PELADEAU, Michel (10 rue Belgrade Est, Laval, Quebec H7K 1L1, CA)
ROCHETTE, Lionel (229 rue Colombiere Ouest, Quebec, Quebec G1L 1C5, CA)
TAILLEFER, Pierre (166 Jean-Baptiste Jobin, Boucherville, Quebec J4B 2S5, CA)
LESSNICK, Hugo (1184 de Dieppe, Boucherville, Québec J4B 7Z3, CA)
TAILLEFER, Eric (2904 rue du Refuge, Quebec, Quebec G1W 3V4, CA)
PELADEAU, Michel (10 rue Belgrade Est, Laval, Quebec H7K 1L1, CA)
ROCHETTE, Lionel (229 rue Colombiere Ouest, Quebec, Quebec G1L 1C5, CA)
TAILLEFER, Pierre (166 Jean-Baptiste Jobin, Boucherville, Quebec J4B 2S5, CA)
LESSNICK, Hugo (1184 de Dieppe, Boucherville, Québec J4B 7Z3, CA)
| WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A system for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment, said system comprising: a controller providing for recording and storing a plurality of target sound events and target words; at least one audio input device for continuously capturing in realtime sound events and spoken words in the ambient environment and transmitting in real-time the captured sound events and captured spoken words to said controller; and at least one output device for receiving a signal from said controller that a given sound event or a given spoken word has been captured and for producing a notification signal thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound event or given captured spoken word, wherein said controller provides comparing in real-time a given captured sound event and a given captured spoken word to said stored plurality of target sound events and target words in order to determine a match between a captured sound event and a said stored target sound event or a captured spoken word and a said stored target word, said controller signaling said output device when a said match is made, said output device notifying the user of said match. 2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein said controller comprises a central processing unit. 3. A system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said controller comprises a digital signal processor. 4. A system according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein controller comprises a digital sound registry. 5. A system according to claim 4, wherein said digital sound registry comprises a flash memory circuit. 6. A system according to claim 5, wherein said flash memory circuit provides for storing said plurality of target sound events and said target words. 7. A system according to claim 4, wherein said digital sound registry comprises a plurality of flash memory circuits. 8. A system according to claim 7, wherein each said flash memory circuit of said plurality provides for storing a given said target sound event or a given said target word. 9. A system according to claim 7, wherein each said flash memory circuit of said plurality provides for storing said plurality of target sound events and said target words. 10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a given said target sound event is selected from the group consisting of: a door bell, a fire alarm, a security alarm, a telephone ring, and a microwave alarm. 11. A system according any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said target sound events comprise recorded and digitalized actual sound events and wherein said target words rerecorded and digitalized actual words spoken by the human voice. 12. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein said audio input device comprises a microphone. 13. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said system further comprises a unit comprising said controller. 14. A system according to claim 13, wherein said unit further comprises said at least one audio input device. 15. A system according to claim 13, wherein said unit further comprises said at least one output device. 16. A system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein said unit is selected from the group consisting of: a bracelet, a clip, a console, and a portable unit. 17. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and 15 or 16, wherein said at least one audio input device comprises a separate device for being positioned near at least one sound source. 18. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a plurality of audio input devices. 19. A system according to claim 18, wherein each of said plurality of audio input devices are separate devices for being positioned near at least one sound source. 20. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a filter in communication with said at least one audio input device and said controller for filtering undesired analog audio frequencies thereby providing for desired analog audio frequencies to be transmitted to said controller. 21. A system according to claim 20, wherein said controller provides for digitalizing said desired analog audio frequencies. 22. A system according to claim 21 , wherein said controller further provides for storing said desired analog audio frequencies for comparison thereof with said plurality of target sounds and target words. 23. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising a plurality of output devices. 24. A system according to claim 23, wherein each said output device of said plurality is a separate device providing for being positioned at a separate location for notifying the user. 25. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein said output device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: an alarm device, a monitor device, an alarm/monitor device, an LED array, a graphic display, a vibrating means, a radio transmitter, an ultrasonic transducer, an oral warning device, a visual warning device, an oral/visual warning device and any combination thereof. 26. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising a command entry interface in communication with said controller. 27. A system according to claim 26, wherein said command entry interface is selected from the group consisting of: a keypad, a keyboard, a switch, a touch screen, a communication sensor and any combination thereof. 28. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising an additional output device in communication with said controller 29. A system according to claim 28, wherein said additional output device comprises an audio output device. 30. A system according to any one of claims 28 or 29, wherein said additional output device provides ultrasonic tones. 31. A system according to any one of claims 28 to 30, further comprising a plurality of said controllers, each said controller in communication with at least one respective said audio input device, with at least one respective said output device and with at least one said additional output device, each said respective additional output device of a given said controller of said plurality of controllers providing for transmitting information to at least another said controller of said plurality of controllers. 32. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 31 wherein said output device is mounted to a support. 33. A system according to claim 32, wherein said support is selected from the group consisting of: a clip, a bracelet, a console, and a portable unit. 34. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 33, further comprising a central station, said controller in communication with said central station. 35. An apparatus for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment, said apparatus comprising: a controller providing for recording and storing a plurality of target sound events and target words; at least one audio input device for continuously capturing in realtime sound events and spoken words in the ambient environment and transmitting in real-time the captured sound events and captured spoken words to said controller; and at least one output device for receiving a signal from said controller that a given sound event or a given spoken word has been captured and for producing a notification signal thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound event or given captured spoken word, wherein said controller provides comparing in real-time a given captured sound event and a given captured spoken word to said stored plurality of target sound events and target words in order to determine a match between a captured sound event and a said stored target sound event or a captured spoken word and a said stored target word, said controller signaling said output device when a said match is made, said output device notifying the user of said match. 36. An apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said controller comprises a central processing unit. 37. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 or 36, wherein said controller comprises a digital signal processor. 38. An apparatus according to any one of claim 35 to 37, wherein controller comprises a digital sound registry. 39. An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said digital sound registry comprises a flash memory circuit. 40. An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said flash memory circuit provides for storing said plurality of target sound events and said target words. 41. An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said digital sound registry comprises a plurality of flash memory circuits. 42. An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein each said flash memory circuit of said plurality provides for storing a given said target sound event or a given said target word. 43. An apparatus according to claim 42, wherein each said flash memory circuit of said plurality provides for storing said plurality of target sound events and said target words. 44. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 43, wherein a given said target sound event is selected from the group consisting of: a door bell, a fire alarm, a security alarm, a telephone ring, and a microwave alarm. 45. An apparatus according any one of claims 35 to 44, wherein said target sound events comprise recorded and digitalized actual sound events and wherein said target words comprise recorded and digitalized actual words spoken by the human voice. 46. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 45, wherein said audio input device comprises a microphone. 47. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 46, wherein said apparatus further comprises a unit comprising said controller. 48. An apparatus according to claim 47, wherein said unit further comprises said at least one audio input device. 49. An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said unit further comprises said at least one output device. 50. An apparatus according to 47 to 49, wherein said unit is selected from the group consisting of: a bracelet, a clip, a console, and a portable unit. 51. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 48 and 49 or 50, wherein said at least one audio input device comprises a separate device for being positioned near at least one sound source. 52. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 51 , further comprising a plurality of audio input devices. 53. An apparatus according to claim 52, wherein each of said plurality of audio input devices are separate devices for being positioned near at least one sound source. 54. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 53, further comprising a filter in communication with said at least one audio input device and said controller for filtering undesired analog audio frequencies thereby providing for desired analog audio frequencies to be transmitted to said controller. 55. An apparatus according to claim 54, wherein said controller provides for digitalizing said desired analog audio frequencies. 56. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein said controller further provides for storing said desired analog audio frequencies for comparison thereof with said plurality of target sound events and target words. 57. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 56, further comprising a plurality of output devices. 58. An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein each said output device of said plurality is a separate device providing for being positioned at a separate location for notifying the user. 59. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 58, wherein said output device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: an alarm device, a monitor device, an alarm/monitor device, an LED array, a graphic display, a vibrating means, a radio transmitter, an ultrasonic transducer, an oral warning device, a visual warning device, an oral/visual warning device and any combination thereof. 60. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 59, further comprising a command entry interface in communication with said controller. 61. An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said command entry interface is selected from the group consisting of: a keypad, a keyboard, a switch, a touch screen, a communication sensor and any combination thereof. 62. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 61 , further comprising an additional output device in communication with said controller 63. An apparatus according to claim 62, wherein said additional output device comprises an audio output device. 64. An apparatus according to any one of claims 62 or 63, wherein said additional output device provides ultrasonic tones. 65. An apparatus according to any one of claims 62 to 64, wherein said controller is in communication with at least one other controller of a like said apparatus, said additional output device providing for transmitting information to said at least one other controller. 66. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 65 wherein said output device is mounted to a support. 67. An apparatus according to claim 66, wherein said support is selected from the group consisting of: a clip, a bracelet, a console, a portable unit. 68. An apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 67, wherein said controller is in communication with a central station. 