Abstract:
A handheld foldable voice-muffling device using passive noise silencing materials to dampen noise and a microphonic transceiver to transmit a user&#39;s speech and receive incoming signals allowing him to wirelessly communicate with another person or other communication devices without causing a disturbance to others in his surrounding area.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority date under 35 U.S.C.sctn. 119(e) from the following U.S. provisional application: Application Ser. No. 61/089,095, titled “Foldable Wireless Voice Muffling Device for Mobile Communication,” filed on Aug. 15, 2008. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to wireless communications, voice recognition devices, and more particularly to the passive muffling of undesirable extraneous sounds produced when a person talks into an electronic communication device such as cellular, mobile, wireless or wired phone and other devices with microphones. 
         [0003]    The Reporting Device that was patented over 20 years ago in U.S. Pat. No. Gore, 4,129,754 provided a viable solution in reducing undesirable sounds when using a microphone in ruckus adverse environments such as courtrooms. The problem with this prior art is that the device uses a cable to connect the audio signals to an audio processor which can be very inconvenient. 
         [0004]    There are currently numerous devices with a transceiver that facilitates wireless communication from a person speaking into a microphone, particularly the now ubiquitous cellphones or mobile phones. These devices however are causing a public nuisance especially inside buses and trains, not to mention the loss on the uses privacy. 
         [0005]    Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range communications technology intended to replace the cables connecting portable and/or fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security. WiMAX, LTE and similar broadband technology provide long range telecommunications for portable devices. WiFi and Wireless USB technology facilitate the telecommunications of voice and data signals to computer systems. UHF, VHF, microwave and other radio transceiver technologies convert and reproduce audio and digital signals into radio waves to facilitate telecommunications. 
         [0006]    Thus, embedding a Bluetooth, WIFI, WiMAX, Wireless USB or other wireless RF transceiver inside a foldable device with a removable sound absorbing interior housing and a microphone positioned outside or inside of said interior housing would provide someone speaking into a microphone a convenient, quieter, more hygienic and effective telecommunications capability. 
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device that can substantially muffle unwanted vocal sounds from people speaking into devices with microphones and can utilize the Bluetooth or similar wireless systems in conveying the audio signals to telecommunications devices such as cellular, mobile, PBX, Voice Over IP, etc., thereby eliminating cords or cables which can entangle and interfere with the operator&#39;s movements. 
         [0008]    A further object of the invention is to provide a wireless voice muffler that can effectively eliminate unwanted sounds by incorporating a removable interior housing or baffle component. 
         [0009]    A further object of the invention is to provide a wireless voice muffler for office employees who need privacy when conversing on the phone while also reducing the noise nuisance and distraction in their workplace, benefiting employers. 
         [0010]    A further object of the invention is to provide a wireless voice muffler for musically inclined and aspiring singers who wish to practice singing while in public venues. 
         [0011]    A further object of the invention is to provide a wireless voice muffler for use inside airplane cabins, buses, trains or other transportation systems for passengers who do not like to listen to conversations from other passengers seated nearby. 
         [0012]    A further object of the invention is to provide a wireless voice muffler that can provide a clear and consistent audio signal output that can be fed to a speech or voice processing system to perform functions such as voice to word or text processing and other audio processing applications. 
         [0013]    A further object of the invention is to provide a wireless voice muffler that can easily be cleaned and sanitized. 
         [0014]    A further object of the invention is to provide a wireless voice muffler that can be attached to a lanyard for easy transportability. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention is having a generally rigid housing defining a clamshell that a user grasps and manipulates, whereby said clamshell comprises: a formable interior housing having a hollow shape with a closed end and a wide open end that covers a user&#39;s mouth area, a microphone and a transceiver. 
