Patent Application
20090023417
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of mobile communication technologies and, more specifically, to a solution having multiple modes in which multiple earpieces of a mobile communication handset can be selectively used.
2. Description of the Related Art
Mobile phones are becoming increasingly popular as multi-function devices having substantial computing capabilities. As such, they operate as a portable technology center for telephony communications, Web connectivity, email or text communications, appointment scheduling, contact management, media playback, mobile gaming, and the like. A set of increasingly robust interface peripherals are needed to receive a full benefit of the mobile phone capabilities. For example, wireless stereo headsets/earpieces are needed to properly experience digital media from a mobile telephone device. These earpieces themselves are multifunction peripherals, each having an included microphone as well as a speaker, where the microphone is used for receiving speech input during mobile telephony communications. Currently, wireless stereo headsets/earpieces offer only a limited set of configuration options with respect to voice communication. Generally, these configuration options are to use a stereo headset consisting of a microphone and two earpieces connected by a wire or headband which is active for all types of communication, or a mono headset which consists of a single earpiece with a built-in microphone used for phone calls. Sometimes phone communications are only available in the mono-mode. Conventional options for stereo headsets/earpieces are limited to earpieces physically connected to each other through a cable, wire, or headband. These devices do not lend themselves to easily sharing phone calls between people.
The present invention discloses a mobile communication solution for enhancing options for using multiple earpieces/headsets connected to a mobile communication handset in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. Hardware/firmware in the handset and earpieces can permit communications in either a master/slave configuration or a peer-to-peer configuration. In a master/slave configuration, one earpiece operates as a master and another as a slave, where all slave communications are routed through the master earpiece before being conveyed to the handset. In the peer configuration, the handset is able to directly communicate with either wireless earpiece. Additionally, software in the handset can control a manner in which audio is conveyed to multiple wireless headsets/earpieces (generically referred to as earpieces) linked to the handset regardless of which configuration (i.e., master/slave configuration or peer configuration) is used. Further, the handset software can interpret commands issued from either earpiece and from the handset itself. These commands can initiate different modes involving the earpieces, such as a stereo mode, an intercom mode, and/or a three-way calling mode. Additionally, the software can define a manner in which the earpieces are shifted from one interactive mode to another.
In stereo mode, the wireless earpieces can function as stereo headphones for listening to music, recorded audio, and the like, with one of the earpieces being used for right channel audio and another for left channel audio. In an intercom mode, a bidirectional/local voice channel can be established between the two earpieces so that users can speak to each other via the earpieces. In the three-way calling mode, the handset can be involved in a mobile telephony session with a remote communicator, and each earpiece can be worn by a different local communicator who are both able to participate in the mobile telephony session, thus establishing a “three-way call” even though only a “two-way” call is occurring over a mobile communication infrastructure.
The present invention can be implemented in accordance with numerous aspects consistent with the material presented herein. For example, one aspect of the present invention can include a mobile communication system that includes a mobile handset and at least two wireless earpieces. The mobile handset can be configured to conduct voice communications with remotely located devices over a mobile telephony network. The wireless earpieces can be configured to be communicatively linked to the mobile handset and to exchange audio with the mobile handset. The mobile handset can enable multiple interactive modes involving the wireless earpieces. At least one of the interactive modes can involve a single individual concurrently using the plurality of wireless earpieces. For example, one of the interactive modes can be a stereo audio mode. At least one of the interactive modes can involve two or more proximately located individuals, where each of the proximate individuals uses one of the wireless earpieces. For example, the interactive modes can include an intercom mode and/or a three-way calling mode.
Another aspect of the present invention can include software for a mobile telephony communication device that includes interactive mode handling software and mode controlling software. The interactive mode handling software can handle an exchange of audio between a handset and at least two wireless earpieces. Modes available can include a stereo audio mode, an intercom mode, and a three-way calling mode. The mode controlling software can change from one of the interactive modes to another responsive to a user selection from a selector of one of the wireless earpieces.
Still another aspect of the present invention can include a method for exchanging audio between a mobile telephone handset and at least two wireless earpieces connected to the mobile telephone handset. In the method, at least one interactive mode can be established responsive to a user selection of an available interactive mode, where available interactive modes include a stereo audio mode, an intercom mode, and a three-way calling mode. Audio can be identified that is to be exchanged with the at least two wireless earpieces in accordance with the established interactive mode. The identified audio is wirelessly exchanged with at least one of the wireless earpieces. The establishing, identifying, and exchanging steps can be performed in a manner determined by software of the mobile telephone handset which is stored in a memory of the mobile telephone handset.
It should be noted that various aspects of the invention can be implemented as a program for controlling computing equipment to implement the functions described herein, or as a program for enabling computing equipment to perform processes corresponding to the steps disclosed herein. This program may be provided by storing the program in a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or any other recording medium. The program can also be provided as a digitally encoded signal conveyed via a carrier wave. The described program can be a single program or can be implemented as multiple subprograms, each of which interact within a single computing device or interact in a distributed fashion across a network space.
