Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a hearing protection device (10, 10, 10) with an indication unit (40a, 40b) and a detection unit (30, 30, 30) to send a first detection signal, to assign a distance value based on a second detection signal of an external device (50, 50) representing the physical distance to the external device (50, 50) and to control the indication unit (40a, 40b) to provide an indication to the user (100) if the assigned distance value is at or below a predetermined threshold distance value. Thus, a collision may easily and reliably be prevented by providing an indication to the user (100), so that the risk of missing relevant sound of a moving person or object is overcome. A collision warning system comprising such a hearing protection device (10, 10, 10) and an external device is also provided. Furthermore, a method of retrofitting a hearing protection device (10) with such a detection unit (30, 30, 30) is provided.
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A hearing protection device for use in a noisy workplace environment, the hearing protection device configured to attenuate noise from one or more noise sources in the noisy workplace environment, comprising: an indication unit comprising at least one loudspeaker, the loudspeaker positioned within an attenuated space defined by the hearing protection device; and a detection unit comprising: a transmitter configured to send out a first detection signal, and a receiver configured to receive, in response to the first detection signal being sent, a second detection signal from an external device associated with a movable device that performs mobile transport operations in the noisy workplace environment, wherein the detection unit is configured to assign a distance value representing a physical distance to the external device based on the second detection signal; wherein the detection unit is configured to control the loudspeaker in the indication unit to provide an audible alert to a user wearing the hearing protection device if the assigned distance value is at or below a predetermined threshold distance value; and wherein the assigned distance value at or below the predetermined threshold distance value indicates that the movable device is approaching the user while the user is moving within the noisy workplace environment.
17. The hearing protection device of claim 16, further comprising a user interface disposed on the hearing protection device, wherein the user interface is operable by the user to manually set the predetermined threshold distance value.
18. The hearing protection device of claim 17, wherein adjusting the predetermined threshold distance value manually defines a zone around the user in which collision warnings are issued to the user.
19. The hearing protection device of claim 16, wherein the detection unit is configured to assign the distance value based on a time-of-flight measurement of the second detection signal.
20. The hearing protection device of claim 16, wherein the detection unit is configured to assign the distance value based on a received signal strength measurement of the second detection signal.
21. The hearing protection device of claim 16, further comprising at least one motion sensor configured to detect a speed of movement of the user, wherein the detection unit is configured to automatically adjust the predetermined threshold distance value based on the detected speed.
22. The hearing protection device of claim 16, wherein the hearing protection device comprises an earmuff including a cup and a cushion, wherein the cup and cushion together are configured to attenuate noise from one or more noise sources in the noisy workplace environment.
23. The hearing protection device of claim 16, wherein the detection unit is configured to control the loudspeaker to emit an audible alert at a first repetition rate when the assigned distance value is at or below the predetermined threshold distance value and to increase the repetition rate of the audible alert as the assigned distance value decreases further below the predetermined threshold distance value, thereby indicating proximity changes to the user.
24. An hearing protection device for use in a noisy workplace environment, the hearing protection device configured to attenuate noise from one or more noise sources in the noisy workplace environment, comprising: a haptic feedback arrangement configured to provide a vibration-based alert to a user; and a detection unit comprising: a transmitter configured to send out a first detection signal, and a receiver configured to receive, in response to the first detection signal being sent, a second detection signal from an external device associated with a movable device that performs mobile transport operations in the noisy workplace environment, wherein the detection unit is configured to assign a distance value representing a physical distance to the external device based on the second detection signal; wherein the detection unit is configured to activate the haptic feedback arrangement to alert the user wearing the hearing protection device if the assigned distance value is at or below a predetermined threshold distance value; and wherein the assigned distance value at or below the predetermined threshold distance value indicates that the movable device is approaching the user while the user is engaged in tasks at a workstation or is moving within the noisy workplace environment.
25. The hearing protection device of claim 24, wherein the detection unit is configured to vary an intensity of the haptic feedback based on how far below the threshold distance value the assigned distance value is.
26. The hearing protection device of claim 24, further comprising a user interface arranged on the hearing protection device for manually adjusting the predetermined threshold distance value.
