Patent Application
20120238215
The invention relates to headset device and, more particularly, to a wireless headset device.
Wireless headsets are a class of accessory devices widely used with various portable electronic devices. Wireless headsets enable the user to access audio features of a portable device while the device itself may be stowed away and located at a distance from the user. Example applications of wireless headsets include having a telephone conversation while being engaged in another activity such as driving a car, or listening to music while the device is stowed in a bag or a pocket.
Wireless headset units may comprise audio transducers for capturing and reproducing sound waves, and they are configured for communication with other devices by various methods, such as short-range radio techniques, for example. Various headset devices such as Bluetooth headsets are popular accessory products that are designed to improve usability of mobile phones. Wireless headset units may also comprise input devices for controlling various features the unit, such as one or more buttons for switching the unit on or off, and receiving or ending a call. The units may be monaural or stereophonic, and they may be designed to be worn by the user on the ear, over the head, or in other suitable ways. As consumers demand increased functionality from electronic devices, there is a need to provide improved headset units which allow for an improved user experience by providing for ease of use when performing device actions/operations such as powering on, connecting to a paired device, and accepting a call.
Various aspects of examples of the invention are set out in the claims.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an earpiece member and a main body member. The main body member includes a receiving area. The main body member is configured to provide a communication link with a mobile device. The receiving area is configured to removably receive the earpiece member. The apparatus is configured to perform a predetermined operation in response to removal of the earpiece member from the receiving area.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed. Removal of an earpiece member of a wireless headset device from a main body member of the wireless headset device is detected. A predetermined operation is performed in response to the detected removal of the earpiece member of the wireless headset device from the main body member of the wireless headset device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an earpiece member, a main body member, at least one processor, and at least one memory. The main body member includes a receiving area. The main body member is configured to provide a communication link with a mobile device. The receiving area is configured to removably receive the earpiece member. The at least one memory includes computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: detect a movement of the earpiece member at the receiving area. Perform a predetermined operation in response to the detected movement of the earpiece member at the receiving area.
For a more complete understanding of example embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
An example embodiment of the present invention and its potential advantages are understood by referring to
Referring to
According to one example of the invention, the wireless headset device 10 is communication device that communicates wirelessly with a base device 12 and may be worn proximate to a head of a user of the wireless headset device 10 (as shown in
Communication comprises audio signals, which may represent speech, music, or other types of audio transmissions. The wireless headset (or wireless headset device) 10 comprises an earpiece member 14, a main body member 16, and an input control member 18. The earpiece member 14 is connected to the input control member 18 by a wire 20. The earpiece member 14 comprises a loudspeaker element 22. The input control member 18 is connected to the main body member 16 by a wire 24. The input control member 18 comprises a microphone 26 and a mute switch 28. However, in an alternate embodiment, the earpiece member 14, the main body member 16, and the input control member 18 are connected by a wireless connection. Additionally, any suitable number of members or combination of wired/wireless connections may be provided.
The main body member 16 comprises a clip 30 and a receiving area 32. The clip 30 extends from a rear side of the main body member 16 in a general cantilever fashion. The clip 30 is suitably sized and shaped for attachment purposes. For example, the clip 30 allows for the main body member 16 to be clipped on to an article of clothing as shown in
The wireless headset 10 is generally configured to be worn by the user in such a way that an audio signal provided by the loudspeaker element 22 is audible for the user, and the microphone 26 captures the voice of the user. In an embodiment, the earpiece member 14 is suitably sized and shaped to be received in the ear of the user with the loudspeaker element 22 disposed in the earpiece member 14 and suitably positioned with respect to the ear. The input control member 18 is suitably positioned between the earpiece member 14 and the main body member 16 such that the microphone 26 may be proximate to the mouth of the user when the wireless headset 10 is being worn by the user.
In an embodiment, the wireless headset 10 comprises a switch 34, which is configured to actuate, for example, power on/off state, accepting or terminating call, and/or other functions relating to the wireless headset 10. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the switch 34 is not present. In some embodiments, a plurality of switches and/or other input devices may be provided. In some embodiments, the switch may be configured to be responsive to a long key press, which means that a predetermined delay time is allowed to lapse before an actuation signal is produced. It should be understood that many variations of mechanical design are possible without departure from the spirit of the invention. For example, the wireless headset 10 may be provided with various removable or extendable elements for improving ergonomics, such as an ear loop part for supporting the earpiece member in its use position. Additionally, while a monaural wireless headset 10 is illustrated in the drawings, a stereophonic headset may be provided without departing from the spirit of the invention.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the wireless headset further comprises an indicator light at the receiving area (or storage slot) 32. However, in some embodiments an indicator light may be provided at any suitable location, such as on the earpiece member, for example.
