US5721783A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hearing aid with wireless remote processor
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1995-06-07
•
Granted: 1998-02-24
•
Expires: 2015-06-07
Abstract
Abstract A hearing aid or audio communication system includes an earpiece (10) that can be hidden in the ear canal, and which communicates wirelessly with a remote processor unit, or RPU (16), that enhances audio signals and can be concealed under clothing. Sounds from the environment are picked up by a microphone (12) in the earpiece and sent with other information over a two-way wireless link (17) to the RPU (16). The wireless link (17) uses microwaves for component miniaturization. Furthermore, use of radar technology to implement the wireless link (17), with an RPU (16) interrogator and earpiece (10) transponder, reduces earpiece size and power, as no microwave oscillator is needed in the earpiece (10). Optional secondary wireless link circuitry (19) can be used between the RPU (16) and a cellular telephone system or other sources of information. Electronic voice recognition and response can control system operation.
Inventors
- 👤 James C. Anderson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:53
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M1/00; H04M1/60; H04M1/6033; H04M1/6041; H04M1/6058; H04M1/6066; H04R; H04R25/00; H04B; H04B1/00; H04B1/38; H04B1/3827; H04B1/385; H04M1/72; H04M1/724; H04M1/72403; H04M1/72418; H04M1/72421; H04R25/55; H04R25/554; G; G16; G16H; G16H40/00; G16H40/60; G16H40/67; H04R2225/00; H04R2225/023; H04R2225/51; H04R2460/00; H04R2460/07; H04R25/04; H04R25/30; H04R25/305; H04R25/552; H04R25/558; H04R25/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 80
Claim 1
Independent Claim
210 words
A hearing aid system comprising an earpiece suitable for being worn at the head of a user, and a processor unit, said earpiece comprising, a microphone responsive to a first sound from the environment, present at the input of said microphone, to provide a first electrical signal, a first wireless reflective transponder to provide a first wireless transmission in response to said first electrical signal by modulating energy from a wireless interrogator, a first wireless receiver to receive a second wireless transmission to generate a second electrical signal, said second electrical signal being an enhanced version of said first electrical signal, a speaker transducer responsive to said second electrical signal to convert said second electrical signal into a second sound; said processor unit comprising, a second wireless receiver responsive to said first wireless transmission to provide a third electrical signal that is a replica of said first electrical signal, a signal processor responsive to said third electrical signal to provide a fourth electrical signal, said fourth electrical signal being an enhanced version of said third electrical signal, said wireless interrogator being responsive to said fourth electrical signal to provide said second wireless transmission of said fourth electrical signal, said second electrical signal being a replica of said fourth electrical signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
210 words
A hearing aid system comprising an earpiece suitable for being worn at the head of a user, and a processor unit, said earpiece comprising, a microphone responsive to a first sound from the environment, present at the input of said microphone, to provide a first electrical signal, a first wireless reflective transponder to provide a first wireless transmission in response to said first electrical signal by modulating energy from a wireless interrogator, a first wireless receiver to receive a second wireless transmission to generate a second electrical signal, said second electrical signal being an enhanced version of said first electrical signal, a speaker transducer responsive to said second electrical signal to convert said second electrical signal into a second sound; said processor unit comprising, a second wireless receiver responsive to said first wireless transmission to provide a third electrical signal that is a replica of said first electrical signal, a signal processor responsive to said third electrical signal to provide a fourth electrical signal, said fourth electrical signal being an enhanced version of said third electrical signal, said wireless interrogator being responsive to said fourth electrical signal to provide said second wireless transmission of said fourth electrical signal, said second electrical signal being a replica of said fourth electrical signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The hearing aid system of claim 1 wherein said earpiece and said processor are remote from each other by being separated by a distance no greater than the maximum usable communication range.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
67 words
The hearing aid system of claim 1 wherein said earpiece comprises a left and right earpiece, each left and right said earpiece producing a left and right said third signal, respectively, said signal processor being responsive to left and right said third signals to provide left and right said fourth signals, respectively, left and right said earpieces being responsive to left and right said fourth signals, respectively.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
106 words
A hearing aid system comprising, means for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals, and for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, said converting means further including a reflective transponder for transmitting said electrical signals via a first wireless communications link by modulating energy from an interrogator; and means for processing said electrical signals received via said first wireless communications link into enhanced audio signals, said processing means further including said interrogator for transmitting said enhanced audio signals back to said converting means via said first wireless communications link, said processing means further including a second communications link with a source other than said converting means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
106 words
A hearing aid system comprising, means for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals, and for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, said converting means further including a reflective transponder for transmitting said electrical signals via a first wireless communications link by modulating energy from an interrogator; and means for processing said electrical signals received via said first wireless communications link into enhanced audio signals, said processing means further including said interrogator for transmitting said enhanced audio signals back to said converting means via said first wireless communications link, said processing means further including a second communications link with a source other than said converting means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said processing means produces said enhanced audio signals according to a hearing impairment of a user.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said converting means includes a microphone for converting said acoustic waves into said electrical signals, a speaker for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, and wherein said transponder is a wireless transceiver.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 6, wherein said converting means is configured for insertion into a human ear canal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 6, wherein said converting means is configured as a cochlear implant.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said second communications link is a unidirectional link for providing text to speech translation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said second communications link is a bidirectional link for interfacing with an external communications network.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said second communications link is a wireless link.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said second communications link is a wired link.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said processing means is programmed by voice commands transmitted to the processing means via said first wireless communications link.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said processing means further includes, means for keyed entry of coded data.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 14, wherein said coded data is Morse code data.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said processing means further includes, means for generating at least one of an acoustic locator tone and a visual locator display.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said convening means further includes, means for generating an acoustic locator tone.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
