U.S. patent application number 11/738092 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for headset terminal with rear stability strap.
Invention is credited to Michael Davis, James Wahl.
Application Number | 20070223766 11/738092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38123847 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070223766 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Michael ; et
al. |
September 27, 2007 |
HEADSET TERMINAL WITH REAR STABILITY STRAP
Abstract
A headset adapted to be positioned on a head includes a headband
assembly for spanning across the head of a user. An earcup assembly
is coupled proximate one end of the headband assembly. A power
source assembly is coupled proximate the other end of the headband
assembly. A flexible stabilizing strap has a first end coupled to
the headset proximate the earcup assembly and a second end coupled
to the headset terminal proximate the power source assembly. The
strap includes a first band portion that couples with a second band
portion, at least one band portion including a plurality of
coupling positions along its length for adjustably coupling with
the other band portion at different lengths to vary the overall
length of the flexible stabilizing strap. The stabilizing strap is
adapted to engage the head of a user to further stabilize the
headset on the head.
Inventors: |
Davis; Michael; (White Oak,
PA) ; Wahl; James; (Export, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, HERRON & EVANS, LLP
2700 CAREW TOWER
441 VINE STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
38123847 |
Appl. No.: |
11/738092 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11388081 |
Mar 23, 2006 |
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11738092 |
Apr 20, 2007 |
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11347979 |
Feb 6, 2006 |
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11388081 |
Mar 23, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
381/379 ;
381/374; 381/377 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 2201/107 20130101;
H04R 1/1041 20130101; H04M 1/05 20130101; H04R 5/0335 20130101;
H04R 1/1025 20130101; H04M 2250/74 20130101; H04R 1/08 20130101;
H04R 1/1066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/379 ;
381/377; 381/374 |
International
Class: |
H04R 25/00 20060101
H04R025/00 |
Claims
1. A headset adapted to be positioned on a head of a user,
comprising: a headband assembly for spanning across the head of a
user; an earcup assembly coupled proximate one end of the headband
assembly; a power source assembly coupled proximate the other end
of the headband assembly; and a flexible stabilizing strap spanning
between the earcup and power source assemblies, the strap including
a first band portion that couples with a second band portion, at
least one band portion including a plurality of coupling positions
along its length for adjustably coupling with the other band
portion at different lengths to vary the overall length of the
stabilizing strap; the stabilizing strap adapted to engage the head
of a user to further stabilize the headset on the head.
2. The headset of claim 1 wherein the at least one band portion
includes a plurality of openings formed along its length, the
openings configured to receive an end of the other band portion to
couple the first and second band portions together.
3. The headset of claim 2 wherein the other band portion end passes
through an opening and then passes back along the other band
portion to be secured thereto.
4. The headset of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing strap is
reversible so as to be used when the headset is used on either side
of a user's head.
5. The headset of claim 1, wherein the headset further comprises a
central plane, the stabilizing strap spanning between the earcup
and power source assemblies in the central plane.
6. The headset of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing strap is
removable.
7. The headset of claim 1, wherein at least one of the band
portions is coupled to a swivel joint for coupling with one of the
earcup or power source assemblies.
8. An adjustable headset adapted to be positioned on a head of a
user, comprising: a headband assembly for spanning laterally across
the top of a head of a user; an earcup assembly coupled proximate
one end of the headband assembly; the headband assembly including
at least one transverse band and a sliding arm that is slidingly
coupled with the transverse band, the earcup assembly being coupled
to the sliding arm for dynamically adjusting the position of the
earcup assembly with respect to the headband assembly; and a
flexible stabilizing strap spanning between ends of the headband
assembly, the strap including a first band portion that couples
with a second band portion, at least one band portion including a
plurality of coupling positions along its length for adjustably
coupling with the other band portion at different lengths to vary
the overall length of the stabilizing strap.
9. The headset of claim 8, wherein a first end of the stabilizing
strap is coupled to the sliding arm.
10. The headset of claim 8, wherein a power source assembly is
coupled to the other end of the headband assembly, a second end of
the stabilizing strap being coupled to the power source
assembly.
11. The headset of claim 8 wherein the at least one band portion
includes a plurality of openings formed along its length, the
openings configured to receive an end of the other band portion to
couple the first and second band portions together.
12. The headset of claim 11 wherein the other band portion end
passes through an opening and then passes back along the other band
portion to be secured thereto.
13. The headset of claim 8, wherein the stabilizing strap is
reversible so as to be used when the headset is used on either side
of a user's head.
14. The headset of claim 8, wherein the headset further comprises a
central plane, the stabilizing strap spanning between ends of the
headband assembly in the central plane.
15. The headset of claim 8, wherein at least one of the band
portions is coupled to a swivel joint for coupling with an end of
the headband assembly.
16. The headset of claim 11 wherein the openings are in the form of
slots.
17. An adjustable headset adapted to be positioned on a head of a
user, comprising: a headband assembly for spanning laterally across
the top of a head of a user; an earcup assembly coupled proximate
one end of the headband assembly; a vertically-oriented stabilizing
strap spanning across the top of the head of the user at an angle
to the headband assembly; a flexible stabilizing strap spanning
between ends of the headband assembly behind the head of the user,
the strap including a first band portion that couples with a second
band portion, at least one band portion including a plurality of
coupling positions along its length for adjustably coupling with
the other band portion at different lengths to vary the overall
length of the flexible stabilizing strap.
18. The headset of claim 17 wherein the at least one band portion
includes a plurality of openings formed along its length, the
openings configured to receive an end of the other band portion to
couple the first and second band portions together.
19. The headset of claim 18 wherein the other band portion end
passes through an opening and then passes back along the other band
portion to be secured thereto.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/388,081 filed on Mar. 23, 2006, and
entitled HEADSET TERMINAL WITH REAR STABILITY STRAP, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/347,979 filed
on Feb. 6, 2006, and entitled VOICE-ENABLED MOBILE COMPUTER
INTEGRATED WITHIN A WIRELESS HEADSET, which applications are hereby
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to portable or mobile
computer terminals and more specifically to mobile terminals that
may be worn on a user's head.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Wearable, mobile and/or portable computer terminals are used
for a wide variety of tasks. Such terminals allow the workers using
them ("users") to maintain mobility, while providing the worker
with desirable computing and data-processing functions.
Furthermore, such terminals often provide a communication link to a
larger, more centralized computer system that directs the work and
activities of the user and processes any collected data.
[0004] Computerized work management systems with mobile terminals
are used in various industries, such as food and retail product
distribution, manufacturing, quality control, and health care, for
example. An overall integrated work management system may utilize a
central computer system that runs the program. A plurality of
mobile terminals is employed by the users of the system to
communicate (usually in a wireless fashion) with the central system
for the product handling. The users perform various tasks per
instructions they receive through the terminals, via the central
system. The terminals also allow the users to interface with the
computer system, such as to enter data, to respond to inquiries or
confirm the completion of certain tasks.
[0005] To provide an interface between the central computer system
and the workers, such mobile terminals and the central systems to
which they are connected may be voice-driven or speech-driven;
i.e., the system operates using human speech. Speech is synthesized
and played to the user, via the mobile terminal, to direct the
tasks of the user and collect data. The user then answers or asks
questions; and the speech recognition capabilities of the mobile
terminal convert the user speech to a form suitable for use by the
terminal and central system. Thereby, a bi-directional
communication stream of information is exchanged over a wireless
network between the wireless wearable terminals and the central
computer system using speech.
[0006] Conventionally, mobile computer terminals having voice or
speech capabilities utilize a headset device that is coupled to the
mobile terminal. The terminal may be worn on the body of a user,
such as around the waist, and the headset connects to the terminal,
such as with a cord or cable. The headset has a microphone for
capturing the voice of the user for voice data entry and commands,
and also includes one or more ear speakers for both confirming the
spoken words of the user and also for playing voice instructions
and other audio that are generated or synthesized by the terminal.
Therefore, in some mobile terminal systems, headsets are matched
with respective terminals and worn by the user to operate in
conjunction with the terminals.
[0007] One drawback with some systems is that the headset is
attached to a terminal with a cord, which extends generally from
the terminal (typically worn on a belt) to the head of the worker
where the headset is located. As may be appreciated, the workers
are moving rapidly around their work area and are often jumping on
and off forklifts, pallet loaders, and other equipment. Therefore,
there is a possibility for a cord to get caught on some object,
such as a forklift. When this occurs, the cord will tend to want to
separate either from the headset or from the terminal, thus
requiring repair or replacement.
[0008] Attempts have been made to eliminate the cords between the
headset and mobile terminals by using wireless headsets and provide
the functionality of the terminal in the actual headset. For
example, U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/388,081 and
11/347,979 noted above disclose headsets that have the
functionality of terminals.
[0009] Any solution to the above-noted issues involving either a
traditional headset and terminal or a wireless headset and terminal
must address wearability and control issues by providing a headset
that is operable on both sides of the head without a significant
positional shift in the layout of the terminal and its controls.
Furthermore, since the headset terminal is worn for extended
periods on the head, it must be comfortable for the user and
readily positioned on either side of the head. Weight is also a
consideration, as is stability of the headset. Headsets utilized
for voice directed work are worn by users that are generally in
constant motion; therefore, the motion stability of a headset is
important. This is particularly so for wireless headset terminals
that often have a heavy battery or other power supply on one side.
At the same time, the headset must not be so constricting or have
such light contact points, that it would be too uncomfortable to
wear during a typical shift. Still further, since head sizes vary,
a headset should have adjustability to address the needs of
different users.
[0010] While various headsets have been proposed to address issues
noted above, there is still a need for advancement in the art of
headsets. Particularly there is a need to improve upon existing
headset technology for headsets that incorporate a computer for
voice-directed work applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with a general description of the
invention given above and the Detailed Description given below,
serve to explain the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is schematic block diagram of a system for a mobile
terminal embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a headset terminal in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a boom assembly for a
headset terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of a boom assembly for a
headset terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a boom assembly
for a headset terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a headset terminal in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view, in partial cutaway, of a headband
assembly for a headset terminal in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention as shown in FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 8 is another side view, in partial cutaway, of a
headband assembly for a headset terminal in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side view of a portion of a boom assembly for a
headset terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view along lines 10-10 of the
boom assembly of FIG. 9.
[0022] FIG. 11 is another side perspective view of a headset
terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a side view of portion of a headset terminal in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as shown in
FIG. 6.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a latch structure in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 13A is a bottom perspective view of a latch structure
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view along lines 14-14 of the
headset terminal of FIG. 11 showing a latch engaging a battery.
[0027] FIG. 15 is another cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 14
showing the latch disengaged.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view along lines 16-16 of the
headset terminal of FIG. 15.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a headset terminal in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the earcup
assembly shown in FIG. 17.
[0031] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the power
source/electronics assembly shown in FIG. 17.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a headset terminal in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a headset terminal similar
to that of FIG. 17 with an alternate stabilizing strap in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the earcup
assembly shown in FIG. 21.
[0035] FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of the power
source/electronics assembly shown in FIG. 21.
[0036] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a headset terminal with the
alternate stabilizing strap shown in FIG. 20 in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0037] The present invention is directed to a unique headset
configuration. One embodiment of the present invention is a
speech-enabled mobile computer in the form of a wireless headset
for handling speech-directed applications that require high
mobility and high data transmission speed, such as warehousing,
manufacturing, pharmaceutical, logging, and defense applications.
The headset terminal of the present invention provides full speech
functionality, is ultra lightweight, i.e., less than 10 ounces,
provides full shift operation on a single battery charge, and
includes a modular architecture that allows the separation of the
"personal" components of the wireless headset mobile computer,
i.e., those that touch the user's head, ears, or mouth, from the
non-personal expensive electronics and, thereby, promotes good
hygiene and low cost of ownership. The embodiment of the present
invention provides the full speech functionality of a Vocollect
TALKMAN.RTM. or T2.RTM. or T5.RTM. which is sold by Vocollect of
Pittsburgh, Pa., the owner of the present application.
[0038] The mobile headset of the invention also incorporates unique
features in its controls, headband structure, battery configuration
and microphone/speaker assembly, that enhance the operation,
comfort, durability, versatility and robustness of the headset.
While one particular embodiment of the invention as discussed
herein is in the form of a fully speech-enabled mobile headset
terminal, the various aspects of the headset design as disclosed
herein are equally applicable in a stand-alone headset that
operates with a separate, body-worn, mobile computer terminal. That
is, the headset features disclosed herein are also equally
applicable to a conventional headset that couples by wire or
wirelessly to a body-worn terminal. The features of the invention,
for example, are applicable to use with the wireless headset and
system set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/303,271,
entitled WIRELESS HEADSET AND METHOD FOR ROBUST VOICE DATA
COMMUNICATION, filed Dec. 16, 2005, which application is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, the
aspects of the invention have applicability to headsets in general,
and not just to those used in conjunction with mobile terminals.
Therefore, various aspects of the present invention are not limited
only to mobile speech terminals and similar applications, but have
applicability to headsets in general, wired or wireless. Of course,
the aspects of the invention have particular applicability to
wireless headsets and mobile headset terminals.
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a wireless,
mobile headset terminal or computer 50 in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. Headset terminal 50 provides speech
functionality equal to or exceeding the functionality of the
Vocollect TALKMAN or T2 or T5 mobile computers, available from
Vocollect of Pittsburgh, Pa. To that end, a processor or CPU 12 may
include the speech recognition and speech synthesis circuitry as
well as applications to direct the activity of a user using speech
or voice. In one embodiment, wireless headset terminal 50 is a
speech-enabled device that uses speech predominantly for input and
output (e.g., no standard I/O devices, such as a video display,
keypad, or mouse). Headset terminal provides improvements over
existing speech-enabled products, such as packaging simplification,
weight reduction, dynamic performance improvements, cost and
maintenance reduction, reduced power consumption, reliability
improvements, increased radio bandwidth, and elimination of all
cables and cords usually associated with headsets.
[0040] Headset terminal 50 includes one or more printed circuit
boards (PCBs) 10 that contain the electronic components of the
headset terminal. For example, the PCB 10 might be located in the
earcup assembly 52 of headset terminal 50 as shown in FIGS. 2 and
5, and might contain all of the processing components, including
speech processing components, for the terminal. In another
embodiment, another PCB might be positioned in the
electronics/power source assembly 54 (see FIG. 2), along with the
power source, such as a battery. The functional processing and
electrical components shown in FIG. 1 may thus be positioned in
various places or on multiple PCB's in terminal 50. For the purpose
of discussion, they are shown on a single PCB 10. Headset terminal
50 includes a processor or CPU 12, an audio input/output stage 14,
memory, such as a flash RAM 16, a WLAN radio 18, a user interface
or control 20, and a WPAN device 22. Wireless headset terminal 50
further includes a microphone 26 (it may also include an auxiliary
microphone 27), a speaker 28 (FIG. 5), and a battery pack or other
power source 30 (FIG. 11). More details of the physical integration
of the elements of wireless headset terminal 50 are discussed in
reference to FIGS. 2-16 herein. In some embodiments, terminal 50
utilizes an integrated RFID reader 34 or couples to an RFID reader
through an appropriate connection. The RFID reader is operable for
reading an RFID tag and generating an output reflective of the read
tag.
[0041] For example, headset terminal may operate with the
functionality of the system disclosed in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/247,291 entitled INTEGRATED WEARABLE TERMINAL FOR
VOICE-DIRECTED WORK AND RFID IDENTIFICATION/VERIFICATION, filed
Oct. 11, 2005, which application is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety. To that end, the processor 12 may include
the necessary speech recognition/synthesis circuitry for voice or
speech applications, such as those applications that direct the
work of a user. The headset terminal supports various operator
languages, with a wide range of text-to-speech functionality.
Terminal 50 is also configured with "record and playback"
technology. Terminal 50 and processor 12 are configured, as
appropriate, to be fully functional with existing Talkman.TM.
software infrastructure components, including Voice Console.TM.,
Voice Link.TM. and Voice Builder.TM. components available from
Vocollect.
[0042] Wireless headset terminal 50 is a strong, lightweight
computer terminal that is especially designed for use in industrial
environments. The terminal may operate in an environment
-30.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. The user wears headset terminal 50
on their head and, thus, retains full freedom of movement. There
are no exposed wires or cords to get caught or snagged. Through
speaker 28, the operator receives information or commands in a
speech or voice format and responds directly to the commands by
speaking into a microphone 26. All information is relayed, in real
time or batch mode, to and from a central computer (not shown)
through a wireless RF network (not shown), as is known in the art
of speech-enabled systems.
[0043] Processor/CPU 12 is a general-purpose processor for managing
the overall operation of wireless headset terminal 50.
Processor/CPU 12 may be, for example, a 600 MHz INTEL.RTM.
XScale.TM. processor, or other processor, indicative of currently
available technology. The XScale.TM. processor combines the
processor and memory in a small square device. Processor 12 is
capable of handling various speech recognition algorithms and
speech synthesis algorithms without the need for additional speech
recognition technology, such as ASICs or DSP components. Processor
12, in one embodiment, thus includes speech recognition circuitry
and speech synthesis circuitry for recognizing and synthesizing
speech. Processor 12 also includes suitable software for providing
speech applications, such as work applications to communicate
activity information with a user by speech and also to collect data
from the user about the activity also using speech. Such speech
applications as used for worker direction are known and are
available from Vocollect, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa. Processor 12 is
suitably electrically connected to the various components of the
terminal as shown in FIG. 1, by appropriate interconnections. In
another embodiment, the speech recognition/synthesis circuitry
might be separate from CPU 12 as shown with reference numeral
13.
[0044] The audio input/output stage 14 receives an audio signal
from microphone 26, which may be a standard boom-mounted,
directional, noise-canceling microphone that is positioned near the
user's mouth. Audio input/output stage 14 also provides a standard
audio output circuit for driving speaker 28, which may be a
standard audio speaker located in the earcup of wireless headset
terminal 50 as shown in FIG. 2. Memory 16 may be a standard memory
storage device that serves as the program and data memory device
associated with processor 12. Memory component 16 may be in
addition to other memory, such as flash memory, in the processor.
While each of the functional blocks is shown separately in FIG. 1,
the functionality of certain blocks might be combined in a single
device.
[0045] WLAN radio component 18 is a standard WLAN radio that uses
well-known wireless networking technology, such as WiFi, for
example, that allows multiple devices to share a single high-speed
connection for a WLAN. WLAN refers to any type of wireless local
area network, including 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11 g and a full
801.22i wireless security suite. WLAN radio 18 is integrated into
wireless headset terminal 50. Furthermore, WLAN radio 18 provides
high bandwidth that is suitable for handling applications that
require high data transmission speed, such as warehousing,
manufacturing, pharmaceutical, logging, and defense applications.
WLAN radio 18 may be used for transmitting data in real time or in
batch form to/from the central computer 19 and receiving work
applications, tasks or assignments, for example.
[0046] User interface 20 provides control of the headset terminal
and is coupled with suitable control components 64, such as control
buttons as illustrated in FIG. 2. User interface 20 and controls 64
are used for controlling the terminal 50 for anything that cannot
be accomplished by voice, such as for turning power ON/OFF, varying
volume, moving through selection menus, etc.
[0047] WPAN interface device 22 is a component that permits
communication in a wireless personal area network (WPAN), such as
Bluetooth, for example, which is a wireless network for
interconnecting devices centered around a person's workspace, e.g.,
the headset terminal user's workspace. The WPAN interface device 22
allows terminal 50 to interface with any WPAN-compatible, body-worn
wireless peripheral devices associated with the terminal user, such
as Bluetooth devices.
[0048] Battery pack 30 is a lightweight, rechargeable power source
that provides suitable power for running terminal 50 and its
components. Battery pack 30, for example, may include one or more
lithium-sulfur batteries that have suitable capacity to provide
full shift operation of wireless headset terminal 50 on a single
charge.
[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a headset
apparatus suitable for the headset terminal of the invention. FIG.
2 shows that wireless headset terminal 50 includes a headband
assembly 56 and an earcup assembly 52 with a microphone boom
assembly 62. Earcup assembly 52 and microphone boom assembly 62
further include an earcup housing 58, a boom outer housing 132,
134, and a boom arm 108, upon which is mounted microphone 26, which
may be covered with a removable microphone windscreen 29, and user
controls 64, which are coupled with user interface 20 of FIG. 1.
The embodiment illustrated in the Figures shows relatively simple
controls, such as control buttons 102, 104. However, the controls
may be further sophisticated, as desired.
[0050] As noted, FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a headset for
incorporating embodiments of the present invention. For example,
the headset 50 might be utilized to incorporate the wireless
voice-enabled terminal discussed herein, as one aspect of the
invention. Alternatively, headset 50 might also be utilized as a
stand-alone headset that is coupled by wire or wirelessly to a
separate portable or mobile voice terminal that is appropriately
worn, such as on the waist of a user that is using headset 50.
Headset 50 incorporates various different features and aspects of
the present invention that will find applicability not only with a
wireless voice-enabled headset terminal as discussed herein, but
also with a headset for use with a separate body-worn terminal, or
with a headset for other uses, such as non-voice-enabled uses.
[0051] Headset 50 includes an earcup structure or assembly 52
connected with an opposing power source/electronics structure or
assembly 54. As may be appreciated, the earcup assembly 52 couples
with the ear of a user while the power source/electronics assembly
54 sits on the opposite side of a user's head. Both structures 52,
54 are coupled together by a headband assembly 56 as discussed
further hereinbelow. Headset 50 incorporates various features of
the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the headset 50
itself is a fully-operable, voice-enabled mobile computer terminal
that includes the necessary electronics, as discussed above, to
provide speech recognition and speech synthesis for various
speech-directed applications. To that end, the electronics, which
would be incorporated on a suitable printed circuit board 10, may
be located in either the earcup assembly 52 and/or the power
supply/electronics assembly 54. The earcup assembly 52 is
adjustable as discussed further hereinbelow and shown in FIGS. 6-8,
and thus may be adjusted to fit comfortably onto a user's head.
[0052] The earcup assembly 52 includes a housing 58 which houses
the various components of the earcup assembly, such as a speaker
28, and supports the boom assembly 62 that may include electronics
10, including any electronics which might be utilized to make the
headset a mobile terminal for voice applications as shown in FIG.
1. A cushion or earpad 60 is formed of foam or another suitable
material for comfort on the ear when the headset is worn and the
earpad abuts the user's ear. The earpad 60 interfaces with housing
58 and may be removably coupled with housing 58, such as with a
detachable earpad mount, not shown. In that way, the earpad may be
easily or readily detached or snapped off of the housing for
hygiene purposes as noted herein. A boom assembly 62 is rotatably
mounted with the housing 58 and includes suitable controls 64 and a
microphone 26, positioned at the end of the boom. A sliding arm 68
couples with housing 58 through a yoke portion or yoke 70. The
housing 58 is pivotally mounted with yoke 70, so that the earcup
assembly 52 may pivot slightly with respect to the headband
assembly 56 for the comfort of the user. The sliding arm 68 slides
within a saddle 72 coupled to bands 74a, 74b, in accordance with
one aspect of the present invention.
[0053] The headband assembly 56 includes two transverse bands 74a,
74b which extend from side-to-side across a user's head to hold the
earcup assembly 52 and power source/electronics assembly 54 on the
user's head, in a somewhat typical headband fashion. The multiple
transverse bands assure a secure fit on the user's head and may
include cushions or pads 76, also made of foam or another suitable
material for comfort and fit. A stabilizing strap 78 intersects the
two transverse bands 74a, 74b and is coupled to each transverse
band respectively with a clip 80 or other suitable fixation
structure. The stabilizing strap 78 is free to slide through the
clips for positioning between the transverse bands. The stabilizing
strap 78 also extends partially along the back of the user's head
and/or the forehead, as desired by the user, to provide additional
stability to headset terminal 50. The strap may slide back and
forth so that the headset terminal 50 may be worn on either side of
the head. At the end of the stabilizing strap 78 are stop
structures 82 and respective cushions 84. The stop structures limit
the sliding of the stabilizing strap 78 through the clips 80, so
the stabilizing strap cannot be slid past the endmost position. The
cushions 84 provide suitable comfort for the user.
[0054] Stabilizing strap 78 provides a significant advantage in
combination with the multiple transverse bands 74a, 74b. As may be
appreciated, the headset terminal 50 may carry significant weight
when utilized as a mobile, voice-enabled terminal with suitable
processing electronics and a power source, such as a battery. The
battery in particular, located in power source/electronics assembly
54 is oftentimes significantly heavy so as to cause a stability
issue. The present invention, which utilizes multiple transverse
bands 74a, 74b coupled with a stabilizing strap 78, provides the
desired stability and comfort for the user. Furthermore, headset
terminal 50, is utilized in environments wherein the user is moving
very rapidly through multiple tasks and is bending over and
standing up quite often. Therefore, the increased stability of the
headset provided by one aspect of the present invention is
certainly a desirable feature. The power source/electronics
assembly 54, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 11, includes a housing
90 which may contain other suitable electronics and associate PCB's
for headset terminal 50, and which also contains a portable power
source, such as battery 92. A latch 94, in accordance with another
aspect of the invention discussed further hereinbelow, holds the
battery 92 in position. Housing 90 is suitably coupled to ends of
respective transverse bands 74a, 74b. A suitable cushion or pad 96
provides user comfort as the power source/electronics assembly 54
rests against the user's head. Generally, the assembly 54 will rest
above the ear of the user, while the earcup covers the opposite
ear. Other aspects of the headband assembly are illustrated in U.S.
Design patent application Ser. No. 29/242,817, entitled HEADSET and
filed Nov. 15, 2005, which application is incorporated herein by
reference, in its entirety.
[0055] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one aspect of the present invention
and specifically disclose the inventive positional features of the
controls 64 on the boom assembly 62. The controls are uniquely laid
out to ensure that the controls 64 remain in a relatively similar
position with respect to their operation by the user, regardless of
the side of the head on which the earcup assembly 52 and boom
assembly 62 are positioned. Furthermore, they spatially give the
user an indication of their functions. As may be appreciated, a
user utilizing the headset terminal 50 of the invention may want to
position the earcup assembly such that it is either over the right
ear or the left ear. That is, headset terminal 50 may be worn on
the right side or left side of the head. To that end, the boom
assembly 62 is rotatable in either direction as indicated by arrow
100 in FIG. 3. The controls 64 incorporate an (UP direction or
function) button 102 and (DOWN direction or function) button 104.
The UP direction or UP button 102 is indicated by a (+) while the
DOWN direction or DOWN button 104 is indicated by a (-). For
physical determination of the controls by the user, the buttons are
also shaped differently as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6. The UP
button 102 generally has a convex shape or profile while the DOWN
button 104 has a concave shape or profile. It may be appreciated,
the shapes might be switched between the two buttons such that
button 102 is concave and button 104 is convex. Furthermore,
instead of having concave/convex the buttons may have other
physical indications thereon which are sensed by the fingertips of
the user, such as individual symbols or dots (e.g. Braille). The
shape of the control buttons 102 making up control 64 is also
illustrated in U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/242,950
entitled CONTROL PANEL FOR A HEADSET, filed Nov. 16, 2005, which
application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Therefore, the boom assembly 62 of the present invention provides
tactile controls 64 so that the user can operate the controls
without seeing which buttons are engaged.
[0056] The UP and DOWN buttons 102, 104 are coupled to user
interface components 20 and may provide a way of moving through
various control menus provided by software that is run by the
headset terminal 50. For example, the buttons might provide UP/DOWN
volume control or allow UP/DOWN scrolling through a menu. The
buttons might also have the functionality of turning the headset
terminal ON and OFF or providing any of a variety of different
controls for the headset terminal. Accordingly, while the buttons
102, 104 of controls 64 are indicated as UP/DOWN buttons herein,
that terminology is not limiting with respect to their
functionality. Furthermore, while two buttons are illustrated in
the Figures of this application, multiple other control buttons or
controls might be utilized in accordance with the principles of the
present invention.
[0057] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the buttons 102, 104 are positioned on opposite sides of the boom
assembly rotation axis 106 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The
construction of the boom assembly 62, as shown in FIG. 5 and
discussed below, defines an axis of rotation 106, about which the
boom assembly rotates. With the controls positioned as disclosed
herein, when the boom assembly 62 is rotated about the axis 106 to
operate either on the left side of the user's head or on the right
side of the user's head, the orientation of the controls remains
consistent on the boom assembly with respect to the head of the
user. That is, the top or upper controls remain at the top and the
lower controls remain at the bottom. In that way, once a user
becomes familiar with the position of the controls and their
operation, such familiarity will be maintained regardless of which
side of the user's head the earcup structure and boom assembly is
positioned. Furthermore, the spatial positioning of the control
buttons is constant, and thus, the spatial position of the controls
may be used to provide an indication of the function of the
controls.
[0058] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the boom assembly 62
is shown positioned to operate when the earcup structure 52 is
positioned on the right side of a user's head. The user's mouth
projects toward microphone 26. In such a position, the UP button
102 is vertically higher on the boom or more rearward of the boom
arm 108 and microphone 26 than is the DOWN button 104 which is
vertically lower or more forward along the boom assembly toward the
microphone 26. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the buttons are on
either side of axis 106 such that when the boom assembly is rotated
as illustrated by arrow 100 to the position in FIG. 4 for use on
the left side of a user's head, the controls 64 maintain their
similar orientation on the headset and their spatial positioning
with the UP button 102 higher and the DOWN button 104 lower. Their
relative position with respect to each other also provides an
advantage as the UP button is on top and the DOWN button is on the
bottom, relative the vertical. As such, when a user learns how to
use the headset terminal 50 of the invention, it does not matter
whether they position the boom assembly, earcup assembly, and
microphone 26 on the right side or the left side of their head. The
orientation of the controls remains the same and thus they are able
to utilize the control buttons 102, 104 in the same fashion on
either side of the head. Furthermore, the UP button stays on top
and the DOWN button is on the bottom. As such, in addition to the
unique shape of the control buttons that helps distinguish them
from each other, their positioning on either side of the boom
rotation axis and their spatial positioning relative each other
provides a further desirable consistency such that operation of the
headset terminal can be readily mastered regardless of how the
headset is utilized.
[0059] Along those lines, the stabilizing strap 78 as illustrated
in FIG. 2 can also slide forwardly or backwardly with respect to
the transverse bands 74a and 74b and the clips 80 so that the
headset terminal 50 may be utilized on either side of the head as
desired. The microphone 26 utilized with the boom assembly might be
any suitable microphone for capturing the speech of the user. For
voice applications, and a voice-enabled headset terminal, it is
desirable that the microphone 26 be of sufficient quality for
capturing speech in a manner that is conducive to speech
recognition applications. Other applications may not require a high
quality microphone. A wind screen 29 might be used on microphone 26
and is removable to personalize the headset terminal to the user as
discussed further below.
[0060] In one embodiment of the invention, an auxiliary microphone
27 might be utilized to reduce noise, to determine when the user
speaks into the microphone 26 or for other purposes (see FIG. 1).
The auxiliary microphone may be located as appropriate on the
headset 50. For example, one embodiment of the invention might
utilize the system set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/671,140, entitled WIRELESS HEADSET FOR USE IN SPEECH RECOGNITION
ENVIRONMENT, filed Sep. 25, 2003, or the system set forth in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/671,142, entitled APPARATUS AND
METHOD FOR DETECTING USER SPEECH, filed Sep. 25, 2003, both
applications being incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
[0061] FIGS. 5, 9 and 10 illustrate other aspects of the present
invention wherein the housing 58 which contains a speaker 28 may be
rotatably coupled with the microphone boom assembly 62 quickly and
easily with a minimal amount of separate fastening structures, such
as screws, which may take up valuable printed circuit board (PCB)
space that is necessary to house the desired electronics for the
headset terminal 50. The advantage provided by the retainer
structure of the earcup housing and boom assembly of the invention
is particularly desirable when the headset terminal 50 is utilized
for voice applications, wherein electrical components with
sufficient processing power are necessary and circuit board space
is at a premium. FIG. 5 illustrates portions of the earcup assembly
52 made up of a speaker module 120 and microphone boom assembly 62.
FIG. 9 illustrates the microphone boom assembly 62 assembled with
speaker module 120 incorporated in the housing 58. FIG. 10 shows a
cross section of FIG. 9 illustrating the inventive snap-in relation
between the boom assembly 62 and speaker module 120.
[0062] Turning again to FIG. 5, the speaker module 120 includes
housing 58 which is shown in the Figures as generally circular in
shape and includes appropriate openings 59 for rotatably mounting
the housing 58 with yoke 70 as illustrated in FIG. 2. A speaker 28,
which may also be circular, fits into the housing 58. Speaker 28 is
appropriately coupled with circuit board 124 and appropriate audio
input/output stage circuitry 14 in the boom assembly 62 for proper
operation. A retainer 126 fits inside housing 58 as illustrated in
FIG. 10. The retainer 126 captures speaker 122 between a bottom
flange 127 of the housing 58 and a cooperating rim 130 of the
retainer 126. (See FIG. 10). The retainer 126 is sonically welded
to housing 58 at junctures 129.
[0063] Turning now to the boom assembly 62, one section of the boom
housing 132 cooperates with another section 134 of the boom housing
in a clamshell fashion to capture a printed circuit board 124 and
an anchor structure 136 for the boom arm 108. A portion of the
anchor structure is captured between the sides of the boom housing
sections 132, 134. Controls 64 are appropriately and operationally
coupled with the boom housing 132, 134 and printed circuit board
124 through a mounting bracket 65 as illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0064] Printed circuit board 124 contains one or more of the
components illustrated on PCB 10 in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, PCB
124 might include all of the operational electronics of the
terminal 50. Alternatively, there might be an additional PCB in the
power source/electronics assembly 54 in addition to the battery
pack 30. Also positioned on PCB 124 may be an antenna (not shown)
for the WLAN radio 18 for transceiving frequencies associated with
an 802.11 standard, for example. The antenna is located and
configured so as to minimize RF transmissions to the head of the
user.
[0065] The boom assembly housing, and particularly section 134 of
the housing rotatably interfaces with the retainer 126 which is
secured with earcup housing 58. More specifically, the present
invention provides a snap retaining arrangement which secures the
rotating boom assembly 62 with adequate bearing surfaces in the
earcup housing 58. The present invention does so without shoulder
screws, washers, or other elements, which have traditionally
resided in or through valuable circuit board space. The boom
assembly 62 readily snaps in place with housing 58 and freely
rotates therewith as necessary for utilization of the headset
terminal 50 on either the right side of the head or the left side
of the head. Furthermore, the rotating boom assembly provides
adjustment of the microphone 26 with respect to the user's
mouth.
[0066] More specifically, referring to FIG. 10, the snap retainer
126 incorporates a plurality of flexible snaps 140 positioned
circumferentially around retainer 126. Structural walls 142
separate the snaps 140 interspersed therebetween, as illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 10. The boom assembly, and specifically body section
134 includes an inwardly extending flange 144, which cooperates
with the snaps 140 to retain the boom assembly 62 and also to
provide a bearing surface for rotation of the boom assembly.
Referring to FIG. 10, the retainer snaps 140 include an angled
surface 146, which engages flange 144 when the boom assembly 62 is
pushed into earcup housing 58. The snaps 140 are somewhat elongated
from the base or flange 130 of retainer 126 and thus flex inwardly
to allow the passage of flange 144 of the boom assembly. The snaps
140 then snap back to capture flange 144 and thereby capture the
boom assembly. Opposing surfaces of the snaps 140 and flange 144
provide bearing surfaces at juncture 148 as illustrated in FIG. 10.
An O-ring 150, such as a rubber O-ring, is positioned between
flange 130 of retainer 126 and a collar portion 152 of the boom
housing section 134. The O-ring 150 provides a suitable seal for
the electronics of PCB 124 and the retainer snaps 140 provide
retention and easy rotation for the rotating boom assembly.
[0067] The unique snap fit provided by the invention eliminates the
screws, washers and other fasteners engaging the circuit board 124.
Thus the entire board may be used for electronic components.
Therefore, a greater amount of the circuit board may be used for
the processing circuitry 12, such as for voice processing in
accordance with one aspect of the invention. The invention thus
provides sufficient board space while keeping the headset terminal
50 small and lightweight. Component costs are further reduced, as
are assembly costs and time. The boom assembly 62, housing 58 and
other components might be made of a suitable, lightweight
plastic.
[0068] Turning now to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, another aspect of the
present invention is illustrated involving the operation of the
adjustable sliding arm 68 of the headset terminal 50. Specifically,
in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the
headset terminal 50 provides interconnectibility between the
various electronics, processing circuits, and operational
components of the terminal while maintaining a clean and desirable
aesthetic look to the headset terminal 50 and size/comfort
adjustability of the headband assembly 56.
[0069] Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the headset
terminal 50 incorporates an earcup assembly 52 and a power
source/electronics assembly 54 on opposite sides of the headband
assembly 56. Generally, the earcup assembly 52 and the power
sources/electronics assembly 54 collectively incorporate printed
circuit boards, electrical components, power sources such as
batteries, and other devices, which utilize electrical signals. As
such, the operability of the headset terminal 50 is dependent upon
the interconnection between these various electrical components,
circuit boards, and power source(s). To that end, signal wires,
power wires, and other suitable cabling must be run from one side
of the headset terminal to the other side. Furthermore, because of
the adjustability of the headset terminal 50 and the movement of
the earcup assembly 52 and sliding arm 68, the cabling must be
dynamically adjustable in length for a proper headset fit and
proper operation, without disconnections. Prior art headsets
incorporate dual or single cables which extend from either side of
the headset, and thus are exposed and may become tangled. As noted,
this is particularly unsuitable for the wireless headset terminal
50 of the invention, which is worn by a mobile and moving user.
Alternatively, where cables have been incorporated to span between
the sides of a headset, they have still been exposed, thus reducing
the aesthetic appeal of the headset. The present invention
addresses the cable interconnection between the various components
on the sides of the headset in a hidden or covered fashion, while
still maintaining dynamic adjustability of the earcup and the
headset fit.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 6, the headset terminal 50 is shown
having wires or cables 160 which pass across the headband assembly
56 between the power source/electronics assembly 54 and earcup
assembly 52. While a single wire or cable 160 is illustrated in the
drawing FIGS. 6-8, it will be appreciated that the single cable 160
may generally include multiple conductors or multiple wires or
there may be a plurality of cables. Therefore, a single cable is
shown for illustrative purposes only. As such, the present
invention is not limited to a single cable or conductor spanning
the headband assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, cable
160 may include power lines coupling the electronics of the PCB 124
of earcup assembly 52 with a power source, such as a battery 92 in
assembly 54. Alternatively, various electronics might be utilized
in assembly 54 along with a power source and cable 160 may provide
interconnections between components of the power source/electronic
assembly 54 and the earcup assembly 52.
[0071] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the headset
terminal 50 is configured so that the cable 160 articulates
completely within the structures of the headset terminal and is
hidden thereby. The effective length of the cable 160 may
dynamically change while adjusting the headset fit due to the
unique configuration of saddle 72 and the sliding arm 68 in hiding
and guiding the cable, and providing protection and control of the
cable dynamics. Referring to FIG. 6, cable 160 may be shown passing
from the power source assembly 54 over the transverse band 74b,
through saddle 72, along the sliding arm 68, and then down to the
earcup assembly 52. Cable 160 is appropriately coupled with the
electronic components in the earcup assembly 52 (not shown).
[0072] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the internal configuration and
dynamics of the saddle 72 and sliding arm 68 as the fit of the
headset terminal 50 is adjusted and the length of cable 160
dynamically varied. FIG. 7 illustrates the sliding arm in position
with the earcup assembly proximate an uppermost position on the
headset. Transverse bands 74a, 74b include band structures such as
metal straps 162 that are anchored at suitable anchoring points 163
in the saddle and are appropriately anchored with assembly 54 on
the other side of the headset. The fit of the headset is determined
by the adjustable height of the earcup assembly 52 as provided by
movement of sliding arm 68 in the saddle 72. The anchor points 163
for the bands 162 are located in terminal portions 165 formed in
the saddle 72. The terminal portions 165 form passages 166 for the
passage of cable 160 between the transverse bands 74a, 74b and the
sliding arm 68. A cavity 169 is formed in the sliding arm. The
cable is contained, in an articulated fashion, in cavity 169, as
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Formed in sliding arm 68 is an elongated
slot 170, which extends along the cavity and allows passage of
cable 160 from transverse band 74b over to the cavity 169 of
sliding arm 68 through passage 166. Slot 170 has a defined length,
along the length of the sliding arm, so that as the sliding arm is
moved to a lowermost position as illustrated in FIG. 8, the
crossover of cable 160 is maintained through passage 166 as shown
in FIG. 8. Guide structures 172, 174 guide cable 160 along the
sliding arm 68 as it articulates due to the movement of sliding arm
68 within the saddle 72. As is illustrated in FIG. 7, when the
earcup assembly 52 is proximate its uppermost position, a
significant amount of cable 160 is not utilized and thus must be
stored within the headset assembly. That is, the effective length
of the cable is shorter. Previous headsets leave cables exposed
and/or loose around the headset, ruining the aesthetic appeal of
the headset, and also exposing cables that may be caught or
snagged. Due to the cooperation between the guide structures 172,
174, the cable within the sliding arm 68 is wrapped back on itself
as illustrated in FIG. 7 so that the excess portion of cable
indicated by reference numeral 180 is maintained within the sliding
arm 68. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the internal configuration of
sliding arm 68 and expose the guide structures 172, 174. As may be
seen, the cable 160 wraps back on itself multiple times around the
multiple guide structures 172, 174. However, as illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 6, a cover 69 extends along a portion of sliding arm 68
and thereby covers cavity 169 and the articulated cable 160 and the
guide structures 172, 174. As such, the cable 160 is generally
completely hidden from view regardless of the position of the
earcup.
[0073] When the headset terminal 50 is adjusted so that the earcup
assembly is moved as shown by reference arrows 182 in FIG. 6, to
the lowermost position illustrated in FIG. 8, the slack cable
portion 180 is taken up by guide structure 172 to allow the sliding
arm 68 to slide through saddle 72 as shown. In FIG. 7, cable 160
crosses over through passage 166 at a lower end of the slot 170,
but when the sliding arm is extended, the cable 160 crosses over
into the sliding arm proximate the upper end of the slot 170. That
is, in FIG. 7, the passage 166 is located proximate the lower end
of slot 170, and in FIG. 8, passage 166 is located proximate the
upper end of slot 170. In that way, the headset terminal 50, and
specifically the earcup assembly 52 may be dynamically adjusted,
with the dynamic lengthening and shortening of the effective length
of the cable 160 being readily handled within the sliding arm 68
and saddle 72 without any significant exposure of the cable. The
aesthetics of the headset terminal are thus maintained and the
cable is not exposed to be caught or snagged.
[0074] Referring again to FIG. 7, if the earcup assembly 52 is
again moved with the sliding arm 68 to an uppermost position, the
cable slack portion 180 is maintained within the sliding arm and
generally out of view. Thus, the cable dynamics are protected and
controlled and a high aesthetic quality is achieved by hiding the
cable and eliminating any strap openings within the headband
assembly 56.
[0075] FIGS. 11-15 illustrate another inventive aspect of the
headset terminal 50 of the invention. Generally, the embodiment of
headset terminal 50 that is a self-contained mobile terminal or
computer for handling a variety of tasks will require a power
source. This is particularly true for one embodiment of the headset
terminal 50, wherein it is a mobile terminal with speech
capabilities, including speech recognition and speech synthesis,
for speech enabled work applications. Generally, the portable power
source is a battery 92.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 11, the power source/electronic assembly
54 of headset terminal 50 includes a housing 90 containing a
battery 92 and any other suitable electronics as noted above. A
latch 94 holds battery 92 within housing 90. The latch may be
actuated for allowing removal and replacement of battery 92. In
accordance with one aspect of the invention, latch 94 utilizes a
unique combination of elements that allows it to snap into housing
90 in a simple yet robust fashion and to operate in a sliding
fashion by sliding longitudinally with respect to housing 90. FIG.
12 illustrates housing 90 with the battery 92 removed. At one end
of housing 90 a latch retention assembly 200 is formed to hold or
retain latch 94 in an operable fashion. Battery 92 fits into an
appropriate cavity 202 formed in housing 90 and interfaces with
electrical contacts 204, or other electrical interconnections.
While in FIGS. 12, 14 and 15, the battery 92 is shown taking up
significantly all the space of cavity 202, other electronics, such
as a PCB with various components, might also be mounted in cavity
202. Latch retention assembly 200 includes latch retention snaps
206 on either side of a spring 208 as illustrated in FIG. 12.
Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the latch retention snaps include
up-struck hook portions 210 that capture snap retention ribs on the
underside of latch 94 (see FIG. 13a).
[0077] Referring to FIG. 13, latch 94 includes a catch structure or
catch 212. As illustrated in FIG. 14, when the latch 94 is in a
"latch" position to capture or latch the battery 92, the catch 212
engages an appropriately formed shoulder 214 on the battery 92. As
may be appreciated, battery 92 may include an outer housing and an
internal battery cell 93 as shown in cross-section in FIGS. 14 and
15. Also, as noted, some electronics might be used in the space
shown occupied by cell 93. The latch retention assembly 200 holds
latch 94 in place, and thus the latch 94 keeps battery 92 in proper
position within housing 90. Referring again to FIGS. 12 and 13,
latch 94 may be positioned to span transversely across the battery
cavity 202. The latch is then slid in the direction shown by
reference arrow 203 to engage the latch retention assembly 200. In
doing so, retention tabs 216 which extend outwardly from either
side of the catch 212, slide underneath respective rail surfaces
220 on either side of the snaps 206. Surfaces 220 are part of the
latch retention assembly 200 (See FIG. 16). The cross-section of
FIG. 16 illustrates the retention tabs captured below the rail
surfaces 220, thereby holding latch 94 downwardly within housing
90. Referring again to FIG. 12, as the latch slides toward the
latch retention assembly 200, retention tabs 216 slide under rail
surfaces 220 and the snap retention ribs 213 (See FIG. 13A) engage
the snaps 206 and are captured by engagement of the hook portions
210 with a stop surface 211 of the snap retention ribs. A spring
surface 222 on the backside of catch 212 bears against spring 208.
Ribs 223 on either side of surface 222 keep the spring 208 aligned.
Spring 208 drives latch 94 to the operable latching or latch
position as illustrated in FIG. 14. In that position, the catch 212
bears against shoulder 214 to keep the battery 92 in place. To
unlatch battery 92 so that it can be removed and/or replaced, latch
94 is simply slid away from battery 92 against spring 208 to an
"unlatch" position, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The battery 92 may
then be removed. Spring 208 is kept in position by a spring holder
post 209 as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. When released, latch 94
then snaps back in its latch or engagement position as illustrated
in FIG. 14. Spring 208 keeps it in that latch position and
engagement between the hook portion 210 of snaps 206 and stop
surface 211 of the snap retention ribs 213 keep the latch 94 from
sliding out of position and away from housing 90 when no battery is
in position. As illustrated in FIG. 13, gap spacers 224 might be
used for proper spacing of the latch as it engages the battery as
shown in FIG. 14. Since the latch will be operated multiple times
during its life, wear ribs 228 might be utilized to absorb some of
the wear and keep the latch operating properly (See FIG. 13A).
[0078] The snap retention ribs 213 and specifically the stop
surfaces 211 are normal to the sliding plane of the latch as
illustrated by reference arrow 230 in FIG. 14. The snaps 206 of the
main housing, and specifically the hook portions 210 have surfaces
that are also normal to the sliding plane 230. As noted, the
surfaces of hook portions 210 engage the stop surfaces 211 of the
ribs 213 and retain the latch in the nominal position. The spring
force of spring 208 forces the latch 94 to rest against the snaps
206 in the sliding plane 230. The retention tabs 216 are captured
by the rail surfaces 220 of the housing to provide the primary load
path for the mass of the battery 92 which is held by the latch. As
described above, the latch is assembled by simply aligning the
retention tabs 216 with rail surfaces 220 and snapping the latch
into place via retention ribs 213 and snaps 206.
[0079] In another aspect of the invention, the modular architecture
of wireless headset terminal 50 allows the separation of the
"personal" components of headset terminal 50, i.e., those that
touch the user's head, ears, or mouth, from the non-personal,
expensive electronics since the headset is a unitary system with no
separate body-worn terminal.
[0080] In single shift operations, the entire wireless headset
terminal 50 is placed in the charger while not in use. In
multi-shift operations, the personal components can be removed from
the terminal 50 so the terminal might be reused. Referring to FIG.
2, the pads 60, 96 and/or 76 might be removed, along with the
windscreen 29 on the microphone 26. A new user would then
personalize the terminal with their personal components.
[0081] In use, one typical operation of terminal 50 might be as
follows. At the beginning of a shift, a user selects any available
terminal at their workplace from a pool of terminals. The user then
assembles their personal items to the earcup assembly and
microphone boom assembly. In particular, the user might secure pad
60 to the earcup assembly. A fresh battery 92 might be installed
and latched. The user may then install their microphone windscreen
29 onto microphone 26 of microphone boom assembly 62. Once all
assembly is complete, the user places wireless headset terminal 50
on their head, such that earpad 60 is in contact with their ear,
microphone 26 is positioned in close proximity to their mouth, and
headpad 96 is in contact with their head. The user then activates
terminal 50 by use of controls 64 of user interface 20 and, as a
result, power is delivered from battery 92 to wireless headset
terminal 50. Subsequently, program and product data may be loaded
from a central system (not shown) into terminal 50 via the Wi-Fi
radio aspects. Voice commands are processed by CPU 12 and the
appropriate response is generated, which is directed digitally to
audio input/output stage 14. Audio input/output stage 14 then
converts the digital data to an analog audio signal, which is
transmitted to speaker 28. Subsequently, the user hears spoken
words through speaker 28 and takes action accordingly. The user may
then speak into microphone 26, which generates an analog audio
signal, that is then transmitted to audio input/output stage 14.
Audio input/output stage 14 then converts the analog signal to a
digital word that represents the audio sound received from
microphone 26 and, subsequently, CPU 12 processes the information.
During the operation of headset terminal 50, data within memory 16
or CPU 12 is being updated continuously with a record of task data,
under the control of CPU 12. Furthermore, radio transmission occurs
between Wi-Fi radio 18 and a central computer (not shown) through a
wireless RF network for transmitting or receiving task data in real
time or batch form. When the user has completed their tasks, such
as at the end of a shift, the user removes headset terminal 50 from
their head and deactivates the headset with the controls 64.
[0082] In one embodiment, wireless headset terminal 50, in addition
to the noted features above, provides the following features:
[0083] Instant response from full, on-board speech recognition and
synthesis, powered by a 600 MHz INTEL.RTM. XScale.TM. processor
[0084] Fully secure, standards-based host computer communications,
with integrated support for both 802.11b and 802.11g [0085] Support
for a wide variety of Bluetooth-compatible, body-worn wireless
peripherals, through integrated Bluetooth V1.2 hardware (optional)
[0086] User performance and productivity maximized through
outstanding ergonomics, combined with maximum durability for rugged
environments [0087] Full shift operation, combined with absolute
minimum weight [0088] A secondary microphone, integrated into the
earpiece, provides even greater immunity to background noise, which
further enhances user productivity [0089] Integration of headset
and electronics eliminates all the issues associated with wired or
wireless connections between hand-held or belt-mounted devices and
headsets.
[0090] As noted above, the headset terminal 50 may carry
significant weight when utilized as a mobile, voice-enabled
terminal with suitable processing electronics and a power source,
such as a battery. The battery in particular is oftentimes
significantly heavy so as to cause a stability issue. For instance,
such stability issues may arise when the head is not in an upright
position or during rapid head movements. The traditional manner for
correcting stability issues is to increase the clamping force of
the headset to the head of a user. This approach, however, results
in the headset being relatively uncomfortable, especially when worn
over an extended period of time. Thus, it is desirable to provide a
headset that may handle significant weight thereon but is still
stable even during rapid motions or atypical head positions that do
not sacrifice comfort. One embodiment of such a headset includes
the headband assembly 56 shown in FIG. 2 having the stabilizing
strap 78 used in combination with the multiple transverse bands
74a, 74b. There are, however, other arrangements that can also
enhance stability and comfort.
[0091] FIG. 17 shows an alternate headset terminal 230 providing
both stability and comfort. Headset terminal 230 is similar to
headset terminal 50 shown in FIG. 2 and like reference numerals in
FIG. 17 refer to like features in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the
desired stability and comfort are provided by multiple transverse
bands 74a, 74b (shown in phantom in FIG. 17 for clarity) in
combination with stabilizing strap 232. While stabilizing strap 78
in FIG. 2 extends around the head in a substantially vertical
direction, stabilizing strap 232 extends around the head in a
substantially horizontal direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the
stabilizing strap 232 generally extends between the earcup assembly
52 and the power source/electronics assembly 54 and along the back
portion of the head and/or neck of a user. The stabilizing strap
232 generally includes an elongate band 234 and a pair of
connecting members 236, 238 configured to couple the strap 232 to
the headset terminal 230.
[0092] The elongate band 234 includes a first end 240 adapted to be
coupled proximate to one of the assemblies 52, 54 and a second,
opposed end 242 adapted to be coupled proximate to the other
assembly 52, 54. The elongate band 234 further includes a first
surface 244 adapted to confront the back of the head when being
worn by a user, and a second surface 246 facing opposite to the
first surface 244. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate band
234 has a composite construction comprising a foam layer sandwiched
between two pieces of coverstock that are, for example, stitched
together to secure the foam layer therebetween. The coverstock may
be formed from leather, vinyl, cloth and other materials and
configured to provide an aesthetic appearance. For example, the
coverstock may be a faux leather. The coverstock is adapted to
provide not only an aesthetic appearance, but also adapted to
provide a structural aspect to the band 234 sufficient to withstand
the tensile and other forces applied to the strap during normal
usage. The foam layer, which may be either open or closed cell
foam, is adapted to provide a relatively soft, more-comfortable
strap. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
elongate band 234 may be formed from other materials including
various synthetic or natural materials. Those of ordinary skill in
the art will further recognize that the band 234 is not limited to
a composite structure as other unitary structures may be used that
satisfy both the structural aspect and aesthetic aspects. For
instance, NEOPRENE.RTM. and other synthetic or natural rubber could
be used to make elongate band 234.
[0093] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the first end 240 of the
elongate band 234 is adapted to be coupled to the headset terminal
230 proximate earcup assembly 52. The connecting member 236
facilitates this coupling. Connection member 236 includes a swivel
joint 248 having a first end portion 250 capable of rotation
relative to a second end portion 252 around a longitudinal axis of
the swivel joint, as is known in the art. The first end portion 250
of swivel joint 248 is coupled to the first end 240 of the elongate
band 234, either directly or through an intermediate connector,
such as ring 254. The connecting member 236 further includes an
openable and closable hook, as is known in the art. Hook 256 is
coupled to the second end portion 252 of swivel joint 248 and
capable of selectively coupling to a connecting element, such as an
eyelet 258, on the headset terminal 230. Connecting member 236 thus
permits the elongate band 234 to rotate or pivot about the headset
terminal 230 through swivel joint 248 and to be selectively coupled
or removed from headset terminal 230 through hook 256.
[0094] As mentioned above, the connecting member 236 is adapted to
be coupled to headset terminal 230 proximate earcup assembly 52.
This coupling is configured so that the connecting member 236 has
minimal contact with the head. More particularly, as the components
of the connecting member 236 may be metal or other relatively rigid
materials, it is desirable that these components do not contact the
head to cause discomfort to the wearer. In one embodiment, the clip
256 may be adapted to couple to the eyelet 258 positioned on a base
or lower portion of sliding arm 68 and above the earcup housing 58.
In particular, the eyelet 258 may be positioned on an inner surface
260 of the sliding arm 68 and sufficiently spaced from earcup
housing 58 so that the connecting member 236 does not have or has
minimal contact with the head or ear of the user. The eyelet 258
may be integrally formed with the sliding arm 68, such as through a
molding process, or may be a separate piece coupled to sliding arm
through some other process, such as sonic welding, adhesive
bonding, friction or snap fit, etc. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that the hook 256 may couple to the headset
terminal 230 proximate the earcup assembly 52 at other locations so
that contact between the connecting member 236 and the head is
prevented or minimized. For instance, the connecting member 236 may
be coupled to the headset terminal 230 at the earcup assembly 52
itself, such as along the earcup housing 58.
[0095] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, the second end 242 of the
elongate band 234 is adapted to be coupled to the headset terminal
230 proximate the power source/electronics assembly 54. The
connecting member 238 facilitates this coupling. Connecting member
238 is substantially similar in construction and operation to
connecting member 236. Thus the description of connecting member
236 will suffice as a description of connecting member 238 and like
features are given like reference numerals for the two connecting
members. The coupling between the connecting member 238 and the
headset terminal 230 is likewise configured to prevent or minimize
contact between the connecting member 238 and the head. In one
embodiment, the hook 256 is adapted to couple to a connecting
element on the power source/electronics assembly 54. In particular,
a lower portion 262 of the housing 90 includes a recess or cavity
264 wherein a cross bar 266 traverses an opening to the cavity 264.
Such a configuration allows the clip 256 of the connecting member
238 to be coupled thereto. The pad 96 on the assembly 54 may
include a cutout 268 that facilitates convenient access to the
cavity 264.
[0096] In another aspect, the coupling between the headset terminal
230 and the stabilizing strap 232 may be configured to ensure that
the strap 232 may be used regardless of the side of the head on
which the earcup assembly 52 and power source/electronics assembly
54 are positioned. In particular, a user utilizing the headset
terminal 230 may want to position the earcup assembly 52 such that
it is either over the right ear or the left ear. Thus, it is
desirable that the strap 232 operate in a similar manner no matter
what ear the earcup assembly 52 is positioned. To this end, the
connecting elements on the headset terminal 230 (i.e., eyelet 258
and cross bar 266) to which the strap 232 couples may
advantageously be located along a central plane 290 of the headset
terminal 230. Coupling the strap 230 to the headset terminal 230
within central plane 290 creates a symmetric configuration that
permits the strap to couple to the headset and operate in a similar
manner. In this way, the stabilizing strap 232 is reversible and
can be used no matter what orientation the headset terminal 230 is
placed on the head.
[0097] In another aspect of the invention, the stabilizing strap
232 may be configured to be adjustable. To this end, the elongate
band 234 may include a first band portion 272 and a second band
portion 274 that cooperate so as provide an adjustment feature. The
first band portion 272 includes an end coupled to the earcup
assembly 52 in a manner described above and the second band portion
272 includes an end coupled to the power source/electronics
assembly 54 as described above. In one embodiment, the second band
portion 274 includes an enclosed slot or opening 276 adapted to
receive the first band portion 272. In particular, the first band
portion 272 may be inserted through slot 276 and folded back on
itself to form a loop 278 and defining a free end 280 (FIGS. 17,
20). The free end 280 is then fastened to the first band portion
272 to secure the two end portions 272, 274 together. In an
exemplary embodiment, the free end 280 and first band portion 272
may be fastened by a hook and loop fastener, such as VELCRO.RTM..
For instance, the second surface 246 of the first band portion 272
may include one of the hook and loop fasteners along selected
portions thereof and spaced from free end 280 shown schematically
at 275. The second surface 246 of the first band portion 272
proximate free end 280 may include the other of the hook and loop
fasteners shown schematically at 277. In this way, when the first
band portion 272 is folded back on itself, the fasteners 275, 277
confront each other and may be pressed together to achieve the
fastening. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a wide
range of fasteners that may be used to achieve the adjustability of
the stabilizing strap 232 such as with snaps, buttons, etc.
[0098] In use, the stabilizing strap 232 may be tightened by
releasing the hook and loop fasteners and pulling on the free end
280 so that an additional length of the first band portion 272 is
passed through slot 276. Once the desired tightening has been
achieved, the hook and loop fasteners 275, 277 are re-engaged to
secure the first and second band portions 272, 274 together. In a
similar manner, the stabilizing strap 232 may be loosened by
releasing the hook and loop fasteners and feeding a length of the
free end back through slot 276. Once the desired amount of
loosening has been achieve, the hook and loop fasteners are
re-engaged to secure the first and second band portions 272, 274
together.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 20, and in another embodiment of the
invention, the headset terminal 282 may include both the vertically
oriented stabilizing strap 78 in combination with the horizontally
oriented stabilizing strap 232. In addition, the stabilizing strap
232 is in keeping with the modular architecture of the headset
terminal construction by providing for separation of the personal
components that touch the user's head, ears or mouth. In
particular, the ability to selectively couple and remove the strap
232 from the headset terminal 230 allows a user's strap, along with
the other personalized components, to be removed after a shift and
another user's personalize components, including the strap, to be
coupled to the headset terminal during his/her shift.
[0100] FIG. 21 shows an alternate embodiment of the headset
terminal 230 shown in FIGS. 17-19 and discussed above. In an
exemplary embodiment, the alternate stabilizing strap 332 generally
extends between the earcup assembly 52 and the power
source/electronics assembly 54 and along the back portion of the
head and/or neck of a user. The stabilizing strap 332 generally
includes an elongate band 334 and a pair of connecting members 336,
338 configured to couple the strap 332 to the headset terminal
230.
[0101] Similar to the elongate band 234 in the previous embodiment,
the elongate band 334 includes a first end 340 adapted to be
coupled proximate to one of the assemblies 52, 54 and a second,
opposed end 342 adapted to be coupled proximate to the other
assembly 52, 54. The elongate band 334 further includes a first
surface 344 adapted to confront the back of the head when being
worn by a user, and a second surface 346 facing opposite to the
first surface 344.
[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate band 334 may have a
composite construction, as with the stabilizing strap 232 in the
previous embodiment, comprising a foam layer sandwiched between two
pieces of coverstock that are, for example, stitched together to
secure the foam layer therebetween. The coverstock may be formed
from leather, vinyl, cloth and other materials and configured to
provide an aesthetic appearance. For example, the coverstock may be
a faux leather. The coverstock is adapted to provide not only an
aesthetic appearance, but also adapted to provide a structural
aspect to the band 334 sufficient to withstand the tensile and
other forces applied to the strap during normal usage. The foam
layer, which may be either open or closed cell foam, is adapted to
provide a relatively soft, more-comfortable strap. Those of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elongate band
334 may be formed from other materials including various synthetic
or natural materials. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
further recognize that the band 334 is not limited to a composite
structure as other unitary structures may be used that satisfy both
the structural aspect and aesthetic aspects. For instance,
NEOPRENE.RTM. and other synthetic or natural rubber could be used
to make elongate band 334.
[0103] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the first end 340 of the
elongate band 334 is adapted to be coupled to the headset terminal
230 proximate earcup assembly 52. The connecting member 336
facilitates this coupling. Connection member 236, as used with the
previous embodiment and as discussed in detail above, is coupled to
the first end 340 of the elongate band 334, either directly or
through an intermediate connector, such as a cord loop 354.
Connecting member 236 thus permits the elongate band 334 to rotate
or pivot about the headset terminal 230 through swivel joint 248
and to be selectively coupled or removed from headset terminal 230
through hook 256.
[0104] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, the second end 342 of the
elongate band 334 is adapted to be coupled to the headset terminal
230 proximate the power source/electronics assembly 54. The
connecting member 238 facilitates this coupling. Connecting member
238 is substantially similar in construction and operation to
connecting member 236 and is described above.
[0105] In another aspect, the coupling between the headset terminal
230 and the stabilizing strap 332 may be configured to ensure that
the strap 332 may be used regardless of the side of the head on
which the earcup assembly 52 and power source/electronics assembly
54 are positioned. In particular, a user utilizing the headset
terminal 230 may want to position the earcup assembly 52 such that
it is either over the right ear or the left ear. Thus, it is
desirable that the strap 332 operate in a similar manner no matter
what ear the earcup assembly 52 is positioned. To this end and as
with the discussion of the previous embodiment above, the
connecting elements on the headset terminal 230 (i.e., eyelet 258
and cross bar 266) to which the strap 332 couples may
advantageously be located along a central plane 290 of the headset
terminal 230.
[0106] In another aspect of the invention, the stabilizing strap
332 may be configured to be adjustable. To this end, the elongate
band 334 may include a first band portion 372 and a second band
portion 374 that cooperate so as provide an adjustment feature. The
first band portion 372 includes an end coupled to the earcup
assembly 52 in a manner described above and the second band portion
374 includes an end coupled to the power source/electronics
assembly 54 as described above.
[0107] In one embodiment, the second band portion 374 includes a
plurality of enclosed slots or openings 376 adapted to receive the
first band portion 372. The openings 376 are formed along the
length of band portion 374 in various spacing intervals to achieve
the desired adjustability of the headset. In particular, for one
method of adjustment, the first band portion 372 may be inserted
through any of the plurality of slots 376 and folded back on itself
to form a loop 378 and defining a free end 380 (FIGS. 21, 23). The
free end 380 is then fastened to the first band portion 372 to
secure the two end portions 372, 374 together.
[0108] As with the previous embodiment and in an exemplary
embodiment, the free end 380 and first band portion 372 may be
fastened by a hook and loop fastener, such as VELCRO.RTM.. For
instance, the second surface 346 of the first band portion 372 may
include one of the hook and loop fasteners along selected portions
thereof and spaced from free end 380 shown schematically at 375.
The second surface 346 of the first band portion 372 proximate free
end 380 may include the other of the hook and loop fasteners shown
schematically at 377. In this way, when the first band portion 372
is folded back on itself, the fasteners 375, 377 confront each
other and may be pressed together to achieve the fastening.
[0109] In another adjustment method, the fasteners 375, 377 might
be undone to allow the stabilizing strap to be pulled out of an
existing slot 376 and then threaded through another slot 376 closer
to or further from the assembly 54. The free end 380 may then be
folded back to secure the band portion 372 with band portions 374.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a wide range of
fasteners that may be used to achieve the adjustability of the
stabilizing strap 332 such as with snaps, buttons, etc.
[0110] In use, the stabilizing strap 332 may be tightened by
releasing the hook and loop fasteners and pulling on the free end
380 so that an additional length of the first band portion 372 is
passed through one of the plurality of slots 376. Once the desired
tightening has been achieved, the hook and loop fasteners 375, 377
are re-engaged to secure the first and second band portions 372,
374 together. In a similar manner, the stabilizing strap 332 may be
loosened by releasing the hook and loop fasteners and feeding a
length of the free end back through slot 376. Once the desired
amount of loosening has been achieved, the hook and loop fasteners
are re-engaged to secure the first and second band portions 372,
374 together. Additionally, tightening or loosening the stabilizing
strap 332 my be accomplished by inserting the first band portion
372 through a different slot of the plurality of slots 376.
Selecting a slot 376 nearer to the hook 256 will provide a
tightening affect whereas selecting a slot 376 away from the hook
256 will provide a loosening affect.
[0111] As shown in FIG. 23, and in another embodiment of the
invention, the alternate stabilizing strap 332 may also be used
with the embodiment of the headset terminal 282 shown in FIG. 20
and described above. The stabilizing strap 332 is in keeping with
the modular architecture of the headset terminal construction by
providing for separation of the personal components that touch the
user's head, ears or mouth. In particular, the ability to
selectively couple and remove the strap 332 from the headset
terminal 230 allows a user's strap, along with the other
personalized components, to be removed after a shift and another
user's personalize components, including the strap, to be coupled
to the headset terminal during his/her shift.
[0112] While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments
have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention
of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to
the specific details of representative apparatus and method, and
illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures
may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or
scope of applicant's general inventive concept.
* * * * *