27. The hearing protection device of claim 24, wherein the first detection signal and the second detection signal are ultra-wideband signals, and wherein the detection unit is configured to assign the distance value based on a time-of-flight measurement of the received second detection signal.
28. The hearing protection device of claim 24, wherein the first detection signal and the second detection signal are Bluetooth signals, and wherein the detection unit is configured to assign the distance value based on a received signal strength measurement of the second detection signal.
29. The hearing protection device of claim 24, further comprising a loudspeaker arranged to provide an audio alert to the user in addition to, or instead of, the haptic feedback.
30. An external device for use in a noisy workplace environment, the external device being configured to communicate with an hearing protection device that includes a detection unit for sending out a first detection signal, the external device comprising: a second detection unit comprising: a second transmitter configured to send out a second detection signal, and a second receiver configured to receive the first detection signal from the hearing protection device; an indication unit; and a control module associated with the second detection unit, wherein the external device is associated with a movable device that performs mobile transport operations within the noisy workplace environment, wherein the second detection unit is configured to assign a distance value representing a physical distance to the hearing protection device based on the first detection signal, wherein the control module is configured to activate the indication unit if the distance value is at or below a predetermined threshold distance value, and wherein the distance value at or below the predetermined threshold distance value indicates that the movable device is approaching a user wearing the hearing protection device while the user is moving within the noisy workplace environment.
31. The external device of claim 30, wherein the predetermined threshold distance value is manually adjustable by a user in order to vary the proximity at which the indication unit is activated.
32. The external device of claim 30, wherein the second detection unit is configured to assign the distance value based on at least one of: a time-of-flight measurement of the first detection signal, or a received signal strength measurement of the first detection signal.
33. The external device of claim 30, wherein the indication unit comprises at least one output device selected from the group consisting of: an audible alert, an optical indicator, and a haptic feedback component.
34. The external device of claim 30, further comprising attachment means for securing the external device to at least one of: a user's clothing, a protective helmet, or a vehicle.
35. The external device of claim 30, wherein the external device is configured to operate independently of any base station, thereby enabling collision warnings without relying on infrastructure in the noisy workplace environment.
Description
[0063] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following Figures exemplifying particular embodiments of the invention:
[0064] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a hearing protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0065] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the detection unit and the indication unit of the hearing protection device as shown in FIG. 1;
[0066] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of users wearing a hearing protection device as shown in FIG. 1 and of a user with an external device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0067] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of an external device according to the present disclosure illustrating the second detection signal and an acoustic signal;
[0068] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the external device as shown in FIG. 4 being attached to personal protective equipment;
[0069] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the external device as shown in FIG. 4 being attached to personal protective equipment;
[0070] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the external device as shown in FIG. 4 being attached to personal protective equipment;
[0071] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle with an external device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure indicating the second detection signal.
[0072] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hearing protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure indicating a first detection signal and the vehicle as shown in FIG. 8;
[0073] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a hearing protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure indicating a first detection signal and an external device according to the present disclosure being a hearing protection device indicating a second detection signal;
[0074] FIG. 11A is a schematic side view of a vehicle with an external device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure indicating the second detection signal and a user with a hearing protection device according to the present disclosure indicating the first and second detection signals;
[0075] FIG. 11B is a schematic side view of a user with an external device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being a hearing protection device indicating the second detection signal and a user with a hearing protection device according to the present disclosure indicating the first and second detection signals;
[0076] FIG. 12A is a schematic side view of a vehicle with an external device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure indicating the second detection signal and a user with a hearing protection device according to the present disclosure indicating the first and second detection signals;
[0077] FIG. 12B is a schematic side view of a vehicle with an external device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being a hearing protection device indicating the second detection signal and a user with a hearing protection device according to the present disclosure indicating the first and second detection signals;
[0078] FIG. 13A is a schematic side view of two users with hearing protection devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure at a certain distance relative to each other;
[0079] FIG. 13B is a schematic side view of the scenario as shown in FIG. 13A, wherein the distance relative to each other has been increased;
[0080] FIG. 13C is a schematic side view of the scenario as shown in FIG. 13A, wherein the distance relative to each other has been further increased;
[0081] FIG. 14A is a schematic side view of two users with hearing protection devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure at a certain distance relative to each other;
[0082] FIG. 14B is a schematic side view of the scenario as shown in FIG. 14A, wherein the distance relative to each other has been increased;
[0083] FIG. 14C is a schematic side view of the scenario as shown in FIG. 14A, wherein the distance relative to each other has been further increased;
[0084] FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of a conventional hearing protection device according to the prior art illustrating the steps of preparation of the method of retrofitting a hearing protection device with a detection unit according to the present disclosure;
[0085] FIG. 16 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of the hearing protection device illustrating the steps of finishing of the method of retrofitting a hearing protection device with a detection unit according to the present disclosure;
[0086] FIG. 17 shows in a schematic front view a hearing protection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprising earplugs.
