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| United States Patent Application |
20070026793
|
| Kind Code
|
A1
|
|
Perdomo; Jorge L.
|
February 1, 2007
|
Method and system for audio repeating among portable communication devices
Abstract
An audio repeater mode method (100) uses a primary wireless device (12)
and at least one secondary wireless device (14 and 16) among a plurality
of secondary devices (14, 16, 17, and 18) to selectively choose and
control (102) one or more secondary wireless devices. The primary device
measures (106) an ambient noise level and optionally captures speech from
a user to provide a preferred hearing level. The ambient noise level can
be measured (108) at secondary devices and compared with the preferred
hearing level. Optionally, a relative distance can be measured (110) from
the primary device to the secondary device(s). An indication of the
ambient noise level and the audio signal is transmitted (112) by the
primary device which causes (114) an adjustment of an audio output level
at a selected secondary device based on measured ambient noise levels,
the preferred hearing level, and the relative distance measured.
| Inventors: |
Perdomo; Jorge L.; (Boca Raton, FL)
|
| Correspondence Name and Address:
|
AKERMAN SENTERFITT
P.O. BOX 3188
WEST PALM BEACH
FL
33402-3188
US
|
| Assignee Name and Adress: |
Motorola, Inc.
Schaumburg
IL
|
| Serial No.:
|
194726 |
| Series Code:
|
11
|
| Filed:
|
August 1, 2005 |
| U.S. Current Class: |
455/11.1; 455/10 |
| U.S. Class at Publication: |
455/011.1; 455/010 |
| Intern'l Class: |
H04B 1/60 20060101 H04B001/60; H04B 7/15 20060101 H04B007/15 |
Claims
1. A method of operating in an audio repeater mode a plurality of wireless
communication devices including a primary wireless device and at least
one secondary wireless device among a plurality of secondary wireless
devices, comprising the steps of: acquiring an audio signal at the
primary wireless device; measuring an ambient noise level in an
environment of the primary wireless device; selectively choosing and
controlling the at least one secondary wireless device by the primary
wireless device during the audio repeater mode; transmitting an
indication of the ambient noise level and the audio signal to the at
least one secondary wireless; and causing an adjustment of an audio
output level at a selected secondary wireless device among the at least
one secondary wireless device based on the indication of the ambient
noise level from the primary wireless device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of
measuring the relative distance from the primary wireless device to the
at least one secondary wireless device.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of
enabling the audio repeater mode in the primary wireless device by a user
of the primary wireless device, a user of at least one secondary wireless
device, or a base station in communication with the primary wireless
device.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of
sending a security code from the primary wireless device to the at least
one secondary wireless device to enable or disable the audio repeater
mode.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of
capturing speech from a primary user at the primary wireless device to
provide a preferred hearing level above the ambient noise level at the
primary wireless device.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method further comprises the step of
measuring the ambient noise level at the at least one secondary wireless
device and comparing it to the preferred hearing level.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the method further comprises the step of
measuring a relative distance from the primary wireless device to the at
least one secondary wireless device and configuring the audio output
level based on the ambient noise level at the secondary wireless device,
the preferred hearing level, and the relative distance.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting the indication
of the ambient noise level and the audio signal to the at least one
secondary wireless device is done by a networked-based communication link
or a non-networked-based communication link.
