U.S. patent application number 12/491224 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-24 for earpiece/microphone (headset) servicing multiple incoming audio streams.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROADCOM CORPORATION. Invention is credited to James D. Bennett, Jeyhan Karaoguz, Nambirajan Seshadri.
Application Number | 20090318085 12/491224 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36697545 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090318085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seshadri; Nambirajan ; et
al. |
December 24, 2009 |
Earpiece/microphone (headset) servicing multiple incoming audio
streams
Abstract
The present invention provides a modular wireless headset with
which to service multiple incoming audio streams. This modular
wireless headset includes a wireless microphone and wireless
earpiece. The wireless earpiece may exchange radio frequency (RF)
signals with a base unit and render content contained within the
exchanged RF signals to a user. This wireless earpiece further
includes a wireless interface, a processor, a speaker, a user
interface, and an authentication module. The wireless interface
allows the earpiece to wirelessly communicate with the base unit.
The processor recovers communications exchanged with the base unit
that the speaker then renders audible. A user interface coupled to
the processor may alert the user to any additional incoming audio
communications. Having received the alert, the user may select
between the communications. The authentication module allows the
wireless earpiece and microphone to pair (forming the modular
wireless headset) and register the headset with the base unit.
Inventors: |
Seshadri; Nambirajan;
(Irvine, CA) ; Bennett; James D.; (Hroznetin,
CZ) ; Karaoguz; Jeyhan; (Irvine, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARLICK HARRISON & MARKISON
P.O. BOX 160727
AUSTIN
TX
78716-0727
US
|
Assignee: |
BROADCOM CORPORATION
IRVINE
CA
|
Family ID: |
36697545 |
Appl. No.: |
12/491224 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11120676 |
May 3, 2005 |
7558529 |
|
|
12491224 |
|
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60646272 |
Jan 24, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/41.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/03 20130101; H04R
2499/11 20130101; H04M 1/6066 20130101; H04M 2250/02 20130101; H04M
1/6033 20130101; H04R 2420/07 20130101; H04M 1/0256 20130101; H04R
5/033 20130101; H04W 84/12 20130101; H04M 1/725 20130101; H04B 7/26
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/41.3 |
International
Class: |
H04B 7/00 20060101
H04B007/00 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A wireless headset, comprising: a wireless interface circuitry
that is operative to support first audio communications and second
audio communications provided from a base unit; and a user
interface circuitry, coupled to the wireless interface circuitry,
that is operative to receive user input; and wherein: based on the
user input, the wireless headset is operative to service both the
first audio communications and the second audio communications
provided from the base unit.
3. The wireless headset of claim 2, further comprising: a
processing circuitry that is coupled to the wireless interface
circuitry and the user interface circuitry; and an audio output
circuitry that is coupled to the processing circuitry; and wherein:
based on the user input, the processing circuitry is operative to
combine the first audio communications and second audio
communications; and the audio output circuitry is operative to
output the combined first audio communications and second audio
communications.
4. The wireless headset of claim 2, wherein: the first audio
communications includes a music stream provided uni-directionally
from the base unit to the wireless headset; and the second audio
communications includes voice communications corresponding to a
call associated with at least one additional user.
5. The wireless headset of claim 4, further comprising: a
processing circuitry, coupled to the wireless interface circuitry
and the user interface circuitry; and an audio output circuitry
that is coupled to the processing circuitry; and wherein: based on
the user input, the processing circuitry is operative to: adjust a
volume of the music stream; and combine the volume-adjusted music
stream and the voice communications thereby generating modified
voice communications; and the audio output circuitry is operative
to output the modified voice communications.
6. The wireless headset of claim 2, wherein: the first audio
communications includes a music stream provided uni-directionally
from the base unit to the wireless headset; the second audio
communications correspond to a call associated with at least one
additional user; and based on the user input, the wireless headset
is operative to deny the call associated with the at least one
additional user and to continue to service the music stream
provided uni-directionally from the base unit to the wireless
headset.
7. The wireless headset of claim 2, wherein: the first audio
communications includes a music stream provided uni-directionally
from the base unit to the wireless headset; the second audio
communications correspond to a call associated with at least one
additional user; and based on the user input, the wireless headset
is operative to service the call associated with the at least one
additional user and to mute the music stream provided
uni-directionally from the base unit to the wireless headset.
8. The wireless headset of claim 7, wherein: based on at least one
additional user input, the wireless headset is operative to
terminate the call associated with the at least one additional user
and to un-mute the music stream provided uni-directionally from the
base unit to the wireless headset.
9. The wireless headset of claim 2, wherein: the first audio
communications includes a music stream provided uni-directionally
from the base unit to the wireless headset; the second audio
communications correspond to a call associated with at least one
additional user; and based on the user input, the wireless headset
is operative to service the call associated with the at least one
additional user and to direct the base unit to pause the music
stream provided uni-directionally from the base unit to the
wireless headset.
10. The wireless headset of claim 9, wherein: based on at least one
additional user input, the wireless headset is operative to
terminate the call associated with the at least one additional user
and to direct the base unit to resume the music stream provided
uni-directionally from the base unit to the wireless headset.
11. The wireless headset of claim 2, further comprising: a
processing circuitry, coupled to the wireless interface circuitry
and the user interface circuitry; and wherein: the user interface
circuitry is operative to receive user input composed of voice
commands and to generate an electrical signal that corresponds to
the voice commands; and the processing circuitry is operative to
perform voice recognition on the electrical signal to ascertain a
user command therein.
12. A wireless headset, comprising: a wireless interface circuitry
that is operative to support first audio communications and second
audio communications provided from a base unit; and a user
interface circuitry, coupled to the wireless interface circuitry,
that is operative to receive user input; a processing circuitry,
coupled to the wireless interface circuitry and the user interface
circuitry; and an audio output circuitry that is coupled to the
processing circuitry; and wherein: based on the user input, the
wireless headset is operative to service both the first audio
communications and the second audio communications provided from
the base unit; and based on the user input, the audio output
circuitry is operative selectively to output at least one of the
first audio communications and second audio communications.
13. The wireless headset of claim 12, wherein: based on the user
input, the processing circuitry is operative to combine the first
audio communications and second audio communications; and the audio
output circuitry is operative to output the combined first audio
communications and second audio communications.
14. The wireless headset of claim 12, wherein: the first audio
communications includes a music stream provided uni-directionally
from the base unit to the wireless headset; and the second audio
communications includes voice communications corresponding to a
call associated with at least one additional user.
15. The wireless headset of claim 14, wherein: based on the user
input, the processing circuitry is operative to: adjust a volume of
the music stream; and combine the volume-adjusted music stream and
the voice communications thereby generating modified voice
communications; and the audio output circuitry is operative to
output the modified voice communications.
16. The wireless headset of claim 12, wherein: the first audio
communications includes a music stream provided uni-directionally
from the base unit to the wireless headset; the second audio
communications correspond to a call associated with at least one
additional user; and based on the user input, the wireless headset
is operative to deny the call associated with the at least one
additional user and to continue to service the music stream
provided uni-directionally from the base unit to the wireless
headset.
17. The wireless headset of claim 12, wherein: the user interface
circuitry is operative to receive user input composed of voice
commands and to generate an electrical signal that corresponds to
the voice commands; and the processing circuitry is operative to
perform voice recognition on the electrical signal to ascertain a
user command therein.