It should also be noted that the methods detailed herein can also be methods performed at least in part by a service agent and/or a machine manipulated by a service agent in response to a service request.
There are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
The wireless earpieces are able to be connected to the handset in accordance with any number of peripheral connectivity standards. Two connectivity configurations 110 are illustrated, which include a master-slave configuration 120 and a peer configuration 130. The interaction modes 140 can be abstracted from the connectivity standard of the communication configuration 110. In other words, interaction modes 140 implemented for the communication system involving multiple earpieces and a base handset can be independent of peripheral connectivity specifics for the earpieces and handset.
In a master-slave configuration, one earpiece 122 can serve as a master earpiece through which all communications to/from the handset 121 are conveyed. The other earpiece 123 is a slave, which uses the master earpiece 122 as a communication intermediary for handset 121 communications. That is, the slave earpiece 123 routes audio 125 directed to the handset 121 through the earpiece 122, and receives audio 124 from the handset 121 from the earpiece 122. The handset 121 can include software controlling and handling the audio 124, 125 streams. In one implementation of configuration 120, the earpieces can be physically distinct from each other, where one is designed as a slave 123 and another as a master 122. In another implementation of configuration 120, the earpieces 122, 123 can be physically and technologically indistinguishable, where handset 121 software/firmware designates one of the earpieces as a master 122 and another as a slave 123.
Regardless of the configuration 110 of a mobile communication system, the system can implement multiple different interaction modes 140. These interaction modes can include one or more personal interactive modes where a single user utilizes two wireless earpieces as well as one or more shared interaction modes where different users utilize wireless earpieces that are wirelessly connected to a single handset. As illustrated in system 100, interaction modes 140 can include stereo mode 141, intercom mode 150, and three-way calling mode 160. These modes are for illustrative purposes only, and the invention is not to be construed as limited in this regard.
One personal interactive mode can be a stereo mode 141, which can be designed to enrich a multi-media experience of a user 149 or to enable stereo telephony communications. Stereo mode 141 can include handset 142, earpiece 146 and earpiece 148, where audio from handset 142 can be transmitted to earpiece 146, 148 as left and right audio channels respectively. The audio can include output from a media playing component 144, such as a music streaming engine for playing music from a remote source and/or an MP3 or other music player 144 for local music playback. The music player 144 can further provide audio for an interactive video playback and/or video gaming sound. A variant of stereo mode 141 can be established for music provided by the handset 142, where music sharing comprises using earpieces 146, 148, where mono-sound can be provided to different earpieces 146, 148.
In intercom mode 150, users 153 and 154 can communicate in real time. Intercom mode can include two earpieces 151, 152 configured to permit a voice communication 155 between the users 153, 154. For example, a motorcycle rider (153) and passenger (154) can use earpieces 151, 152 for interactive, bidirectional communication. These communications are local and can be facilitated/controlled by the handset (not shown). The handset is not necessarily a requirement for conducting intercom mode 150 communications, That is, the earpieces 151 and 152 can be configured to communicate directly with each other when in intercom mode 150 without handset involvement. Earpiece 151, 152 selectable options, such as a multifunction button, can permit either user 152, 154 to toggle in and out of the intercom mode 150.
Three-way calling mode 160 can allow for two proximate users (167, 168) to communicate with a remote third party (161) using a mobile communication system. Three-way calling mode 160 can include handsets 162, 164 that communicate with each other via a mobile telephony network 163. One of the handsets 164 can control/manage multiple earpieces 165, 166, each worn by a different user 167, 168. The earpieces 165, 166 can both transmit and receive audio to/from the users 167, 168 to handset 164. Audio conveyed from handset 162 can be conveyed over network 163 to handset 164, which conveys it to both earpieces 165, 166. Audio that handset 164 receives from either earpiece 165/166 can be conveyed over network 163 to handset 162. Thus, although only two handsets 162, 164 are connected to each other, a three-way call can be established that involves users 161, 167, and 168.
The handset 210 can be any computing device able to exchange voice communications with a remotely located device and able to wirelessly convey audio to one or more earpieces 220. For example, the handset can include a mobile phone, a two-way radio, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) enabled computer, and the like. In one embodiment, the handset 210 can be a mobile device, which is able to subscribe to a mobile communication carrier to receive telephony communications.
The handset 210 can include a mobile telephone transceiver 212 for connecting to a mobile telephony network and another wireless transceiver 211 for wireless communications with the earpiece 220. The mobile telephone transceiver 212 can conform to any of a variety of communication standards including, but not limited to, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (IDEN), and the like. The transceiver 212 can further be a WIFI (802.11 based) transceiver that uses a data network for voice communications in accordance with a VoIP. The wireless transceiver 211 can conform to any wireless personal area network (WPAN) standard, such as BLUETOOTH, WIRELESS USB, ZIGBEE, and other radio frequency (RF) standards.