Referring now also to
In an embodiment, the wireless headset 10 may be configured to monitor the remaining charge level of the battery 44 and to detect a first battery charge level and a second battery charge level. In an embodiment, the second battery charge level is lower than the first battery charge level. The first battery charge level may correspond to a low charge level, in which the remaining charge is only sufficient to power the wireless headset for a relatively short time. The second battery charge level may correspond to a substantially empty state, in which the remaining charge is no longer sufficient to maintain the wireless headset 10 in a powered state. For monitoring the battery charge level, the wireless headset 10 comprises in an embodiment a voltage monitoring element 50, which is connected with the battery 44 and the at least one processor 36 for monitoring the voltage of the battery 44.
In an embodiment, the wireless headset 10 comprises an alert element 52, which may be configured to provide alerts when the first battery charge level or the second battery charge level is detected. The alert element 52 may be configured to provide an audio alert, a haptic alert, a visual alert using a LED or a display, or any other suitable type of alert signal. However the loudspeaker element 22 may be used for providing alert signals. In an embodiment, the alert element 52 may not be present.
According to some embodiments of the invention, various headset unit device operations may be performed when a movement of the earpiece member 14 relative to the receiving area 32 is sensed or detected. This generally allows for a single action from the user to cause the headset unit device 10 to perform a device operation (such as a powering up operation, connecting to a device operation, and accepting a possible call, or other audio stream, operation, for example). These operations are triggered by removing the earpiece member 14 from main body member 16.
For example, in some embodiments of the invention, when the user of the headset unit device 10 removes the earpiece 14 from the storage slot (or receiving area) 32, the headset unit device 10 is configured to detect the removal of the earpiece member 14 from the receiving area 32 and the switch the headset 10 ‘ON’ (in response to the detected removal). The headset 10 may then beep, and a green indicator light may flash slowly while the headset 10 tries to connect to the last, or last two, connected devices. However, any suitable configuration for switching the headset ‘ON’ may be provided.
According to some embodiments of the invention, when the headset 10 is connected to at least one device and is ready for use, a blue indicator light flashes slowly. If the headset 10 has not been paired with a device, it automatically enters pairing mode.
Additional headset unit device operations may be performed when a movement of the earpiece relative to the receiving area is sensed or detected. For example, in various exemplary embodiments of the invention, the headset unit device is switched ‘OFF’ when the user places the earpiece 14 into the receiving area (or storage slot) 32. The headset 10 may then beep, and a red indicator light is briefly displayed. Additionally, in some embodiments if the headset 10 is not connected to a device within about thirty minutes, the headset unit device 10 switches off automatically.
According to some embodiments of the invention, to answer a call (such as an incoming call at the device 12), the user removes the earpiece 14 from the storage slot 32. When the user removes the earpiece member 14 from the storage slot (or receiving area) 32, the headset 10 automatically switches on, connects the headset unit device 10 to the device 12, and answers the incoming call. If the earpiece 14 is not in the storage slot when there is an incoming call, the user may press the answer/end key 34. Additionally, in some embodiments, to reject an incoming call, the user may press the answer/end key 34 twice, or place the earpiece 14 into the storage slot 32.
According to some embodiments of the invention, to end a call, the user can place the earpiece 14 into the storage slot 32. When the user places the earpiece member 14 into the storage slot (or receiving area) 32, the headset 10 automatically terminates the call, disconnects the headset unit device 10 from the device 12, and switches the headset unit device 10 ‘OFF’. Additionally, in some embodiments of the invention, the user may also press the answer/end key 34 to end the call when the earpiece 14 is not in the storage slot 32.
The predetermined operation can include switching the wireless headset device 10 to a powered state, establishing a communication link with the mobile device (such as the mobile phone 12), and detecting a connection attempt and accepting the connection attempt when the removal is detected. Additionally, the wireless headset device 10 is further configured to detect a coupling of the earpiece member 14 with the receiving area 32 of the main body member 16 and perform at least one of terminating a connection, disconnecting a communication link (such as a link with the phone 12), and switching the wireless headset device 10 to an unpowered state when the coupling is detected. It should be noted that the illustration of a particular order of the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the blocks may be varied. Furthermore it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.
In an embodiment, the wireless headset 10 is further configured to be capable of establishing a further communication link with a different device (such as another device different from the device 12) when at least one communication link is already active. In an embodiment, the wireless headset 10 is further configured to be capable of accepting a further call when at least one call is already active. As an example, the user may be provided with a possibility of placing a first call on hold while answering a second call.
In an embodiment, the connection attempt is a stream of audio such as music being played by a media player of the mobile device 12. In an embodiment, accepting the connection attempt results in the wireless headset 10 being in an active state in which the audio stream is reproduced using the loudspeaker element 22.
At 506, the charge level of the battery 44 is determined to be at or below a second battery charge level. In an embodiment, a secondary battery charge level corresponds to a substantially empty charge level. At 508 a possible active connection is transferred to be handled by the mobile device 12. In an embodiment, the connection is a phone call. In this embodiment, transfer of the active connection comprises routing audio signals from a remote user to be reproduced using a loudspeaker element in the mobile device, and speech of a local user to be captured by a microphone in the mobile device. In an embodiment, the connection may be a stream of audio such as music being played by a media player. In this embodiment, transfer of the active connection comprises routing audio signals from a media player of the mobile device 12 to be reproduced by the loudspeaker element of the mobile device. If a communication link with the mobile device 12 is active, the communication link is disconnected at 510. At 512, the wireless headset 10 is switched to an unpowered state, even if the earpiece member 14 remains uncoupled from the receiving area 32.
