Abstract:
Apparatus having corresponding methods and computer-readable media comprise: a speaker interface configured to provide audio to a wearable speaker of a headset and to receive speaker return signals generated by from the wearable speaker of the headset; and a user detection module configured to determine a user-related parameter based on the speaker return signals received by the speaker interface from the wearable speaker of the headset.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to the field of audio processing. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to determining when a wearable speaker is being worn by a user. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This background section is provided for the purpose of generally describing the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor(s), to the extent the work is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
         [0003]    In a contact center environment, a call should only be transferred to an agent if the agent is actually present, and ready to take the call. A major issue with contact centers is the problem of “dead calls” where an in-progress call is transferred to an agent who is unavailable. In some jurisdictions, legal sanctions may be applied to a call center for having a large number of dead calls. 
         [0004]    Some conventional approaches for detecting whether an agent is available involve determining whether the agent is logged into his or her call station. However, these approaches fail to account for an agent that is logged in, but has stepped away from the call station. 
         [0005]    Other conventional approaches involve detecting the presence of the agent&#39;s headset. For wired headsets, these approaches generally involve some form of electrical test to determine whether the headset is plugged into the agent&#39;s call station. For wireless headsets, these approaches generally involve detecting a wireless connection to the headset. However, these approaches fail to account for an agent that has removed his or her headset. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features an apparatus comprising: a speaker interface configured to provide audio to a wearable speaker of a headset and to receive speaker return signals generated by from the wearable speaker of the headset; and a user detection module configured to determine a user-related parameter based on the speaker return signals received by the speaker interface from the wearable speaker of the headset. 
         [0007]    Embodiments of the apparatus can include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the user-related parameter indicates whether or not the headset wearable speaker is being worn by a user, and the apparatus further comprises: a user present module configured to provide a user present indication responsive to the user detection module determining that the headset wearable speaker is being worn. Some embodiments comprise an audio switch configured to provide the audio to the speaker interface responsive to the user present indication. In some embodiments, the user detection module comprises: a heartbeat module configured to detect a heartbeat of the user based on the speaker return signals received by the speaker interface from the wearable speaker of the headset; wherein the user detection module determines the user-related parameter based on the heartbeat detected by the heartbeat module. Some embodiments comprise a heart rate module configured to determine a heart rate of the user based on the heartbeat of the user. Some embodiments comprise a user stress module configured to determine a stress level of the user based on the heart rate of the user. Some embodiments comprise a call module configured to provide i) an indication of the stress level of the user, and ii) identification information for a call handled by the user. Some embodiments comprise the a headset, wherein the headset comprises the wearable speaker, and the user detection module. In some embodiments, the audio is first audio, and the headset further comprises: a microphone configured to provide second audio to the speaker interface. Some embodiments comprise a call management system configured to monitor a health of the user based on a plurality of the heart rates of the user. 
         [0008]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features a method comprising: providing audio to a wearable speaker of a headset; receiving speaker return signals generated by the wearable speaker of the headset; and determining a user-related parameter based on the speaker return signals generated by the wearable speaker of the headset. 
         [0009]    Embodiments of the method can include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the user-related parameter indicates whether or not the headset wearable speaker is being worn by a user, the method further comprising: providing a user present indication responsive to determining that the headset wearable speaker is being worn by the user. Some embodiments comprise switching a call to the headset providing the audio to the speaker interface responsive to the user present indication. Some embodiments comprise detecting a heartbeat of the user based on the speaker return signals generated by the wearable speaker of the headset. Some embodiments comprise determining a heart rate of the user based on the heartbeat of the user. Some embodiments comprise determining a stress level of the user based on the heart rate of the user. Some embodiments comprise providing an indication of the stress level of the user; and providing identification information for a call handled by the user. Some embodiments comprise monitoring a health of the user based on a plurality of the heart rates of the user. 
