Voice Communication Device Research Articles

A frequency-domain nonlinear echo processing algorithm for high quality hands-free voice communication devices

A frequency-domain nonlinear echo processing algorithm is proposed to improve the audio quality during double-talk periods for hands-free voice communication devices. To achieve acoustic echo cancellation (AEC), a real-time AEC algorithm based on variable step-size partitioned block frequency-domain adaptive filtering (VSS-PBFDAF) and frequency-domain nonlinear echo processing (FNLP) algorithm was employed in the DSP chip of the prototype device. To avoid divergence during double-talk periods, normalized variable step-sizes for each frequency were introduced to adjust the convergence speed. Then, the nonlinear suppression function of FNLP was applied to inhibit the residual nonlinear acoustic echo and ensure the good quality of the near-end voice. The results of the experiment with the prototype device show that the proposed algorithm achieved deeper and more stable convergence during double-talk periods compared to the NLMS, FNLMS and traditional PBFDAF algorithms. Less nonlinear acoustic echo in the output was also obtained due to the use of FNLP. A speech quality assessment based on ITU-T P.563 showed that the Sout of the proposed algorithm achieved higher scores than that of the WebRTC algorithm. In addition, the speech output of the proposed algorithm during the double-talk periods was clear and coherent.

Digital technologies in the care of people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review.

To map evidence on the use of digital technologies in the care of people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a scoping review, based on the JBI manual, which included scientific articles and gray literature from nine primary and seven secondary databases. Articles were independently assessed by two reviewers. Rayyan® was used to select the studies. The description of study characterization is presented in a table and tables, ending in a narrative synthesis. A total of 1,964 studies were identified and, after selection, 23 publications remained for analysis. It turned out that telemedicine was used in all studies and remote consultation support technologies included continuous glucose monitoring devices, glucose data analysis software, insulin delivery systems, applications, audio and/or voice communication devices, which facilitated remote diabetes mellitus monitoring and management. Telehealth, monitoring technologies, insulin delivery systems and communication devices were tools used to monitor patients with diabetes during the pandemic.

The use of mobile technologies in online shopping during the Covid-19 pandemic - an empirical study

The contemporary mobile phone has absolute capabilities to go beyond its core role as an ordinary voice communication device. With the smart concept and mobile application technology, the contemporary mobile phone makes users’ lives easier than ever before. WHO declared the Covid-19 situation as a pandemic on 11 March 2020 and it has been an ongoing global pandemic since December 2019. People all around the world are experiencing direct and indirect consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, mobile phone technology can provide sophisticated solutions to cope with a pandemic environment. Thus, as a pilot study in this research, the author focused on Polish consumers’ mobile phone usage behaviour towards their online shopping buying behaviour before and during the Covid-19 pandemic time. An online field survey was conducted to collect primary data from the respondents during the month of April 2021, and the total number of participants was recorded as 102. In order to reach conclusions, mainly two types of statistical hypothesis tests were carried out. Hypothesis test 1 was conducted to determine whether the respondents were demonstrating a significant usage increase in the average number of online shopping transactions per month and during the Covid-19 pandemic time. Hypothesis test 2 was conducted to determine whether there was a difference in the average number of online shopping transactions per month during the pandemic time of the respondents based on their age group. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including the matched-pairs test and one-way ANOVA, were applied to the analysis. The researcher is in a position confirm that there is a significant difference in the average number of online shopping transactions per month before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there is no significant difference in the average number of online shopping transactions per month during the pandemic time made by representants of two generations, generation X and Millennials. The results of the study were significant since the primary data collection was done during April 2021. The pilot study will help to understand how the respondents online buying behaviour through mobile phone usage changed during the pandemic. The added value of the conducted pilot study involves filling in a gap regarding the differences and similarities between generational groups on mobile shopping during the Covid-19 pandemic time.

Alternative Voice Communication Device using Eye Blink Detection for People with Speech Disorders

Speech disorders is an inability to articulate sound due to medical ailments such as brain damage, stroke to paralysis and several other diseases. Research data suggests that about 15 million people in the world have partial or complete impairment of language expression due to brain damage, mostly from stroke. In this work a low-cost speech assistant device is proposed an alternate augmentative communication device for stroke or paralyzed patients. The eye blink sensor is used as the primary sensor for detection of eye blink. Based on the eye blink gestures the common words are displayed in the LCD and these words are also converted as voice output. This prototype will be an alternate communication aid for people with speech disorders.

Design of Wireless Voice Communication System in Underground Coal Mine Based on ZigBee

For disadvantages of the present mine voice communication systems, a kind of wireless voice communication system based on Zig Bee is put forward. The paper provides detailed informations about hardware and software of the wireless voice communication device. In the system, adopt CC2530 as RF sending-receiving unit of voice communication node, convert speech signals to digital or analog signals by CSP1027, encode or decode quantized voice data by AMBE voice codec technology and realize voice message two-way wireless communication over the Zig Bee wireless communication protocol IEEE 802.15.4 between voice communication devices. Experiments have shown that voice communication device can get a clear voice and have a high reliability in the effective distance of communication, meet the requirements of voice communication.