[0087] FIG. 1 shows in a schematic front view the hearing protection device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprising two earmuffs 12a, 12b connected by a headband 18. Each of the earmuffs 12a, 12b comprises an indication unit 40a, 40b each comprising a loudspeaker 42a, 42b for proving an acoustic indication to a user 100 (not shown in FIG. 1), e. g. an audio signal. The hearing protection device 10 further comprises at one of the earmuffs 12b a detection unit 30 comprising a transmitter 32 for sending out a first detection signal and a receiver 34 for receiving a second detection signal from an external device (not shown here). The detection unit 30 is connected to the indication units 40a, 40b, wherein the detection unit 30 is configured to control the indication units 40a, 40b such that the indication units 40a, 40b provide an indication to the user if the assigned distance value is at or below a predetermined threshold distance value. Each of the earmuffs 12a, 12b further comprise a cup 14a, 14b, which is in the embodiment shown in a hollow hemisphere shape. Components of the hearing protection device 10, for example the indication units 40a, 40b, the detection unit 30 and the loudspeakers 42a, 42b are housed within one or both cups 14a, 14b. The earmuffs 12a, 12b further each comprise a cushion 16a, 16b for sealing the earmuffs 12a, 12b of the hearing protection device 10 to the ears of a user (not shown here). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cushions 16a, 16b are preferably oval shaped. FIG. 1 further shows in one cup 16a an light emitting diode (LED) 44a for providing an optical indication to a user and a vibration motor 46a for providing a haptic indication to a user.
[0088] FIG. 2 shows in a schematic top view the detection unit 30 and the indication units 40a, 40b of the hearing protection device 10. Similar to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the detection unit 30 comprises a transmitter 32 for sending out a first detection signal and a receiver 34 for receiving a second detection signal from an external device (not shown here). The detection unit 30 is connected to the indication units 40a, 40b, wherein the detection unit 30 is configured to control the indication units 40a, 40b such that the indication units 40a, 40b provide an indication to the user if the assigned distance value is at or below a predetermined threshold distance value. In addition to the components of the indication units 40a, 40b as shown in FIG. 1, the indication units 40a, 40b further comprise amplifiers 43a, 43b connected to the detection unit 30 as well as to the loudspeaker 42a, 42b. The amplifiers 43a, 43b may help to enhance the audible indication provided to the user, e. g. to increase the volume and/or to increase the quality of the acoustic signal provided by the loudspeakers 42a, 42b.