9. A method of operating in an audio repeater mode a plurality of wireless
communication devices including a primary wireless device and a selected
group of secondary wireless devices in communication with the primary
wireless device among a plurality of secondary wireless devices,
comprising the steps of: acquiring an audio signal at the primary
wireless device; measuring the relative distances from the primary
wireless device to the selected group of secondary wireless devices;
transmitting the audio signal to the selected group of secondary wireless
devices; and causing an adjustment of an audio output level at the
selected group of secondary wireless devices based on the relative
distance measured between the primary wireless device and each of the
secondary wireless devices among the selected group.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises the step
of measuring an ambient noise level in an environment of the primary
wireless device and transmitting an indication of the ambient noise level
to the selected group of secondary wireless devices.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises the step
of selectively choosing and controlling the selected group of secondary
wireless devices by the primary wireless device during the audio repeater
mode.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprise the step of
enabling the audio repeater mode in the primary wireless device by a user
of the primary wireless device, a user of the selected group of secondary
wireless devices, or a base station in communication with the primary
wireless device.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises the step
of sending a security code from the primary wireless device to the
selected group of secondary wireless devices to enable or disable the
audio repeater mode.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the method further comprises the step
of capturing speech from a primary user at the primary wireless device to
provide a preferred hearing level above the ambient noise level at the
primary wireless device.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises the step
of measuring the ambient noise level at the selected group of secondary
wireless devices and comparing it to the preferred hearing level.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises the step
of measuring the ambient noise level at the selected group of secondary
wireless devices, comparing it to the to the preferred hearing level, and
individually adjusting an audio output at the selected group of secondary
wireless devices based on available combinations among measurements of
the ambient noise level at the primary wireless device and the selected
group of secondary wireless devices, the preferred hearing level, or the
relative distance from the primary wireless device to the respective
secondary wireless device among the selected group of secondary wireless
devices.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of transmitting the
indication of the ambient noise level and the audio signal to the
selected group of secondary wireless devices is done a networked-based
communication link or a non-networked-based communication link.
18. A machine-readable storage, having stored thereon a computer program
having a plurality of code sections executable by a machine for causing
the machine to perform the steps of: acquiring an audio signal at the
machine serving as a primary wireless device; measuring the relative
distances from the primary wireless device to a selected group of
secondary wireless devices in communication with the primary wireless
device; transmitting the audio signal to the selected group of secondary
wireless devices; and causing an adjustment of an audio output level at
the selected group of secondary wireless devices based on the relative
distance measured between the primary wireless device and each of the
secondary wireless devices among the selected group.
19. The machine readable storage of claim 18, wherein the computer program
further comprises a plurality of code sections for causing the machine to
measure an ambient noise level in an environment of the primary wireless
device and transmit an indication of the ambient noise level to the
selected group of secondary wireless devices.
20. The machine readable storage of claim 18, wherein the computer program
further comprises a plurality of code sections for causing the machine to
capture speech from a primary user at the primary wireless device to
provide a preferred hearing level above the ambient noise level at the
primary wireless device, measure the ambient noise level at the selected
group of secondary wireless devices, compare it to the to the preferred
hearing level, and individually adjust an audio output at the selected
group of secondary wireless devices based on measurements of the ambient
noise level at the primary and the selected group of secondary wireless
devices, the preferred hearing level, and the relative distance from the
primary wireless device to the respective secondary wireless devices
among the selected group of secondary wireless devices.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to audio repeaters, and more
particularly to a method and system for improving wireless communication
devices serving as audio repeaters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A typical public address system that audibly addresses a group of
people in an room or a large environment can be made obsolete with the
use of today's cellular phone technology to a certain extent. Existing
phones can dynamically form themselves into a group and repeat an audible
signal. Unfortunately, such systems are not optimized as to the selection
of repeaters or for ambient noise or for distances between the audible
speech and the potential immediate listeners of such audible speech
created by a main or primary speaker. In many instances, such system will
over compensate with a high audio output and create distortion that fails
to simulate the primary speaker's original speech.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention can provide a
communication system and method using a plurality of wireless devices
including a primary wireless device and a plurality of secondary wireless
devices that can operate together to serve as an intercom or public
address system. The primary wireless device can acquire the audio speech
and transmit a corresponding signal to selected secondary wireless
devices that can recreate the audio speech subject to adjustments based
on one or more factors including the ambient noise level at the primary
wireless device, a preferred hearing level determined at the primary
wireless device, an ambient noise level at the respective (selected)
secondary wireless devices, or the respective relative distance(s) from
the primary wireless device to the selected secondary wireless device.