18. A method for operating a wireless headset, comprising:
employing a wireless interface circuitry to support first audio
communications and second audio communications provided from a base
unit; receiving user input via a user interface circuitry; and
based on the user input, servicing both the first audio
communications and the second audio communications provided from
the base unit.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: based on the user
input, combining the first audio communications and second audio
communications; and outputting the combined first audio
communications and second audio communications via an audio output
circuitry.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein: the first audio communications
includes a music stream provided uni-directionally from the base
unit to the wireless headset; and the second audio communications
correspond to a call associated with at least one additional
user.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: based on the user
input, servicing the call associated with the at least one
additional user and directing the base unit to pause the music
stream provided uni-directionally from the base unit to the
wireless headset; and based on at least one additional user input,
terminating the call associated with the at least one additional
user and directing the base unit to resume the music stream
provided uni-directionally from the base unit to the wireless
headset.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS/PATENT APPLICATIONS
Continuation Priority Claim, 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120
[0001] The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120, as a continuation, to the
following U.S. Utility patent application which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made part of
the present U.S. Utility patent application for all purposes:
[0002] 1. U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 11/120,676, entitled
"Earpiece/microphone (headset) servicing multiple incoming audio
streams," (Attorney Docket No. BP4050), filed May 3, 2005, pending,
and scheduled to be issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,558,529 on Jul. 7,
2009, which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to
the following U.S. Provisional Patent Application which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made part of
the present U.S. Utility patent application for all purposes:
[0003] a. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/646,272,
entitled "Earpiece/microphone (headset) servicing multiple incoming
audio streams," (Attorney Docket No. BP4050), filed Jan. 24, 2005,
now expired.
Incorporation by Reference
[0004] This application is related to the following applications:
application Ser. No. 10/981,418 entitled "UNIVERSAL WIRELESS
MULTIMEDIA DEVICE," by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on Nov.
4, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
10/856,430 entitled "PROVIDING A UNIVERSAL WIRELESS HEADSET," by
Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed May 28, 2004 which claims
priority under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e) to Provisional Application No.
60/473,967 filed on May 28, 2003; and application Ser. No.
10/981,418 is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
10/856,124 filed May 28, 2004 which claims priority under 35 USC
.sctn. 119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/473,675 filed May
28, 2003; application Ser. No. 10/976,300 entitled "MODULAR
WIRELESS MULTIMEDIA DEVICE," by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed
on May 27, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 10/856,124 entitled "MODULAR WIRELESS HEADSET AND/OR
HEADPHONES," filed May 28, 2004 which claims priority under 35 USC
.sctn. 119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/473,675, filed on
May 28, 2003; and application Ser. No. 10/976,300 is also a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/856,430 filed May
28, 2004 which claims priority under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e) to
Provisional Application No. 60/473,967 filed May 28, 2003;
application Ser. No. 11/120,765 entitled "MODULAR
EARPIECE/MICROPHONE THAT ANCHORS VOICE COMMUNICATIONS," by
Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims
priority under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e) to Provisional Application No.
60/656,828 filed on Feb. 25, 2005; application Ser. No. 11/122,146
entitled "HANDOVER OF CALL SERVICED BY MODULAR EARPIECE/MICROPHONE
BETWEEN SERVICING BASE PORTIONS," by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al.,
filed on May 4, 2005, which claims priority under 35 USC .sctn.
119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/653,234 filed on Feb. 15,
2005; application Ser. No. 11/120,900 entitled "MODULAR
EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) OPERABLE TO SERVICE VOICE ACTIVATED
COMMANDS," by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005;
application Ser. No. 11/120,903 entitled "BATTERY MANAGEMENT IN A
MODULAR EARPIECE MICROPHONE COMBINATION," by Nambirajan Seshadri,
et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priority under 35 USC
.sctn. 119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/646,270 filed on
Jan. 24, 2005; application Ser. No. 11/120,904 entitled "PAIRING
MODULAR WIRELESS EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) TO A SERVICED BASE
PORTION AND SUBSEQUENT ACCESS THERETO," by Nambirajan Seshadri, et
al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priority under 35 USC
.sctn. 119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/646,437 filed on
Jan. 24, 2005; application Ser. No. 11/120,902 entitled "MANAGING
ACCESS OF MODULAR WIRELESS EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) TO
PUBLIC/PRIVATE SERVICING BASE STATION," by Nambirajan Seshadri, et
al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priority under 35 USC
.sctn. 119(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/646,235 filed on
Jan. 24, 2005; application Ser. No. 11/120,455 entitled "INTEGRATED
AND DETACHABLE WIRELESS HEADSET ELEMENT FOR
CELLULAR/MOBILE/PORTABLE PHONES AND AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICES," by
Josephus A. Van Engelen, et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims
priority under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e) to Provisional Application No.
60/646,465 filed on Jan. 24, 2005, all of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0006] This invention generally relates to wireless communications
and more particularly to providing secure and private access to
servicing networks, to modular wireless headsets through
public/private servicing base stations.
[0007] 2. Description of Related Art
[0008] Wireless communications offer users the ability to be
"wired" from almost anywhere in the world. Cellular telephones,
satellite telephones, wireless local area networks, personal
digital assistants (PDAs) with radio frequency (RF) interfaces,
laptop computers with RF interfaces and other such devices enable
these wireless communications. Such wireless communications have
been extended to personal wireless networks, such as these defined
by the Bluetooth specification. Not only have cellular telephones
become very popular, but Wireless Local Area Networking (WLAN)
devices have also proliferated. Thus, a single device may be able
to wirelessly access multiple devices or networks. One standard for
wireless networking, which has been widely accepted, is the
Specification of the Bluetooth System, v. 1.0 ("Bluetooth
Specification"). Wireless networking has introduced many security
and privacy issues. This is especially true of devices that service
real time communications through these wireless networks.
[0009] The Bluetooth Specification enables the creation of small
personal area networks (PAN'S) where the typical operating range of
a device is 10 meters or less, or sometimes up to 100 meters under
ideal conditions. In a Bluetooth system, Bluetooth devices sharing
a common channel sequence form a piconet. Two or more piconets
co-located in the same area, with or without inter-piconet
communications, is known as a scatternet.
[0010] The Bluetooth Specification supports voice communications
between Bluetooth enabled devices. When a pair of Bluetooth devices
supports voice communication, the voice communications must be
wirelessly supported in a continuous fashion so that carried voice
signals are of an acceptable quality. One popular use of personal
wireless networks couples a wireless headset(s) with cellular
telephone(s), personal computer(s), and laptop(s), etc. The
Bluetooth Specification provides specific guidelines for providing
such wireless headset functionality. However, the ability to
service multiple incoming audio streams from these diverse
resources is lacking.
[0011] Bluetooth provides a headset profile that defines protocols
and procedures for implementing a wireless headset to a device
private network. Once configured, the headset functions simply as
the device's audio input and output. As further defined by the
Bluetooth Specification, the headset must be able to send AT
(Attention) commands and receive resulting codes, such that the
headset can initiate and terminate calls. The Bluetooth
Specification also defines certain headset profile restrictions.
These restrictions include an assumption that the ultimate headset
is assumed to be the only use case active between the two devices.
The transmission of audio is based on continuously variable slope
delta (CVSD) modulation. The result is monophonic audio of a
quality without perceived audio degradation. Only one audio
connection at a time is supported between the headset and audio
gateway. The audio gateway controls the synchronous connection
orientated (SCO) link establishment and release. The headset
directly connects and disconnects the internal audio stream upon
SCO link establishment and release. Once the link is established,
valid speech exists on the SCO link in both directions. The headset
profile offers only basic inoperability such that the handling of
multiple calls or enhanced call functions at the audio gateway is
not supported. Another limitation relates to the manner which
Bluetooth devices service only single channel audio communications.
In most cases, the Bluetooth device is simply a replacement for a
wired headset. Simple headsets cannot service multiple audio
sources.
[0012] Thus, there is a need for improved servicing of multiple
incoming audio streams operations by WLAN devices servicing audio
or multimedia communications that provide additional user
functionality and improved service quality.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods
of operation that are further described in the following Brief
Description of the Several Views of the Drawings, the Detailed
Description of the Invention, and the claims. Other features and
advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
following detailed description of the invention made with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless headset in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another modular wireless headset in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a wireless headset operable to couple
to various devices in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a multi-channel wireless
headset in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an access point in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of wireless earpiece in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a wireless
microphone in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless microphone
in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless microphone
in accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a
wireless headset in servicing multiple incoming audio streams;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a modular communication device in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a logic diagram of a method for servicing voice
communication with a wireless headset in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 13 is a logic diagram of a method for servicing voice
communication with a wireless headset in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a modular wireless headset 10
wirelessly coupled to base unit 16 through antennas 7. Modular
wireless headset 10 includes wireless earpiece 12 and wireless
microphone 14. Wireless earpiece 12 communicates wirelessly with
microphone 14. However, wireless earpiece 12 and wireless
microphone 14 may also physically couple to exchange information or
establish an alternate communication pathway. Accordingly, earpiece
12 and microphone 14 may be separate communication devices. These
distinct devices may couple to a headset frame 9. Frame 9 may
include a shaped battery to both power and support the headset
modules. Those devices may individually communicate with base unit
16 via separate communication pathways or through a single wireless
interface contained either in the earpiece or microphone. As shown,
earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may both communicate with base unit
16, which may be a cellular telephone, wire line telephone, laptop
computer, personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc.,
using antennas 7 and transceiver (transmitter and/or receiver) 13
of FIG. 2 via a first communication pathway 18. The pathways
between the microphone and headset may require the components to
form a trusted pair. Base unit 16 may directly couple the headset
to multiple playback devices, audio streams or voice communication
networks such as radio, cellular, wireless voice or packet data,
public switched telephone networks (PSTN), private branch exchanges
or others known to those skilled in the art. Such a connection may
often require additional authentication. For example, in the case
of cellular networks, subscriber identification information is
required. Additionally, as multiple audio sources are offered, the
source(s) serviced may be selected by a user input, priority,
predetermined preferences or other criteria known to those having
ordinary skill in the art.
[0028] System Information or Subscriber Identification Modules
(SIM) identify the modular wireless headset of the subscriber (or
user) to a network. Additionally the SIM module within a cellular
telephone or wireless packet data network terminal handles
identification and provides data storage for user data such as
phone numbers and network information. Thus, when the modular
wireless headset contains a SIM module, the information therein may
be used to interface the modular wireless headset with the cellular
network through the base unit. The headset may also implement the
higher layer protocols that allow the headset to directly own and
control the voice communications serviced without the need for a
private base unit that directly interfaces for a cellular
telephone. The base unit interfaces and services the voice
communication with the information provided by the modular wireless
headset as allowed through a Bluetooth connection or short-range
wireless connection as opposed to requiring a cellular wireless
interface being dedicated to the wireless headset.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows transceivers 13 and 15 as being external to the
earpiece 12 or microphone 14. However, those transceivers may be
integrated within earpiece 12 and microphone 14. Base unit 16 is
operable to establish a wireless pathway to earpiece 12 and/or
microphone 14 that may involve another trusted relationship that is
established after exchanging and completing registration
information. This pathway may be direct or via another wireless
component and pathway, such as pathway 21. For example, wireless
microphone 14 may communicate via base unit 16 through a wireless
pathway between earpiece 12 and base unit 16. Similarly, wireless
earpiece 12 could communicate with base unit 16 through wireless
microphone 14. Microphone 14 may communicate with the base unit 16
or earpiece 12 using transceiver (or transmitter) 15 of FIG. 2 via
communication pathway 20 or 21, respectively. Either or both
earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may have a user interface 22. If the
communication pathways are established in accordance with the
Bluetooth specification, communication resources 18, 20, and 21 may
be different timeslot allocations on the same synchronous
connection orientated (SCO) link, or may be separate SCO links.
[0030] Earpiece 12 and microphone 14 both contain a pairing
circuit. These pairing circuits are operable to pair the wireless
earpiece and microphone when pairing information associated with
the individual earpiece 12 and microphone 14 compare favorably. If
the pairing information associated with the individual earpiece 12
and microphone 14 compares unfavorably, these individual components
may not pair to form a modular wireless headset. Pairing allows the
microphone and earpiece, after the wireless earpiece and microphone
are successfully paired, to establish a wireless connection between
them. Also in the event that one of the modular components needs to
be added or replaced to the modular wireless headset 10, this
component would have to pair to the other components present.
[0031] Pairing quite simply is the act of introducing two wireless
devices to one another so that they can then communicate. Pairing
enables the two or more wireless devices to join and become a
trusted pair. Within a trusted pair, each device recognizes the
other device(s). Then, each device can automatically accept
communication and bypass the discovery and authentication process
that normally happen during an initial wireless interaction between
devices. Once the trusted pair is established, some embodiments may
require user authentication before other devices are allowed to
enter into the trusted pair. This prevents, for example, a second
wireless earpiece, not of the trusted pair, from establishing
communications with wireless headset 10. This could result in an
untrusted earpiece eavesdropping on the voice communication
serviced by modular wireless headset 10. Thus, pairing enables
security and privacy for voice communications serviced by modular
wireless headset 10. Additionally, some embodiments may only pair
when a discoverability function associated with the wireless device
is enabled. For example, the device may pair when physically
coupled or when a user toggles a pairing switch located on user
interface 22. When the discoverability/pairing function is not
enabled, the wireless devices will not accept communications from
unknown devices.
[0032] User interface 22 may also allow a user to initiate call
functions or network hardware operations. These call functions
include call initiation operations, call conferencing operations,
call forwarding operations, call hold operations, call muting
operations, and call waiting operations. Additionally, user
interface 22 allows the user to access network interface functions,
hardware functions, base unit interface functions, directory
functions, caller ID functions, voice activated commands, playback
commands and device programming functions. User interface 22 can be
any combinations of a visual interface as evidenced by display 24,
tactile interface as evidenced by buttons 26, and/or an audio
interface.
[0033] Each of these devices, earpiece 12, microphone 14 and base
unit 16, may support one or more versions of the Bluetooth
Specification or other wireless protocols. A Bluetooth "scatternet"
is formed from multiple "piconets" with overlapping coverage. A
user of modular wireless headset 10 may establish communications
with any available base unit 16. Wireless headset 10 may have a
minimal user interface 22 where a single authenticate or register
button initiates registration. Modular wireless headset 10 includes
a registration circuit. This registration circuit needs to reside
in either or both the wireless microphone and wireless earpiece.
The registration circuit receives and exchanges registration
information with base unit 16. Once this information is exchanged,
the modular wireless headset, as well as base unit 16, compares
their registration information with the exchanged information to
determine whether or not modular wireless headset 10 is authorized
to use base unit 16. Authorization will occur when the registration
information within the modular wireless headset compares favorably
to that of the base unit. This may involve accessing a third-party
database in order to confirm where the base unit establishes
communications between a servicing network, such as a cellular or
public switch telephone network (PSTN) network, or a local
authentication via a local database that may compare biometric,
password user interface, VRS voice pattern recognition, encryption
key/Donegal, in order to allow modular wireless headset 10 to
access resources available through base unit 16.
[0034] Registration may determine what resources the headset may
access. For example, access may be granted to an available one
cellular network but not a wireless packet data network. As
previously stated, this access may also depend on SIM information
being authenticated by the cellular network. Registration may
require physically coupling modular wireless headset 10 to base
unit 16 or establishing wireless communications. In the case where
wireless communications are established, this may require
additional user input or proximity testing to authenticate and
register the modular wireless headset to the base unit. The base
unit, as well as the modular wireless headset, may access memory
either local or via server or network to validate the registration
information associated with the other component. Thus, both the
base unit and headset need to compare the registration information
and result in a favorable comparison to complete a successful
registration. This registration may require user approval in some
instances. For example, where fees are required for access, the
user may not authenticate registration to avoid the fee.
Registration allows communications to be automatically exchanged
between the modular wireless headset and the base unit. This
improves both security and privacy for communications serviced
using the modular wireless headset.
[0035] Wireless headset 10 may reside within the service coverage
area of multiple base units. Thus, when headset 10 enters (or
powers up in) an area with more than one functioning wireless
network, a user may depress authenticate button 26, use a voice
command or other means to start the authentication/registration
process. With the button depressed, the wireless headset attempts
to establish communications with base unit 16. Subsequent
authentication operations are required to have the wireless headset
join the selected network. These subsequent operations may include
prompting the user for selection of the network, evaluating SIM
information, requiring that an entry be previously made in an
access list to allow wireless headset 10 to join or otherwise
complete the authentication operations (registration).
[0036] Once wireless headset 10 joins a respective network, headset
10 may service voice communications with the base unit via
respective WLAN links. Such calls will be received and managed by
base unit 16 or headset 10. Management duties for the calls may be
divided between base unit 16 and headset 10. For example, upper
level portions of the cellular protocol stack may be supported by
the headset while the lower level portions are supported by the
base unit. Integrated circuits in either headset 10 or base unit 16
support call functions. These call functions include, but are not
limited to, call initiation and termination, call conferencing
operations, call forwarding operations, call hold operations, call
muting operations, or call waiting operations, and may be initiated
through user interface 22.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a modular wireless headset that
includes earpiece 12, microphone 14. This headset may also include
display/camera 17, and portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 to
support net-meetings. Microphone 14, earpiece 12, display/camera 17
and portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 may each be a separate
physical device that communicates wirelessly when paired to form a
modular wireless headset. Earpiece 12 is a separate device from
microphone 14, that together function to provide the modular
wireless headset shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, earpiece 12,
microphone 14, display/camera 17, and a portable
touch-screen/whiteboard 19 are separate communication devices that
may individually communicate with base units via separate or shared
communication pathways. A single communication pathway using time
division may be used to communicate between earpiece 12, microphone
14, display/camera 17, portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 and base
units (base units 30-37 or access point 21). These communications
are secured by both pairing and registration. Encryption,
validation, or other like methods known to those skilled in the art
may also be used and support one-way or two-way audio, video or
text communications. One way communications allow the headset to
act as receivers to broadcast information, while two-way
communications allow real-time voice communications, such as phone
or radio communications, which may be augmented with data, text and
video to support interactive net-meetings.
[0038] Earpiece 12, once paired to form a modular wireless headset
and registered to a base unit, may automatically communicate with
base unit 16 and attached resources. FIG. 3 depicts those resources
as a cellular telephone network, wire line telephone, Ethernet
telephone, laptop computer, personal computer, personal digital
assistant, etc, using transceiver (or receiver) 13 via a first
communication pathways 18. Base unit 16 may establish a wireless
pathway to earpiece 12 or microphone 14. The microphone 14, once
authorized or validated, may communicate with the base unit 16
using transceiver (or transmitter) 15 via a second communication
pathway 20 or by sharing communication pathway 18 with earpiece 12.
Display/camera 17 and portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 may
communicate with the base unit 16 using transceivers (receivers
and/or transmitters) 25 and 27 via communication pathways 21 and
23, respectively, or by relaying communications through another
wireless component.
[0039] If the communication pathways are established in accordance
with the Bluetooth specification, communication resources may be
different timeslot allocations on the same synchronous connection
orientated (SCO) link, or may be separate SCO links. These
communication pathways may be secured by encryption, validation,
pairing, or other like means to secure the communications exchanged
with the base unit. Validation or pairing may prevent unauthorized
devices from communicatively coupling to the base unit.
[0040] The quality of data provided to these devices may be
adjusted according to which devices are actually present and
supported. For example, audio quality can be improved and may even
support stereo (multi-channel audio). This option may limit
resources provided to microphone 14, display/camera 17, or
whiteboard 19 to service multi-channel audio. Another example may
favor the use of only earphone 12 and display/camera 17 to render
streamed video and audio content. To coordinate the presentation of
both audio and video in such an example, earphone 12 and
display/camera 17 and their received communications may be
synchronized to provide a quality viewing experience. Similarly, to
coordinate the presentation of multiple audio channels, earphones
12 may be synchronized in order to provide a quality experience. To
coordinate the presentation of real-time two-way audio earphones 12
and microphone 14 may be synchronized such that unacceptable delays
do not exist within exchanged voice communications. This
coordination ensures there is no undue delay between the
presentations provided by these individual devices allowing the
user to perceive a seamless presentation. This embodiment allows
the headset to support net-meetings that require the delivery of
complete Internet conferencing solutions with multi-point data
conferencing, text chat, whiteboard, and file transfer, as well as
point-to-point audio and video. Additionally, this allows the
headset to coordinate the presentation of these different media
formats without necessarily requiring shared physical connections
of these devices.
[0041] Direct connectivity previously limited the physical
structure that could be used for a wireless headset to support
net-meetings. In many cases, this results in headsets that are
cumbersome to use and uncomfortable to wear. The protocol used
between modular components (base units, host devices, access points
and other communicatively coupled devices) may allow the base unit
to send data to each device in a coordinated manner that allows for
the synchronized presentation of multimedia content by the devices.
Alternatively, the information may be supplied to one component and
then distributed within the trusted pair devices that make up the
modular wireless headset. For example, one embodiment may allocate
a predetermined portion of each data transmission for each media
format. This would allow base unit 16 to transmit the same data to
each device, wherein each device only processes that content
intended for that device. In another embodiment, base unit or
access point communicates in parallel with each device. By
coordinating the data or packets exchanged with the devices, their
individual presentations may be synchronized.
[0042] Earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may have on-chip operations to
support voice communications, call conferencing, call waiting,
flash, and other features associated with multiple audio streams or
net-meetings. An on-chip SIM module may be present in embodiments
that support cellular wireless packet data networking or other like
networks that require this type of information to service voice
communications. Call functions may me accessed and reviewed by a
user interface and display within the base unit or a user interface
and display located on or coupled to either earphone 12 or
microphone 14. The user interface and display, located on or
coupled to either the base unit or earphone 12 or microphone 14 may
have a display and button(s) that may be used to program device,
perform directory functions including selecting number to call,
view caller ID, initiate call waiting, or initiate call
conferencing. Additionally, circuitry within earphone 12 or
microphone 14 may enable voice activated dialing. The actual voice
recognition could be performed within earphone 12, microphone 14,
or a base unit. Thus, earphone 12 or microphone 14 may act to
initiate calls and receive calls. A link between earphone 12 and
microphone 14 would allow earphone 12 or microphone 14 to share
resources, such as batter life, and allow earphone 12 or microphone
14 to be recharged from a base unit.
[0043] Each of the devices 30-37 also includes piconet RF interface
38 and/or wireless interface 39. Piconet RF interface 38 may be
constructed to support one or more versions of the Bluetooth
specification. As such, each of the piconet RF interfaces 38-36
include a radio frequency transceiver that operates at 2.4
gigahertz and baseband processing for modulating and demodulating
data that is transceived within a piconet. As such, wireless
headset 10 may be wirelessly coupled with any one of the devices
30-37 and act as the headset communicatively coupled and registered
to the devices 30-37.
[0044] Devices 30-37 may further include a wireless LAN (WLAN) RF
interface 39. The wireless LAN RF interfaces 39 may be constructed
in accordance with one or more versions of IEEE802.11(a), (b),
and/or (g) or other WLAN protocol known to those skilled in the
art. Accordingly, each of the WLAN RF interfaces 39 include an RF
transceiver that may operate in the 2.4 gigahertz range and/or in
the 5.25 or 5.75 gigahertz range and further includes baseband
processing to modulate and demodulate data that is transceived over
the corresponding wireless communication link.
[0045] Contrasting the functionality of the piconet RF interfaces
with the WLAN RF interfaces, piconet RF interfaces allow
point-to-point communication between the associated devices, while
the WLAN RF interfaces enable the associated devices to communicate
indirectly via base units. For example, via piconet RF interfaces
38 laptop 34 can communicate directly with cellular telephone 36.
In contrast, via WLAN RF interfaces 39, laptop 34 communicates
indirectly, via access point 21, with cellular telephone 36. In
general, the coverage area of a piconet is significantly smaller
than the coverage area of a WLAN. Thus, for example, if headset 10
and cellular telephone 36 were unable to establish a piconet
connection via piconet RF interfaces 38 due to distance between the
devices. These devices would be able to establish a wireless
communication link via the WLAN RF interfaces 39 and access point
21. Dual communication pathways allow communications to be switched
between pathways, dependent on factors such as audio quality,
signal strength, and available bandwidth.
[0046] Wireless headset 10 may establish a piconet with any one of
the devices 30-37 or with access point 21, which includes WLAN RF
interface 39 and piconet RF interface 38. As such, wireless headset
10 may function as the headset for wire line telephone 37, Ethernet
telephone 35, personal digital assistant 30, personal computer 32,
laptop computer 34 and/or cellular telephone 36 provided a piconet
and registration can be established with the device. In accordance
with the present invention, if a piconet cannot be established with
the particular device, an extended network may be created utilizing
the WLAN connectivity and at least one corresponding piconet.
[0047] If voice communications are to be serviced via wire line
telephone 37 (i.e., the base unit for this example), but headset 10
is at a distance such that a piconet cannot be established between
their piconet RF interfaces, and headset 10 is in a range to
establish a piconet with cellular telephone 36, the piconet RF
interfaces of cellular telephone 36 and headset 10, respectively,
would establish a piconet, which may be established in accordance
with the Bluetooth specification. With this piconet established,
cellular telephone 36, via its WLAN RF interface, establishes a
wireless connection with access point 21. Access point 21 then
establishes a communication link with wire line telephone 37. Thus,
a logical connection is established between headset 10 and wire
line telephone 37 via cellular telephone 36 and access point 21.
Note that wire line telephone 37 may be directly coupled to LAN 50
or coupled to a private branch exchange (PBX), which in turn is
coupled to access point 21. Accordingly, within a wireless
geographic area, the range of headset 10 may be extended utilizing
the WLAN within the geographic area. As such, headset 10 extends
the mobility of its user, extends the range of headset use and
expands on headset functionality while preserving privacy and
security by seeking service from base units to which it may be
registered. Alternatively, headset 10 may establish a piconet with
cell phone 36. This allows cell phone 36 to establish an alternate
communication pathway for the communications serviced by wired
telephone 37. Then it is possible for the call serviced by
telephone 37 or 35 to be "handed off" to cellular telephone 36.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of a modular
wireless headset 10 that includes two earpieces 12A and 12B,
microphone 14, and user interface 22. In this configuration,
microphone 14 communicates with base unit 16 via communication
pathway 20, earpiece 12A communicates with base unit 16 using
transceiver (or receiver) 13A via communication pathway 18 and
earpiece 12B communicates with base unit 16 using transceiver (or
receiver) 13B via communication pathway 32. Alternatively,
earpieces 12A and 12B, and microphone 14 may establish a piconet
and communicate with base unit 16 via a single communication
pathway.
[0049] In operation, voice produced by the individual using
microphone 14 is received via a microphone transducer and converted
into RF signals by circuitry within microphone 14, as shown in FIG.
7. These RF signals are provided to base unit 16 via the previously
identified communication pathways. Base unit 16 includes a
corresponding receiver antenna 46 and receiver module to recapture
the audio signals received via communication pathways 18, 20 and
32. In addition, base unit 16 includes at least one transmitter to
transmit audio information to the earpiece(s) 12A and 12B. In one
embodiment, base unit 16 may transmit left channel stereo
information to earpiece 12A and right channel stereo information to
earpiece 12B.
[0050] Wireless headphone(s) may be realized by omitting microphone
14 and including either one or both of earpieces 12A and 12B. In
this embodiment, base unit 16 may be a playback device such as a CD
player, DVD player, cassette player, etc. operable to stream audio
information. If the display of FIG. 2 is utilized as well, both
streaming audio and video may be enjoyed by the user.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a base unit that supports modular
wireless headsets. Base unit 16 includes a combination of
transmitter and receiver (or transceiver) modules that accept and
modulate or demodulate streamed audio, video, text, or data to and
from earpiece(s) 12 and microphone 14, display 17 and whiteboard 19
through antenna 46. The base unit may be incorporated within or
operably couple to another device such as a playback device,
laptop, cellular telephone, land based telephone or other like
device known to those skilled in the art. For example, one
embodiment has transmitter module 40 and receiver module 42.
[0052] Base unit 16 also includes registration circuit 49 with
which to compare registration information contained in memory
available to base unit 16 and registration information received
from headset 10. Registration may occur by physically coupling or
docking headset 10 to the base unit or may occur wirelessly.
Registration allows a trusted relationship to be established
between base unit 16 and headset 10. This relationship ensures
privacy and security of communication service by the wireless
connection between base unit 16 and headset 10. This trusted
relationship utilizes a pass key or other like means of
verification to ensure that base unit 16 and headset 10 have
permission to access one another. Once the trusted relationship is
established through registration, the re-initialization of that
relationship is not necessary in order to service communications
between base unit 16 and headset 10. The registration information
to be exchanged and compared may include voice patterns, biometric
information, user tactile inputs in response to stimuli, password,
voice recognized input, audio or video tests, encryption keys,
handwriting recognition inputs, third party verification and
testing, proximity information or other like information known to
those skilled in the art. This same set of information may also be
used in the previously identified paring process.
[0053] Transmitter module 40 accepts voice communications or
unmodulated streamed audio, video, data or text from a servicing
network or playback device 44 (e.g., DVD player, MP3 player, CD
player, cassette player, or other like devices known to those
skilled in the art). Playback device 44 may be integrated within
base unit 16. Transmitter module 40 then modulates the streamed
audio into low intermediate frequency (IF) signal. In the case
where two earpieces are employed, multiple transmitter modules or
time separation may be employed to modulate the streamed audio into
low IF signals for the earpieces for each channel (i.e. left and
right channels of stereo transmissions. These multiple signals are
synchronized in their presentation to a user. Similarly, receiver
module 42 accepts modulated streamed audio, video, data or text
from headset 10. Receiver module 42 recovers signals from the
received low IF signals. The recovered signals are then relayed to
the servicing network or presentation device 45. Note that the
generation of low IF signals and subsequent demodulation to
recapture audio signal may be done in accordance with a particular
wireless communication standard. For example, the Bluetooth
specification may be used, IEEE802.11(a), (b), and/or (g) may also
be used, etc. when base unit 16 couples to a telephone network
(PSTN, cellular, satellite, WLAN, VOIP, etc.). Base unit 16 may
receive data associated with the command as well. For example,
caller ID information may be passed to user interface 22 or
enhanced call operations may be initiated based on input received
at the user interface.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of earpiece 12. Earpiece
12 includes receiver module 41, optional user interface 43,
processing module 45 and speaker module 47. Receiver module 40
includes antenna 46, bandpass filter 48, low noise amplifier 50,
down converter 52 and local oscillator 54. User interface 43 can be
any combinations of a visual interface as evidenced by display 22,
tactile interface as evidenced by buttons 26, and/or an audio
interface represented by microphone/speaker and may operably couple
to processing module 58 to initiate call functions or playback
functions which will be described further in FIG. 10.
[0055] Processing module 45 performs data recovery and includes an
analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 56. The processing module may
also include pairing circuit 49, registration circuit 51, and SIM
modules. Digital channel filter 60 and demodulator 61 process the
recovered signal while setup module 76, pairing circuit 49 and
registration circuit 51 act to establish secure, private
communications path with trusted devices and the base units. SIM
module 53 is used to establish and service communications with
networks coupled to the base unit. Speaker module 47 includes a
digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 62, variable gain module 64, and
at least one speaker 66 to render recovered communications.
[0056] Once the wireless connection is configured and trusted
relationships are established, receiver module 41 receives inbound
RF signal 68 from base unit 16 via antenna 46. Bandpass filter 48
filters the received RF signal 68 which are subsequently amplified
by low noise amplifier 50. Down converter 52 converts the filtered
and amplified RF signal 68 into low intermediate frequency (IF)
signal 70 based on a local oscillator 54. Low IF signals 70 may
have a carrier frequency at DC ranging to a few megahertz.
[0057] Processing module 45 receives low IF signals 70 and converts
the low IF signals 70 into digital signals via ADC 56. Processing
module 45 may be a single processing device or a plurality of
processing devices. Such a processing device may be a
microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,
microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate
array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry,
analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that
manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational
instructions. The memory, which may contain SIM information (not
shown), may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory
devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random
access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,
dynamic memory, flash memory, and/or any device that stores digital
information. Note that when processing module 58 implements one or
more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry,
digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing the
corresponding operational instructions is embedded with the
circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital
circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.
[0058] Digital channel filter 60 receives the digital low IF
signals 72 and filters these signals. Demodulator 61 recovers audio
signals 74 from the filtered low IF signals. Note that the
generation of RF signal 68 and subsequent demodulation to recapture
audio signal 74 may be done in accordance with a particular
wireless communication standard. For example, the Bluetooth
specification may be used; IEEE802.11(a), (b), and/or (g) may also
be used, etc.
[0059] Speaker module 47 converts digital audio signal 72 into
analog signals rendered to the user through speakers 66. Adjustable
gain module 64 adjusts the gain (i.e., adjusts volume), and
provides the amplified signals to speaker 66, which produces
audible signals 74. As long as the piconet remains in place between
earpiece 12 and base unit 16, earpiece 12 will produce audible
signals 74 from received inbound RF signal 68.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of microphone 14 that
includes audio input module 80, transmitter module 82 and user
interface 101. Audio input module 80 includes microphone 84,
amplifier 86, ADC 88, processing module 100 that includes a setup
module 92 and modulator 90, and DAC 62. Setup module 92 further
includes a pairing circuit and an optional registration circuit and
SIM module to establish secure, private communications as
previously described. Although both the wireless earpiece and
microphone may include a registration circuit and SIM module, some
embodiments of the headset only require one registration circuit
and SIM module. User interface 101 can be any combination of a
visual interface as evidenced by display 103, tactile interface as
evidenced by buttons 107, and/or an audio interface represented by
microphone/speaker 109 and may operably couple to processing module
100 to initiate call functions which will be described further in
FIG. 10. Transmitter module 82 includes up-converter 94, local
oscillator 96, power amplifier 97, bandpass filter 98, and antenna
102.
[0061] Once microphone 14 is configured within a piconet,
microphone 84 to receives audio signals 105 and converts these
signals to analog signals 106. Amplifier 86 amplifies analog audio
signals 106 that ADC 88 then converts into digital audio signals
108. Modulator 90 modulates the digital signals based on a
predetermined communication standard. As shown, modulator 90 and
setup module 92 are implemented within processing module 100.
Processing module 100 may be a single processing device or a
plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a
microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,
microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate
array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry,
analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that
manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational
instructions. The memory may be a single memory device or a
plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be a
read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory,
non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory,
and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that when
processing module 100 implements one or more of its functions via a
state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic
circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational
instructions is embedded with the circuitry comprising the state
machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic
circuitry.
[0062] Up-converter 94 converts modulated signals 110 into RF
signals based on local oscillator 96. Power amplifier 97 amplifies
these signals which may be subsequently processed by bandpass
filter 98. The filtered RF signals are then transmitted via antenna
102 as outbound RF signals 110 to base unit 16. As long as the
piconet is established to include microphone 14 and base unit 16 in
a trusted pair, microphone 14 may transmit to base unit 16 in the
manner described.
[0063] As shown in both FIGS. 6 and 7, separable connector 112 may
physically connect setup modules 76 and 92. Such a physical
connection allows for earpiece 12 and microphone 14 to communicate
in both directions with the base unit. For example, if the devices
are compliant with one or more versions of the Bluetooth
Specification, base unit 16, functioning as the master, may issue a
registration request to earpiece 12 coupled to microphone 14. Upon
receiving this request, earpiece 12 and microphone 14 respond to
the request indicating that RF channel(s) be established for the
headset. Based on these responses, the master coordinates the
establishment of the pathways and provides synchronization
information through earpiece 12 and microphone 14 via receiver
module 40 of earpiece 12. Setup modules 76 and 92 coordinate the
registration of earpiece 12 and microphone 14 with the base unit,
pairing of earpiece 12 and microphone 14, as well as coordinating
timeslot assignments and/or SCO link assignments. Once the physical
connection between earpiece 12 and microphone may be severed to
establish earpiece 12 and microphone 14 as separate pieces.
[0064] Alternatively, earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may each
directly couple to the base unit to accomplish this setup.
[0065] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate schematic block diagrams of
earpiece 12 and microphone 14 that include transceiver modules
(i.e., receiver modules and transmitter modules). The use of the
transceiver modules allow earpiece 12, microphone 14 and base unit
16 to be physically separate devices and be configured, paired and
registered using wireless communications. As such, earpiece 12 and
microphone 14 may be continuously worn on a person for receiving
incoming calls and/or placing outgoing calls.
[0066] Earpiece 12, as shown in FIG. 8, includes antenna 46,
transmit/receive switch 122, receiver module 41, processing module
45, speaker module 47, transmitter module 120, input module 128 and
display module 132. Receiver module 41, processing module 45 and
speaker module 47 operate as discussed with reference to FIG. 6.
Processing module 45 may also produce display information for
display module 132. For instance, the received RF signal may
include information such as caller ID, command information, etc.
which is separated by processing module 45 and provided to display
module 132, which may be an LCD display, plasma display, etc.
[0067] Input module 128, which may be a keypad, touch screen, voice
recognition circuit, or other like user interfaces, receives user
commands and produces digital command messages 124 there from. Such
digital command messages 124 include, but are not limited to,
packet size, synchronization information, frequency hopping
initiation information, timeslot allocation information, link
establishment information, piconet address information,
fast-forward, play, pause, volume adjust, record, stop and
rewind.
[0068] Processing module 45 receives digital command messages 124,
performs setup functions (i.e., pairing registration and SIM
functions) and, when applicable, processes the command messages.
For example, if the command message is with respect to a volume
adjust; a graphical representation of adjusting the volume may be
presented on display module 132 and the gain of amplifier 64
adjusted to adjust the volume associated with speaker 66. This
command may also initiate pairing and registration.
[0069] Transmit module 120 receives digital command messages 124
and converts these messages into outbound RF command signals 126,
which are subsequently transmitted to base unit 16 and/or
microphone module via antenna 46. Accordingly, by including
transmitter module 120 along with receiver module 41, earpiece 12
may function as a master and/or slave and exchange/relay data for
other components.
[0070] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of microphone 14 that
includes audio input module 80, transmitter module 82, transmit
receive switch 122, antenna 102, receiver module 132, input module
140 and display module 138. Input module 140 is operable to receive
user input commands 142 and convert these commands into digital
command messages 144. Input module 140 couples to or includes a
user interface that allows a user to initiate call functions or
network hardware operations, such as pairing registration and
network access with SIM information. Network interface functions
may include base unit interface functions, component interface
functions, directory functions, caller ID functions, voice
activated commands and device programming functions. This user
interface can be any combinations of visual interface(s), tactile
interface(s), and/or an audio interface(s) that allow the user to
input commands 142. Digital command messages 144 may be similar to
digital command messages 124 and may further include establish a
call, terminate a call, call waiting, or other like functions.
Transmitter module 82 converts digital command messages 144 into RF
command signals 134 that are transmitted via antenna 102.
Similarly, inbound RF command signals 135 may be received by
receiver module 132 via antenna 102. Display module 138, which may
be a LCD display, plasma display, etc., receives digital command
messages 136 and may display corresponding configuration messages.
In addition, any display information received from the host and/or
microphone module regarding setup, operation, or as part of the
data content, may be displayed on display module 138.
[0071] FIG. 10 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of a
wireless headset constructed according to the present invention in
servicing multiple incoming audio streams. These audio streams may
take the form of real-time two-way voice communications (i.e.
telephone calls or radio network communications) or streamed audio
from playback devices or other one-way wireless receivers. For the
purpose of brevity, a call as described within FIG. 10 includes the
above identified audio streams. The operations described with
reference to FIG. 10 may be performed whole or in part by an
on-chip processor within or coupled to processing modules 58 and
100 of FIGS. 6 and 7. During normal operations, normal operations
when servicing playback devices may include pausing, rewinding,
fast forwarding, going to bookmarked positions in the audio stream,
and going to a live position in the audio stream by issuing
commands through the user interface. Other modular devices, such as
those of FIG. 2 that couple to the microphone or headset, may
perform these operations.
[0072] When a second audio stream becomes available, an alert may
be provided to a user via the user interface. The alert may take
the form of visual, audible, or tactile stimuli that signals the
user to the presence of the additional communication stream. This
alert may prompt the user to select how the multiple audio streams
are to be serviced. The user may make their selection through the
user interface.
[0073] One particular operation that the wireless headset may
perform is to place a call (audio stream) on hold (step 1004). In
such case, the wireless headset ceases producing audio input and
audio output for the call (step 1006). The wireless headset may
also pause the audio stream (call). These operations are continued
during a wait state (step 1008) until normal operations are resumed
for the call (step 1010). In the case of pausing the audio, a
memory buffer continues to store the incoming audio stream. When
functioning as a playback device, memory within the headset may
locally share all or a portion of the audio. Alternatively, the
user interface may pause the stream directly at the playback device
by issuing a command to the playback device through the base unit.
From step 1010, operation proceeds to step 1002. The call hold
operations of steps 1004-1010 may be performed in conjunction with
the other operations of FIG. 10, e.g., call waiting, call muting,
call conferencing, etc.
[0074] Call conferencing (step 1012) (or combining audio streams)
may be initiated by the wireless headset or by a master device if
the wireless headset does not have sufficient user interface for
call conferencing initiation. In such case, a new call is
established by the wireless headset (step 1014). This new call may
be serviced by the additional channels serviced by the wireless
headset. As was previously described, the wireless headset supports
multiple channels. Using this multiple channels, the wireless
headset receives audio input from all participants (step 1016) and
combines the audio input, along with the input generated by the
user of the wireless headset. The wireless headset then directs the
combined audio to all participants (their servicing CODECs at step
1020). Note that these operations are continually performed for the
duration of the conference call.
[0075] The wireless headset may also mute calls (step 1022). In
such case, the wireless headset simply ceases all audio output
(1024) and waits for the user of the wireless headset to cease the
muting operations (step 1026). When the muting has been ceased, the
wireless headset resumes the audio servicing of the call (step
1028).
[0076] The wireless headset also performs call waiting operations
(step 1030). In such case, the wireless headset receives an
indication that a call is inbound (step 1032). However, instead of
immediately servicing the call, the wireless headset notifies the
user of the wireless headset of the call (step 1034), e.g.,
provides a beeping indication to the user of the wireless headset.
The wireless headset then services the call (step 1036), at the
direction of the user to either complete the call, have the call
join a currently serviced call (via call conferencing operations in
some cases), or to ignore the call.
[0077] The wireless headset may also perform call forwarding
operations according to the present invention (step 1038). In such
case, the wireless headset receives the call (step 1040). However,
instead of servicing the call, the wireless headset determines a
forwarding location for the call (step 1042) and then forwards the
call (step 1044). Operation from steps 1010, 1020, 1028, 1036, and
1044 return to step 1002.
[0078] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of modular
communication device 150, such as a wireless terminal (e.g., cell
phone or wireless packet data phone) that includes host device 152,
detachable microphone 154 and detachable earpiece 156. In this
embodiment, modular communication device 150 may function as a
typical device (e.g., cellular telephone, CD player, cassette
player, etc.) when detachable earpiece 156 and detachable
microphone 154 are physically connected to host device 152. When
detachable earpiece 156 is not in physical contact with host device
152, a wireless connection couples detachable earpiece 156 and host
device 152. Similarly, when detachable microphone 154 is detached
from host device 152, a second wireless connection couples
detachable microphone 154 and host device 152. Alternatively, when
detachable earpiece 156 and/or detachable microphone 154 are
physically coupled to host device 152, they may communicate via a
physical or wireless link. At this time, they may be paired and
registered as well to the host device. As one of average skill in
the art will appreciate, modular communication device 150 may
include multiple detachable earpieces 156. In addition, modular
communication device 150 may omit detachable microphone 154 if host
device 152 is a playback type device (e.g., DVD player, CD player,
cassette player, etc.). Similarly, modular communication device 150
may omit detachable earpiece 156 when functioning as a recording
device (e.g., dictaphone). Detachable earpiece 156 and microphone
154 may have on-chip operations to support call conferencing, call
waiting, flash, and other features associated with telephones.
These functions may be accessed and reviewed by a user interface
158 and display 160 within host device 152 or a user interface and
display located on either detachable earpiece 156 or microphone
154. The user interface and display, located on either the host
device or detachable earpiece 156 and microphone 154 may have a
display and button(s) that may be used to program device, perform
directory functions including selecting number to call, view caller
ID, initiate call waiting, or initiate call conferencing.
Additionally, circuitry within the earpiece 156 and microphone 154
may enable voice activated dialing. The actual voice recognition
could be performed within earpiece 156, microphone 154, or host
device 152. Thus, earpiece 156 and microphone 154 may act to
initiate calls and receive calls. In another embodiment, earpiece
156 and microphone 154 may register with a base unit, such as a
cellular interface, to conserve battery life within the host
device. Maintaining SIM information within the earpiece and
microphone (headset) allows voice communications to be serviced
without utilizing the host device. Additionally, upper protocol
layers may be executed within the headset.
[0079] A link between earpiece 156 and microphone 154 would allow
earpiece 156 and microphone 154 to share resources, such as battery
life, and allow earpiece 156 and microphone 154 to be recharged
from host device 152. Earpiece/microphone/base portion are included
with cell phone battery. Cell phone battery has openings 162 and
164 located therein for storage/recharging of earpiece 156 and
microphone 154. When located in these openings, the
earpiece/microphone will be recharged from the cell phone battery.
The new cell phone battery may include base portion RF interface
and interface to cell phone port. Existing cell phone port
technology could be used to treat the earpiece/microphone in the
same manner as wired earpiece/microphone is treated.
[0080] FIG. 12 is a logic diagram of a method for servicing voice
communications between the destination terminal and a modular
wireless headset. This involves first in step 200 exchanging
pairing information between components of the modular wireless
headset. These components may include a wireless microphone,
wireless earpiece, and other wireless components as previously
described with respect to FIGs. In step 202, the pairing
information is compared, and the determination is made as to
whether or not the comparison is favorable. If the comparison is
unfavorable, step 206 uncouples or fails to couple the components.
If the comparison is favorable, step 204 establishes trusted pair
relationship between the components that then form the wireless
headset discussed in FIGS. 1 and 2. In step 208, registration
information associated with the headset is exchanged with a base
unit. Decision point 210 then determines whether or not the
registration information compares favorably. If the registration
information fails to compare favorably, communications are not
permitted between the wireless headset and base unit as illustrated
in step 212. Otherwise, a trusted relationship is established
between the base unit and wireless headset in step 214. The
establishment of a trusted relationship in step 214 allows a
wireless headset in step 216 to couple to resources made accessible
via the base unit. Although a trusted relationship is established,
all resources accessible to the base unit may not be available as
additional information may be required to access some resources.
For example, SIM information may be required for access to a
cellular network. These resources may include servicing networks
for voice communications, such as cellular network, PSTNs, wide
area networks, local area networks, wireless local area networks,
and other like networks known to those skilled in the art. These
resources may also include streamed or playback media made
available through the base unit. Step 218 is the actual service of
communications between the destination terminal and a headset,
which may involve the authentication of SIM information as
previously mentioned.
[0081] FIG. 13 is a logical diagram that illustrates another method
of servicing voice communications between a destination terminal
and modular wireless headset in accordance with the present
invention. Step 220 couples the wireless microphone and wireless
earpiece that form the modular wireless headset to a base unit in
order to exchange registration information. This coupling may
involve physically docking the wireless microphone and wireless
earpiece to the base unit or establishing wireless communications
between the wireless microphone, wireless earpiece and the base
unit. In Step 222, the registration information for these
individual components and the base unit are exchanged. Decision
point 224 determines whether or not the information compares
favorably. In the event that registration information associated
with individual components compares unfavorably, then those
components may be uncoupled from the modular wireless headset in
step 226. This may unfortunately result in the headset itself not
being coupled to the base unit depending on the exact configuration
of the modular wireless headset. In the case where the registration
information compares favorably at decision point 224, a trusted
relationship is established between the base unit and wireless
headset in step 228. This allows the components of the wireless
headset access to resources made available through the base unit in
step 230. This allows the service of communications or the playback
of streamed media between resources made available through the base
unit and the headset. SIM information may be analyzed in order to
access certain servicing networks. For example, voice
communications may be serviced between a destination terminal and
the headset.
[0082] In summary, the present invention provides a modular
wireless headset to support multiple audio streams when registered
to a base unit. This modular wireless headset includes both a
wireless microphone and wireless earpiece. The wireless earpiece
may further include a wireless interface, a processing circuit, a
speaker, a user interface, and authentication module. The
authentication module may include a pairing circuit and a
registration circuit. The wireless interface allows the wireless
earpiece to wirelessly communicate with the base unit that couples
the modular wireless headset to a servicing network. This coupling
to the service network and base unit only occurs when the headset
is successfully registered to the base unit. The authentication
module handles pairing, registration and access to servicing
networks made available through the base unit. Components of the
modular wireless headset that do not pair successfully are
uncoupled from the headset. Wireless headsets that fail to register
are communicatively uncoupled from the base unit. Furthermore,
headsets having SIM information that fails to authenticate are
unable to access certain servicing networks.
[0083] As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, the term
"substantially" or "approximately", as may be used herein, provides
an industry-accepted tolerance to its corresponding term. Such an
industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to
twenty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component
values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature
variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. As one of
average skill in the art will further appreciate, the term
"operably coupled", as may be used herein, includes direct coupling
and indirect coupling via another component, element, circuit, or
module where, for indirect coupling, the intervening component,
element, circuit, or module does not modify the information of a
signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or
power level. As one of average skill in the art will also
appreciate, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled
to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect
coupling between two elements in the same manner as "operably
coupled". As one of average skill in the art will further
appreciate, the term "compares favorably", as may be used herein,
indicates that a comparison between two or more elements, items,
signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when
the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude
than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the
magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the
magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.
[0084] The preceding discussion has presented a modular
communication device, modular wireless headset and modular wireless
headphones. By physically separating the microphone from the
earpiece and/or by separating the earpieces, more discrete
components may be produced that are more comfortable to wear and
are less cumbersome to use. As one of average skill in the art will
appreciate, other embodiments may be derived from the teaching of
the present invention without deviating from the scope of the
claims.
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