         [0016]    The invention is generally used as a mobile phone accessory, more particularly in situations whereby the user does not want to disturb someone close by when he is making a phone call or he does not want his privacy compromised. The user operates the device by first opening the exterior clamshell housing to expose the hollow sound absorbing interior housing whereby it is manipulated to generally cover the mouth area of the user to prevent as much vocal noise from escaping out into the user&#39;s vicinity. When the device is opened, the transceiver system gets activated thereby allowing the microphone to receive a user&#39;s speech wherein said speech is processed and sent to remote audio processors, such as a mobile phone. The user receives incoming signals from the aforementioned transceiver system in combination with an earphone or earpiece. When the user decides he longer needs to use the device, he simply folds it up and stores it into his pocket. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention shown in a nested arrangement. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention shown in a partially extended arrangement. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention shown in an extended arrangement. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a pictorial representation of how a person would typically use the device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the invention showing the left part of the exterior housing assembly. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the invention showing the right part of the exterior housing assembly. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the exterior housing in a partially extended arrangement. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the exterior housing in a partially extended arrangement. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the exterior housing in an extended arrangement. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a front sectional view of an embodiment of the invention showing the interior housing in a folded arrangement taken along line A-A of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the invention showing the interior housing in a folded arrangement. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the interior housing in a folded arrangement. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the interior housing in a partially folded arrangement. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the interior housing in an extended arrangement. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the interior housing in an extended arrangement. 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart of a typical operational mode of the wireless device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is a diagram of a typical operational mode of the wireless device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is a diagram of another typical operational mode of the wireless device in accordance with an embodiment of the current invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0035]    As used herein, the term “housing” is intended, but not limited, to generally refer to a metallic or non-metallic or a combination of both, protective cover, casing, case, shell or enclosure designed to contain, enclose or support another housing, mechanical, electrical, electronic components, and/or any combination thereof. It can be homogeneous, heterogeneous, multi-layered, multi-bodied, multi-frame, multi-colored and/or any combination thereof. It may be rigid, semi-rigid, flexible, supple, and/or a combination thereof. It may also have properties such as sound absorbing, soundproofing, sound muffling, sound baffling, sound distorting, anti-bacterial, germicidal, anti-viral, anti-odor, and/or a combination thereof. 
         [0036]    As used herein, the term “transceiver,” or “personal transceiver,” or “transceiver system,” or “transceiver unit,” or “transceiver module,” is intended but not limited, to generally refer to a full-duplex, wireless or radio frequency system having electronic components and circuitry such as a transmitter, receiver, CODEC, DAC, Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) CPU, application processor, memory, sound quality optimizer, telephone number dialing circuitry, antenna, power supply, battery, battery charger, timer, test and monitoring circuitry, amplifier, video circuit, digital and analog processors, AF or RF signal conditioners, automatic volume or gain control circuitry, active noise cancelation electronics, other associated mechanical, electronic and electrical components, and/or any combination thereof, the main function of which is: to transmit analog and/or digital signals; or to receive analog and/or digital signals; or a combination thereof: The transmission and reception mode of a transceiver can also be simplex, half-duplex or multiplex. As a Personal Computer (PC) may refer to a computer system comprising of dual processors; peripherals such as keyboards, monitors, sound cards having microphone input and loudspeaker outputs, amplifiers; and software, a personal transceiver may likewise refer to a combination of dual channel transceiver chips with peripherals, amplifiers and software to become functional. Further, software programs such as voice recognition, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, active noise cancelation, and/or a combination thereof, can be part of a transceiver for it to become functional. In a language translation adaptation, an image or video processor may also be integrated into the transceiver to allow a remotely located interpreter get a better grasp of the user&#39;s surrounding, thereby effecting a more accurate translation. Further, in an active noise cancellation adaptation, the transceiver can additionally comprise of a microphone, amplifier and loudspeaker components to reduce undesirable soundwaves by feeding back a 180 degree phased signal of the original soundwaves to cancel out the original soundwaves. It should be further understood that it is a common practice in the electronics industry to use expansion slots, adapters, sockets, connectors, and/or any combination thereof, with the goal of providing robustness and extensibilty of the transceiver by adding enhancement capabilities and new functionalities of their hardware products. Some components of the transceiver do not necessarily have to stay enclosed within the module for it to qualify as a transceiver. For example, to lengthen the transceiver&#39;s usage, a battery pack can be added, and to extend its range a RF amplifier and longer antenna can be added, externally. Other examples include SIM cards, SD memory cards, CF memory cards, amplifiers, firmware ROMs, etc. These additional components are associated with the transmitting and receiving functions and are therefore considered integral parts of the “transceiver” and thus may not need to be specified as separate components. Further, due to the rapid advances in the semiconductor industry with regards to miniaturization, it is further understood that more and more discrete components are being integrated and made modular therein. For example, previous PC practitioners refer to the CPU as just the computer chip, and related supporting circuits such as a digital communications controllers I/O controller, firmware. ROM, timing circuits, cache controller, were considered separate or discrete components. Nowadays, however, the CPU refers to of all these formerly discrete components as part of the computer chip integrated or modularized into a single chip or module. Similarly, the transceiver has been constantly transitioned into a modularized structure and therefore it is understood that the term also encompasses, but not limited, to the integration and modularization of discrete components that relate to the function of transmitting and/or receiving analog/digital signals. Further, wireless base stations are also considered as transceivers since their main function is to transmit and receive data in addition to signal processing and conditioning. 
         [0037]    As used herein, the term “multifunction key,” or “multi-key” is intended, but not limited, to generally refer to a push button switch which allows the invention to be powered up or powered down, pair with compatible wireless devices, run a self-test or bootup routine, as well as other tasks associated with the efficient functioning and high performance of the transceiver system. The multi-key starts up and maintains the process of getting power to the transceiver from the power source, typically a battery, or starting a standby timer which powers down the transceiver after a set period of time, a function also known as auto-shutoff used for conserving the device&#39;s battery. This key can also power down the device when the user depresses it for a few seconds. Additionally, this key is also associated or integrated with small indicator lamps which provide status information of the wireless device. It is understood that new functions are continually added to this component to enhance the transceiver&#39;s capabilities, so implementing these enhancements on the present invention would be embraced and considered as a normal progression or transition of its technology. 
         [0038]    As used herein, the term “microphone” is intended, but not limited, to generally refer to a device or an instrument that converts sound waves into an electric current, usually fed into a sound processor, an amplifier, a recorder, or a broadcast transmitter. It can be any type depending upon the manufacturer&#39;s or the user&#39;s preference—whether it be sound quality, noise canceling capability, weight and/or cost consideration, size, ruggedness, and/or a combination thereof. It is understood that the microphone technology is constantly evolving and improving which therefore makes it very conceivable that the microphone used in the present invention may adopt all the aforementioned enhancements and/or improvements thereof. 
         [0039]    As used herein, the term “battery” is intended, but not limited, to generally refer to a A direct-current voltage source made up of one or more units that convert chemical, thermal, nuclear, mechanical or solar energy into electrical energy. It can be disposable but it is preferred that the present invention uses a rechargeable type. If it is of the rechargeable type, the term “battery” may refer to a rechargeable battery with its related charging circuitry which comprise an AC adapter, a rectifier, a passive filter, an active filter, a timer, an overcharging protector, and/or a combination of other related battery recharging electronics. It is understood that the battery technology is constantly evolving and improving, therefore the type or kind of battery that the present invention may adopt will depend on the application&#39;s or manufacturer&#39;s preference. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 1-3  show the different views of the present invention seen as general reference  10  comprising of an exterior housing component  20  and a deformable interior housing component  30 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a hollow interior housing  30  is exposed when the exterior housing  20  is opened and extended outward.  FIGS. 5 through 9  show the detailed views of the exterior housing  20  and  FIGS. 10 through 15  show the detailed views of the interior housing  30 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  illustrates a user manipulating the present invention  10  by pressing it against his/her face with just the proper amount of pressure to effect a seal of any undesirable sounds when talking into the microphone  25  embedded within the device  10 . A wireless headset, earphone, or earbud  50  is typically used in combination or association with the transceiver  26  of device  10  to allow the user to hear or listen to the incoming signals. As well, the user may use the speaker of the mobile phone  60  to listen to the call. Alternatively, a wired earbud or earpiece or earphone may be used or supplemented with the device  10  to reproduce the incoming calls. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIGS. 5-9 , the exterior housing  20  comprises two crush-proof shells, a first shell  21   a  and a second shell  21   b,  both of which are generally of the same size and shape, coupled rotatably by a hinge  22  thereby forming a clamshell configuration that is dimensioned to fit a user&#39;s hand comfortably which means they can be in different sizes such as small, medium, etc. When the device  10  is not being used, a mechanical latch  23   a,  preferably magnetic, may be used to secure the first shell  21   a  to the second shell  21   b.  Another preferred embodiment would be the use of a hinge  22  that is spring-loaded such as those used in some eyeglass cases, thus eliminating the need for said latch  23   a.  Alternatively, a locking or latch system with a latch release mechanism may be implemented instead of the mechanical latch  23   a  or spring-loaded hinge  22 . Such alternative latch arrangement can consist of mechanical linkages such as springs, rods, hooks, and pivots whereby a pushbutton  23   b,  located on the exterior of the interior housing  30 , when depressed disengages a hook that secures the shells  21   a  and  21   b  together, allowing the device  10  to swing open. Closing the device  10  engages a hook assisted by a spring therein. 
