Abstract:
A communications headset having multiple modes of communication, including DECT7 wideband and narrow band, Bluetooth®, two-way radio connectivity, and USB connectivity. The system includes a DECT7 transceiver, a Bluetooth® transceiver, a microcontroller, and a digital signal processor (DSP), all connected on a bus. The DSP and a portion of the microcontroller can be reprogrammed via signals through the USB port or via signals from the Bluetooth® transceiver. The reprogramming signals originate from a computer that is temporarily linked to the headset via USB cable or Bluetooth®. The system provides listen-through capability, enabling face-to-face conversation while using DECT7 communications. The DECT7 communications have a noise gate that shuts off all noise when there is no voice signal present. The headset provides substantial hearing protection via passive and active noise cancellation and includes a sound pressure dosimeter.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/173,672 filed 5 Jun. 2016 by at least one common inventor the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/045,003 filed 16 Feb. 2016 by at least one common inventor the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. This application is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/322,069 filed 2 Jul. 2014, by at least one common inventor, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. This application is also continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/967,284 filed 12 Dec. 2015, by at least one common inventor, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. In addition, this application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/173,672 filed 5 Jun. 2016, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/045,003 filed 16 Feb. 2016, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/967,284 filed 12 Dec. 2015, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/322,069 filed 2 Jul. 2014. 
     
    
     FIELD OF ART 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to providing a communications headset with multiple modes of communication with programmable communications parameters. More particularly, the invention relates to a communications headset with DECT7 multichannel wireless communications, Bluetooth® communications, connectivity to two-way radios, and audible “listen through” capability for face-to-face verbal communications. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    None. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Headsets are widely used in industry for hearing protection, electronic communication, or both. A headset consists of one or two earpieces that cover the ear or ears of the user, and a headband that couples to the earpiece or earpieces to provide support for the ear piece or earpieces. An earpiece includes an ear cup that supports electronics, manual controls, access points, a ear cushion that surrounds the ear when in use, and one or more portions of couplings for headbands. With the advancement of communications technology, such as DECT 7 compliant technology, large numbers of users (e.g. 200) can be connected to a single communication headset network with subsets of users having particular communications relationship within their subset. In such a busy environment, a signal path to an antenna in such a communications headset may be temporarily blocked or interrupted by the movement of heavy equipment, vehicles, or even the position of the user himself. Various communication environments require adaptability of communications headsets to those environments. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need for a headset that can improve the likelihood of receiving a signal, improving signal quality, and redundancy that can provide a better experience for users of complex communication headset networks. Furthermore, there is a need for a communication headset that has a plurality of communication options and that can operate in high noise environments with reduced risk to hearing and reduced risk of communication loss. Furthermore, there is a need for a communication headset that can be programmed to adapt to various communication environments. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The invention provides DECT7 multichannel wireless communications, Bluetooth® communications, connectivity to two-way radios, and audible “listen through” capability for face-to-face verbal communications as well as USB connectivity for reprogramming the operating and communications parameters of the communications headset. The invention includes hearing protection in the form of a sound dosimeter, automatic loud noise suppression, and passive noise reduction. Further communication reliability is provided using a noise cancelling microphone. The invention includes an antenna in each of the left and right ear pieces of a communications headset. 