[0089] FIG. 3 shows in a perspective view the three users 100, 110, 120, two of which are wearing a hearing protection device 10, 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A first user 100 is wearing a hearing protection device 10 sending out a first detection signal as illustrated by S1. The user 100 is working at a machine 160. A second user 110 is driving a vehicle 150, e. g. a forklift 150, which is equipped with an external device 50 (omitted here for simplification, please see FIG. 8 for more details) sending out a second detection signal as illustrated by S2. The second user 110 drives with the forklift 150 along the driveway as illustrated by 152 thereby approaching the first user 100 with the hearing protection device 10. The second detection signal S2 is received by the receiver 34 of the detection unit 30 of the hearing protection device 10 worn by the first user 100. The detection unit 30 of the first user assigns a distance value representing the physical distance to the external device 50 attached to the forklift 150 based on the second detection signal S2. The detection unit 30 controls the indication unit 40a, 40b of the hearing protection device 10 of the first user 100 such that the indication unit 40a, 40b provides an indication to the user 100 if the assigned distance value is at or below a predetermined threshold distance value (not illustrated here, please see FIGS. 11a to 14c for details). FIG. 3 further shows another user 120 wearing a hearing protection device 10 (not visible here), which sends out another detection signal as illustrated by S3. User 120 is working at a machine 170. The detection signal S3 is also received by the receiver 34 of the first user 100. As the distance to the first user 100 is larger compared to the distance between the first and second users 100, 110 (only schematically visible in FIG. 3), the detection unit 30 may not provide an indication to the first user 100 as the assigned distance value is above the predetermined threshold distance value. Similarly, the first detection signal S1 as sent out by the transmitter 32 of the hearing protection device 10 of the first user is received by the receivers of the external device 50 attached to the forklift 150 and of the hearing protection device 10 worn by the third user 120. The detection unit of the external device 50 provides, similarly to the first user, an indication to the second user via the indication unit of the external device 50 as the assigned distance value is at or below a predetermined threshold distance value. As outlined above, this is not given for the third user 120 and thus, the detection unit and the indication unit of the third user 120 do not provide an indication to the third user 120. FIG. 3 shows a static scenario, but the conditions may change as e. g. the forklift 150 is moving and may approach the third user 120 wearing the hearing protection device 10 similar to the above-mentioned scenario for the first user 100. At the same time, the forklift 150 may increase the distance to the first user 100 and thereby the assigned distance value between the first and the second users 100, 110 is above the predetermined threshold distance value, i. e. no indication may be provided to the first user 100 any longer.
[0090] FIG. 4 shows in a schematic side view the external device 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The external device 50, similarly to the hearing protection device 10 as described in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises a detection unit and an indication unit (both omitted here for simplification). The detection unit also comprises a transmitter sending out a second detection signal S2. The external device 50 further comprises an indication unit (not shown here) providing an indication 42d to a user (not shown) of the external device 50. Furthermore, the external device comprises a receiver (not shown here) for receiving a first detection signal S1 as sent out by a hearing protection device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0091] FIG. 5 shows in a schematic side view the external device 50 being attached to personal protective equipment 200. As illustrated in FIG. 4 as well, the external device 50 sends out a second detection signal S2 as well as provides an indication 42d to the user of the external device 50 and the personal protective equipment 200, respectively. The personal protective equipment 200 shown in FIG. 5 is a welding shield or welding helmet 200. The external device 50 is attached to the welding helmet 200 by the attachment means 54.
[0092] FIG. 6 shows in a schematic side view the external device 50 being attached to personal protective equipment 300. As illustrated in FIG. 4 as well, the external device 50 sends out a second detection signal S2 as well as provides an indication 42d to the user of the external device 50 and the personal protective equipment 200, respectively. The personal protective equipment 300 shown in FIG. 5 is a protective helmet 200. The external device 50 is attached to the protective helmet 300 by the attachment means 54. In addition, FIG. 6 shows attachment means 56 to attach earmuff 12a, 12b of a hearing protection device 10 to the protective helmet 300.
[0093] FIG. 7 shows in a schematic side view the external device 50 being attached to personal protective equipment 400. As illustrated in FIG. 4 as well, the external device 50 sends out a second detection signal S2 as well as provides an indication 42d to the user of the external device 50 and the personal protective equipment 400, respectively. The personal protective equipment 400 shown in FIG. 7 is a protective jacket 400. The external device 50 is attached to the protective jacket 400 by the attachment means 54.
[0094] FIG. 8 shows in a schematic side view the external device 50 being attached to a vehicle 150. As illustrated in FIG. 4 as well, the external device 50 sends out a second detection signal S2. The external device 50 further comprises an indication unit 40 providing an indication 42d to a user of the external device 50 and the vehicle 150, respectively. The external device 50 and the indication unit 40 differ from the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 in that the indication unit 40 is in a separate housing spaced from the external device 50. The indication unit 40 is also attached to the vehicle 150 by an attachment means (not shown here). The vehicle 150 shown in FIG. 8 is a forklift 150. The external device 50 is attached to the forklift 150 by the attachment means 54.