         [0010]    In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features computer-readable media embodying instructions executable by a computer to perform functions comprising: determining a user-related parameter based on speaker return signals generated by a wearable speaker of a headset. 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the apparatus can include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the user-related parameter indicates whether or not the headset wearable speaker is being worn by a user, and wherein the functions further comprise: providing a user present indication responsive to determining that the headset wearable speaker is being worn by the user. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: switching a call to the headset providing the audio to the speaker interface responsive to the user present indication. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: detecting a heartbeat of the user based on the speaker return signals generated by the wearable speaker of the headset. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: determining a heart rate of the user based on the heartbeat of the user. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: determining a stress level of the user based on the heart rate of the user. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: providing an indication of the stress level of the user; and providing identification information for a call handled by the user. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: monitoring a health of the user based on a plurality of the heart rates of the user. 
         [0012]    The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  shows elements of a wearable speaker user detection system according to one embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  shows elements of an audio system that includes elements of the wearable speaker user detection system of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows a process for the audio system of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  shows elements of a call center that includes elements of the wearable speaker user detection system of  FIG. 1  and the audio system of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  shows a process for the call center of  FIG. 4  according to one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows speaker return signals generated by a speaker of a headset being worn by a user. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows speaker return signals generated by the speaker of the same headset, but with the headset lying on a desk. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in this specification indicates the number of the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Embodiments of the present disclosure provide detection of a user of a wearable speaker. That is, rather than merely detecting the presence of the wearable speaker, these embodiments confirm that the wearable speaker is being worn by a user. The inventor has discovered that signals produced by a wearable speaker may be used to detect the presence of the user, that is, that a user is wearing the wearable speaker. These signals, referred to herein as “speaker return signals,” may be produced by the wearable speaker responsive to movements of the user. These movements may include the pulse of the user. 
         [0022]    The disclosed wearable speaker user detection techniques have many uses. The uses described herein are presented as examples only. Other uses are contemplated as well. Responsive to an indication that the user is present, an audio switch may provide audio to the wearable speaker. For example, a call management system may switch a call to the user&#39;s headset. As another example, responsive to an indication that a headset user is present, the headset speaker may answer a call, end a call, transfer a call from the headset to a phone connected to the headset, and the like. 
         [0023]    A heartbeat of the user may be detected based on the signals produced by the wearable speaker. As used herein, the terms “pulse” and “heartbeat” are used interchangeably. A heart rate of the user may be determined based on the heartbeat of the user. A stress level of the user may be determined based on the heart rate of the user. The stress level of the user may be combined with identification information for a call handled by the user to create a call report. Other features are contemplated as well. Embodiments presented herein are sometimes described in terms of headsets. However, the techniques described herein are also applicable to any wearable speaker or device including a wearable speaker. Such devices may include headphones, earbuds, and the like. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  shows elements of a wearable speaker user detection system  100  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiment elements of the wearable speaker user detection system  100  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of wearable speaker user detection system  100  can be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. As another example, various elements of the wearable speaker user detection system  100  may be implemented as one or more digital signal processors. In the present disclosure, the wearable speaker user detection system  100  is sometimes described in terms of an agent in a call center. However, the techniques described herein are applicable to any wearable speaker user in any environment. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the wearable speaker user detection system  100  may include a wearable speaker  108 , a speaker interface  106 , an isolation module  118 , and a user detection module  120 . The user detection module  120  may include a heartbeat module  122 . The wearable speaker  108  may be worn by a user  104 . For example, the wearable speaker  108  may be part of a headset, headphones, earbud, or the like. One or more other elements of the wearable speaker user detection system  100  may be incorporated in the headset, headphones, earbud, or the like as well. 
         [0026]    The wearable speaker  108  may be any sort of speaker capable of being worn and performing the functions described herein. For example, the wearable speaker  108  may be an “over-the-ear” type of speaker, an “earbud” type of speaker, or the like. The wearable speaker  108  receives speaker audio  110  from the speaker interface  106 . The speaker audio  110  may be any sort of audio. For example, the speaker audio  110  may include audio of a call, music, game audio, or the like. The connection between the wearable speaker  108  and the speaker interface  106  may take any form. For example, the connection may be wired, wireless, optical, or the like. 
         [0027]    The speaker interface  106  also receives speaker return signals  116  from the wearable speaker  108 . The wearable speaker  108  may be any sort of speaker, for example such as an electro-acoustic speaker. An electro-acoustic speaker  108  generally includes a moving coil fitted to a cone. The coil is located within a magnetic field. An audio signal  110  fed to the coil causes the coil and cone to move, generating sound. This action may be reversed. That is, audio stimulus causes the cone and coil to move. This in turn induces an electrical output signal  116  from the coil. That is, the speaker return signals  116  are generated by the wearable speaker  108 . With electro-acoustic speakers, the speaker return signal  116  is an electrical signal. But in other types of speakers, the speaker return signal  116  may take other forms. 
         [0028]    The speaker return signals  116  may be generated responsive to movements of the user  104 . These movements may include talking, chewing, sniffling, adjusting the position of the wearable speaker  108 , and the like. These movements may also include the pulse or heartbeat of the user  104 . The heartbeat pressure pulse of the user  104  is a very distinctive repeating low frequency burst, with a cyclic sub-audible waveform caused by the tissues surrounding the ear of the user  104  expanding and contracting with each pulse. The source impedance of the speaker drive circuitry providing the speaker audio  110  may be kept high, for example at low frequencies. If the source impedance of the speaker drive circuitry is too low, the level of the speaker return signals  116  may be reduced. 
         [0029]    The wearable speaker user detection system  100  may include an isolation module  118 . The isolation module  118  is configured to isolate the speaker return signals  116 . In particular, the isolation module  118  is configured to separate the speaker return signals  116  from any speaker audio  110 . In some embodiments, the isolation module  118  includes an amplifier. The amplifier may have a gain of approximately 110 dB, for example. In some embodiments, the isolation module  118  includes a band pass filter. The band pass filter may have a pass-band from approximately 17 Hz to approximately 23 Hz. The band pass filter may be implemented with analog filter components, with a digital signal processor, or with a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the isolation module  118  includes a directional splitter. The directional splitter is configured to separate signals based on their direction of transmission. Accordingly, the directional splitter allows the speaker return signals  116  to be monitored while speaker audio  110  is being driven to the wearable speaker  108 . In some embodiments, the isolation module  118  includes a switch. The switch is configured to pass the speaker return signals  116  to the isolation module  118  only when no speaker audio  110  is being driven to the wearable speaker  108 . This technique ensures that no speaker audio  110  is processed by the user detection module  120 . In some embodiments, the switch is operated responsive to detecting the presence of the speaker audio  110 . In some embodiments, the switch is operated responsive to receipt of a control message that indicates the speaker audio  110  is present. Other approaches to operating the switch are contemplated. 
