Voice communication device with foreign language translation

Abstract

Methods and devices for voice communications and foreign language translation are disclosed. One method includes selecting one of a plurality of microphones of an earpiece unit, receiving a selected voice communication of a first language from the selected microphone and translating the selected voice communication from the first language to a second language, the second language different from the first to create a translated voice communication, and transducing the translated voice communication at a speaker within the earpiece unit. Preferably the microphones are oriented in different directions and are directional microphones. The present invention further optionally provides for the sensing and transmission of pulse oximeter measurements and temperature measurements.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 : A method for voice translation comprising:
 providing to a first person a translation device having a housing and a microphone and a speaker within the housing;   receiving at the microphone of the translation device a voice communication in a first language from a second person while the translation device is physically with the first person;   processing the voice communication in the first language into text in the first language using the translation device;   translating the text in the first language to text in a second language;   converting the text in the second language to a voice communication in the second language; and   transducing the voice communication in the second language at the speaker of the translation device to the first person.   
     
     
         2 : The method of  claim 1  wherein the translation device comprises an earpiece. 
     
     
         3 : The method of  claim 2  wherein the processing the voice communication is performed by a processor of the earpiece. 
     
     
         4 : The method of  claim 2  wherein the earpiece comprises a plurality of microphones. 
     
     
         5 : The method of  claim 1  wherein the translating is performed at a remote location. 
     
     
         6 : A method for voice translation comprising:
 providing to a first person a translation device having a housing and a microphone and a speaker within the housing;   receiving at a microphone of a translation device a voice communication in a first language from a second person while the translation device is physically with the first person;   processing the voice communication in the first language into text in the first language using a processor disposed within the translation device;   translating the text in the first language to text in a second language using the processor disposed within the translation device;   converting the text in the second language to a voice communication in the second language; and   transducing the voice communication in the second language at a speaker of the translation device.   
     
     
         7 : The method of  claim 6  wherein the translation device is an earpiece. 
     
     
         8 : The method of  claim 6  wherein the earpiece comprises a plurality of microphones. 
     
     
         9 : A method of voice translation comprising:
 providing a device having a housing and a microphone and a speaker within the housing;   receiving from a second person a voice communication of a first language from the microphone of the device while the device is physically with the first person;   electronically translating the voice communication from the first language to a second language by the device, the second language different from the first to create a translated voice communication;   transducing the translated voice communication at the speaker of the device to the first person.   
     
     
         10 : The method of  claim 9  further comprising directing the microphone of the device towards a speaker of the first language. 
     
     
         11 : The method of  claim 10  wherein the step of providing comprises providing to a user, the speaker of the first language being a person other than the user. 
     
     
         12 : The method of  claim 1  further comprising directing the microphone of the device towards a speaker of the first language. 
     
     
         13 : The method of  claim 12  wherein the step of providing comprises providing to a user, the speaker of the first language being a person other than the user. 
     
     
         14 : The method of  claim 2  wherein the earpiece comprises a behind-the-ear earpiece. 
     
     
         15 : The method of  claim 2  wherein the earpiece comprises an in-canal earpiece. 
     
     
         16 : The method of  claim 2  wherein the earpiece comprises a nonocclusive earpiece. 
     
     
         17 : The method of  claim 2  wherein the earpiece further comprises a bone conductor sensor. 
     
     
         18 : The method of  claim 4  wherein the microphones are directional microphones. 
     
     
         19 : The method of  claim 18  further comprising a microphone control to switch between the microphones. 
     
     
         20 : The method of  claim 1  wherein the translating comprises:
 processing the voice communication in the first language into text in the first language using the translation device; 
 translating the text in the first language to text in a second language; 
 converting the text in the second language to a voice communication in the second language; and 
 transducing the voice communication in the second language at the speaker of the translation device to the first person.