         [0007]    The headset may be programmed by connecting the headset, via a USB cable or via Bluetooth® connectivity, to a personal computer (PC) on which resides software, data, and a user interface used for programming the headset. The PC obtains the programming software via an internet connection, which may be wireless. Programming includes installing firmware upgrades into the headset, thereby changing communications parameters. The multiple communication mode headset may alternatively be reprogrammed via Bluetooth® connectivity to the PC. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a multiple communication mode headset in a first exemplary configuration, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of a multiple communication mode headset in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a left side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset in the first exemplary configuration set of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a right side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a diagram view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of a process of the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a block diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the programming system for the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a block diagrammatic view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a screen shot view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of a user interface of the programming system for the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is an additional screen shot view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the user interface of the programming system for the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    As used and defined herein, the term “headset” refers to a communications headset that consists of two ear pieces that cover the ears of the user, and a headband that couples to the earpieces to provide support for the earpieces. An earpiece is defined to include an ear cup that supports electronics, manual controls, access points, an ear cushion that surrounds the ear when in use, and one or more portions of couplings for headbands. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a multiple communication mode headset  100  in a first exemplary configuration, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The multiple communication mode headset  100  structurally includes headgear  150 , left side communication earpiece  160 , and right side communication earpiece  170 . Each earpiece  160  and  170  includes a structural ear cup  106  that fits over the users ear (one visible in this view), an ear cushion  108  and  110 , respectively extending from the open edge of each ear cup  106 , and communications electronics and controls, about which more will be described below. Each earpiece  160  and  170  has, respectively, a ruggedizer  102  and  104  as described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/967,284 filed 12 Dec. 2015. Each ruggedizer  102  and  104  comprises a flexible resilient outer cover for each ear cup  106 . As earpiece  160  is not the same as earpiece  170 , so ruggedizers  102  and  104 , respectively, are not identical. Ruggedizers  102  and  104  share some features. Both are made of a flexible resilient material, preferably silicone rubber, shaped adaptively to an exterior surface of an ear cup  106 , including conformal portions adapted to protrusions such as buttons and switches. Both ruggedizers  102  and  104  have openings for direct access to access points, such as a DC charging port  406  (see  FIG. 4 ), an LED  148 , a strap slot  146  and  147 , or cup-mounted microphones  130  and  140  on the exterior surfaces of their respective ear cups  106 . Microphone  124  is preferably a noise cancelling microphone  124  with a programmable noise gate. Both ruggedizers  102  and  104  have conformal portions that fit to cover manually activated controls on their respective earpieces  160  and  170  for manual access, through the flexible ruggedizer, to controls on the exterior surfaces of their respective ear cups  106 . In a particular embodiment, ear piece  160  and  170  each has an LED  148  (one visible in this view). 
         [0024]    Dual antenna cable  190  extends through an opening in the left ear cup  106  and the ruggedizer  102  and is guided over cable support  144  to an opening in ruggedizer  104  and right ear cup  106 . In a particular embodiment, ruggedizers  102  and  104  may be omitted. Dual antenna cable  190  carries electric power, received audio, and selected amplified audio between the ear pieces  160  and  170 , as will be described in more detail below. Dual antenna cable  190  enables comparison of signals received at left and right earpieces  160  and  170  and selection of the superior signal  636  (See  FIG. 6 ) for use. In a particular embodiment, dual antenna cable  190  is a radio frequency (RF) coaxial cable. In use, the user&#39;s head acts as a blocker or attenuator to the RF signal in both transmit and receive modes. In a particular embodiment, transmissions from both sides of the user&#39;s head go back to the base station antenna without the user&#39;s head blocking the output. The advantage is clearer communication regardless of the orientation to the user&#39;s head relative to a communication path to the base station. 
         [0025]    The multiple communication mode headset  100  is programmable, in that a programmable digital signal processor  1112  (See  FIG. 11 ) and partially programmable microcontroller  1104  (See  FIG. 11 ) are parts of the communications system  1102  (See  FIG. 11 ) of the multiple communication mode headset  100 , as will be discussed further in regard to  FIGS. 9-12 . 
         [0026]    Left ruggedizer  102  has a microphone opening  132  for forward-directed microphone  130  and has a boom opening  129  for the base  128  of a boom  126  for boom microphone  124 . Left ruggedizer  102  also has a strap opening  147  for use with a head strap  802  (see  FIG. 8 ), which strap is used when the headgear  150  is rotated backward, relative to the earpieces  160  and  170 , to a position behind the user&#39;s head (a second configuration of the multiple communication mode headset  100 ). Left ruggedizer  102  also has an LED opening  148  to provide visibility for a status indicator LED. Lastly, hidden in this view, left ruggedizer  102  has a headgear opening for receiving a coupling between the headgear, at tip  122 , and the ear cup  106 . Left ruggedizer  102  has conformal portions  134 ,  136 , and  138  covering controls that are manually operated by the user. For example, conformal portion  134  may cover a volume lowering control, conformal portion  136  may cover an answer/menu button, and conformal portion  138  may cover a volume raising button. All of the manually activated controls under conformal portions  134 ,  136 , and  138  can be operated by manually pressing through the ruggedizer  102 . The conformal portions  134 ,  136 , and  138  recreate the tactile features of their respective controls for ease of use. Right ruggedizer  104  has an opening  142  for forward-directed microphone  140  and has a strap opening  146  similar to strap opening  147 . It should be appreciated that the openings described are merely exemplary, and that more, fewer, or different openings  129 ,  132 ,  142 ,  146 ,  147 , and  148  and/or more, fewer, or different conformal portions  134 ,  136 , and  138  may be used in various embodiments. 