Referring now to
According to some embodiments of the invention, an input control member may not be provided. For example, some embodiments of the invention may provide a microphone proximate the earpiece member 714. In some other embodiments, a microphone may be provided proximate the main body member 716. However, it should be noted that according to some embodiments of the invention, the headset unit 710 may further include an input control member between the earpiece member and the main body member (as provided in the headset unit 10).
Referring now to
According to some embodiments of the invention, an input control member may not be provided. For example, some embodiments of the invention may provide a microphone proximate the earpiece member 814. In some other embodiments, a microphone may be provided proximate the main body member 816. However, it should be noted that according to some embodiments of the invention, the headset unit 810 may further include an input control member between the earpiece member and the main body member (as provided in the headset unit 10).
Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that removal of the earpiece member from the receiving area causes the wireless headset to undergo a transition from an unpowered state to an active call state, without a need to perform other actuation or configuration actions. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the wireless headset can be activated and connected to a mobile device by removing the earpiece member from the receiving area. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that a user can accept an incoming phone call by removing (or uncoupling) the earpiece member from the main body member. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that a user can route an audio signal such as music played by a media player in a mobile device to be reproduced by a loudspeaker element in the wireless headset. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that placing (or coupling) the earpiece member in the receiving area causes a possible call or reproduction of music by the headset to be terminated, a possible communication link with another device to be disconnected, and the wireless headset to be switched to an unpowered state. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that actuation of a switch provided in the wireless headset can be used to transfer audio routing of an active call from the wireless headset to another device. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that actuation of a switch provided in the wireless headset can be used to disconnect a communication link with another device and to switch the wireless headset to an unpowered state. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that a carrying solution is provided for wireless headsets. Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that a charging solution is provided.
It should be understood that components of the invention can be operationally coupled or connected and that any number or combination of intervening elements can exist (including no intervening elements). The connections can be direct or indirect and additionally there can merely be a functional relationship between components.
As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.
This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term “circuitry” would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term “circuitry” would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other network device.
Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. The software, application logic and/or hardware may reside on the wireless headset unit device, the mobile device or on a server. If desired, part of the software, application logic and/or hardware may reside on wireless headset unit device, part of the software, application logic and/or hardware may reside on mobile device, and part of the software, application logic and/or hardware may reside on server. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” may be any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer, with one example of a computer described and depicted in
If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional or may be combined.
Below are provided further descriptions of various non-limiting, exemplary embodiments. Various aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments may be practiced in conjunction with one or more other aspects or exemplary embodiments. That is, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, such as those described immediately below, may be implemented, practiced or utilized in any combination (for example, any combination that is suitable, practicable and/or feasible) and are not limited only to those combinations described herein and/or included in the appended claims.
In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: an earpiece member; and a main body member comprising a receiving area, wherein the main body member is configured to provide a communication link with a mobile device, wherein the receiving area is configured to removably receive the earpiece member, and wherein the apparatus is configured to perform a predetermined operation in response to removal of the earpiece member from the receiving area.
An apparatus as above, wherein the predetermined operation comprises switching the apparatus to a powered state, establishing a communication link with the mobile device, and detecting a connection attempt and accepting the connection attempt when the removal is detected.
An apparatus as above, wherein the apparatus is further configured to detect a coupling of the earpiece member with the receiving area and perform at least one of terminating a connection, disconnecting a communication link, and switching the apparatus to an unpowered state when the coupling is detected.
An apparatus as above, wherein the earpiece member comprises a loudspeaker element.
An apparatus as above, wherein the main body member further comprises a Bluetooth receiver and a Bluetooth transmitter.
An apparatus as above, wherein the earpiece member is a separate member from the main body member.
An apparatus as above, wherein the apparatus comprises a wireless headset.
An apparatus as above, wherein the mobile device comprises a mobile phone.
In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprising: an earpiece member; a main body member comprising a receiving area, wherein the main body member is configured to provide a communication link with a mobile device, wherein the receiving area is configured to removably receive the earpiece member; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: detect a movement of the earpiece member at the receiving area; and perform a predetermined operation in response to the detected movement of the earpiece member at the receiving area.
An apparatus as above, wherein the predetermined operation comprises switching the apparatus to a powered state and establishing a communication link with the mobile device.
An apparatus as above, wherein the movement of the earpiece member at the receiving area further comprises a removal of the earpiece member from the receiving area.
An apparatus as above, wherein the predetermined operation comprises terminating a communication link with the mobile device and switching the apparatus to an unpowered state.
An apparatus as above, wherein the movement of the earpiece member at the receiving area further comprises a placement of the earpiece member in the receiving area.
Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.
It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
