Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing squealing or feedback on amplified telephones are disclosed. The telephone system generally includes a receiver in communication with a receive signal path, a transmitter in communication with a transmit signal path, a receiver gain detector configured to detect a receiver gain on the receive signal path, and a controller configured to operate the telephone system in full duplex when the receiver gain is approximately less than a receiver stability level and to operate the telephone system in adaptive duplex when the receiver gain is approximately above the receiver stability level. The adaptive duplex mode is such that an adaptive attenuation level alternately applied on the receive and transmit signal paths is dependent upon the level by which the receiver gain exceeds the receiver stability level.

Abstract: Duplex communication methods and systems with maximum gain limiting such as in telephone handsets and speaker phones are disclosed. The communications system such as a telephone set may generally include a digital signal processor (DSP) having a receive and transmit path in communication with a receiver and a transmitter, respectively, a volume amplifier for amplifying signals on the receive path, and a maximum gain limiter for determining a total return loss between the receive and transmit paths and for limiting a volume amplification level of the volume amplifier to a maximum depending on the total return loss. The maximum gain limiter determines the total return loss by maintaining a total loop gain for the telephone set at less than 0 dB to prevent unstable operation and howling.

Abstract: A DSP-enabled system and method for increasing intelligibility of audio on amplified telephones by providing digital audio processing customizable based on characteristics of hearing loss specific to individual end users are disclosed. The DSP-enabled amplified telephone generally comprises a DSP capable of implementing at least one digital processing mode for processing audio input, a volume control for allowing the user to select a volume control level, and a controller for interfacing between the DSP and the volume control. The DSP is optionally programmable to implement a processing mode selected from multiple processing modes that the DSP is capable of implementing. The mode is selected based upon the user's hearing loss characteristics. The DSP may be further customized by being programmed with frequency response, compression ratio, and/or knee point according to hearing loss characteristics of the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely diagnosing, trouble shooting, and/or programming an end user telephone by a customer service representative using a telephone and modem system in communication with the user's telephone and modem system during a live telephone call between the customer service representative and the user are disclosed. The method for the user to obtain assistance from the customer service representative for the user system generally comprises initiating a telephone call to the representative, transmitting data signals containing information relating to the user system to the customer service system, speaking with the customer service representative, and receiving data signals that includes a command to control a remotely controllable feature of the user system from the customer service system, wherein the user and customer representative systems selectively alternate between data signal transmissions and voice signal transmissions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely diagnosing, trouble shooting, and/or programming an end user telephone by a customer service representative using a modem in communication with the user's telephone during a live telephone call between the customer service representative and the user are disclosed. The user telephone and modem system generally comprises a telephone having a remotely controllable feature and a user modem that alternates between voice and data signal transmissions and communicates with a remote customer service modem. The user modem receives control signals from the remote customer service modem for controlling the controllable feature of the user telephone. The user telephone may be a DSP-enabled telephone with the user modem being embodied in the DSP. Examples of remotely controllable features include volume, frequency response, compression ratio, knee point, programmable memory, an LED light, self-diagnostic test, and/or user hearing test administration.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet formed from an impact resistant shell for covering and protecting the head of a user has audio receiver members mounted on the interior of the shell and has a microphone at one end of a boom within the helmet. The microphone is located for use by the user at the front of the helmet while the boom has an adapter on the end opposite the microphone. The microphone has conductors communicating with a connector which communicates with the electrical energy source and control cables. The adapter is receivable within a socket formed by a channel in an extension of one of the receiver housings so that the microphone and boom may be mounted totally within the helmet. The electrical power and control cables are connected to the microphone and the receivers by means of a quick-disconnect type connector and has a separate volume control for the microphone and for the receivers so that two motorcycle riders may adjust the audio system to their liking.