[0095] FIG. 9 shows in a perspective view a hearing protection device 10 and an external device 50 attached to a vehicle 150, e. g. a forklift 150. As can be seen, the hearing protection device 10 sends via its detection unit 30 and its transmitter 32, respectively, a first detection signal as illustrated by S1. The first detection signal S1 is being received by the receiver of the external device 50 attached to the vehicle 150. In turn, the external device 50 sends out via its detection unit and its transmitter, respectively, a second detection signal as illustrated by S2. The second detection signal S2 in turn is being received by the receiver 34 of the hearing protection device 10. In addition to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the hearing protection device 10 further comprises a microphone 58 mounted to one earmuff of the hearing protection device 10 via the microphone boom 56. Similar to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the hearing protection device comprises an antenna 36, which may help to increase transmission of the first detection signal S1 and/or the receipt of the second detection signal S2.
[0096] FIG. 10 shows in a perspective view a similar embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in FIG. 9, except that the external device in this case is a second hearing protection device 10. As can be seen, the first hearing protection device 10 sends via its detection unit 30 and its transmitter 32, respectively, a first detection signal as illustrated by S1. The first detection signal S1 is being received by the receiver of the second hearing protection device 10. In turn, the second hearing protection device 10 sends out via its detection unit and its transmitter, respectively, a second detection signal as illustrated by S2. The second detection signal S2 in turn is being received by the receiver 34 of the hearing protection device 10.
[0097] FIG. 11A is a schematic side view of a vehicle 150 with an external device 50 and a user 100 wearing a hearing protection device 10 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated, the hearing protection device 10 sends out a first detection signal S1 which will be received by the external device 50 of the vehicle 150. In turn, the external device 50 of the vehicle 150 sends out a second detection signal S2 which will be received by the hearing protection device 10 of the user 100. The detection unit 30 of the hearing protection device 10 assigns a distance value representing the physical distance between the user 100 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) and the vehicle 150 (with the attached external device 50) based on the received second detection signal S2. In turn, the detection unit of the external device 50 assigns a distance value representing the physical distance between the user 100 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) and the vehicle 150 (with the attached external device 50) based on the received first detection signal S1. In the embodiment shown, the first and second detection signals S1, S2 are ultra-wide band (UWB) signals and the characteristics of the first and second detection signal S1, S2 for assigning the distance value is based on the time of flight as indicated by the clock icon in FIG. 11A, wherein the time of flight is proportional to the distance. In other words, the longer the time of flight, the larger the distance. It is to be noted, as outlined above, that the predetermined threshold distance value may be different for the different users.
[0098] FIG. 11B is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the external device is a second hearing protection device 10. FIG. 11B shows a first and a second user 100, 110 each wearing a hearing protection device 10, 10 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated, the first hearing protection device 10 sends out a first detection signal S1 which will be received by the second hearing protection device 10 of the user 110. In turn, the second hearing protection device 10 sends out a second detection signal S2 which will be received by the first hearing protection device 10 of the user 100. The detection unit 30 of the hearing protection device 10 assigns a distance value representing the physical distance between the user 100 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) and the second user 110 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) based on the received second detection signal S2. In turn, the detection unit of the second hearing protection device 10 assigns a distance value representing the physical distance between the user 100 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) and the second user 110 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) based on the received first detection signal S1. In the embodiment shown, the first and second detection signals S1, S2 are ultra-wide band (UWB) signals and the characteristics of the first and second detection signal S1, S2 for assigning the distance value is based on the time of flight as indicated by the clock icon in FIG. 11B, wherein the time of flight is proportional to the distance. In other words, the longer the time of flight, the larger the distance. It is to be noted, as outlined above, that the predetermined threshold distance value may be different for the different users.