Software associated with handset 210 can include audio player 213, intercom handler 214, telephony handler 215, a mode controller 216, and the like. Audio player 213 can be used to playback audio such as music, spoken word, and other audio. Intercom handler 214 can be a software program which can control synchronization of data exchanges for an intercom mode involving two earpieces 210. Telephony handler 215 can be employed to control telephony operations associated with handset 210 and earpiece 220.
Mode controller 216 can be a software program capable of identifying, managing, and handling changes in communication modes. Mode controller 216 can be responsive to multi-mode selector 224. Mode controller 216 can cause handset 210 to perform actions associated with particular modes. For example, in a three-way call mode the handset 210 can be aware of input from two sources such as two proximate earpieces.
Earpiece 220 can be a wireless stereo headset used for voice communication and audio. Earpiece 220 can be comprised of a transceiver 221, microphone 222, speaker 223, and multi-mode selector 224. Microphone 222 can be used to receive voice input and speaker 223 can be employed to output audio. As such, earpiece 220 can communicate with handset 210 via transceiver 221 to facilitate voice communication with remote parties.
Multi-mode selector 224 can be a selector responsive to a user which can facilitate mode changes. Multi-mode selector 224 can be a physical control located on the earpiece 220 such as a toggle switch, Force Sensing Resistor (FSR), and the like. Multi-mode selector 224 can allow for a user to change the operating mode of an earpiece 220. In one embodiment, a user may press a button to cause the earpiece 220 to function as a phone extension to participate in a three-way call.
The method can begin in step 305 wherein a caller establishes a three-way call to a remote device using a primary earpiece. The remote party receiving the call can enter the voice communication session with the caller. In step 310, a third party can enter the communication exchange via a secondary earpiece. The caller, in step 315, can interact with a multi-mode selector on the primary earpiece to switch the earpiece into intercom mode. Step 320 can occur wherein the primary earpiece sends a signal to the secondary earpiece indicating intercom mode is being requested. In step 325, the secondary earpiece user can be notified that intercom mode is being requested by the wearer of the primary earpiece. Secondary earpiece user can interact with a multi-mode selector to switch the earpiece into intercom mode, as shown in step 330. The method can end in step 335, wherein a user using a primary earpiece and a party using a secondary earpiece can communicate in intercom mode. Although not shown, either earpiece wearing communicator can make an earpiece selection to exit the intercom mode and re-establish the ongoing three-way call.
The method can begin in step 405 wherein a primary earpiece and a secondary earpiece receive audio from a handset. In step 410, a primary earpiece user interacts with a multi-mode selector switch to switch the earpiece into intercom mode. Step 415 can occur when the primary earpiece sends a signal to the secondary earpiece indicating intercom mode is requested. The following step 420 can be where the secondary earpiece user is notified that intercom mode is being requested by the user wearing the primary earpiece. In step 425, the secondary earpiece user interacts with a multi-mode selector switch to change the secondary earpiece into intercom mode. The method can end in step 430 wherein a user wearing the primary earpiece and a party wearing the secondary earpiece can communicate in intercom mode.
The method can begin in step 505 wherein a primary earpiece user and a secondary earpiece user communicate in an intercom mode. In step 510, the primary earpiece user receives notification of an incoming call. The primary earpiece user can interact with a multi-mode selector to answer an incoming call which can result in a termination of intercom mode, as shown in step 515. The method can proceed to step 520 wherein the primary earpiece sends a signal to the secondary earpiece indicating that intercom mode is being terminated. The resulting step can be step 525 wherein the secondary earpiece notifies the user of the secondary earpiece that intercom mode is being terminated. The method can end in step 530 where the secondary earpiece terminates intercom mode.
The methods 300, 400, and 500 are provided to illustrate a switching among the various interactive modes of a mobile communication system involving multiple earpieces connected to a single handset. The types of mode switching shown by methods 300, 400, and 500 are not intended to be comprehensive and the invention is not to be limited in this regard. That is, a variety of other types of switching are contemplated which should be considered within the scope of the present invention. For example, a user can shift from a shared music mode to an intercom mode in one contemplated implementation of the invention. In another example, shifting to intercom mode during a three-way call can prevent outgoing communications from either earpiece wearing communicator while permitting incoming communications from a remote communicator to be heard. In still another example, an incoming call can be received when listening to music in a stereo mode, which can cause software of the handset to automatically shift operations into a telephony communication mode.
The present invention may be realized in hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in one computer system or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for a carrying out methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software may be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein.
The present invention also may be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.
This invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims, rather than foregoing the specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