         [0043]    Further, the first shell  21   a  of the exterior housing  20 , may comprise a microphone  24 , a transceiver  26 , a multi-key  28 , an open/close sensor  29 , and/or combinations thereof. Microphone  24 , which can alternatively be located inside the interior housing  30 , accepts the speech from a user, whereby its output signal is fed to the transceiver  26 , which then processes and transmits the RF signal to a remote device such as a cellphone  60 , a headset  50  or a speech processing system via a base station  70 , and/or a combination thereof. It is also understood that in some enhanced embodiment of the invention, a microphone  24  may be added to condition the audio signal and may be located inside, or outside, or a combination thereof, of the inner housing  30 . The aforementioned audio signal conditioner may be a separate circuit component of the transceiver system  26  or may also be integrated into the transceiver system  26  itself. In order to minimize the echo that gets generated by the device  10 , the microphone can be placed on the exterior part of the housing  20  although the use of an echo canceling microphone is more preferable. 
         [0044]    An easily removable primary or auxiliary battery  27 , may be located in an appropriate area of the exterior housing  20  such as on the second shell  21   b.  This can be implemented by incorporating a battery compartment cover  27   b  that slides out when a release button is depressed, exposing the battery  27 . A socket  27   a  for an AC adapter plug may be provided for those devices that use rechargeable batteries. 
         [0045]    The switch or sensor  29  is normally open electrically when the device  10  is folded up or is not being used, and causes the circuitry in the wireless transceiver  26  to place the device  10  into a standby or suspended mode. The device  10  stays in the standby mode until the system times out and powers the system down due to inactivity, the length of such inactivity being usually dependent on the preset auto shutoff feature of the transceiver system  26 , or until the user decides to manually power down the device  10 , in which case such shutdown condition is accomplished by keeping the multi-key  28  continuously depressed for a few seconds. 
         [0046]    When the device  10  is opened or unfolded, such as making or answering a call, sensor  29  detects the changed state and electrically closes the open circuit causing the device  10  to switch to an operational mode thereby allowing the microphone to accept the user&#39;s voice which consequently sends the output signal to a remote device for processing. 
         [0047]    Channel grooves  25   a  and  25   b  are provided on corresponding shells  21   a  and  21   b,  located on the exterior housing  20 , to match with the thin panel rails  36   a  and  36   b,  located on the interior housing  30 , to allow the interior housing  30  to slide in and out of the exterior housing  20  for easy removal. It is also preferable that some other mechanical means be used to secure the interior housing  30  to the exterior housing  20 , for example using clamps, glue, tape, screws and bolts. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 14 and 15  are the front and rear views of the deformable interior housing  30 , having a sound absorbing or sound suppressing or noise eliminating material  31 , further seen as generally having a hollow triangular prism shape, comprising a wide open end and a narrow closed end, whereby the upper and lower portions of the wide open end are arced to conform to the shape of the facial area around the user&#39;s mouth, and the narrow closed end comprises: an appropriate opening  32  for the microphone to capture the speaker&#39;s voice; and a vent  33 , located in close proximity of said closed end. A foam or gel filled or a generally soft material  34  may be incorporated or attached along the brim of the wide open end for user comfort. Additionally, the deformable material  31  may have anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-odor, anti-microbial, germicidal, or a combination thereof, properties to improve hygiene. Such substances may be layered, or coated, or lined, or imbedded, or a combination thereof, into the deformable material  31 . Alternatively, a disposable germicidal liner or foam may be implemented to allow for the convenient elimination of harmful bacteria. Vent  33  releases the pressure build-up within the device to allow for better recordation of the user&#39;s voice. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  shows a cross sectional view of the interior housing  30 , approximately halfway between the front and the rear, illustrating how it would look like when it is folded up. On the left side of the housing  30 , it is seen that the outside rail  36   a  secures the deformable material  31  by means of a bolt or screw to a rigid flat panel  35   a  located inside said material  31 , which is generally larger in size compared to the rail  36   a.  A similar arrangement is effected on the right side of the housing  30  by the corresponding outside rail  36   b  and inner panel  35   b.  The outside rails  36   a  and  36   b  have slanting shapes which correspond to the slanted grooves  25   a  and  25   b  located on the exterior housing  20 , said rails are slightly tapered to allow for the interior housing  30  to transition nicely as it slides and seats inside the exterior housing  20 , said rails are further attached to corresponding slightly curved flat brackets  37   a  and  37   b  that are joined rotatably by a hinge  38  which help stabilize the slidable structure, thus facilitating the cleaning, repair, or replacement of the interior housing  30  thereof. 