         [0030]    The wearable speaker user detection system  100  may include a user detection module  120 . The user detection module  120  is configured to determine a user-related parameter  140 . For example, the user-related parameter  140  may indicate whether or not the wearable speaker  108  is being worn by a user  104  based on the speaker return signals  116  received by the speaker interface  106  from the wearable speaker  108 . The user detection module  120  may employ the speaker return signals  116  as processed by the isolation module  118 , the speaker return signals  116  without such processing, or both. Any signal processing algorithm may be used to detect the user  104 . For example, the algorithm may compare the received speaker return signals  116  with a reference signal, with previously received speaker return signals  116 , or the like. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, the user detection module  120  includes a heartbeat module  122 . The heartbeat module  122  is configured to detect a heartbeat of the user  104  based on the speaker return signals  116 . The heartbeat module  122  may employ the speaker return signals  116  as processed by the isolation module  118 , the speaker return signals  116  without such processing, or both. Any signal processing algorithm may be used to detect the heartbeat. In embodiments that include a heartbeat module  122 , the user detection module  120  determines the user-related parameter  140  based on the heartbeat detected by the heartbeat module  122 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  shows elements of an audio system  200  that includes elements of the wearable speaker user detection system  100  of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiment elements of the audio system  200  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the audio system  200  can be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. As another example, various elements of the audio system  200  may be implemented as one or more digital signal processors. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the audio system  200  may include elements of the wearable speaker user detection system  100  of  FIG. 1 . The wearable speaker  108  may be part of a headset, headphone, earbud, or the like. One or more other elements of the audio system  200  may be incorporated in the headset as well. In addition, the audio system  200  may include a user present module  224  and an audio switch  228 . The user present module  224  is configured to provide a user present indication  226  responsive to the user-related parameter  140 . For example, the user present module  224  may provide the user present indication  226  responsive to the user detection module  120  determining that the wearable speaker  108  is being worn. The audio switch  228  is configured to provide the speaker audio  110  to the speaker interface  106  responsive to the user present indication  226 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  shows a process  300  for the audio system  200  of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  300  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  300  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  300  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  300  can be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , at  302 , the user  104  dons the wearable speaker  108 . For example, the user  104  dons a headset that includes the wearable speaker  108 . Responsive to the user  104  donning the wearable speaker  108 , the headset user detection system  100  detects the user  104  and provides the user-related parameter  140 . In this example, the user-related parameter  140  indicates that the wearable speaker  108  is being worn. In particular, at  304 , the speaker interface  106  receives speaker return signals  116  generated by the wearable speaker  108 . At  306 , isolation module  118  isolates the speaker return signals  116 . At  308 , the user detection module  120  determines whether the wearable speaker  108  is being worn by a user  104  based on the speaker return signals  116 . At  310 , the user present module  224  provides the user present indication  226  responsive to the user detection module  120  determining that the wearable speaker  108  is being worn by a user  104 . At  312 , the audio switch  228  switches the speaker audio  110  to the speaker interface  106  responsive to the user present module  224  providing the user present indication  226 . At  314 , the speaker interface  106  provides the speaker audio  110  to the wearable speaker  108 . 
         [0036]    Some embodiments are implemented in a call center.  FIG. 4  shows elements of a call center  400  that includes elements of the wearable speaker user detection system  100  of  FIG. 1  and the audio system  200  of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiment elements of the call center  400  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the call center  400  can be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the call center  400  may include elements of the wearable speaker user detection system  100  of  FIG. 1  and the audio system  200  of  FIG. 2 . The call center  400  may also include a headset  402 , a headset interface  406 , a call management system  428 , a heart rate module  430 , a user stress module  432 , and a call report module  434 . As used herein, the term “headset” refers to a device that includes one or more wearable speakers  108 , and that may, or may not, include a microphone. For example, the headset  402  of  FIG. 4  includes a wearable speaker  108  and a microphone  412 . The microphone  412  provides microphone audio  414  to the headset interface  406 . The connection between the headset  402  and the headset interface  406  may take any form. For example, the connection may be wired, wireless, optical, or the like. One or more other elements of the call center  400  may be incorporated in the headset as well. 
         [0038]    The call center  400  may also include a call management system  428 . The call management system  428  is configured to switch calls to the headset interface  406 , and thus to the headset  402 , responsive to the user present indication  226 . This arrangement ensures that a call is switched to the user  104  only when the user  104  is available to take the call. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, the call center  400  includes a heart rate module  430 . The heart rate module  430  is configured to determine a heart rate of the user  104  based on the heartbeat of the user  104  determined by the heartbeat module  122 . The heart rate module  430  may employ any algorithm to determine the heart rate of the user  104 . The heart rate module  430  may report the heart rate of the user  104  to the call management system  428 . The call management system  428  may employ the reported heart rates to monitor the health of the user  104 . For example, the call management system  428  may compare heart rates taken over a period of time to detect any significant changes in the heart rates over that period of time. The reported heart rates may also be displayed to the user  104 , for example on a computer monitor. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, the call center  400  includes a user stress module  432 . The user stress module  432  is configured to determine a stress level of the user  104  based on the heart rate of the user  104  determined by the heart rate module  430 . For example, an elevated heart rate may indicate a high user stress level. The user stress module  432  may employ any algorithm to determine the stress level of the user  104 . The user stress module  432  may report the stress level of the user  104  to the call management system  428 . The call management system  428  may employ the reported stress levels to monitor the health of the user  104 . The reported stress levels may also be displayed to the user  104 , for example on a computer monitor. 
         [0041]    An elevated stress level of a call center agent  104  may be the result of a call handled by the agent. Call center operators may find it desirable to obtain a report of such calls. In some embodiments, the call center  400  includes a call report module  434 . The call report module  434  is configured to provide a call report  436 . The call report  436  may be provided responsive to an elevated stress level of a call center agent  104 . The call report  436  may include an indication of the stress level of the agent  104 , identification information for a call handled by the agent  104 , and the like. The identification information may include the phone number of the caller, name of the agent  104 , time of the call, and the like. 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  shows a process  500  for the call center  400  of  FIG. 4  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  500  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  500  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  500  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  500  can be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , at  502 , the headset interface  406  receives speaker return signals  116  generated by the wearable speaker  108  of the headset  402 . The speaker return signals  116  may be generated by the wearable speaker  108  of the headset  402  responsive to a pulse of the user  104 , other movement of the user  104 , movement of the headset  402 , ambient noise, or the like. At  504 , the isolation module  118  isolates the speaker return signals  116 . 
         [0044]    At  506 , the user detection module  120  determines whether the headset  402  is being worn by a user  104  based on the speaker return signals  116 . In one example, the speaker return signals  116  represent a heartbeat of the user  104 .  FIG. 6  shows speaker return signals  116  generated by a speaker  108  of a headset  402  being worn by a user  104 , after isolation of the speaker return signals  116 . The horizontal axis represents time in seconds. The headset  402  is being worn by a user  104 , with the heartbeat of the user  104  being clearly visible.  FIG. 7  shows speaker return signals  116  generated by the speaker  108  of the same headset  402  with the same isolation, but with the headset  402  lying on a desk. It is easy to tell that the headset  402  is not being worn by a user  104  in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0045]    At  508 , the user present module  224  provides the user present indication  226  responsive to the user detection module  120  determining that the headset  402  is being worn by a user  104 . At  510 , the call management system  428  switches a call to the headset interface  406  and the headset  402  responsive to the user present module  224  providing the user present indication  226 . 
         [0046]    At  512 , the heartbeat module  122  detects a heartbeat of the user  104  based on the speaker return signals  116  generated by the speaker  108  of the headset  402 . At  514 , the heart rate module  430  determines a heart rate of the user  104  based on the heartbeat of the user  104  determined by the heartbeat module  122 . At  516 , the user stress module  432  determines a stress level of the user  104  based on the heart rate of the user  104  determined by the heart rate module  430 . For example, the user stress module  432  may compare the heart rate of the user  104  to a set of reference heart rates, where each of the reference heart rates is associated with a respective user stress level. 
         [0047]    At  518 , the call report module  434  generates a call report  436 . The call report module  434  may generate the call report  436  responsive to the user stress module  432  detecting a high user stress level. The call report  436  provides an indication of the stress level of the user. The call report  436  may also provide identification information for the call handled by the user. The identification information for the call may be provided by the call management system  428 . The call report  436  may include other information such as identification information for the user  104 , date and time of day of the call, and the like. The call report  436  may take any form. For example, the call report  436  may be a digital message, paper print-out, computer display, or the like. 
         [0048]    Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor. The described processes can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program can be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, processors receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, a computer includes one or more mass storage devices for storing data files. Such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks; optical disks, and solid-state disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). As used herein, the term “module” may refer to any of the above implementations. 
         [0049]    A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.