[0004] In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method of
operating in an audio repeater mode a plurality of wireless communication
devices including a primary wireless device and at least one secondary
wireless device among a plurality of secondary wireless devices can
include the steps of acquiring an audio signal at the primary wireless
device, measuring an ambient noise level in an environment of the primary
wireless device, and selectively choosing and controlling at least one
secondary wireless device by the primary wireless device during the audio
repeater mode. The method can further include the steps of transmitting
(via networked or non-networked communication links) an indication of the
ambient noise level and the audio signal to the at least one secondary
wireless, and causing an adjustment of an audio output level at a
selected secondary wireless device among the at least one secondary
wireless device based on the indication of the ambient noise level from
the primary wireless device. The method can further include the step of
measuring the relative distance from the primary wireless device to the
at least one secondary wireless device. Note, the repeater mode in the
primary wireless device can be enabled by a user of the primary wireless
device, a request from a user of a secondary wireless device, or possibly
by a base station or carrier in communication with the primary wireless
device. A security code such as a password can be used to enable or
disable the audio repeater mode.
[0005] Operationally, the method can further include the steps of
capturing speech from a primary user at the primary wireless device to
provide a preferred hearing level above the ambient noise level and the
step of measuring the ambient noise level at the at least one secondary
wireless device and comparing it to the to the preferred hearing level.
The method can use a measured relative distance from the primary wireless
device to the at least one secondary wireless device and configuring the
audio output level based on the ambient noise level at the secondary
wireless device, the preferred hearing level, and the relative distance.
[0006] In a second embodiment of the present invention, a method of
operating in an audio repeater mode a plurality of wireless communication
devices including a primary wireless device and a selected group of
secondary wireless devices in communication with the primary wireless
device among a plurality of secondary wireless devices can include the
steps of acquiring an audio signal at the primary wireless device,
measuring the relative distances from the primary wireless device to the
selected group of secondary wireless devices, transmitting the audio
signal to the selected group of secondary wireless devices, and causing
an adjustment of an audio output level at the selected group of secondary
wireless devices based on the relative distance measured between the
primary wireless device and each of the secondary wireless devices among
the selected group. The method can further include the step of measuring
an ambient noise level in an environment of the primary wireless device
and transmitting (via a networked or non-networked communication link) an
indication of the ambient noise level to the selected group of secondary
wireless devices. Note, the selected group of secondary wireless devices
can be selectively chosen and controlled by the primary device during the
audio repeater mode.
[0007] The method can further include the steps of capturing speech from a
primary user at the primary wireless device to provide a preferred
hearing level above the ambient noise level at the primary wireless
device, measuring the ambient noise level at the selected group of
secondary wireless devices and comparing ambient noise level at each of
the selected secondary wireless devices to the preferred hearing level.
The method can further include individually adjusting an audio output at
the selected group of secondary wireless devices based on available
combinations among measurements of the ambient noise level at the primary
and the selected group of secondary wireless devices, the preferred
hearing level, and the relative distance from the primary wireless device
to each of the respective secondary wireless devices.
[0008] Other embodiments, when configured in accordance with the inventive
arrangements disclosed herein, can include a system for performing and a
machine readable storage for causing a machine to perform the various
processes and methods disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an communication system operating in a
audio repeater mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an illustration of another communication system operating
in an audio repeater mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a dynamic list of wireless communication devices
including corresponding distance measurements and ambient noise
measurements for devices shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating in an
audio repeater mode a plurality of wireless communication devices in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features
of embodiments of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is
believed that the invention will be better understood from a
consideration of the following description in conjunction with the
figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.
[0014] A high quality intercom system or ad hoc public address system can
be created from existing wireless devices modified to behave and interact
to acquire an audible input at a primary wireless device and to transmit
a signal to recreate an audible output at selected secondary wireless
devices. Such a system can resolve a problem found in an everyday
environment where an individual needs to speak to a group of individuals
in a large or loud environment where individuals might not hear the
speaker properly due to noise or other factors.