         [0050]    Alternatively, the interior housing  30  may be integrated or attached to the exterior housing  20  by other mechanical attachment means such as clamps, screws, glues, nuts and bolts, etc. As previously mentioned, the microphone  24  may be located inside the interior housing  30  instead of outside, in which case the electrical connections to said microphone may be supported by running, the electrical connections from the microphone along electrical contacts embedded or surface coated on the outside rails  35   a  and/or  35   b  whereby they physically and electrically link with the exterior housing  20  circuits through electrical contacts embedded or surface coated on the corresponding grooves  25   a  and/or  25   b  as they abut up against each other. As a further alternative, electrical connections from said microphone can be routed and terminated by a connector plug at the distal end of the interior housing  30 , whereby said connector plug inserts into a corresponding jack located on the exterior housing  20 . It is also understood that in some enhanced embodiment of the invention, a microphone  24  may be added that can condition or improve the clarity of the audio signal and may be located inside, or outside, or a combination thereof, of the inner housing  30 . Said audio signal conditioner may be a separate circuit component of the transceiver system  26  or may also be integrated into the transceiver system  26 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 16  illustrates the typical steps involved when a user wants to use the device  10 , such as when answering a cellphone call. Step  101  checks to see if the device  10  is prepared for use by the user. An internal monitoring circuitry of the transceiver system  26  usually takes care of this task of ensuring that the device is powered up and paired with a cellphone, a state in which the device is in a standby mode. If it finds that the device is not in such mode then the user must perform the power up and pairing tasks, step  102 , typically with the use of the multi-key  28 , before proceeding any further. On the other hand, if the device  10  is determined to be ready, or in standby mode, and then the user needs to make or answer a call such as when the cellphone is ringing, step  103 , he needs to open or unfold, step  104 , the device  10  first and then talks inside, step  105 , the device  10 . He can listen to the incoming call either through a wireless headset  50 , a speaker on the cellphone  60  or a corded earphone implemented in another embodiment of the invention. In the case where he is trying to make a call, he could use the cellphone&#39;s  60  keypad, or touchscreen, or vocal commands, or a combination thereof, to dial the desired phone number. The device  10  stays connected to the other party until the user decides to end the call, step  106 , by either closing or folding the device  10  or shutting it down by depressing the multi-key  28  for a few seconds, shown in step  107 . Finally, in step  108 , if the device  10  was folded up, the device  10  will go into a standby mode whereby it resumes to listening or monitoring for any commands from the cellphone  60 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 17  shows a diagram of an embodiment of the invention whereby the transmitter output of the device  10  is received by either a mobile phone  60  or with a wireless headset  50  or a combination thereof. The device  10  also receives wireless signals such as control, monitoring and management from a mobile phone  60  or a headset  50  or both. The mobile phone  60  generally connects to a cellphone service provider via a base station  70 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 18  shows a diagram of the invention  10  telecommunicating with a wireless headset  50  and a wireless base station unit  70  that connects to a PC, a computer file server, a voice recognition system, a cellphone service provider, an automated language translation system, a transcription machine, other voice input processors and/or a combination thereof. The device  10  also receives wireless signals such as commands, control signals, monitoring and management signals from a base station  70  or a headset  50  or a combination thereof.