Real time speech translation system

Abstract

The present invention relates to translation devices and, more particularly, to a speech translation system that includes a group of live translators, a broadcasting tower and a handset device which enables a user to access a broadcast translation in real time from a remote location on the handset device. The broadcast translation is translated into a plurality of different languages in real time, which allows a handset holder to choose a desired language for receiving the real time translations which are broadcast simultaneously.

Claims

1. A language translation system comprising: a microphone adapted to pick up first spoken words from a speaker; a first transmission device associated with the microphone and adapted to transmit the first spoken words to a receiving device usable by a translator to receive the spoken words; a second transmission device adapted to transmit second spoken words from the translator to a third transmission device, said third transmission device being adapted to transmit second spoken words to at least one handset receiving device; said microphone, said first transmission device, said second transmission device, said third transmission device and said handset being coupled wirelessly for communication; and said handset being constructed to allow a user to select a desired language for the second spoken words.

2. The system of claim 1 including a plurality of said second transmission devices each constructed to transmit different sets of second spoken words, and said third transmission device being constructed to simultaneously transmit said different sets of second spoken words.

3. The system of claim 2 including a plurality of said handset receiving devices each in communication with said third transmission device.

4. A method of providing translated spoken words, the method including: transmitting a first set of spoken words wirelessly from a microphone through a first transmitter to at least one translator through a first receiver; said translator translating said first set of spoken words to a second set of spoken words in a different language; transmitting said second set of spoken words from a second transmitter to a third transmitter; and transmitting said second set of spoken words from said third transmitter to a handset, allowing a user to listen to said second set of words in a selected different language.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said translator including a plurality of translators and translating said first set of spoken words into a plurality of second sets of spoken words, each said second set of words being different languages from one another.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said user including a plurality of users and each said user selecting a desired language on the user's handset.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said third transmitter including a private broadcast station.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein said first transmitter, said second transmitter and said third transmitter communicate wirelessly.

9. The method of claim 6 wherein the translating and transmitting to said users being in real time.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of the speech translation system;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handset device of the instant invention;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the handset device shown in FIG. 2;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a first side elevation view of the handset device shown in FIG. 2;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a second side elevation view of the handset device shown in FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the handset device shown in FIG. 2; and

[0020] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the handset device shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a speech translation system 1 for real time translation of spoken word and rebroadcast over a private network is disclosed. The system 1 includes an event speaker 2, at least one interpreter 6, a radio broadcast antenna 10, and a handset device 50. In the preferred embodiment, the event speaker 2 speaks in his native tongue or a language in which he is a fluent speaker. This speech may be broadcast to large or small crowds over a standard amplified system as is known in the art. The speech is simultaneously directed to at least one, and preferably a plurality of interpreters 6 which interpret what the speaker is saying and convert the speaker's language into at least one other language, which may require modifying grammar, syntax etc. The microphone 3 and its associated transmitter 5 are coupled for communication with one or more receivers 9, allowing the interpreters to hear the spoken words of the interpreter 6 and then translate the words in real time for further transmission by a transmitter 12 coupled to the broadcast station 11 and its antenna 10. The broadcast station 11 and antenna 10 form a transmitter 15 to broadcast the translated words to the handset(s) 50 which are receivers. The interpreted and converted language(s) are electronically transmitted to a broadcast station 11 for transmission through radio waves. The radio transmission is preferably via a low energy radio transmission device that utilizes private and/or select radio frequencies that are not easily or readily intercepted and may be encrypted. Handset devices 50 are sold, rented, handed out or otherwise distributed. The handset devices 50 include electronics that are constructed and arranged to communicate with the antenna 10 by receiving the radio signals emanating from the private broadcast antenna 10. In some embodiments, the handset may be constructed to accept encrypted messages, which are descrambled and broadcast through the handset device 50 in real time. In a most preferred embodiment, the handset device 50 includes a plurality of buttons and/or switches that allow the user to select a desired language for broadcast through the handset.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, in use, a speaker 2 speaks into a microphone 3, providing the microphone feed 4 of spoken words in one language. The microphone feed 4 is then electronically transferred to a plurality of interpreters 6, who listen to the microphone feed 4, preferably through headphones in a separate location. The interpreter(s) 6 listens to the microphone feed 4 and simultaneously speaks words, each into a respective microphone 14 in an interpreted language 8, which is different than the microphone feed 4. The interpreted language is then electronically transferred to a portable broadcast station 11, which is converted to radio signals for broadcast through antenna 10. The signals are then received by the handset device 50 in which the user can switch the language that is being heard through the handset by selection of a button or icon on the device. The user is not limited to one proceeding. The speech translation system 1 allows for the user to select from various proceedings, which may be occurring at the same time, so long as the handheld device is within radio range of an interpreted broadcast.

[0024] The microphone 3, receiver 9, microphone(s) 14, transmitter 12, broadcast station 11 and handset(s) 50 are coupled for communication, preferably wirelessly.

[0025] The speech translation system 1 utilizes a radio frequency or wireless signal transmission between transmitters and handset devices 50. The distance range of the audience to cover will typically determine the transmission system that will be utilized. For small distance ranges, a wireless transmission will suffice; however longer distances may require a powerful FM transmission. In at least one embodiment, each of the handset devices includes a chip, such as a ZIGBY chip, which provides for relay communication between the antenna and each of the handset devices. In this manner, so long as the handset devices are within range of the handset device, the signal will be relayed along an indefinite range.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the handset device 50 includes a housing 52 having a front face 54 providing a plurality of buttons 70 and a screen 56 thereon. The handset 50 is not limited to the buttons described, as other buttons can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. On the front face 54 are a pair of volume control buttons 72 for increasing and decreasing the volume emitted into the earphones. Also included is a toggle switch button 74 for choosing between various proceedings that may be occurring. A pair of channel buttons 76 is provided so that the user can select from the plurality of translated languages. Additionally, a power button 78 is provided for turning the handset device 50 ON and OFF. The housing 52 also includes an audio jack 80 for pairing with earphones so that the user can listen to the floor feed in their translated language. The jack 80 is exposed on a top panel 81 of the handset 50. The screen 56 can provide information regarding the various languages the user can choose from, as well as volume level or the like. As seen in FIG. 3, the handset 50 can also be provided with an access door 83 to a battery chamber or internal components. The access door 83 is in a back panel 85 of the handset 50.

[0027] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

[0028] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.