allows for the battery to be secured to the housing, eliminating vibrations that can cause discomfort when worn around the neck while the user walks.

[0015] The implementation of a connector for connecting an external power source in the form of a USB Type-C connector additionally ensures the exchange of data between the data processing unit and the PC for making individual settings in programmable components.

[0016] An external display unit, housed within the housing and connected to the data processing unit, displays the induction loop's status (battery level, operating mode, etc.), enhancing its ease of use, particularly by eliminating the need to penetrate the loop's structure to obtain relevant information. The use of LEDs as indicators located outside the housing, whose information is perceived visually, is particularly useful for enhancing the performance of induction loops used with hearing aids or earpieces, as information received in other ways may not be perceived by the user.

[0017] Further, the claimed technical solution is explained with the help of Figure 1, which conditionally shows its functional block diagram.

[0018] The numbers on the figure indicate:

[0019] - data processing unit (1);

[0020] - microphone unit (2);

[0021] - amplification block (3);

[0022] - load (4);

[0023] - external control unit (5);

[0024] - battery (6);

[0025] - power supply unit (7);

[0026] - connector (8);

[0027] - external indication block (9).

[0028] The personal induction loop includes a housing in which a data processing unit (1) is located, configured to wirelessly connect to a personal device for transmitting sound to the hearing organ.

[0029] The data processing unit (1) is connected to the microphone unit (2) and to the amplification unit (5) with the ability to transmit processed audio information to the load (4) connected to the amplification unit (3).

[0030] The load (4) is designed as a loop worn around the user's neck. An external control unit (5), located on the body, is connected to the data processing unit (1). Preferably, the external control unit (5) includes buttons for turning the loop on / off and adjusting the volume level.

[0031] The personal induction loop includes a power supply unit (7) with a removable battery (6), connected to a data processing unit (1).

[0032] The body of the personal induction loop includes a connector (8) for connecting an external power source for charging the battery (6), preferably made in the form of a USB Type-C connector.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the personal induction loop housing includes a battery retaining element (6). This element / elements may be designed as a runner with a locking latch or magnet at the end to ensure secure contact. The battery (6) is preferably inserted into the loop housing (into the power supply). Preferably, the contacts for connection to the power supply (7) are located on the outside and are designed as rectangular pads, further simplifying connection of the battery (6).

[0034] The case can be made water-resistant according to the global standard for portable electronics. The personal induction loop can have an additional control unit in the data processing unit (1) for reading service information, such as the number of charge cycles, calculating the remaining capacity, and providing recommendations to the user.

[0035] The data processing unit is preferably implemented on the basis of a QCC3005 or AB398 controller with Bluetooth protocol support.

[0036] The data processing unit (1) is preferably connected to an external display unit (9) housed within the housing. The external display unit (9) may include several LEDs indicating the device's operating mode, charge status, battery status (6), error status, etc.

[0037] Preferably, the microphone unit (2) includes microphones spaced apart in space.

[0038] A personal induction loop works as follows (using the example of use with a hearing aid).

[0039] When the power button for the external control unit (5) is pressed, the data processing unit (1) exits sleep mode and authorizes connections via Bluetooth. Wireless communication can also be established via the FM channel. After pairing with any device capable of transmitting audio information (TV, telephone, computer, tablet, etc.), the data processing unit (1) adjusts the audio track according to a preset frequency response, sends it to the amplification unit (3), where it is converted to the required output level, and then transmitted to the load (4) (the wound loop).

[0040] The user places the loop around their neck, switches their hearing aid to T (telecoil) mode if needed, and listens to audio from the connected device. The loop's flexibility further facilitates wearing the device, allowing it to conform to the contours of the user's neck.

[0041] The microphone unit (2) preferably includes two microphones, located at a distance from each other and used only for incoming calls, voice, and video messages. A function can also be implemented whereby ambient sounds from the microphone unit (2) are fed to the data processing unit (1), where a specific algorithm processes the ambient sound, passing through the amplification path (via the amplification unit (3)) according to a predetermined frequency response, and being fed to the load (4). This design allows for comfortable use of a hearing aid (or any other similar device), taking into account the hearing characteristics of those using devices without fine-tuning capabilities.

[0042] A personal induction loop may include a feedback tuning circuit for manual or automatic tuning of the resonant circuit to individually suit each type of hearing aid the user uses and to achieve the best quality of transmitted sound.

[0043] The personal induction loop, with its rechargeable battery (6) inserted, is charged from an external power source via connector (8). Once charged, it can be used until the battery (6) is discharged, which can then be replaced with a similar one to continue the loop's operation. The discharged battery (6) can be placed in the portable charging station to recharge, or reconnected to the power source while in the loop's power supply unit (7) via connector (8).

[0044] The claimed technical solution can be used with any hearing aids that support the "telecoil" function, including cochlear audio processors or headphones.

[0045] The presented figure, description of the design and use of the personal induction loop do not exhaust the possible design options and do not in any way limit the scope of the claimed technical solution.

[0046] Other design options are possible within the scope of the claimed formula.

Claims

Invention formula 1. A personal induction loop comprising a housing containing a data processing unit capable of wireless connection to a personal device for transmitting sound to the hearing organ, connected to a microphone unit and to an amplification unit capable of transmitting processed audio information to a load made in the form of a loop worn around the user's neck, connected to the amplification unit, an external control unit connected to the data processing unit, located on the housing, a power supply unit with a rechargeable battery connected to the data processing unit, a connector for connecting an external power source for charging the rechargeable battery, made in the housing.

2. A personal induction loop according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the battery is removable.

3. A personal induction loop according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the housing includes an element for securing the battery.

4. A personal induction loop according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the connector for connecting an external power source is made in the form of a USB Type-C connector.

5. A personal induction loop according to claim 1, characterized in that the data processing unit is based on a QCC3005 or AB398 controller with support for the Bluetooth protocol.

6. A personal induction loop according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the data processing unit is connected to an external indication unit made in the housing.

7. A personal induction loop according to claim 1, characterized in that the microphone unit includes microphones spaced apart in space.

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