[0099] FIG. 12A shows a similar embodiment as shown in FIG. 11A. FIG. 12A is a schematic side view of a vehicle 150 with an external device 50 and a user 100 wearing a hearing protection device 10 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated, the hearing protection device 10 sends out a first detection signal S1 which will be received by the external device 50 of the vehicle 150. In turn, the external device 50 of the vehicle 150 sends out a second detection signal S2 which will be received by the hearing protection device 10 of the user 100. The detection unit 30 of the hearing protection device 10 assigns a distance value representing the physical distance between the user 100 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) and the vehicle 150 (with the attached external device 50) based on the received second detection signal S2. In turn, the detection unit of the external device 50 assigns a distance value representing the physical distance between the user 100 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) and the vehicle 150 (with the attached external device 50) based on the received first detection signal S1. Different to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 11A, in the embodiment shown here, the first and second detection signals S1, S2 are Bluetooth signals, preferably Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) signals and the characteristics of the first and second detection signal S1, S2 for assigning the distance value is based on the signal strength of the received signals as indicated by the signal strength icon in FIG. 12A, wherein the signal strength is proportional to the distance. In other words, the lower the signal strength, the larger the distance. It is to be noted, as outlined above, that the predetermined threshold distance value may be different for the different users.
[0100] FIG. 12B shows a similar embodiment as shown in FIG. 11B. FIG. 12B is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the external device is a second hearing protection device 10. FIG. 11B shows a first and a second user 100, 110 each wearing a hearing protection device 10, 10 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated, the first hearing protection device 10 sends out a first detection signal S1 which will be received by the second hearing protection device 10 of the user 110. In turn, the second hearing protection device 10 sends out a second detection signal S2 which will be received by the first hearing protection device 10 of the user 100. The detection unit 30 of the hearing protection device 10 assigns a distance value representing the physical distance between the user 100 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) and the second user 110 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) based on the received second detection signal S2. In turn, the detection unit of the second hearing protection device 10 assigns a distance value representing the physical distance between the user 100 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) and the second user 110 (wearing the hearing protection device 10) based on the received first detection signal S1. Different to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 11B, in the embodiment shown here the first and second detection signals S1, S2 are ultra-wide band (UWB) signals and the characteristics of the first and second detection signal S1, S2 for assigning the distance value is based on the time of flight as indicated by the signal strength icon in FIG. 12B, wherein the signal strength is proportional to the distance. In other words, the lower the signal strength, the larger the distance. It is to be noted, as outlined above, that the predetermined threshold distance value may be different for the different users.
[0101] FIGS. 13A to 13C illustrate in schematic side views two users 100, 110 each wearing a hearing protection device 10, 10 according to the present disclosure, wherein the scenarios shown in each of the Figs. are similar except that the distances d1, d2, d3 between the first and second users 100, 110 are different. FIG. 13A represents the embodiment of FIG. 11B, where the first and second detection signals S1, S2 are UWB signals and where the characteristic of the received signal is the time of flight as illustrated by the clock icon. The two users 100, 110 are spaced apart by the distance d1 leading to a certain time of flight between the two users 100, 110 and their hearing protection devices 10, 10, respectively. In FIG. 13B, a similar set-up is shown, except that the distance d2 between the two users 100, 110 and their hearing protection devices 10, 10, respectively, has been increased relative to distance d1 as indicated in FIG. 13A. This increased distance d2 leads to an increased time of flight between the two users 100, 110 and their hearing protection devices 10, 10, respectively, compared to the time of flight in FIG. 13A. In FIG. 13C, in turn a similar set-up is shown, except that the distance d3 between the two users 100, 110 and their hearing protection devices 10, 10, respectively, has been further increased relative to distance d1 as indicated in FIG. 13A, i. e. the distance d3 as indicated in FIG. 13C is even larger than the already increased distance d2 of FIG. 13B. This further increased distance d3 leads to an increased time of flight between the two users 100, 110 and their hearing protection devices 10, 10, respectively, compared to the time of flight in FIG. 13B.