         [0027]    Ruggedizers  102  and  104  provide the following advantages to headset  100 : improved mechanical shock resistance, improved water resistance, improved dust resistance, improved visibility to others, visual sub net identification, flotation of the entire multiple communication mode headset  100 , and noise reduction. 
         [0028]    Headgear  150  includes head band sections  112  and  114  coupled together by head band adjuster  116 . Head band sections  112  and  114  support head protector  118  at couplings  120  and  220  (see  FIG. 2 ). Cable support  144  is supported by head band portions  112  and  114 . Head band portions  112  and  114  couple at tips  122  and  222  (see  FIG. 2 ) to earpieces  160  and  170 , respectively. In additional embodiments, ear cups  106  may have various shapes and ruggedizers  102  and  104  may be produced adaptive to such various shapes within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of a multiple communication mode headset  100  in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Dual antenna cable  190  can be seen as having some slack between left ear piece  160  and the cable support  144  and between right ear piece  170  and the cable support  144 , which allows for positional adjustability of the earpieces  160  and  170  without straining dual antenna cable  190 . The slack is also useful when the headgear is rotated about ball portions  202  and  204  to be positioned behind the user&#39;s head in the second configuration. 
         [0030]    Additional conformal portion  206  can be seen in this view, as well as ball portions  202  and  204  extending from head band sections  112  and  114 , respectively, into sockets in earpieces  160  and  170 , respectively. Conformal portion  206  covers the power OFF/ON toggle push-button switch. The headgear couplings using ball portions  202  and  204  are illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 1  as being a ball and socket joint, but the invention is not so limited. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is a left side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset  100  in the first exemplary configuration set of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Dual antenna cable  190  is secured to cable support  144  using one or more securers  304 . Securers  304  may be, without limitation, ties, clamps, clips, and bands. Ruggedizer  102  has an opening  306  for access to an aligned opening in left ear cup  106  for receiving the dual antenna cable  190 . 
         [0032]    Groove  302  is a groove on the internal surface of the ruggedizer  102  that aligns to a two-way radio port opening on the external surface of the ear cup  106 . Should the user desire to connect a two-way radio to the headset  100 , the user can cut along groove  302  to gain physical access to the port  1132  (See  FIG. 11 ). In other embodiments, other groves may be provided for other optional connections. In additional embodiments, various configurations of openings and conformal portions may adapt to corresponding configurations of access points and controls on the ear cup  106 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is a right side elevation view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset  100  in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Dual antenna cable  190  is secured to cable support  144  using one or more securers  304 . Securers  304  may be, without limitation, ties, clamps, clips, and bands. Ruggedizer  104  has an opening  414  for access to an aligned opening in right ear cup  106  for receiving the dual antenna cable  190 . 
         [0034]    A power button conformal portion  206  of the ruggedizer  104  allows the user to manually actuate the power (PWR) push button through the flexible and resilient ruggedizer  104 . Turning the headset  100  off requires the PWR button to be depressed for at least three hundred milliseconds. Power jack opening  412  in ruggedizer  104  enables access to DC power jack  406  for providing direct power and for recharging the internal battery. A push-to-talk (PTT) button conformal portion  408  of the ruggedizer  104  allows the user to manually actuate the PTT button through the flexible and resilient ruggedizer  104 . In addition, for Bluetooth® pairing, both the PWR and the PTT must be pressed for between five and seven seconds. Down-channel selector switch conformal portion  410  of ruggedizer  104  allows the user to manually actuate the down-channel selector switch, for selecting DECT7 channels, through the flexible and resilient ruggedizer  104 . Up-channel selector switch conformal portion  404  of ruggedizer  104  allows the user to manually actuate the up-channel selector switch, also for selecting DECT7 channels, through the flexible and resilient ruggedizer  104 . In additional embodiments, various configurations of openings and conformal portions may adapt to corresponding configurations of access points and controls on the ear cup  106 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset  100  in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Cable threading bores  502  in cable support  144  enable a dual antenna cable  190  to be secured for connection between earpieces  160  and  170 . Securer  304  cooperates with a cable threading bore  502  to secure the dual antenna cable  190  to the cable support  144 . In some embodiments, a plurality of securers  304 , corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of cable threading bores  502 , may be used. 
         [0036]    In another embodiment, the dual antenna cable  190  may be threaded through an even number of cable threading bores  502  to maintain control of dual antenna cable  190  to move with headgear  150 . In various other embodiments, more or fewer cable threading bores  502  may be used. In various additional embodiments, cable threading bores  502  may have various cross-sectional shapes. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset  100  in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Remote transceiver antenna  602  communicates with left ear piece  160  via left ear piece antenna  604  over wireless signal link  628 . Concurrently, remote transceiver antenna  602  communicates the same signal content with right ear piece  170  via right ear piece antenna  606  over wireless link  630 . Left and right ear piece antennas  604  and  606  are illustrated as being outside of their respective earpieces  160  and  170  for simplicity of the drawing. In practice the left and right ear piece antennas  604  and  606  are inside their respective earpieces  160  and  170 , in which the ear cups  106  are substantially transparent at the communication frequency band. Link  628  is shorter than link  630 , and so may have a stronger signal and, therefore, be preferred. The user&#39;s head and/or headgear may block or interfere with the incoming link  628  or  630  giving the unblocked antenna  604  or  606 , respectively, a better signal quality. Other factors may impact the selection of the superior signal  636 , including, without limitation, signal to noise ratio, reflective pathways, electronic interference, and environmental factors. RF switch  614  is under the control of transceiver  616  via control line  622 . 
         [0038]    The received signal from link  628  at antenna  604  is conducted to left antenna coupling  608  that supplies the left antenna signal  624  to RF switch  614  via a line in dual antenna cable  190 . The received signal from link  630  at antenna  606  is conducted to right antenna coupling  612  that supplies the right antenna signal  632  to RF switch  614  via line  632  in right ear piece  170 . RF switch  616  determines which of the right and left antenna signals  632  and  624  is superior. A control input signal  634  switches transceiver  616  to send the superior signal  636  to audio processor  618 . Transceiver  616  is preferably implemented via an integrated circuit as switching logic, and may reside on the same integrated circuit as the RF switch  614 . Amplified superior signal  638  is supplied to the left speaker  610  via a line  626  in dual antenna cable  190  and to the right speaker  620  via direct line  638 . 
         [0039]    In a particular embodiment, the dual antenna functionality shown in ear pieces  160  and  170  may be interchanged. In another particular embodiment, the combined functionality shown in ear pieces  160  and  170  may reside in each ear piece  160  and  170  for redundancy. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a diagram view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of a process  700  of the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Switches  702  and  706  are normally open switches that close, only one at a time, based on the outputs  708  and  710  of comparator  704 , thereby supplying the selected superior signal to the audio processor  618 , which may include an amplifier. Updating of the RF switch  614  output  636  happens at a small integer divisor (such a divisor of one) of the clock speed for the circuits, and in any case more than thirty times per second, such that the granularity of antenna selection changes is undetectable to the user. Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will be aware of various ways to implement the functionality of process  700  in hardware, firmware, software, or combinations thereof, all of such ways are within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset  100  in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Dual antenna communications headset  100 , illustrated without ruggedizers  102  and  104 , includes battery compartment  802  for removing and installing a rechargeable commercial-off-the-shelf battery. The battery may be recharged from a power source, such as wall socket  808 , via a transformer  806  and cable  804  connecting to the DC power jack  406 . Various transformers  806  may be supplied, adapted to various power sources. In a particular embodiment, each earpiece may have a battery compartment  802  and a battery, with recharging access to DC charging port  406  for the left earpiece  160  via dual antenna cable  190 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset  100  in the first exemplary configuration of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Left side communication earpiece  160  is shown with ear cushion  108  removed  912  by manual operation and foam pad  902  subsequently removed  914  by manual operation to expose USB female connector  904 , or USB socket  904 . USB female connector  904  is supported on back plate  906 , as is speaker grill  910 . USB female connector  904  receives a male USB connector on a data link  1002  (see  FIG. 10 ), which is preferably a mini-USB connector. In other embodiments, USB female connector  904  may be a standard sized USB connector  904 . USB female connector  904  is in communication with a communication system  1102  (See  FIG. 11 ) of the multiple communication mode headset  100 , which includes a programmable digital signal processor  1110  (See  FIG. 11 ). 