69. A kit for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment, said kit comprising: a controller providing for recording and storing a plurality of target sound events and target words; at least one audio input device for continuously capturing in realtime sound events and spoken words in the ambient environment and transmitting in real-time the captured sound events and captured spoken words to said controller; and at least one output device for receiving a signal from said controller that a given sound event or a given spoken word has been captured and for producing a notification signal thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound event or given captured spoken word, wherein said controller provides comparing in real-time a given captured sound event and a given captured spoken word to said stored plurality of target sounds and target words in order to determine a match between a captured sound event and a said stored target sound event or a captured spoken word and a said stored target word, said controller signaling said output device when a said match is made, said output device notifying the user of said match. 70. A system for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment, said system comprising: a controller comprising a plurality of memory circuits, each memory circuit providing for recording and storing at least one target sound; at least one audio input device for continuously capturing in realtime sounds produced in the ambient environment and transmitting in real-time the captured sounds to said controller; and at least one output device for receiving a signal from said controller that a given sound produced in the ambient environment has been captured and for producing a notification signal thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound, wherein said controller provides comparing in real-time a given captured sound to each said target sound in order to determine a match therebetween, said controller signaling said output device when a said match is made, said output device notifying the user of said match. 71. A system according to claim 70, wherein said captured sound comprises a sound event and wherein said target sound comprises a target sound event. 72. A system according to any one of claims 70 or 71 , wherein said captured sound comprises a word spoken by the human voice and wherein said target sound comprises a target word. 73. An apparatus for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment, said apparatus comprising: a controller comprising a plurality of memory circuits, each memory circuit providing for recording and storing at least one target sound; at least one audio input device for continuously capturing in realtime sounds produced in the ambient environment and transmitting in real-time the captured sounds to said controller; and at least one output device for receiving a signal from said controller that a given sound produced in the ambient environment has been captured and for producing a notification signal thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound, wherein said controller provides comparing in real-time a given captured sound to each said target sound in order to determine a match therebetween, said controller signaling said output device when a said match is made, said output device notifying the user of said match. 74. An apparatus according to claim 73, wherein said captured sound comprises a sound event and wherein said target sound comprises a target sound event. 75. An apparatus according to any one of claims 73 or 74, wherein said captured sound comprises a word spoken by the human voice and wherein said target sound comprises a target word. 76. A kit for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment, said apparatus comprising: a controller comprising a plurality of memory circuits, each memory circuit providing for recording and storing at least one target sound; at least one audio input device for continuously capturing in realtime sounds produced in the ambient environment and transmitting in real-time the captured sounds to said controller; and at least one output device for receiving a signal from said controller that a given sound produced in the ambient environment has been captured and for producing a notification signal thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound, wherein said controller provides comparing in real-time a given captured sound to each said target sound in order to determine a match therebetween, said controller signaling said output device when a said match is made, said output device notifying the user of said match. 77. A kit according to claim 76, wherein said captured sound comprises a sound event and wherein said target sound comprises a target sound event. 78. A kit according to any one of claims 76 or 77, wherein said captured sound comprises a word spoken by the human voice and wherein said target sound comprises a target word. 79. A method of notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment, said method comprising: providing a plurality of stored target sound events and target words; continuously capturing in real-time sound events and spoken words in the ambient environment; comparing in real-time a given captured sound event and/or a given captured spoken word to said stored plurality of target sound events and target words in order to determine a match between a captured sound event and a said stored target sound event or a captured spoken word and a said stored target word; and producing a notification signal when a said match is made thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound event or the given captured spoken word. 80. A method according to claim 79, wherein said providing step comprises capturing at least one target sound event produced in the ambient environment and/or at least one target word spoken by the human voice. 81. A method according to claim 80, wherein said providing step further comprises digitalizing the captured at least one target sound event and the at least one target word. 82. A method according to any one of claims 80 or 81 , further comprising assigning respective notification signals to each of the at least one captured target sound and the at least one recorded target word. 83. A method according to claim 82, wherein said producing step comprises providing the user said respective notification signal assigned to the at least one recorded target sound and/or providing the user said respective notification signal assigned to the at least one recorded target word. 84. A method according any one of claims 80 to 83, further comprising a verification step in order to evaluate whether the correct at least one target sound event produced in the ambient environment and/or at least one target word spoken by the human voice was captured. 85. A method according to any one of claims 79 to 84, wherein said capturing step further comprises filtering undesired analog audio frequencies thereby providing for desired analog audio frequencies to be compared. 86. A method according to any one of claims 79 to 85, further comprising digitalizing the captured sound events and spoken words before said comparing step. 87. A method according to claim 86, further comprising temporarily storing the digitalized captured sound events and spoken words before said comparing step. 88. A method of notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment, said method comprising: providing a plurality memory circuits, each memory circuit comprising at least one stored target sound; continuously capturing in real-time sounds produced in the ambient environment; comparing in real-time a given captured sound to each said target sound in order to determine a match therebetween; and producing a notification signal when a said match is made thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound. 89. A method according to claim 88, wherein said providing step comprises capturing at least one sound produced in the ambient environment. 90. A method according to claim 89, wherein said providing step further comprises digitalizing the captured at least one sound. 91. A method according to any one of claims 89 or 90, further comprising assigning a notification signal to the at least one captured sound. 92. A method according to claim 91 , wherein said producing step comprises providing the user said respective notification signal assigned to the at least one sound. 93. A method according any one of claims 89 to 92, further comprising a verification step in order to evaluate whether the correct at least one target sound produced in the ambient environment was captured. 94. A method according to any one of claims 88 to 93, wherein said capturing step further comprises filtering undesired analog audio frequencies thereby providing for desired analog audio frequencies to be compared. 95. A method according to any one of claims 88 to 94, further comprising digitalizing the captured sound events and spoken words before said comparing step. 96. A method according to claim 95, further comprising temporarily storing the digitalized captured sound events and spoken words before said comparing step. 97. A method according to any one of claims 88 to 96, wherein said captured sound comprises a sound event and wherein said target sound comprises a target sound event. 98. A method according to any one of claims 88 to 96, wherein said captured sound comprises a word spoken by the human voice and wherein said target sound comprises a target word. |
MULTIPLE SOUND AND VOICE DETECTOR FOR HEARING- IMPAIRED OR
DEAF PERSON
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority of United States Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 61/213,651 filed on June 30 th , 2009 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The description relates to warning devices for the hearing impaired or for deaf persons or for those working in an environment where sounds are masked by ambient noise. More specifically, but not exclusively, the description relates to a multiple sound and voice detector for a hearing impaired or deaf person.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Environmental sensing systems are well known. These systems provide people who are deaf or are hearing impaired with the possibility of detecting sound events in their immediate environment. The detection units used can include phone, door bell, fire alarm or other type of sound detector. The receiver will typically indicate with a symbol or a word which sound is being generated.
[0004] PCT publication WO 2008/067638, which is incorporated herein by reference, teaches an environment sensing system including a personal unit that can be worn by the user for notifying the user of a sound event in the surrounding environment. The personal unit can also be in communication with a central station for the user to request immediate assistance. When receiving a sound event message, the personal unit will vibrate and display a notification on a screen. Furthermore, the central station may contact the user by displaying inquiries or messages on the screen. At this juncture, the user may confirm if immediate assistance is in fact required or communicate more information to the central station using a key pad.
[0005] United States Patent 5,651 ,070, which is incorporated herein by reference, teaches a listening device for warning an individual unable to hear warning signals. The device provides for pre-recording a warning signal, converting the signal into digital information, and storing the digital information. The device continuously compares the digital information to ambient sound information which is converted into ambient digital information and alerts the individual with an alerting signal when the pre-recorded digital information matches the ambient digital information corresponding to the warning signal.
[0006] Drawbacks of current systems include the limited number of sounds that can or be pre-registered into the detection unit as well as the fact that these systems do not provide for the detection of both sounds generated in the ambient environment as well as words produced by the human voice.
OBJECTS
[0007] It is an object of the disclosure to provide a multiple sound and voice detector for a hearing impaired or a deaf person.
[0008] It is an object of the disclosure to provide a system for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment, [0009] It is an object of the disclosure to provide a system for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment.
[0010] It is an object of the disclosure to provide an apparatus for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment.
[0011] It is an object of the disclosure to provide an apparatus for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment.
[0012] It is an object of the disclosure to provide a kit for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment.
[0013] It is an object of the disclosure to provide a kit for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment.
[0014] It is an object of the disclosure to provide a method of notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment.
[0015] It is an object of the disclosure to provide a method of notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment.
SUMMARY
[0016] Provided herein is a detector capable of recognizing a plurality of sounds including words produced by the human voice and to notify a hearing impaired person, a deaf person or a person in a noisy environment that a given sound or word has been generated.
[0017] More specifically but by no means exclusively, the device includes a circuit or a plurality of circuits, the circuit or each circuit provides for registering a plurality of sounds as well as (the certain) words produced by the human voice. When a certain sound is produced within the ambient environment a notification signal is generated in order to bring to the attention of the user that a certain sound or a certain word was produced in the ambient environment. The unit may be in the form of a bracelet, an auxiliary console, a clippable element that can be worn on the user's belt for example. The device may include a screen showing the word or an image of the sound or word that was recognized. The unit may vibrate in order to attract the user's attention. The unit may broadcast a digital radio message reporting selected emergency event codes to trigger other units in the same area. The units may also be linked to a central station for communication therewith.
[0018] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a system for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment, In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure there is provided an apparatus for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure there is provided kit for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment. The foregoing system, apparatus and kit respectively comprise:
[0019] a controller providing for recording and storing a plurality of target sound events and target words; [0020] at least one audio input device for continuously capturing in realtime sound events and spoken words in the ambient environment and transmitting in real-time the captured sound events and captured spoken words to said controller; and
[0021] at least one output device for receiving a signal from said controller that a given sound event or a given spoken word has been captured and for producing a notification signal thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound event or given captured spoken word,
[0022] wherein said controller provides comparing in real-time a given captured sound event and a given captured spoken word to said stored plurality of target sound events and target words in order to determine a match between a captured sound event and a said stored target sound event or a captured spoken word and a said stored target word, said controller signaling said output device when a said match is made, said output device notifying the user of said match.
[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a system for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided kit for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment. The immediately preceding system, apparatus and kit respectively comprise:
[0024] a controller comprising a plurality of memory circuits, each memory circuit providing for recording and storing at least one target sound; [0025] at least one audio input device for continuously capturing in realtime sounds produced in the ambient environment and transmitting in real-time the captured sounds to said controller; and
[0026] at least one output device for receiving a signal from said controller that a given sound produced in the ambient environment has been captured and for producing a notification signal thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound,
[0027] wherein said controller provides comparing in real-time a given captured sound to each said target sound in order to determine a match therebetween, said controller signaling said output device when a said match is made, said output device notifying the user of said match.
[0028] In an embodiment, the captured sound comprises a sound event and the target sound comprises a target sound event. In an embodiment, the captured sound comprises a word spoken by the human voice and the target sound comprises a target word.
[0029] In an embodiment, the controller comprises a central processing unit. In an embodiment, controller comprises a digital signal processor. In an embodiment, the controller comprises a digital sound registry. In an embodiment, the digital sound registry comprises a flash memory circuit. In an embodiment, the flash memory circuit provides for storing said plurality of target sound events and said target words. In an embodiment, the digital sound registry comprises a plurality of flash memory circuits. In an embodiment, each said flash memory circuit of said plurality provides for storing a given said target sound event or a given said target word. In an embodiment, each said flash memory circuit of said plurality provides for storing said plurality of target sound events and said target words. [0030] In an embodiment, a given said target sound event is selected from the group consisting of: a door bell, a fire alarm, a security alarm, a telephone ring, and a microwave alarm. In an embodiment, said target sound events comprise recorded and digitalized actual sound events and wherein said target words rerecorded and digitalized actual words spoken by the human voice.
[0031] In an embodiment, the systems, apparatuses and kits of the disclosure further comprise a unit comprising said controller, the unit further comprises said at least one audio input device. In an embodiment, the unit further comprises said at least one output device. In an embodiment, the unit is selected from the group consisting of: a bracelet, a clip, a console, and a portable unit.
[0032] In an embodiment, the audio input device comprises a microphone.
In an embodiment, the at least one audio input device comprises a separate device for being positioned near at least one sound source. In an embodiment, the systems, apparatuses and kits of the disclosure further comprise further comprise a plurality of audio input devices. In an embodiment, each of said plurality of audio input devices are separate devices for being positioned near at least one sound source.
[0033] In an embodiment, the systems, apparatuses and kits of the disclosure further comprise a filter in communication with said at least one audio input device and said controller for filtering undesired analog audio frequencies thereby providing for desired analog audio frequencies to be transmitted to said controller. In an embodiment, the controller provides for digitalizing said desired analog audio frequencies. In an embodiment, the controller further provides for storing said desired analog audio frequencies for comparison thereof with said plurality of target sounds and target words. [0034] In an embodiment, the systems, apparatuses and kits of the disclosure further comprise a plurality of output devices. In an embodiment, each said output device of said plurality is a separate device providing for being positioned at a separate location for notifying the user. In an embodiment, said output device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: an alarm device, a monitor device, an alarm/monitor device, an LED array, a graphic display, a vibrating means, a radio transmitter, an ultrasonic transducer, an oral warning device, a visual warning device, an oral/visual warning device and any combination thereof. In an embodiment, the output device is mounted to a support. In an embodiment, the support is selected from the group consisting of: a clip, a bracelet, a console, and a portable unit.
[0035] In an embodiment, the systems, apparatuses and kits of the disclosure, further comprise a command entry interface in communication with said controller. In an embodiment, command entry interface is selected from the group consisting of: a keypad, a keyboard, a switch, a touch screen, a communication sensor and any combination thereof.
[0036] In an embodiment, the systems, apparatuses and kits of the disclosure, further comprise an additional output device in communication with said controller. In an embodiment, the additional output device comprises an audio output device. In an embodiment, the additional output device provides ultrasonic tones.
[0037] In an embodiment, the systems, apparatuses and kits of the disclosure, further comprise a plurality of said controllers, each said controller in communication with at least one respective said audio input device, with at least one respective said output device and with at least one said additional output device, each said respective additional output device of a given said controller of said plurality of controllers providing for transmitting information to at least another said controller of said plurality of controllers.
[0038] In an embodiment, the systems of the disclosure further comprise a central station, the controller being in communication with said central station. In an embodiment, the controller of the apparatuses and kits of the disclosure are in communication with a central station.
[0039] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound event and/or a word spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment, said method comprising:
[0040] providing a plurality of stored target sound events and target words;
[0041] continuously capturing in real-time sound events and spoken words in the ambient environment;
[0042] comparing in real-time a given captured sound event and/or a given captured spoken word to said stored plurality of target sound events and target words in order to determine a match between a captured sound event and a said stored target sound event or a captured spoken word and a said stored target word; and
[0043] producing a notification signal when a said match is made thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound event or the given captured spoken word.
[0044] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment, said method comprising:
[0045] providing a plurality memory circuits, each memory circuit comprising at least one stored target sound;
[0046] continuously capturing in real-time sounds produced in the ambient environment;
[0047] comparing in real-time a given captured sound each said target sound in order to determine a match therebetween; and
[0048] producing a notification signal when a said match is made thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound.
[0049] Other aspects, objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0050] In the appended drawings:
[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a multiple sound and voice detection system in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the disclosure; [0052] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a multiple sound and voice detection system in accordance with another non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0053] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a multiple sound and voice detection system in accordance with a further non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0054] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a multiple sound and voice detection system in accordance with yet another non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0055] Figure 5 is a front elevational view of an apparatus for multiple sound and voice detection accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0056] Figure 6 is front view of a pair of audio input devices of a kit for multiple sound and voice detection accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0057] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an apparatus for multiple sound and voice detection accordance with another non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;
[0058] Figure 8 is a lateral side view of an apparatus for multiple sound and voice detection accordance with a further non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0059] Figure 9 is a top plan view of an apparatus for multiple sound and voice detection accordance with yet a further non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] Generally stated there is provided a system, an apparatus or a kit for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of multiple sounds produced in the ambient environment including non-verbal sounds and words spoken by the human voice. The system, apparatus or kit comprises a controller, at least one audio input device and at least one output device. The controller provides for storing a plurality of target sounds. The audio input device continuously captures in real-time sounds produced in the ambient environment and transmits in real-time the captured sounds to the controller. The controller compares in real-time a given captured sound to each target sound in order to determine a match therebetween. The controller signals the output device when a match is made. The output device receives this signal from the controller that a given sound produced in the ambient environment has been captured and produces a notification signal thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound.
[0061] Generally stated there is provided there is provided a method of notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound selected from multiple sound events and multiple words spoken by the human voice produced in the ambient environment.
[0062] Figure 1 shows a system 10, which can also be provided in the form of an apparatus or a kit, for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound produced in the ambient environment. The sound can comprise a non-verbal sound, referred to herein as a sound event or a word spoken by the human voice. The term "hearing impaired" is not limited to a user suffering from an affliction that decreases the capacity to hear but also includes a user with normal hearing that is impaired due to a noisy environment. As such, the system 10 can be mounted within a unit or it can be in the form of a plurality of devices that co-operate as an assembly. The system 10 includes a controller 12, in communication with at least one audio input device 14 and with at least one output device 20.
[0063] The controller 12 provides for recording and storing a plurality 18 of target sound events and target words. Indeed, the controller may include a registry 16 in the form of a plurality of memory circuits 19. Each memory circuit 19 can include one or more recorded and stored sound. The audio input device 14 provides for continuously capturing in real-time sound events and spoken words in the ambient environment and transmits in real-time these captured sound events and captured spoken words to the controller 12. The controller 12 provides for comparing in real-time a given captured sound to each stored sound in order to determine a match therebetween. The controller 12 signals the output device 20 when this match is made. The output device 20 provides for notifying the user of this match. More specifically, the output device 20 receives a signal from the controller 12 that a given sound has been captured and produces a notification signal thereby notifying in realtime the user of the given captured sound. A given notification signal is assigned to each target sound. The controller 12 may also be linked to a central station 40.
[0064] Figure 2 shows the system 10' including a controller in the form of central processing unit 12 (CPU) and a digital signal processor 28 (DSP), an audio input device 14, and a digital sound registry 16' in the form of a flash memory circuit in which a plurality of encoded target sounds are stored.
[0065] More specifically, the flash memory 16 includes a plurality 18 of various sounds that have been digitalized such as a door bell, a fire alarm, a telephone ring, a microwave alarm and other sounds as well as samplings of a human voice pronouncing the user's name or other words important for the user (for example, the word: "Fire!").
[0066] The audio input device 14 can be in the form of a microphone that is integrated in one-piece unit that includes CPU 12 as well as the flash memory 16 (which can be a chip, a circuit, or a replaceable memory device). There may be a plurality of audio input devices 14 which are remote from the main unit. These audio input devices 14 can be positioned near the sources of target sounds such as the door, the telephone, the microwave, the smoke detector, the burglar alarm and other sound producing sources, or in a general area where all these sounds can be detected.
[0067] The system 10' also includes an output device 20 which produces an alarm or another type of notification signal. The function of the output device 20 is to notify the user that a certain sound event or word (including the pronunciation of one's name or an important word) has occurred. In one embodiment the output device is an alarm/monitor output device which may include a LED array, a graphic display, a vibrating means (for example a vibrating monitor, a vibrating motor and the like), a radio transmitter, an ultrasonic transducer, oral/visual warning devices and the like. Of course, there may be a plurality of such output devices 20. For example, the user may have an output device 20 mounted to their belt or on a bracelet as well as another output device 20 being next to their bed or in the washroom or another room. The foregoing is especially useful when the user is not carrying the output device 20.
[0068] A command entry interface 22, linked to the CPU 12, can be provided in the form of a keypad, a keyboard, a switch, a touch screen, a communication sensor or another command device known in the art for allowing control of the system 10. [0069] An additional output device 24 is also linked to the DSP 28 which is controlled by the CPU 12. Device 24 can be an audio speaker device providing for oral instructions to a non-deaf or a non hearing-impaired person during programming of the unit as well as for ultrasonic tones for communicating between a plurality of like units.
[0070] A filter 26 is interposed between the audio input device 14 and the
DSP 28 in order to filter out certain undesired analog audio frequencies before the DSP 28. The desired analog audio frequencies, once filtered, are received by the DSP 28 for digitalization thereof. This digital data is then stored on a temporary basis into the static memory (internal RAM temporary data) of CPU 12 in order to be compared with the stored target sounds 18.
[0071] When recording sounds, the user will place the audio input device
14 next to the sound producing sources to record sounds. The user can also speak into the audio input device 14 pronouncing certain words. Of course, this operation is best performed by a person who does not have impaired hearing so that they may evaluate the success of the sound storage process. Therefore, the sound is captured by the audio input device 14 and is run as raw analog audio input 30 such as a line input, an analog radio receiver and the like to be run through the band pass filter 26.
[0072] The filtered sound is then transmitted to the DSP 28 for encoding.
More specifically, the unit may include a "learn" switch on the command entry interface which causes the CPU 12 to activate its speech processor in the DSP 28 so as to provide oral instructions to the person recording and storing sounds. The CPU 12 also monitors the band pass filter 26 which is also enabled when the "learn" switch is actuated. The "learn" switch selection allows the user to set which sound to record. [0073] While recording as well as sampling sounds, the band pass filter
26 is configured to filter out audio frequencies which are useless to sounds recognition, therefore saving processing and memory resources. For example, very low (rumble) and very high (hiss) frequencies never reach the DSP 28 and are not processed for recording or sampling.
[0074] Once the analog sound has been encoded by the DSP 28, it is sent to the flash memory 16 and stored therein. The CPU 12 may tell the user through the audio output device 24 to repeat the recording process of the same sound, which would be internally compared for validation. The CPU 12 may then tell the user through the audio output device 24 that a given sound has been successfully recorded. The audio output device 24 may also produce the recorded sound so that the user can confirm that the proper sound was in fact recorded. An identifier or notification signal such as a number, a vibration or a word can be assigned or associated with a sound and the user may select a picture or a word to be flashed by the alarm output device 20 when this given sound is captured by the audio input device 14.
[0075] Therefore, when a satisfactory amount of sounds and words are saved within the flash memory 16, the unit can now be used.
[0076] In one embodiment, the unit may include a console with an integrated microphone or one or more remote microphones strategically placed to receive ambient sounds. In another embodiment, the user can carry the microphones via a bracelet a belt or any other strategic location as the skilled art is well readily appreciated. The system 10 continuously listens to the audio input device 14 and all the sounds are passed through the band pass filter 26 which pre- processes the sounds and filters out unwanted audio frequencies. When an analog audio stream is captured, it is sent to the DSP 28 to be encoded then transferred to the temporary data area in the internal RAM of CPU 12 for a comparison with all prerecorded digital sounds stored in the flash memory 16. If no matches are made then there will be no signalling or notification. In the event of a match, the CPU 12 is notified and immediately signals the alarm or monitor output device 20. For example, once a match for the user's name is found, the CPU 12 signals an output device 20 such as a vibrating screen to vibrate; the screen may be placed on the belt and a bracelet or at a position near the user and the name is flashed on the screen. Therefore each sound can be associated with an activated indicator on the current display device connected to the output device 20, thereby notifying the user or the generated sound event. For example, this could be an illuminated LED, a display with appropriate text or an explicit icon. Of course, this can be done with or without vibration but a vibrating emitter will more easily catch the user's attention.
[0077] In another embodiment, the units herein are linked to a central station which can provide physical assistance to the user.
[0078] Figure 3, shows a system, apparatus or kit 50 for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound (sound event and/or spoken word) produced in the ambient environment comprising a controller 12 in communication with a plurality of input devices 14A, 14B and 14C, which can be positioned at different areas in order to capture sounds. The controller 12 is also in communication with a plurality of output devices 2OA, 2OB and 2OC, which can be positioned in different areas around the user's home or area of work or on the user and the like to facilitate the user's access to a notification signal.
[0079] Figure 4 shows a system 60 for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound (sound event and/or spoken word) produced in the ambient environment comprising a plurality of controllers 12i, 12ii, 12iii, each being in communication with respective audio input devices 14i, 14ii, 14iii and respective output devices 2Oi, 20ii, 20iii. In fact, each associated controller, audio input device and output device forms a distinct apparatus 62, 64, 66, whereas the assembly of the foregoing van form a kit 68. The controllers 12i, 12ii, 12iii are in communication with each other via the internet, GPS, radio transmission, via additional output devices and the like in order to send and receive information to and from each other. Therefore, the system 60 is also a network. In some situations, when a group of hearing impaired people are at a same general area, and one of the members of the group requires assistance due to a dangerous event that is detected by a sound source as explained herein by only one of apparatuses, for example apparatus 62, a signal is transmitted to apparatuses 64 and 66 that the user of apparatus 62 has been notified of a given sound. Furthermore, a central station 40 can also be notified by any on of the apparatuses 62, 64 and 66 for appropriate assistance.
[0080] With respect to Figures 5 to 9, a variety of apparatus and kits in accordance with non-limiting embodiments will now be described.
[0081] Figure 5 shows an apparatus 70 for notifying a deaf/hearing impaired user of a sound (sound event and/or spoken word) produced in the ambient environment. The apparatus includes unit 72 comprising an output device 74 with screen 76 showing a notification signal message 78 that is assigned to a particular sound event. An audio input device 80 in the form of a microphone is removably mounted to the unit 72. The unit 72 also includes a command entry device 82 in the form of a keypad. The unit 72 emulates the size and shape of a cell phone and can be easily carried by the user.
[0082] Turning to Figure 6, there is shown a pair of microphones 84 and
86 belonging to a kit 88 that can be placed in strategic sound source areas.
[0083] Figure 7 shows an apparatus 90 comprising a table top unit 92 which can be positioned at the bedside of the user for example. The unit 92 includes an output device in the form of a screen 94 showing a notification signal picture or symbol 96. The unit includes a microphone 98 and a command keypad 100.
[0084] The apparatuses disclosed herein can also be provided in the form of a bracelet 102 (see Figure 8) and clip or pager 104 (see Figure 9).
[0085] The bracelet 102 includes a wrist band 106 and a unit 108 with output device in the form of a screen 110 showing a notification signal 112 in the form of a message. The unit 108 includes the controller which receives information from a remote microphone (such as 84 or 86 in Figure 6).
[0086] The clip 104 includes a unit 114 with a clipping element 118 (for being clipped to the belt of a user for example), a removable microphone 120 and an output screen 122 for showing a notification signal. The clip 104 can also include an internal motor for vibrating during notification to the user.
[0087] In an non-restrictive embodiment, the present method comprises the steps of: a) providing a plurality of stored target sound events and target words; b) continuously capturing in real-time sound events and spoken words in the ambient environment; c) comparing in real-time a given captured sound event and/or a given captured spoken word to the stored plurality of target sound events and target words in order to determine a match between a captured sound event and a stored target sound event or a captured spoken word and a stored target word; and d) producing a notification signal when a match is made thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound event or the given captured spoken word.
[0088] In an non-restrictive embodiment, the present method comprises the steps of: a) providing a plurality memory circuits, each memory circuit comprising at least one stored target sound; b) continuously capturing in real-time sounds produced in the ambient environment; c) comparing in real-time a given captured sound to each target sound in order to determine a match therebetween; and d) producing a notification signal when a match is made thereby notifying in real-time the user of the given captured sound. The captured sounds can be nonverbal sound events or spoken words.
[0089] The user captures at least one sound produced in the ambient environment. The sound cab be filtered in order to store desired audio frequencies only. The sound is then digitalizes and a notification signal is assigned to this stored sound, after verifying if the desired sound was captured and stored.
[0090] It should be noted that the various components and features described above can be combined in a variety of ways so as to provide other non- illustrated embodiments within the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit, scope and nature of the subject invention.