[0102] FIGS. 14A to 14C illustrate in schematic side views two users 100, 110 each wearing a hearing protection device 10, 10 according to the present disclosure, wherein the scenarios shown in each of the Figs. are similar except that the distances d1, d2, d3 between the first and second users 100, 110 are different, similar to as indicated in FIGS. 13A to 13C. FIG. 14A represents the embodiment of FIG. 11B, where the first and second detection signals S1, S2 are Bluetooth signals, preferably Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) signals, and where the characteristic of the received signal is the signal strength of the received first and second detection signals S1, S2 as illustrated by the signal strength icon. The two users 100, 110 are spaced apart by the distance d1 leading to a certain signal strength of the received first and second detection signals S1, S2 for the two users 100, 110 and their hearing protection devices 10, 10, respectively, as indicated with the signal strength icon showing 3 of 4 bars for the received signal for the first user 100 and the hearing protection device 10, respectively. In FIG. 14B, a similar set-up is shown, except that the distance d2 between the two users 100, 110 and their hearing protection devices 10, 10, respectively, has been increased relative to distance d1 as indicated in FIG. 13A. This increased distance d2 leads to a lower signal strength of the received first and second detection signals S1, S2 for the two users 100, 110 and their hearing protection devices 10, 10, respectively, compared to the signal strength indicated in FIG. 14A, as indicated by the signal strength icon showing only 1 of 4 bars for the received signal for the first user 100 and the hearing protection device 10, respectively. In FIG. 13C, in turn a similar set-up is shown, except that the distance d3 between the two users 100, 110 and their hearing protection devices 10, 10, respectively, has been further increased relative to distance d1 as indicated in FIG. 14A, i. c. the distance d3 as indicated in FIG. 14C is even larger than the already increased distance d2 of FIG. 14B. This further increased distance d3 leads to an even lower signal strength for the two users 100, 110 and their hearing protection devices 10, 10, respectively, compared to the time of flight in FIG. 14B, as indicated by the signal strength icon showing none of 4 bars for the received signal for the first user 100 and the hearing protection device 10, respectively.
[0103] FIGS. 15 and 16 each show in a schematic front view an embodiment of the hearing protection device 10, wherein FIG. 15 shows a conventional hearing protection device 10 and wherein FIG. 16 shows the hearing protection device 10 which has been retrofitted with a detection unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 illustrates the method of retrofitting of a conventional hearing protection device 10, wherein the cushion 16b has been detached from the cup 14b of earmuff 12b. In this spaced-apart configuration, the connection means 16c, 16d have been disconnected from each other. In addition, earmuff 12b has been disconnected from headband 18, although this step may be omitted depending on the dimension, the available space and the skills of the person carrying out the retrofitting method. The other earmuff 12a is still shown in its original configuration having the cushion 16a attached to the cup 14a of the earmuff 12a. Here, the earmuff 12a is still connected to the headband 18. FIG. 16 illustrates the further steps of the method of retrofitting the hearing protection device 10. The detection unit 30 contained in a mounting ring 30a is placed between the cushion 16a and the cup 14a of the earmuff 12a being in a spaced-apart configuration as provided by the step described above. In a next step, the connection means 16e, 16f of the mounting ring 30a containing the detection unit 30 will be each connected to the connection means 16d of the cup 16b and to the connection means 16c of the cushion 16b. In case that the earmuff 12b had been disconnected from the headband 18, the earmuff 12b needs to be re-connected thereto. The method of retrofitting has been illustrated for one earmuff 12b only for the reason of simplification of FIGS. 15 and 16. It is understood by the skilled person that similar steps are being carried out to complete the method of retrofitting the hearing protection device 10 for the other earmuff 12a as well. However, it is also conceivable that only one earmuff 12b is retrofitted with a detection unit and the other earmuff 12a remains in its original configuration.
[0104] FIG. 17 shows in a schematic front view a hearing protection device 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The hearing protection device 10 as shown here is similar to the hearing protection device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1, except that the hearing protection device 10 comprises earplug 12a, 12b instead of earmuffs 12a, 12b as illustrated in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown, the earplugs 12a, 12b are each connected to a headband 18. The hearing protection device 10 further comprises a detection unit 30 with the transmitter 32 for sending out a first detection signal and a receiver 34 for receiving a second detection signal as sent by an external device 50, 50 or another hearing protection device 10 according to the present disclosure. In addition to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the hearing protection device 10 also comprises an antenna 36 similar to the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2. Moreover, the hearing protection device 10 comprises a microphone 58 mounted to the headband 18 by a microphone boom 56. Although not explicitly illustrated in FIG. 17, it is understood by the skilled person, that the earplugs 12a, 12b comprise loudspeakers (not shown) as part of the indication unit of the hearing protection device 10 for providing an audible indication to the user 100 wearing the hearing protection device 10.