49 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said converting means further includes, at least one of a radio frequency antenna and an infrared fiber optic cable configured as a simulated strand of hair which also serves as a means for extracting said converting means from an ear canal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said first wireless communications link operates at a frequency of at least 5 GHz.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said converting means is a monaural earpiece.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said converting means includes binaural earpieces.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein at least one of said converting means and said processing means further includes, plural antennae to accommodate transmission path losses within said wireless communications link.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
35 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, further comprising, means for automatically placing said converting means into a self-contained hearing aid default mode upon loss of said first wireless communications link with said processing means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said first wireless communications link is a radio frequency link.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
17 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said first wireless communications link is an infrared link.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said first wireless communications link is an ultrasonic link.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said first wireless communications link is a microwave link.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
36 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said processing means further includes, means for performing an in situ hearing test to program said processing means for processing said electrical signals into said enhanced audio signals.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said processing means further provides binaural directional noise cancellation.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said electrical signals are coded with an address of said converting means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said converting means outputs said acoustic waves via a bone conduction path.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
Hearing aid system according to claim 4, wherein said processing means further includes, an additional means for converting electrical signals into acoustic waves.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
53 words
A hearing aid system earpiece comprising, a microphone for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals; a speaker for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves subsequent to remote enhancement of said electrical signals; and a reflective transponder for transmitting said electrical signals via a first communications link by modulating energy from an interrogator.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
53 words
A hearing aid system earpiece comprising, a microphone for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals; a speaker for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves subsequent to remote enhancement of said electrical signals; and a reflective transponder for transmitting said electrical signals via a first communications link by modulating energy from an interrogator.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
Hearing aid system earpiece according to claim 33, wherein said first communications link is a wireless bidirectional communications link.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
Hearing aid system earpiece according to claim 33, wherein said transponder comprises at least one of a microwave transmitter and an infrared transmitter.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
65 words
A hearing aid system signal processor comprising, means for processing acoustic signals received as electrical signals from a remote earpiece reflective transponder via a first wireless communications link into enhanced audio signals, and for transmitting said enhanced audio signals via said first wireless communications link to said remote earpiece; and a second communications link for simultaneous communicating with a source other than said remote earpiece.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
65 words
A hearing aid system signal processor comprising, means for processing acoustic signals received as electrical signals from a remote earpiece reflective transponder via a first wireless communications link into enhanced audio signals, and for transmitting said enhanced audio signals via said first wireless communications link to said remote earpiece; and a second communications link for simultaneous communicating with a source other than said remote earpiece.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
A hearing aid according to claim 36, wherein said second communications link is a wireless link.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
A hearing aid according to claim 36, wherein said second communications link is a wired link.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
86 words
Apparatus for wireless communication comprising, means for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals, and for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, said converting means further including a reflective transponder for transmitting said electrical signals via a first communications link by modulating energy from an interrogator; and means for processing said electrical signals received via said first wireless communications link into processed signals, said processing means further including said interrogator for transmitting said processed signals back to said converting means via said first wireless communications link.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
86 words
Apparatus for wireless communication comprising, means for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals, and for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, said converting means further including a reflective transponder for transmitting said electrical signals via a first communications link by modulating energy from an interrogator; and means for processing said electrical signals received via said first wireless communications link into processed signals, said processing means further including said interrogator for transmitting said processed signals back to said converting means via said first wireless communications link.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said processing means further comprises, a second communications link for communicating with a source other than said converting means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said converting means is configured as an earpiece of a hearing aid system.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said converting means is configured as a cochlear implant system.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said converting means includes a microphone for converting said acoustic waves into said electrical signals, a speaker for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, and wherein said transponder is a wireless transceiver.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said second communications link is a wireless link.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said processing means is programmed by voice commands transmitted to the processing means via said first wireless communications link.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said processing means further includes, means for keyed entry of coded data.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said processing means further includes, means for generating at least one of an acoustic locator tone and a visual locator display.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said converting means further includes, means for generating an acoustic locator tone.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said converting means further includes, at least one of a radio frequency antenna and an infrared fiber optic cable configured as a simulated strand of hair which also serves as a means for extracting said converting means from an ear canal.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said converting means includes binaural earpieces.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein at least one of said converting means and said processing means further includes, plural antennae to accommodate transmission path losses within said wireless communications link.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, further comprising, means for automatically placing said converting means into a self-contained hearing aid default mode upon loss of said first wireless communications link with said processing means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said first wireless communications link is a radio frequency link.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said first wireless communications link is an infrared link.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said first wireless communications link is a microwave link.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said processing means further includes, means for performing an in situ hearing test to program said processing means for processing said electrical signals into enhanced audio signals.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said processing means further provides binaural directional noise cancellation.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said electrical signals are coded with an address of said converting means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said converting means outputs said acoustic waves via a bone conduction path.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 39, wherein said processing means further includes, an additional means for converting electrical signals into acoustic waves.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