[0015] Referring to the communication system 10 of FIG. 1, a primary
wireless device 12 can operate as the acquirer of the audio speech input
and transmitter to a selected plurality of secondary devices 14 and 16
among a plurality of secondary wireless devices (14, 16, 17, and 18). In
the particular configuration shown, secondary wireless devices 17 are
within an audible range 11 of selected secondary wireless device 14
whereas secondary wireless devices 18 are within an audible range 13 of
selected secondary wireless device 16. How secondary wireless devices 14
and 16 are selected can vary based on numerous factors including measured
ambient noise at the selected secondary wireless device, relative
distances from the primary wireless device to the selected secondary
wireless device or to a group of secondary wireless devices, location
information (e.g., GPS information) obtained for primary and secondary
wireless devices, or by a specific request by a secondary wireless
device.
[0016] The primary wireless device 12 can be enabled in an intercom or
audio repeater mode by a user or can be remotely enabled by a user of one
of the secondary wireless devices by a request. In yet another
alternative, the audio repeater mode can be initiated by a carrier or a
third party requesting the carrier to have the primary wireless device
enter the audio repeater mode. The primary wireless device 12 can measure
the ambient noise and optionally or alternatively measure the relative
distances from the primary wireless device to available devices in the
room or surroundings among the plurality of secondary wireless devices.
The distance determinations can be achieved by using short-range RF
wireless technology or GPS location information or a combination of both.
Use of GPS information alone in this context might be more effective in
larger outdoor environments to provide relative distance measurements,
but also might be effective in smaller environments where increased GPS
accuracy is available. In order to transmit the speech from the primary
wireless device to the selected secondary wireless devices, the primary
wireless device can either use a network based transport such as a
cellular network or a non-network based transport such as Bluetooth or
802.11. In the event that the plurality of secondary wireless devices
include a mix of transports the primary wireless device can transmit in
both network and non-networked based communication links if needed.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, another communication system 20 is shown
containing a plurality of wireless devices including a primary wireless
device 22, a plurality of secondary wireless devices 23 (P1a-P1d) within
audible range of the primary wireless device 22, a first group (S1, S1a,
S1b, S1c) of secondary wireless devices within audible range of a
selected secondary wireless device 24, a second group (S2, S2a-S2e) of
secondary wireless devices within audible range of a selected secondary
wireless device 26, and a third group (S3, S3a-S3d) of secondary wireless
devices within audible range of a selected secondary wireless device 27.
Also within the environment of the communication system 20 is a noise
source 28 such as a vending machine that is closest to the third group of
secondary wireless devices and the selected secondary wireless device 27.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 3, the plurality of wireless devices in FIG. 2
can be placed in a dynamic list. The wireless devices can be mapped into
the primary wireless device 22 and organized relative to ambient noise or
distance or both. A predetermined set of secondary wireless devices (S1
or 24, S2 or 26, S3 or 27) can be enabled to play high audio based on one
or more factors including appropriate permissions, measured ambient noise
levels, preferred audio listening level, and measured relative distances.
Only the selected secondary devices (24, 26, 27) will be enabled to play
audio at a satisfactory level for surrounding individuals to hear the
speech properly. In most instances, a secondary wireless device that is
subject to less ambient noise than other secondary wireless devices
within a particular group can be selected, but such a choice might not be
available or determined as the best choice based on permissions or other
factors such as relative distance to other members in a particular group.
For example, although selected secondary wireless device 27 does not have
the lowest measured ambient noise level, it was likely chosen due to its
relative distance to other members in its group (S3a-d) and its
availability to serve in the audio repeater mode.
[0019] As discussed above, the primary wireless device can measure the
ambient noise and/or relative distances from the primary wireless device
to available devices in the room or surroundings. In one embodiment,
these measurements can be performed by existing cellular vocoder
functions. The primary wireless device can measure ambient noise level
and assign a threshold value which can be transmitted to all secondary
wireless devices. The primary speaker can speak into the primary wireless
device to capture a level above ambient noise and will calculate a delta
or difference value from the threshold to the speaker voice level. The
audible repeater mode can have a predefined or definable preferred
hearing level that might match or correlate with the delta value
determined. The secondary devices will measure their ambient noise levels
to capture a threshold and compare it to the preferred hearing level.
Once the noise level and preferred hearing level delta are calculated,
the system can optionally determine the layout of the secondary devices
in a given area. The distance can be achieved by using short-range RF
wireless technology. Thus, the preferred hearing level can be achieved or
relatively balanced within each audible listening range (see 11 and 13 in
FIG. 1).
[0020] An assumption can be made that the secondary wireless devices are
stationary and subject to the same ambient noise levels initially
measured. An enhancement can include a periodic calibration based on new
measurements for distance or ambient noise levels or both. If the primary
is moving then a predefined distance option can be determined or selected
by the primary device in order to maintain control of the group. The
creation of the dynamic list can be similar to a Selective Dynamic Group
Call (SDGC) available on some iDEN communication networks by Motorola,
Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill.
[0021] Once the speech input at the primary wireless device is complete,
the primary wireless device can disable the audible repeater mode and the
list can be deleted. In the event a secondary wireless device is no
longer available due to distance or excessive ambient noise, or the
device exits from the audible repeater mode, the primary wireless device
can seek an alternate device substantially equivalent to the
non-available device.
[0022] Note, in order to allow the primary wireless device full audio
control over the secondary wireless devices, the primary wireless device
can send a password to allow the secondary devices to disable repeater
mode. In such a scenario, the user of the secondary wireless device can
disable the repeater mode by entering the password or pin to exit the
mode. Another embodiment can allow the secondary wireless device to
authenticate transmissions using biometric information from the primary
that can be validated prior to the meeting or searching a data base in
order to ensure that the primary source is secured and tamper proof.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart illustrating a method 100 of
operating in an audio repeater mode a plurality of wireless communication
devices including a primary wireless device and at least one secondary
wireless device among a plurality of secondary wireless devices is shown.
The method 100 can include the step 102 of selectively choosing and
controlling at least one secondary wireless device among a plurality of
secondary wireless devices by a primary wireless device during an audio
repeater mode and acquiring at step 104 an audio signal at the primary
wireless device. At step 106, the method 100 can measure an ambient noise
level in an environment of the primary wireless device and optionally
capture speech from a primary user at the primary wireless device to
provide a preferred hearing level above the ambient noise level. At step
108, an ambient noise level can be measured at a selected group of
secondary wireless devices and compared with the preferred hearing level.
[0024] Optionally, the method 100 can further include the step 110 of
measuring a relative distance from the primary wireless device to the at
least one secondary wireless device. At step 112, an indication of the
ambient noise level and the audio signal can be transmitted to the at
least one secondary wireless using networked or carrier based
communication links or non-networked or non-carrier based communication
links. The primary wireless device can cause an adjustment of an audio
output level at a selected secondary wireless device among the group of
secondary wireless devices based on at least one among the indication of
the ambient noise level from the primary wireless device, the ambient
noise level at the selected secondary wireless device, the preferred
hearing level, and the relative distance measured at step 114. The audio
repeater mode in the primary wireless device can be enabled at step 116
by at least one among a user of the primary wireless device, a user of at
least one secondary wireless device, and a base station in communication
with the primary wireless device. Another option can include the step 118
of sending a security code from the primary wireless device to at least
one secondary wireless device to enable or disable the audio repeater
mode.
[0025] In light of the foregoing description, it should be recognized that
embodiments in accordance with the present invention can be realized in
hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. A network
or system according to the present invention can be realized in a
centralized fashion in one computer system or processor, or in a
distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several
interconnected computer systems or processors (such as a microprocessor
and a DSP). Any kind of computer system, or other apparatus adapted for
carrying out the functions described herein, is suited. A typical
combination of hardware and software could be a general purpose computer
system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed,
controls the computer system such that it carries out the functions
described herein.
[0026] In light of the foregoing description, it should also be recognized
that embodiments in accordance with the present invention can be realized
in numerous configurations contemplated to be within the scope and spirit
of the claims. Additionally, the description above is intended by way of
example only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any
way, except as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *
