COMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING AUDIO INFORMATION TO A USER

Abstract: A communication device (10) for transmitting audio information to a user and a transducer (28) therefor are provided. The device includes processing circuitry within a compact housing (16) for converting input audio signals into transducer driving signals. A miniaturized microphone (20) is mounted on the housing for receiving the input audio signals. The input audio signals are then amplified and filtered to appropriate signal levels by the processing circuitry. Once the input audio signals have been processed in this manner they are applied to a driver which outputs transducer driving signals analogous to the input audio signals. The transducer driving signals are received by a transducer assembly (14) worn by a user and energize a pair of coils (72) located on opposite sides of an armature (73) forming part of the transducer assembly. The electromagnetic forces generated by the coils when energized cause the armature to move which in turn drives a plunger (46) so that the plunger moves in a vibrational pattern analogous to the input audio signals. The plunger contacts the skin of the user so that the vibrational pattern is received by cutaneous nerve receptors on the user's body or by the user's ears via bone conduction and is then transmitted to the user's brain for processing. A pair of springs (70) are located on opposite sides of the armature (73) and bias the armature and plunger (46) so that they move to a datum in the absence of driving signals and oppose their movement when driven by the coils (72).

Description: COMMUNICAΉON DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING AUDIO INFORMATION TO A USER TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a device for transmitting signals such as voice signals to a user and in particular to a device which transmits audio signals to cutaneous nerve receptors or to the bone in such a way that the nerve receptors or ears transmit intelligible signals to the brain. BACKGROUND ART Until relatively recently it has been generally thought that a person was capable of hearing audio frequency vibrations only with the ears and that it was necessary to utilize the ear structure for effective communication. It has also been known that the body has cutaneous nerve receptors which sense mechanical vibrations in the air and transmit those vibrations to the brain, by¬ passing the ear structure. In the medical profession, it has been found that many people who are partially deaf are afflicted with sound distortion, so that even though they hear particular sounds or words, the sounds or words become so distorted by the inner ear, they are indecipherable. Accordingly, if such a deaf person can be trained to bypass the inner ear in order to "hear", this distortion may be eliminated. A cutaneous communication device for transmitting audio information to the cutaneous nerve receptors located at the wrist of a user to allow the user to by-pass the ear structure and "hear" the audio information is described in U.S. patent 4,139,742 to Walker which has been assigned to the Applicant. This device includes a conventional microphone connected by a cable and jack to an audio frequency amplifier. The amplifier provides signals to a mechanical transducer assembly mounted on a band to be worn around the wrist of a user. The transducer assembly includes a plunger which projects outwardly of the transducer assembly housing to contact the skin yet moves into and away from the skin when signals are applied to the transducer via the amplifier in response to input audio signals received by the microphone. The transducer assembly operates to move the plunger in a vibrational pattern analogous to the audio signals received by the microphone. The cutaneous nerve receptors at the wrist of the user discriminate between the vibrations caused by the plunger and extraneous noise to allow the brain to interpret the audio signals received by the microphone. This permits audio communication to occur without use of the inner ear. Although the operation of this device is satisfactory, it is always desirable to enhance performance and reduce complexity and size. In addition to assisting the hearing impaired, there are many other situations in which it is difficult or undesirable to communicate verbally by transmitting messages through the air. For example, it is extremely difficult to communicate audibly in industrial plants where ear muffs are worn. Also, motorcycle riders and their passengers have difficulty talking to one another because of noise generated by both the motorcycle engine and the wind. Furthermore, there may be situations in which a person needs to receive both audio communication and cutaneous nerve communication. For example, spoken messages can be received by radio receiver and transmitted cutaneously to the brain while the person is otherwise occupied or otherwise communicating verbally. Such a device could have use in a "bell boy" call director type of communication system. Moreover, when conducting surveillance it is often undesirable to communicate verbally with other parties although communication between the parties is desirable. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel communication device for transmitting audio information to a user and a transducer for use therein. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENΗON Broadly stated the present invention provides a communication device for transmitting audio information to a user comprising: input means for receiving input audio signals; processing means in communication with said input means and converting said input audio signals into transducer driving signals; a transducer assembly to be worn by a user and being in communication with said processing means, said transducer assembly including a plunger member moveable to contact said user; drive means responsive to said transducer driving signals and moving said plunger member to contact said user in a vibrational pattern analogous to said input audio signals; and biasing means located on opposite sides of said drive means for opposing movement of said plunger member and for returning said plunger member to a datum in the absence of said transducer driving signals. In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a transducer assembly for use in a communication device for transmitting audio information to a user comprising: a casing; a plunger member within said casing and being moveable through an aperture in said casing to contact said user; drive means within said casing and being responsive to driving signals analogous to audio information to be transmitted to said user to move said plunger member to contact said user in a vibrational pattern according to said driving signals; and biasing means located opposite sides of said drive means for opposing movement of said plunger member and for returning said plunger member to a datum in the absence of said driving signals. In still yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a transducer assembly for use in a communication device for transmitting audio information to a user comprising: a casing; a plunger member within said casing and being moveable through an aperture in said casing to contact said user; a driving member within said casing and being operable to move said plunger member to contact said user; drive means responsive to driving signals analogous to audio information, said drive means being located on opposite sides of said driving member and actuating said driving member thereby to move said plunger member so that said plunger member contacts said user in a vibrational pattern according to said driving signals; and biasing means for returning said plunger member to a datum in the absence of said driving signals. Preferably, the drive means includes an armature moveable in response to the driving signals which in turn moves the plunger member. It is also preferred that the biasing means is constituted by a pair of springs located on opposite sides of the armature. Preferably, the drive means also includes a pair of coils with each coil surrounding a metal core and being located on opposite sides of the armature, the coils generating an electromagnetic force when energized by the driving signals which cause the armature to move the plunger member. Magnets are fastened to one set of opposed sides of the core member while metal pole pieces are secured to the other set of opposed sides of the core member. The pole pieces also contact the magnets so that the armature in effect functions as a larger continuous magnet. It is also preferred that the audio input means is in the form of a miniaturized microphone and that the processing means and microphone are located all within a single compact housing. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the transducer assembly is worn by the user adjacent a portion of the user's body having cutaneous nerve receptors. This allows the cutaneous nerve receptors to convey the vibrational pattern received via the plunger member to the user's brain for processing. In another embodiment, it is preferred that the transducer assembly is mounted in an article worn on the user's head so that the vibrational pattern imparted to the user by the plunger member is conveyed to the user's ears via bone conduction. In the first embodiment, it is preferred that the transducer assembly is secured to a band similar to a wrist watch band to allow the assembly to be secured to the user's wrist. In the second embodiment it is preferred that the transducer assembly is mounted in a safety helmet or in the frame work of a pair of glasses to be worn by the user. The present invention provides advantages in that due to the transducer assembly construction, the size of the device is reduced significantly as compared with prior art devices. Moreover, the provision of the biasing means in the form of a pair of springs provides a preset load on the armature to ensure that the armature and plunger member move to a datum when the transducer assembly is not energized by transducer driving signals and oppose movement of the armature and hence the plunger member, during response to the transducer driving signals. In addition, due to the use of a miniaturized microphone and enhanced amplification and driving circuitry, all of the device components except for the transducer assembly are packaged in a compact housing designed to facilitate use and portability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cutaneous communication device for transmitting audio information to a user; Figure 2a is an exploded perspective view taken from the side and from above of a portion of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 2b is an exploded perspective view taken from the side and from below of the portion shown in Figure 2a; Figure 3 is a side view of some assembled elements forming part of the portion shown in Figures 2a and 2b; Figure 4a is an exploded perspective view of an element forming part of the portion shown in Figures 2a and 2b; Figure 4b is an end view of the element shown in Figure 4a; Figure 4c is a side view of the element shown in Figure 4a; Figure 5 is a section of Figure 1 taken along line 5-5; Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating another portion of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 is a wiring diagram of the portion shown in Figure 6; and Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the portion shown in Figure 6. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention provides a communication device for transmitting audio information to a user without transmitting the information through the air and which is useful in a number of different environments. In the medical environment, the present device can be used to assist the hearing impaired. In noisy environments, the device can be used to facilitate communications between parties. In the communications industry, the present device permits information to be transferred to a party who may be engaged in other verbal communications. In the surveillance environment, the present device can be used to allow communications to take place between parties without creating excessive audible sounds which may alarm the subject being watched. The present device is also useful in the telecommunications industry for use in conjunction with a telephone or other similar device. Referring now to Figure 1, a first embodiment of a communication device for transmitting audio information to a user is shown and is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The device 10 is particularly suitable for transmitting audio information to the cutaneous nerve receptors of a user as will be described. The device 10 comprises mainly two sections, namely an audio signal processing section 12 and a transducer assembly 14. The audio signal processing section 12 includes a housing 16 in which processing circuitry (best seen in Figures 6 and 7) is located. A volume adjust 18 or touch switches extends through one wall 16a of the housing 16. A miniaturized microphone 20, is located within the housing adjacent an aperture formed in the wall 16a of the housing. The volume adjust 18 permits the signal level of audio signals received by the microphone 20 to be raised or lowered as desired and allows the device 10 to be shut off. A low battery indicator in the form of an LED 21 extends through the wall 16a as well. An input audio signal jack 22 is provided on another wall 16b of the housing and allows the microphone 20 to be by-passed so that another input audio signal source can be used such as an external microphone as shown and indicated by reference numeral 23. A power supply jack (not shown) is provided on one of the other walls of the housing 16 and allows a power source forming part of the processing circuitry to be recharged or by-passed if desired. The housing 16 is of a compact design to facilitate carrying by a user in a convenient location without inhibiting the microphone's reception of input audio signals. Looking at the transducer assembly 14 as best seen in Figures 1 and 5, it can be seen that the transducer assembly 14 includes a transducer 28 mounted on a band 30 which can be conveniently secured around the wrist of a user. An electrical cable 32 extends from the transducer 28 and is removeably received in a transducer jack 34, also provided on the housing wall 16b. The transducer 28 includes a wrist watch housing 36 which receives a transducer casing 38. The casing 38 includes an upper section 38a having a generally fiat upper surface and a lower dome-shaped section 38b with the upper and lower sections snap fitting together. Disposed within the transducer casing 38 is a plunger 46 which passes through an aperture 40 formed in the lower section 38b to contact the skin of the user when actuated by a drive mechanism 48. The excursion of the plunger 46 from its rest position when driven by the drive mechanism is typically +/- 0.015 inches although preferably the maximum excursion of the plunger 46 is limited to +/- 0.01 inches from its rest position. As can been seen, the bottom section 38b of the casing 38 has an annular ridge 42 formed along its inner wall upon which the drive mechanism 48 is secured. Figures 2a and 2b best illustrate the drive mechanism 48 and as can be seen it includes a matched pair of generally circular, metal solenoid frame members 50, 52. The frame members 50,52 have a plurality of circular bores along with a rectangular passage formed therethrough. The two frame members are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis X and are positioned by a pair of generally cylindrical, diametrically located spacers 54 and 56 so that the bores and passage in each of the frame members remain aligned. Each spacer 54,56 includes a portion of reduced diameter 58 at its opposed ends which seat in bores 60, formed through the frame members. He frame members 50, 52 are secured to the spacers 54,56 by screws 62, which also pass through the bores 60, and threadably engage with internal threads provided in the spacers 54,56. The screws 62 also act to retain a spring 70, against the outwardly facing side of each frame member. A pair of parallel slots 70a are formed in each spring 70 to define a band 70b having increased flexibility. Each band 70b is positioned to overlie the rectangular passage formed in its associated frame member in a rest position and is dimensioned so that it can move into the passage when flexed. A pair of coil assemblies 72 and an armature assembly 73 are also positioned between the two spaced frame members. As can be seen, the coil assemblies 72 are diametrically located with respect to the longitudinal axis X. Each coil assembly includes a metal coil core 74 and a coil 76 surrounding the core 74. Each coil core 74 includes an upper portion 74a of reduced diameter at one end thereof and a lower portion 74b of reduced diameter at the other end thereof with the portions being received in bores 78 provided through the frame members. The coil cores 74 are provided with internal threads at their upper end which receive screws 80 passing through frame member 50 to secure the coil assemblies 72 to the frame member 50. The screws 80 do not contact the springs 70 and remain flush against the outwardly facing side of the frame member 50. The other end 74b of each coil core 74 is end punched into the frame member 52 to provide a secure mounting. The coil 76 of each coil assembly 72 is electrically connected to a pair of electrical leads 82 passing through bores 84 extending through the frame member 52. The armature assembly 73 is oriented between the frame members 50,52 so that the coil assemblies 72 are located on opposite sides of its short dimension. As can been seen from Figures 4a to 4c, the armature assembly 73 includes an armature core 90 formed from stainless steel and having a pair of cylindrical portions 92 interconnected by a rectangular column 94. Annular bosses 96 of reduced diameter extend from the opposed outwardly facing sides of the cylindrical portions 92. The cylindrical portions 92 pass through a centrally located circular cut-out formed in the rectangular passage 98 provided in each frame member 52 which guide the movement of the armature assembly 73. The rectangular passages have inclined walls along their length so that the width of the passage at the inwardly facing sides of the frame members is more narrow than at the outwardly facing sides of the frame members. In particular, the width of each passage at the outwardly facing side of the frame members is equal to the diameter of the cut-outs while the width of the inwardly facing side of each frame member is less than the width of the armature assembly 73. This permits the frame members to act as stops to limit the movement of the armature assembly. A screw 100 aligned with the cut-out 98a passes through an aperture in each spring 70 and through the rectangular passage in each frame member to engage threadably with internal threads provided in the armature core 90 so that movement of the armature assembly causes the bands to flex. Thus, the two bands 70b act against on another to bias the armature assembly 73 to a rest position equidistantly spaced from each frame member 50,52 respectively as the armature assembly moves. Screw 100 passing upwardly through frame member 50 also acts to fasten the plunger member 46 to the outwardly facing side of the spring 70 so that the annular boss 46a formed thereon rests against the band 70b. A O-ring 102 surrounds the plunger 46 to form a seal with the bottom section 38b of the transducer assembly casing 38. A pair of magnets 110 are secured to opposed faces of the column 94 and are dimensioned and arranged so that spaces 112 are provided between their upper and lower surfaces and the cylindrical portions 92. The magnets are also arranged so that the poles of each magnet are aligned and thus, face the same direction. Box-shaped, metal pole pieces 114 are secured to the other opposed faces of the column 94 and to the magnets 110 and extend lengthwise slightly beyond the outer edge of the magnets. Thus, the pole pieces 114 serve to provide support for the armature assembly 73. The pole pieces are also dimensioned to provide a small gap 116 between their upper and lower surfaces and the cylindrical portions 92 and are spaced from the coils 76 to define gaps 114a. Since the magnets 110 are arranged with their poles aligned and since the pole pieces 114 extend the length of the magnets and are secured thereto, each pole piece 114 becomes a magnet with the same orientation as the smaller magnets 110. This allows the armature assembly 73 to function as a larger continuous magnet. The leads 82 are electrically connected to the cable 32 via conductors (not shown) that are received in the jack 34 to allow the coils to be energized so that the armature vibrates the plunger 86. Preferably, the frequency response of the transducer 28 ranges from between 50 Hz to 8,000 Hz making it suitable for use in both cutaneous nerve receptor communication and communication via bone conduction. The jack 34 is connected to the processing circuitry within the housing (best shown in Figures 6 and 7) which will now be described. Figure 6 shows the processing circuitry in 30 simplified form. As can be seen, the processing circuitry includes the microphone 20 which is electrically connected to an active bandpass filter 120. The external audio input . signal jack 22 is also shown connected to the active bandpass filter. The active bandpass filter 120 performs two functions, namely it operates as an audio frequency amplifier 128 and a bandpass filter 130 conveying its output to a potentiometer 132. The potentiometer 132 is controlled by the volume adjust 18 so that the audio signal levels can be adjusted. The output of the potentiometer 132 is applied to a second active bandpass filter 133. Similarly, the filter 133 functions as a second audio frequency amplifier 134 and a second bandpass filter 136. The output of the bandpass filter 133 is conveyed to a driver 140 which applies signals to the transducer assembly 14 via the jack 34 and cable 32. A battery 142 of the chargeable or non-chargeable type provides power to the components constituting the processing circuitry. Figure 7 better illustrates the processing circuitry. As can be seen, if a rechargeable battery 142 is used, it can be recharged via a jack 24 when a battery charger (not shown) is connected thereto. The jack 24 may also receive an alternative power supply should the battery 142 be missing or dead. A power supply filter 144 comprising a number of capacitors and a resistor receives the output voltage of the battery 142 before it is applied to the remainder of the processing circuitry. As can be seen, the active bandpass filter 120 is comprised of an operational amplifier 150 and a resistor-capacitor arrangement 152. The output of the active bandpass filter 120 is conveyed to the potentiometer 132 which provides an output signal to the second active bandpass filter 133. The second active bandpass filter with gain is constituted by a second operational amplifier 154 and a second resistor-capacitor arrangement 156. The setting of the potentiometer 132 controls a switch SW2 connected to the output jack 34. This allows the device 10 to be shut off when the volume adjust 18 is turned in the appropriate direction. The second active filter 133 provides output signals to the voltage to current driver 140. The driver 140 which receives biasing from the battery 142 via an RC filter 158 provides the current output to the jack 34 which is then conveyed to the transducer assembly 14 via the cable 32. Preferably, the frequency response of the circuitry is the same as the transducer 28 to allow the circuitry to operate the transducer to its potential. However, when using the device 10 for cutaneous nerve receptor communication, the frequency response of the circuitry is bandlimited to 3,000 Hz since this frequency represents the upper limit at which the cutaneous nerve receptors can detect audio information. Power supply level monitoring circuitry 160 is also provided and includes a differential amplifier 162 which receives the filtered voltage VFILT from the battery 142. The differential amplifier 162 also receives a reference voltage VREF, the reference voltage being a scaled and regulated form of the filtered voltage. The differential amplifier 162 provides an output signal to the base of a transistor 164. The emitter of the transistor 164 is connected to ground GND while the collector thereof is connected to one terminal of a second differential amplifier 166. The other terminal of the differential amplifier 166 also receives the filtered voltage. The output of the differential amplifier 166 is conveyed to one terminal of an LED 168 while the other terminal of the LED 168 receives the unfiltered voltage VBAT from the battery 142. An audio signal mute circuit 178 is also provided and includes an operational amplifier 180 having one terminal connected to the ground GND via a capacitor C8 and a resistor RIO connected in parallel. The one terminal is also connected to one terminal of a second operational amplifier 182. The other terminal of amplifier 180 is connected to the filtered voltage VFILT via resistors R4 and R9 and receives the audio input signal from the microphone 20 or jack 22 via capacitor C7 from amplifier 150. The output terminal of amplifier 180 is connected to the one terminal of amplifier 182 via a diode Dl. The other terminal of the amplifier 182 is connected to the filtered voltage VFD T via a voltage divider comprising resistors R12, R15, and RV2. The output terminal of amplifier 182 is connected to the base of a transistor Ql. The collector of the transistor Ql is connected to the output of the potentiometer 132 via a capacitor C9 while the emitter thereof is connected to the ground. A switch SI extends between the base of transistor Ql and the ground GND. The mute circuit 178 is operable to inhibit the driver 140 from outputting driving signals if the input audio signals received by the microphone 20 are below a preset threshold as will be described herein. The operation of the device 10 will now be described with reference to the Figures 1 to 7. When using the present 10 for cutaneous nerve receptor communication, the band 30 is fastened around the wrist of the user so that the transducer assembly 14 is positioned with the bottom section 38b of the casing 38 against user's wrist. The housing 12 is conveniently located by the user in a pocket or connected to a belt similar to a beeper system so that the microphone 20 is capable of receiving audio input signals and with the cable 32 being received in the jack 34. When input signals are received by the microphone 20 they are applied to the first active bandpass filter 120 which increases the signal level to a suitable audio level and performs the desired filtering. The output signals of the filter are then conveyed to the potentiometer 132. The potentiometer 132 which is adjustable via the volume adjust 18 scales the filtered output of the active filter 120 to the appropriate level. When the switch SW1 is opened, the auto mute circuit 178 is operational. In this state, the operational amplifier 180 functions as a peak signal detector having a large discharge time. Depending on the magnitude of the input audio signal, the discharge time can be as long as five seconds. The second amplifier 182 functions as a level comparator and controls the operation of transistor Ql. Normally, transistor Ql is biased to an "on" condition so that audio signals being conveyed to the second active filter 133 from the potentiometer 32 that are below the threshold as determined by the comparator 112 bypass the second active filter 133 and are instead conveyed to ground GND via the transistor Ql. This prevents signals from reaching the driver 140 and maintains the output of the processing circuitry nominally at zero. When an input audio signal is received via the microphone 20 that has a peak greater than the threshold set for the level comparator 182, the transistor Ql bias is removed shutting off the transistor Ql thereby allowing the audio signal to pass to the second active filter 133. The second active filter 133 adjusts and filters the received signal and applies it to the driver 140. The long discharge time of the amplifier 180 maintains the transistor Ql in an "off" condition for a prolonged time to ensure that the entire signal is passed from the potentiometer 132 to the active filter 133. Thus, when the microphone 20 is receiving no audio information of interest, the driver 140 receives little or no driving signals from the filter 133. This prevents background noise from causing the driver to actuate the transducer assembly in response to noise and thereby conserves battery power. When useful audio information having a peak above the preset threshold level is received by the microphone 20, it is allowed to pass to the driver 140. When switch SW1 is moved to a closed condition, the transistor Ql is continuously maintained in an off condition and thus, all audio information received by the microphone is conveyed to the driver 140 via the active filters 120, 133 and potentiometer 132. As mentioned previously, the driver 140 converts the voltage applied to it from the active filter 133 into current signals which are supplied to the jack 34. The signals received by the jack 34 are conveyed to the transducer assembly 14 via the cable 32. Once the signals are received by the transducer assembly, they are applied to the coils 76 via the leads 82 so that the coils become energized. Once the coils 76 are energized, an electromagnetic force is generated by each coil which cause the armature assembly 73 to move towards the frame member 50. As this occurs, the cylindrical portion 90 moves into the passage 98 via the cut-out 98a so that the annular boss 96 pushes the band 70b formed on the spring 70 secured to frame member 50 and pulls the band 70b formed on the other spring 70 into the passage 98 provided through frame member 52. This causes the plunger 46 to pass outwardly through the aperture 40 formed through the casing ' wall 38b and contact the user's skin. During movement of the plunger 46, the O-ring 102 provides a barrier to inhibit moisture and other contaminants from entering the transducer casing 38. Since the driver 140 provides output signals to the transducer assembly 14 that are analogous to the audio information received by the microphone 20, the plunger 46 is vibrated by the armature assembly 73 in a manner analogous to the audio input signals. This of course provides vibrations to the cutaneous nerve receptors in the wrist so that the brain may interpret them without using the inner ear. When the output of the driver 140 drops low or if the device 10 is shut off via switch SW2, the springs 70 act to return the armature assembly 73 to its rest position suspended equidistantly from each frame member 50,52. In addition, when the device 10 is turned on, the amplifier 162 compares the battery voltage with the reference voltage VREF set by an integrated circuit U4 which functions in a similar manner to a zener diode. If the scaled voltage is greater than the reference voltage, the amplifier 162 outputs a logic high voltage which in turn biases transistor 164 to an "on" condition. When transistor 164 is on, the voltage at the inverting terminal of amplifier 166 is lower than the voltage on its non-inverting terminal This maintains the output of the amplifier 166 substantially high to prevent the LED 21 indicator lamp from being turned on. When the scaled voltage falls below the reference voltage, the transistor 164 is turned off. This allows the amplifier 166 and its associated components to oscillate with a frequency of approximately 1/2 Hz. Thus, the LED 21 becomes illuminated approximately 10% of the time during the oscillation thereby causing the LED 21 to flicker indicating a low battery condition. Referring now to Figure 8, another embodiment of the input audio signal processing circuitry for converting input audio signals into transducer driving signals is shown. In this embodiment, like reference numerals will be used to indicate like components with an "A" added for clarity. As can be seen, the microphone 20A is connected to one input of a semiconductor switch 300. The output of the switch 300 is applied to a high gain amplifier 128A. The output of the amplifier 128 A is conveyed to a bandpass filter 130A which in turn provides its output to one input of a second semiconductor switch 302. The switch 300 also receives an input from voltage protection circuitry 304 connected to the external microphone jack 22A. A switch 306 associated with the jack 22A provides input to a switch controller 308 when an input device is detected as being received in the jack 22A. The protection circuitry 304 also provides input to an attenuator in the form of a low gain amplifier 310 and to a voltage level detector 312. The output of the amplifier 312 is conveyed to a bandpass filter 314 before being applied to the second input of switch 302. The output of the level detector 312 is conveyed to the switch controller 308. The switch controller 308 receives a third input from a Schmitt trigger device 316 connected to a microphone override, momentary pushbutton switch 318. The switch controller 308 provides control signals to switches 300 and 302 so that the input to the switches can be selected. The output of switch 302 is applied to another amplifier 330 which in turn conveys output signals to a semiconductor switch 332 and to a signal averager 334. The averager 334 applies its output to a voltage level detector 336 which receives control signals from a latch 338. The latch 338 is responsive to the output of a Schmidt trigger device 340 connected to a mute enable, momentary pushbutton switch 342. The output of the level detector 336 is applied to the control input of the switch 332. The output of the switch 332 is applied to yet another amplifier 344 and to a potentiometer 132A. The potentiometer is in the form of a digitally controlled transconductance block operated by a pair of momentary push-button switches (not shown) . The output of both the potentiometer 132A and the amplifier 344 are applied to a pair of amplifiers 346 and 348 configured as a bridge tied load for driving the transducer 28A without requiring a reference to ground. The output of the ' amplifiers is then conveyed to the transducer assembly 28A via the jack and output cables (not shown). The battery 142A provides its input to a semiconductor switch 350 and to a voltage level detector 352. The output of the switch 350 is fed to a filter (not shown) before being supplied to the components of the processing circuitry. The output of the switch 350 is also applied to the control pin of the level detector 352. The control input of the switch 350 is connected to a latch 354 which receives its input from a Schmitt trigger device 356 connected to a power on/off, momentary pushbutton switch 358. The output of the level detector 352 is applied to an oscillator 360 which in turn provides input to a Bicolour LED package having two LEDs 362 and 21A respectively. In operation, when the power on/off switch 358 is in the "off" condition, the switch 350 is biased to an open condition so that no power is supplied to the components in the processing circuitry. In this condition, the level detector 352 does not receive any signals on its control input preventing it from supplying any signals to the oscillator 360. This maintains the LEDs 362 and 21A in an off state. When the power on/off switch 358 is pushed to the "on" condition, the Schmitt trigger device 356 debounces the input from the switch 358 and provides input to the latch 354. The latch 356 in turn biases the switch 350 to a closed condition. With the switch closed, power is supplied to the processing circuitry components via the battery 142A. The level detector 352 which receives input from the battery 142A also receives the output of the switch 350 on its control pin. When this occurs, the level detector 352 compares the battery voltage level with a threshold value. If the battery voltage is above the threshold level, the level detector 352 provides input to the oscillator 360 so that the oscillator 360 illuminates LED 362 in a manner to cause it to flicker indicating a "power on" condition. On the other hand, if the battery voltage level is detected as being below the threshold level, the level detector 352 provides output to the oscillator 362 so that the oscillator 360 illuminates LED 21A in a manner to cause it to flicker indicating a "low battery" condition. Once the latch 354 has been conditioned to supply control input to the switch 50, the rest of the processing circuitry becomes operational so that input audio signals can be processed and conveyed to the transducer assembly 34A. If no device is detected as being in the jack 22A, the switch 306 is maintained in an open condition so that no input is applied to the switch controller 308 therefrom. In this condition, the switch controller 308 provides a control signal to switch 300 to connect it to the microphone 20A and to switch 302 to connect it to the bandpass filter BOA. Thus, when audio signals are received by the microphone 20A they are conveyed to amplifier 330 via switch 300, amplifier 128A, bandpass filter 130A and switch 302. If however, a device is connected to the jack 22A, the switch 306 closes providing input to the switch controller 308. This causes the switch controller 308 to connect the switch 300 to the protection circuitry 304. When input signals are received at the jack 22A, they are processed by the protection circuitry 304 and are conveyed to amplifiers 128A and 310 and to the level detector 312. Since the switch 302 is conditioned to connect bandpass filter 130A to the amplifier 330, only the signals applied to the amplifier 128A are conveyed to amplifier 330. However, if the input audio signals are detected as having a level greater than a threshold level by the level detector 312, the level detector 312 provides output signals to the switch controller 308. When this occurs, the switch controller 308 causes switch 302 to connect bandpass filter 314 to the amplifier 330. Thus, the signals received by amplifier 310 from the protection circuitry 304 are conveyed to amplifier 330. Also, the switch controller conditions switch 300 to connect the microphone 20A to the amplifier 128A. This prevents the amplifier 128A from receiving excessively high signal levels. In addition, once the switch 302 is conditioned to interconnect the bandpass filter 314 and the amplifier 330, the switch controller 308 maintains it in that condition until the switch 306 is opened. Regardless of whether the switch 306 associated with the jack 22A is closed, if the microphone override switch 316 is pushed, the switch controller 308 is conditioned to move the switches 300 and 302 so that the microphone 20A is connected to the amplifier 128A and so that the bandpass filter 130A is connected to the amplifier 330. Thus, even though an external device may be providing audio input to the protection circuitry 304, the jack 22A can be overridden so that the processing circuitry responds to audio signals received by the microphone 20A. However, once the switch 316 is pushed again, the switch controller conditions the switches 300 and 302 to the state that they were in before the switch was depressed. When the amplifier 330 receives input signals from either of the bandpass filters 130A and 314 respectively via the switch 302, it amplifies the signals and conveys them to the averager 334 and to the switch 332. The averager 334 provides its output to the level detector 336. If the mute enable switch 342 is in an "off" condition, the latch 338 does not provide a control signal to the level detector 336. The level detector 336 in this case does not provide any control signals to the switch 332. The switch 332 therefore is conditioned to connect the amplifier 330 to the amplifier 244 and to the potentiometer 132A. However, if the mute enable switch 342 is pushed to an "on" condition, the latch 338 provides a control signal to the level detector 336 thereby enabling its output. In this condition, when the level detector 336 receives signals from the averager 334, it compares the magnitude of the signals with a threshold level. If the signals are detected as having a magnitude greater than the threshold level, the level detector provides a control signal to the switch 332 so that the amplifier 330 remains connected to the amplifier 344 and to the potentiometer 132A. If the magnitude of the signals received by the level detector 336 fall below the threshold level, the level detector biases the switch 332 to an open condition to prevent signals from reaching the amplifier 344 and the potentiometer 132A. Once the signals reach the amplifier 344 and potentiometer 132A they are conveyed to amplifiers 346 and 348 and then to the transducer assembly 34A. The transducer assembly 34A responds to these signals in the same manner previously described so that the input audio signals can be conveyed to the user. The use of the two signal processing paths for audio signals received via the jack 22A prevents the high gain amplifier 128 A from high levels which may . cause damage. Once the switch controller removes the amplifier 128A from the processing path, it does not reconnect it to the jack 22A even if the signal levels drop below the threshold level. This is to avoid excess switching noise and to protect the amplifier 128A when the drop in signal levels are a result of lulls in the audio input. It should be apparent that with the use of the jack 22, the microphone 20 can be by-passed to allow audio information from another source to be used to actuate the transducer assembly 14 such as an alternative microphone 23, a tape recorder, radio transceiver or the like. Since the assembly as shown is designed to be worn around the wrist of a user so that audio information is transmitted to the cutaneous nerve receptors of the user, the device 10 is particularly useful in the medical environment to assist the hearing impaired. It is also useful in the communications industry in a "Bell-Boy" type application to allow information to be transmitted to the user even though the user may be engaged in other verbal communication. Although shown as being mounted on a wrist watch band, the transducer 28 may also be mounted on other apparel to be worn by a user to allow audio communication to occur without transmitting the information through the air to the user's ear structure. For example, in the industrial environment where noise often tends to be excessive and where ear muffs are often worn, verbal communication is difficult and often impossible. However, with the present transducer 28 communication between parties in this environment is possible by making use of the ear structure's ability to decipher vibrations conveyed thereto by bone conduction. Thus, in these types of environments, the transducer 28 is mounted in a safety helmet in a manner such that the plunger member 46 contacts the user's skin above the neck in a vibrational pattern analogous to the audio information being transmitted to the user. The vibrations are then conveyed to the user's ear structure via bone conduction allowing the audio information to be deciphered. Thus, audio communication is facilitated even in the noisiest environments. In addition, the present transducer can be used in the telecommunications industry. For example, the transducer can be used in conjunction with or to replace the receiver of a telephone handset. In this case, the transducer assembly is connected to the audio lines typically connected to the receiver in the telephone handset and mounted in a headset so that the plunger member contacts the user's head in response to audio signals received over the telephone network thereby allowing the user's ear structure to receive the audio information via bone conduction. Alternatively, the wrist watch band mounted transducer can be used and connected to the receiver audio lines to permit reception of the audio signals via the user's cutaneous nerves. In environments such as surveillance, the transducer 28 can be mounted on the frame work of a pair of glasses making the wearer less conspicuous while still allowing audio information to be conveyed to the user's ear structure via bone conduction. To determine the performance of the present invention, a number of prelingually deaf subjects (seven adults and five children) were tested with and without the present device 10. The device 10 as used in the tests was in the form shown in Figures 1 to 7 so that audio information was conveyed to the cutaneous nerve receptors at the subject's wrists. The subjects were all male with the exception of one female child with the average age of the adult subjects being 31.9 years and the average age of the child subjects being 11.6 years. To begin each subject was given a hearing test using a Madsen OB 822 audiometer with TDH 49 earphones for the threshold procedure. Thresholds were obtained at octave intervals from 250 Hz to 4,000 Hz. All testing was done in a doubled wall Tracoustics 254 sound suite. Once the thresholds were obtained, a series of sound detection tests were performed in a free field condition with the subject seated at 0° azimuth one meter in front of a load speaker. The stimuli used for all sound detection tests were generated by the audiometer and all instruments were calibrated to ANSI standards. The sound detection tests were performed in an unaided condition and then an aided condition if the subjects wore a hearing aid. The tests were then performed on the subjects with the subjects wearing the present communication device. The first sound test was an evaluation of the subject's perception of warble tones. The warble tones presented were at a 4% frequency modulation rate and the testing was done at octave intervals from 250 Hz to 4,000 Hz. Sound detection to a broadband noise shaped to mask speech was then measured and lastly detection to the lowest level of speech was evaluated. The speech stimulus used was a CID recording of Spondee words (W-l). A speech reading evaluation was then performed utilizing the Utley Sentence Test (1946). A female speaker presented the sentences seated one meter from the subjects at an average presentation level of 48.5 dB SPL as measured by a Quest model 1800 sound level meter. The speech reading protocol was as follows: 1. A nonvisual unaided presentation was given; 2. A visual unaided presentation was given; 3. A visual presentation was given while the subject was wearing their own hearing aid; and 4. The visual presentation was given while the subject was wearing the present communication device. The results of the tests were as follows: WARBLE TONES As can be seen from Table I, the present communication device clearly improved perception of warble tones for both adults and children in the frequency range of 50 Hz to 1 ,000 Hz. Of particular interest was the improved sound detection of subjects wearing the present device at 1,000 Hz. This is in view of the fact that conventional single channel vibrotactile devices do not provide much stimulation above 500 Hz. TABLE I. Mesn improvement scores for sound dttsction of vsrble tones resulting from veering the Bionic device Because the child subjects all had their own hearing aid, a comparison of sound detection with the children wearing their own hearing aid and the present device 10 was made. The results of this comparison are shown in Table II and as should be noted the present device clearly improved sound detection in the lower frequency ranges over conventional hearing aids. TABLE II. Mean improvement scores for sound detection of warble tones . SPEECH NOISE AND SPEECH The findings for both speech and speech shaped noise were similar and the results of these tests are shown in Table HI. As can be seen from the results, when the subjects were wearing the present device 10, they were able to detect the presence of speech and speech noise at a level 42.5 dB to 48.3 dB lower (or better) than when they were not wearing the present device 10. The same test were performed with the child subjects while they wore their conventional hearing aid. The results of this test showed that the present device 10 provided between 18 dB to 25 dB better sound detection than the conventional hearing aids. IABLE III. Mean Improvement scores for sound detection of speech end speech noise resulting from wearing the Bionic device Speech Speech Noise Adults 48.3 dB 43.3 dB Children 42.5 dB 42.5 dB SPEECH READING The results of this test were very different between the adult and child subjects. The adults showed no significant increase in speech reading test scores from the unaided condition to the aided condition with the present device 10. This finding was not unusual and had been reported in earlier research (Blarney et al 1985). In contrast, the child subjects demonstrated a significant improvement in speech reading scores from the unaided condition to the aided condition with the present device (40% improvement) but also even a greater improvement in the aided condition with their own conventional hearing aid (50% improvement). In conclusion it was found that the present device improved sound detection significantly in the low frequencies up to and including 1 ,000 Hz. It was also found that the present device 10 improved both speech and speech noise even to a greater extent than conventional hearing aids.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A communication device for transmitting audio information to a user comprising: input means for receiving input audio signals; processing means in communication with said input means and converting said input audio signals into transducer driving signals; a transducer assembly to be worn by a user and being in communication with said processing means, said transducer assembly including a plunger member moveable to contact said user; drive means responsive to said transducer driving signals and moving said plunger member to contact said user in a vibrational pattern analogous to said input audio signals; and biasing means located on opposite sides of said drive means for opposing the movement of said plunger member and for returning said plunger member to a datum in the absence of said driving signals. 2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said drive means includes an armature moveable in response to said driving signals to move said plunger member. 3. A device as defined in claim 2 wherein said biasing means is constituted by a pair of springs located on opposite sides of said armature. 4. A device as defined in claim 3 wherein said drive means further includes a pair of coils each surrounding a core and being located on opposite sides of said armature, said coils generating an electromagnetic force when energized by said driving signals and causing said armature to move said plunger member. 5. A device as defined in claim 4 wherein said armature includes an armature core; a pair of magnets secured to one set of opposed faces of said armature core and having their poles facing the same direction; and a pair of pole pieces secured to another set of opposed faces of said armature core, each of said pole pieces also being secured to one side of each of said magnets. 6. A device as defined in claim 5 wherein said pole pieces extend lengthwise beyond the outer edge of each of said magnets. 7. A device in claim 6 wherein said transducer assembly further comprises a pair of spaced frame members, said armature and said coils being located therebetween, said armature being positioned by said springs to said datum whereby said armature is positioned equidistantly from each of said members, said frame members limiting the movement of said armature when driven by said electromagnetic forces. 8. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said input means is in the form of a miniaturized microphone and said processing means includes audio amplifying means and filtering means for converting said input audio signals into said driving signals, said amplifying and filtering means being disposed within a compact housing. 9. A device as defined in claim 8 wherein said amplifying and filtering means as constituted by a pair of active bandpass filters having signal gain capabilities. 10. A device as defined in claim 9 wherein processing means further includes a rechargeable power supply within said housing. 11. A device as defined in claim 9 wherein said processing means further includes second audio input means for permitting an alternate audio signal source to provide said audio input signals, said microphone being conditioned to an inoperative state when said second audio input means is in use. 12. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said transducer assembly is mounted on a band adapted to be secured to the wrist of a user and is removeably connected to said processing means. 13. A transducer assembly for use in a communication device for transmitting audio information to a user comprising: a casing; a plunger member within said casing and being moveable through an aperture in said casing to contact said portion; drive means within said casing and being responsive to driving signals analogous to audio information to be transmitted to said user to move said plunger member to contact said user in a vibrational pattern according to said driving signals; and biasing means located opposite sides of said drive means for opposing movement of said plunger member and for returning said plunger member to a datum in the absence of driving signals. 14. An assembly as defined in claim 13 wherein said drive means includes an armature moveable in response to driving signals and moving said plunger member. 15. An assembly as defined in claim 14 wherein said biasing means is constituted by a pair of springs located on opposite sides of said armature. 16. An assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein said drive means further comprises a pair of coils with each coil surrounding a core, said cores being located on opposite sides of said armature, said coils generating an electromagnetic force when energized by said driving signals and causing said armature to move said plunger member. 17. An assembly as defined in claim 16 wherein said armature includes a core member having two sets of opposed sides, one set of opposed sides having a magnet secured thereto with said magnets being positioned so that their poles face the same direction, the other set of opposed sides having a pole piece secured thereto, said pole pieces being positioned adjacent said coils and being secured to one side of each of said magnets. 18. An assembly as defined in claim 17 wherein said pole pieces extend lengthwise beyond the outer edge of said magnets. 19. An assembly as defined in claim 18 further comprising a pair of frame members spaced apart along an axis with said coils and armature being located between said members, said springs being secured to said frame members, said frame members being provided with passages to permit said armature to enter said passage and deflect said springs and move said plunger member, said springs maintaining said armature at said datum equidistantly spaced from said frame members in the absence of said driving signals, said frame members limiting the movement of said armature when driven by said electromagnetic forces. 20. An assembly as defined in claim 20 wherein said springs include a pair of parallel slots formed therein to define a band having increased flexibility, said band being deflected upon movement of said armature. 21. A communication device for transmitting audio information to a user comprising: a compact housing adapted to facilitate carrying by a user; a miniaturized microphone in said housing for receiving input audio signals; processing means disposed in said housing and being in communication with said microphone and converting said input audio signals into transducer driving signals; a transducer assembly to be worn by said user and being in communication with said processing means, said transducer assembly including a plunger member moveable to contact said user and drive means responsive to said driving signals and moving said plunger member to contact said user in a vibrational pattern analogous to said input audio signals. 22. A device as defined in claim 21 wherein said transducer assembly further comprises biasing means located on opposite sides of said drive means for opposing the movement of said plunger member and for returning said plunger member to a datum in the absence of said driving signals. 23. A device as defined in claim 22 wherein said processing means includes audio amplifying means and filtering means for converting said input audio signals into said driving signals. 24. A device as defined in claim 23 wherein said amplifying and filtering means is constituted by a pair of active bandpass filters with signal gain capabilities. 25. A device as defined in claim 21 wherein said processing means further includes second audio input means for permitting an alternate audio signal source to provide said audio input signals, said microphone being conditioned to an inoperative state when said second audio input means is in use. 26. A device as defined in 25 wherein said processing means includes a pair of signal processing paths, one of said paths extending from said microphone and second input audio input means to said transducer and the other of said paths extending from said second audio input means to said transducer, said processing means enabling said one path and disabling said other path when said microphone is in an operative state or when said alterant audio signal source supplies audio signal levels below a predetermined level, said processing means disabling said one path and enabling said other path when said alternate audio signal source provides signals above said predetermined level. 27. A device as defined in claim 26 wherein said processing means maintains said other path in an enabled state until said microphone is reconditioned to an operative condition. 28. A device as defined in claim 21 wherein said transducer assembly is mounted on a band adapted to be secured to the wrist of a user and is removeably connected to said processing means. 29. A device as defined in claim 21 wherein said processing means further comprises input signal mute means for inhibiting generation of said driving signals by said processing means when said input audio signals are below a predetermined threshold. 30. A transducer assembly for use in a communication device for transmitting audio information to a user comprising: a casing; a plunger member within said casing and being moveable through an aperture in said casing to contact said user; a driving member within said casing and operable to move said plunger member to contact said user; at least two drive means responsive to driving signals analogous to audio information, said drive means being located on opposite sides of said driving member and actuating said driving member thereby to move said plunger member so that said plunger member contacts said user in a vibrational pattern according to said driving signals; and biasing means within said casing for returning said plunger member to a datum in the absence of said driving signals. 31. An assembly as defined in claim 30 wherein said driving member is in the form of an armature and wherein said drive means are in the form of a pair of coils surrounding a core and being located on opposite sides of said armature, said coils generating an electromagnetic force when energized by said driving signals to move said armature. 32. An assembly as defined in claim 31 wherein said biasing means is located on opposite sides of said armature and is further operable to oppose movement of said armature. 33. An assembly as defined in claim 32 wherein said biasing means is constituted by a pair of springs located on opposite sides of said armature. 34. An assembly as defined in claim 33 further comprising a pair of frame members spaced apart along an axis with said coils and armature being located between said members, said springs being secured to said frame members, said frame members being provided with passages to permit said armature to enter said passage to deflect said springs and move said plunger member, said frame members limiting movement of said armature when driven by said electromagnetic forces. 35. An assembly as defined in claim 34 wherein said springs include slots formed therein to define a band having increased flexibility, said band being deflected upon movement of said armature. 36. In combination an article to be worn on the head of a user and a communication device for transmitting audio information to said user, said device including a transducer assembly mounted in said article and operable to contact the head of said user in a vibrational pattern corresponding to audio information received by said device to allow the ear structure of the user to receive said audio information via bone conduction. 37. The combination of claim 36 wherein said article to be worn by said user is a safety helmet, said transducer assembly being mounted in said helmet. 38. The combination of claim 37 wherein said transducer assembly is of the type as defined in claim 13. 39. The combination of claim 36 wherein said article to be worn by said user is a pair of glasses, said transducer assembly being mounted in the framework thereof. 40. A method of communicating audio information to a user comprising the step of: contacting the user above the neck with a plunger member in a vibrational pattern analogous to the audio information thereby to allow the ear structure of said user to receive said audio information via bone conduction. 41. The method of claim 40 wherein said plunger member is vibrated at a frequency of from between 50 Hz to 8,000 Hz. 42. The method of claim 41 wherein said plunger member is vibrated at a frequency of from between 50 Hz to 3,000 Hz. 43. In a device for conveying audio information to a user, said device including a transducer assembly having a plunger member for contacting said user in a vibrational pattern analogous to the audio information, the improvement comprising wherein said plunger member is located on an article to be worn on the head of a user and positioned to contact the head of said user thereby to allow the ear structure of said user to receive said audio information via bone conduction. 44. The device of claim 43 wherein said transducer assembly is located in a safety helmet. 45. The device of claim 43 wherein said transducer assembly is located in the framework of a pair of glasses. 46. In combination a telephone and a transducer assembly to be worn by a user, said telephone for receiving information from a telephone network and including means to condition said information into an audible form, said transducer assembly being in communication with said telephone and receiving said information when in said audible form, said transducer assembly including a plunger member responsive to said information and contacting said user in a vibrational pattern analogous thereto. 47. The combination of claim 46 wherein said transducer assembly is electrically connected to said telephone. 48. The combination of claim 47 wherein said transducer assembly is mounted in an article to be worn on the head of said user. 49. The combination of claim 48 wherein said telephone includes a handset having a transmitter and a receiver and wherein said transducer assembly by¬ passes said receiver.

Inventors: FITCH FRANK, FITCH, FRANK
Applicants: CANADIAN BIONIC RES INC, CANADIAN BIONIC RESEARCH, INC.
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A61F11
IPC codes: A61F11, G09B21, H04R11, H04R25