Low Cost Voice Communication Device Design Using Ordinary Laser Torch and LDR Available in Bangladesh

As living in the society, communication is the most important activity of human being. All most for every purpose we are communicating with each others. Different modes of communication are used and voice communication is one of those categories. From the beginning of technological advancement, many processes have been used for the voice communication purpose and among those, Laser Voice Transmission Process is much more useful because of wireless connectivity and free from disadvantage of radio frequency transmission. Long distance high cost Laser voice transmission system is not economic for the purpose of ordinary communication. This paper deals with the designing of a very low cost voice transmission system which is perfect for information transmission of general conversation in Bangladesh, using an ordinary available LDR and Laser torch of cost BDT 727. This is almost 86% cheaper than the lowest cost voice transmission system available in this country. 

Towards a target platform independent specification and generation of information system apps

Mobile devices like smartphones are not merely voice communication devices. They offer the chance to promptly provide information to mobile users almost independent of their location. However, many potential information providers do not have the necessary programming skills required to realize mobile applications (apps). Furthermore, different smartphones use different operating systems that support different programming languages. In this paper we present our research towards a target platform independent specification and generation of such apps. Hence, the goal of our work is to provide a system to non-technical users that enables them to create their own apps.

Communication strategies and timeliness of response to life critical telemetry alarms.

A centralized electrocardiogram telemetry monitoring system (TMS) facilitates early identification of critical arrhythmias and acute medical decompensation. Timely intervention can only be performed if abnormalities are communicated rapidly to the direct caregiver. The study objectives were to measure effectiveness of bi-directional voice communication badges versus one-way alphanumeric pagers for telemetry alarm response and communication loop closure. A sequential observational pilot study of nursing response to TMS alarms compared communication technologies on four nursing units in a 1,061 bed tertiary care hospital with 264 TMS channels of telemetry over a 2-year period. Subsequently, the communication technologies were compared in a randomized fashion on a 68-bed progressive cardiac care unit. Caregivers were blinded to the protocol. All alarm responses were recorded during two periods using either pagers or voice communication devices. Alarm response time and closure of the communication loop were analyzed in a blinded fashion. The direct communication functionality of the badge significantly shortened the time to first contact, time to completion, and rate of closure of the communication loop in both the pilot and study phases. Median time to first contact with the communication badge was 0.5 min, compared to 1.6 min with pager communication (p < 0.0003). Communication loop closure was achieved in 100% of clinical alarms using the badge versus 19% with the pager (p < 0.0001). Communication badge technology reduced alarm time to first contact and completion as well as facilitated communication loop closures. Immediate two-way communication significantly impacted practice, alarm management, and resulted in faster bedside care.

Fancy walkie talkies, Star Trek communicators or roving reference?

This paper investigates the customer service and library staff benefits of using Vocera badges (www.vocera.com), a portable wireless technology (WiFi), to facilitate roving reference service. Use of portable voice communication devices allows help to be taken to the people and away from service desks. These communication technologies allow library staff to easily access the expertise of other staff. There is now an Australian library using this technology. The State Library of Victoria, after trialling Vocera in 2008, went live with a system for all reading rooms in January 2009.

Two-way voice communication device having external acoustic noise reduction

A two-way voice communication device which provides a high-level of acoustic noise reduction is disclosed. A resilient ear tip provides acoustic isolation and secures the earphone within the ear canal of the user. The ability to rotate the earphone within the ear canal allows the user to easily position an attached microphone. The audio signals may be conveyed by an included radio frequency receiver and radio frequency transmitter, or the earphone may be connected to an electrical audio device using a multi-conductor cable. Audio signals may be conveyed to one or both ears of a user. A switch to mute the audio signal from the microphone, or for supporting a push-to-talk mode of operation, may be included in the earphone housing, or on the cable.

Diversified users’ satisfaction with advanced mobile phone features

Mobile phones are widely used all over the world, and with their increasing number of value-added features, they are becoming far more than a mere mobile voice communication device. Rather, they pr...

Voice transmission apparatus with UWB

A voice communication device such as an earpiece that provides for ultra short range transmission of voice sound information using ultra wide band (UWB) radio communications is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a voice communication device includes a speaker, a bone conduction sensor for sensing voice sound vibrations, and an UWB transceiver operatively connected to the speaker and the bone conduction sensor. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a voice communication device is disclosed that includes an earpiece housing, a speaker operatively connected to the earpiece housing for transducing audio, an air conduction sensor operatively connected to the housing for sensing voice sound information, a processor electrically connected to the speaker and the bone conduction sensor and disposed within the earpiece housing, and an UWB transceiver operatively connected to the processor.

Apparatus for timely controlling the sound characteristic of a signalling means of a voice communication device

An apparatus is provided for programmably silencing a telephone ringer for one or more predetermined periods of time on a daily basis. In accordance with the time set by a user, the apparatus places the telephone ringer under the control of the data stored in the read only memory and the random access memory of the central processing unit, whereby the ringer can be automatically set at predetermined sounding condition.