         [0043]      FIG. 10  is a block diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the programming system  1000  for the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Multiple communication mode headset  100  receives data link  1002  from PC  1004  operated via user interface  1006  by user  1008 . Data link may be a USB cable from the PC  1004  or a Bluetooth® link between the multiple communication mode headset  100  and the PC  1004 . PC  1004  hosts software  1014  enabling a user  1008  to interact with multiple communication mode headset  100  to install firmware upgrades  1012  and/or database upgrades  1016  onto multiple communication mode headset  100 . Firmware upgrades  1012  and/or database upgrades  101  are preferably downloaded from an internet server  1018  to the PC  1004  over internet connection  1010 , which may be, at least in part, wireless. Software  1014  resides on the PC  1004  and is also, preferably, down loaded via Internet connection  1010 . Software  1014  enables user  1008  to change selectable communication parameters, change safety parameters, read data from the multiple communication mode headset  100 , program the multiple communication mode headset  100 , set control parameters within the multiple communication mode headset  100 , and manage firmware upgrades  1102 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 11  is a block diagrammatic view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the multiple communication mode headset  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Multiple communication mode headset  100  includes a communication system  1102  that includes a microcontroller  1104  that is in hardwired communication  1120  with the USB socket  904  and in hardwired communication  1122  with manual controls  1106 . Microcontroller  1104  and Audio Processing  618  communicate using a multiple line bus interface  1108 , or main bus  1108 , which may contain i2c, i2s, and analog signals. In other embodiments, other bus technologies or individual communication would be acceptable. In other embodiments, other bus technologies or individual communication would be acceptable. The microcontroller  1104  hosts all of the primary functions like handling button press events from manual controls  1106  via communication path  1122 , and power up and power down sequencing. In a particular embodiment, communication path  1122  may be part of main bus  1108 . All systems level tasks are handled by the microcontroller  1104 . Manual controls  1106  preferably include, without limitation, ON/OFF power switch, volume lowering control, answer/menu button, a volume raising button, push-to-talk (PTT) button, down-channel selector switch, and up-channel selector switch. Communications subsystems include digital signal processor (DSP)  1112 , voice prompt  1114 , Audio Codec  1110 , DECT7 wireless communications  1116 , and Bluetooth® wireless communications  1118 . Optional Two-Way Radio Port  1134  is preferably connected to the main bus  1108 . 
         [0045]    Digital signal processor (DSP)  1112 , voice prompt  1114 , and audio codec  1110  are connected by an i2s bus  1128  for audio signals and together provide audio processing  618 . In other embodiments, any two or all three of the digital signal processor (DSP)  1112 , voice prompt  1114 , and Audio Codec  1110  may be combined on either a circuit board or an integrated circuit chip. The DSP  1112  processes all of the audio for the headset  100 . The noise gate, equalization setting, and other audio processing takes place in the DSP  1112 . The DSP  1112  also acts as an audio mixer sending the audio signals to the desired locations. The voice prompt  1114  contains the voice prompt library to produce voice prompt announcements to the user. The voice prompt  1114  may also record information for use at a later date. The audio codecs  1110  provide analog to digital and digital to analog convertors for the DSP  1112 . In a particular embodiment, the converters may be contained within the DSP  1112  or stand alone. In a particular embodiment, some converters may be integral to the DSP  1112  with additional convertors in the audio codecs  1110 . The audio codecs  1110  interface with the microphones  1124  via analog signal line  1126  and interfaces as well with the speakers  610  and  620  via analog signal lines  1130  and  1132 , respectively, via amplifiers (not shown). Microphones  1124  include the boom microphone  124  and the cup-mounted microphones  130  and  140 . 
         [0046]    DECT7 wireless communications  1116 , comprising transceiver  616 , receives RF signals, using the DECT7 protocol, from RF switch  614  via communications path  634 . The output of RF switch  614  is the superior signal from either left antenna  604 , via communications path  624 , or right antenna  606 , via communications path  632 . DECT7 wireless communications  1116  also provides RF output, using the DECT7 protocol, via communications path  634  to the RF switch  614  and then to either left antenna  604 , via communications path  624 , or right antenna  606 , via communications path  632 , depending on which antenna has the best link. DECT7 wireless communications  1116  sends data from received RF signals to the DSP  1112  via main bus interface  1108 . 
         [0047]    DECT7 wireless communications  1116  is backwards compatible with Sonetics first generation DECT and DECT6 wireless base stations. DECT7 wireless communications  1116  enables a listen-only mode of operation, thereby reducing power consumption, and allowing additional headsets to connect to a given wireless base station simultaneously. In listen only mode, the user may press the PTT button to momentarily talk on any available communications slot. A tone is emitted to let the user know when a slot is available. Once paired with a base station, the multiple communication mode headset  100  will remember the base station and will automatically reconnect whenever the multiple communication mode headset  100  is turned on. DECT7 wireless communications  1116  transmits in high definition wide band audio format, making language easier to understand and improves interfaces with voice-activated control systems. If not wanted, wide band transmission mode can be switched to narrow band transmission mode. 
         [0048]    DECT7 wireless communications  1116  may be configured in radio transmit mode to transmit a signal to radios connected to the DECT7 wireless base station and intercom of a Sonetics DECT7 wireless communication system. One intercom may connect a plurality of wireless base stations. In particular configurations of the intercom and base stations, the user may broadcast over multiple radios simultaneously. Radio transmit mode may be deselected by the user. Another particular configuration of base stations with an intercom enables the user to have access to multiple channels. A large team of users may have separate channels for various activities and also be able to change channels to become one communication team. 
         [0049]    DECT7 wireless communications  1116  will activate an audible alarm if the multiple communication mode headset  100  is about to go out of range (about 1,600 feet) of the base station. The DECT7 base stations use proximity pairing, and will only pair to multiple communication mode headsets  100  in close proximity. 
         [0050]    Bluetooth® antenna  1140  receives RF signals from Bluetooth® wireless communications  1118 , comprising a transceiver, via communications path  1138 . Bluetooth® wireless communications  1118  also provides RF output via communications path  1138  to the Bluetooth® antenna  1140 , via communications path  1138 . Bluetooth® wireless communications  1118  sends data from received RF signals to the DSP  1112  via main bus  1108 , and receives data from the DSP  1112  for encoding onto the outgoing Bluetooth® RF signal. The device to which the multiple communication mode headset  100  may be paired via Bluetooth® wireless communications  1118  may be any Bluetooth® enabled device. For non-limiting examples, the device may be a cellular telephone, and iPod, a PC, or a tablet. When paired with a cellular telephone, the user can make telephone calls without removing the headset and may use voice activation features on the phone. 
         [0051]    Reprogramming of the DSP  1112 , as by a firmware upgrade, may be by a PC connected to USB socket  904  or via Bluetooth® wireless communications  1118 . Microcontroller  1104  manages the reprogramming tasks within the multiple communication mode headset  100 . Portions of the microcontroller  1104  may also be reprogrammed. In particular embodiments, microcontroller  1104  may be implemented with multiple integrated circuits. 
         [0052]      FIG. 12  is a screen shot view illustrating a first exemplary screen  1200  of an exemplary embodiment of a user interface  1006  of the programming system for the multiple communication mode headset  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The text on the screen  1200  shot is not intended to convey textual information in this patent application, but only image information. The first exemplary screen  1200  is concerned with configuration of control parameters. The user interface  1006  provides radio button icons for: enabling a listen-through logic, which allows the user to hear nearby voices while using the radio or intercom, and a volume level for the listen-through threshold; selecting a noise gate for the noise cancelling microphone  140 ; selecting between radio and intercom with either push-to-talk or voice activation (VOX); activation of a sound pressure level dosimeter; activating a wired auxiliary output from the headset; and selecting a DECT7 bandwidth. In various other embodiments, more or fewer parameters may be selectable. 
         [0053]      FIG. 13  is a second screen shot  1300  view illustrating the exemplary embodiment of the user interface  1006  of the programming system for the multiple communication mode headset  100  of  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The text on the screen  1300  shot is not intended to convey textual information in this patent application, but only image information. Screen  1300  enables the user  1008  to track firmware upgrades  1012  and to program the multiple communication mode headset  100  directly. Firmware upgrades  1012  may be used to correct existing firmware  1106  or to add capabilities to the multiple communication mode headset  100  that it previously did not have. For a non-limiting example of added capability, the firmware upgrade  1012  released Mar. 14, 2016 added a noise gate to the DECT7 audio path, cutting out DECT7 noise when no voice signal was present. In a particular embodiment, the user  1008  may program using the C programming language to program the digital signal processor  1104  within the communications system  1102 . 
         [0054]    The embodiments described above are merely exemplary. Such examples are limited only by the claims below in light of the specification above. Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will understand the variety of ways that the multiple communication mode headset  100  may be implemented.