89 words
Apparatus for wireless communication comprising, means for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals, and for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, said converting means further including means for transmitting said electrical signals via a first wireless communications link; and means for processing said electrical signals received via said first wireless communications link into processed signals, and for transmitting said processed signals back to said converting means via said first wireless communications link, said processing means supplying operating power to said converting means via said first wireless communications link.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
89 words
Apparatus for wireless communication comprising, means for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals, and for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, said converting means further including means for transmitting said electrical signals via a first wireless communications link; and means for processing said electrical signals received via said first wireless communications link into processed signals, and for transmitting said processed signals back to said converting means via said first wireless communications link, said processing means supplying operating power to said converting means via said first wireless communications link.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 61, wherein said processing means further comprises, a second communications link for communicating with a source other than said converting means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 61, wherein said converting means is an earpiece of a hearing aid system.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 61, wherein said converting means is a cochlear implant system.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
95 words
Apparatus for wireless communication comprising, means for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals, and for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, said converting means further including reflective transponder means for transmitting said electrical signals via a first wireless communications link; and means for processing said electrical signals received via said first wireless communications link into processed signals, and for transmitting said processed signals back to said converting means via said first wireless communications link, said processing means further including a second communications link for simultaneous communicating with a source other than said converting means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
95 words
Apparatus for wireless communication comprising, means for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals, and for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, said converting means further including reflective transponder means for transmitting said electrical signals via a first wireless communications link; and means for processing said electrical signals received via said first wireless communications link into processed signals, and for transmitting said processed signals back to said converting means via said first wireless communications link, said processing means further including a second communications link for simultaneous communicating with a source other than said converting means.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for wireless communication comprising, means for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals, and for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, said converting means further including reflective transponder means for transmitting said electrical signals via a first wireless communications link; means for processing said electrical signals received via said first wireless communications link into processed signals, and for transmitting said processed signals back to said converting means via said first wireless communications link; and means for receiving an audio command for voice activated programming said processing means via said first wireless communications link.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
94 words
Apparatus for wireless communication comprising, means for converting acoustic waves into electrical signals, and for converting said electrical signals into acoustic waves, said converting means further including reflective transponder means for transmitting said electrical signals via a first wireless communications link; means for processing said electrical signals received via said first wireless communications link into processed signals, and for transmitting said processed signals back to said converting means via said first wireless communications link; and means for receiving an audio command for voice activated programming said processing means via said first wireless communications link.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of improving audio communication with hearing impaired individuals comprising the steps of, illuminating an area in a vicinity of an ear of a hearing impaired person with a preselected carrier signal from a remote source, modulating said preselected carrier signal with environmental sound present in said vicinity to produce a modulated carrier, transponding said modulated carrier back to said remote source of said preselected carrier signal, and processing said modulated carrier to produce an enhanced audio signal for transmission to a transducer located in said vicinity.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
88 words
A method of improving audio communication with hearing impaired individuals comprising the steps of, illuminating an area in a vicinity of an ear of a hearing impaired person with a preselected carrier signal from a remote source, modulating said preselected carrier signal with environmental sound present in said vicinity to produce a modulated carrier, transponding said modulated carrier back to said remote source of said preselected carrier signal, and processing said modulated carrier to produce an enhanced audio signal for transmission to a transducer located in said vicinity.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method of improving audio communication with hearing impaired individuals according to claim 67 wherein said step of modulating further includes a step of, establishing a separately modulated channel for each ear of said hearing impaired person.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method of improving audio communication with hearing impaired individuals according to claim 67 wherein said preselected carrier signal is selected from a frequency range of between 300 megahertz and 300 gigahertz.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method of improving audio communication with hearing impaired individuals according to claim 67 wherein said preselected carrier signal is an infrared signal.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
54 words
A method of improving audio communication with hearing impaired individuals according to claim 67 which further includes the step of, receiving an audio transmission signal at said remote source, said audio transmission signal being received from another source and being processed with said enhanced audio signal for transmission to said transducer at said ear.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-02-23 | 2001-08-25 | 2002-02-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-02-23 | 2005-08-25 | 2006-02-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-02-23 | 2009-08-25 | 2010-02-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |