as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0211871 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Nov. 13, 2003
`
`Nassimi
`
`US 20030211871A1
`
`(54) WIRELESS HEADSET
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Shary Nassimi, Ridgefield, WA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`The Law Office of Craig W. Barber
`P.O. Box 16220
`Golden, CO 80402-6004 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/143,136
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`May9, 2002
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Tint. C07 eee eccceeeeeeceeenneeecereteeeeeenneeeeees HO4B 1/38
`(SV)
`(52) US. C0. cee ccesessesseeseesnseeneenees 455/575.1; 455/572
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The present invention teaches a hands free headset of small
`size. With the headset
`is a base transceiver unit which
`connectsto the cell phone or other device having audio input
`and output. The base transceiver unit may advantageously
`contain a rechargeable battery to allow for mobile operation,
`
`
`
`the headset transceiver unit may also use a small recharge-
`able battery (“coin size”) for reduced size and easy recharg-
`ing. The base transceiver unit may communicate with the
`headset via half or full duplex transmission and reception.
`This may also be achieved in alternative embodiments by
`digitally encoding oneorbothofthe signals and transmitting
`them as digital data. The antenna of the headset unit may be
`located on or within the microphone tube, thus allowing a
`reduced headset size. The base transceiver unit, which may
`be plugged into electrical power wiring continuously or may
`be completely mobile may also save energy in the form of
`electricity by avoiding an unnecessary “trickle current”. The
`battery in the base transceiver unit, and the battery in the
`headset, may both be inductively recharged in the present
`invention. Another space, weight and cost saving feature of
`the present invention is the ability to automatically control
`volume. Automatic volume control allows elimination of
`
`external volume control structure yet still allows volume
`control to occur. In the present invention, volumeis con-
`trolled by the base device attached to the base transceiver
`unit. By this means,battery life may be extended yet without
`the cost and bulk of an external control device such as a
`switch of a size suitable for a user’s fingers to operate.
`
`APPLE 1076
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00472
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1076
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00472
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 13, 2003 Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 2003/0211871 Al
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 13,2003 Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 2003/0211871 Al
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`3
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 13,2003 Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 2003/0211871 Al
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`8
`Interface
`
`Impedance
`led
`
`Matching
`
`
`
`106
`
`7 Transmittertee
`
`
`114 Charging
`
`External
`Power li.
`
`Preamplgg.
`
`Power Control
`Circuiti2d
`
`Battery
`
`Circuitlié.
`
`Inductive
`
`Fig, 3
`
`4
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 13,2003 Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 2003/0211871 Al
`
`Earpiece
`Speaker230
`
`232
`
`Antenna22esé
`
`.
`Receiver
`ee4
`
`Antennaees
`
`200
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Power Control Circuit
`220
`
`Preampeds
`
`Transmitter2eee
`
`Battery
`
`Charging Circuit
`elo
`
`Inductive
`Coil2i8.
`
`Fig. 4
`
`5
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`

`

`US 2003/0211871 Al
`
`Nov.13, 2003
`
`WIRELESS HEADSET
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] This invention relates to generally to wireless head-
`sets and specifically to “hands free” full duplex wireless
`headsets for cell phones and other devices with audio input
`and output.
`
`REFERENCE TO DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT
`
`[0002] The present invention is the same device taught in
`USPTO Disclosure Document 506207, dated Feb. 21, 2002
`and date stamped by the OIPE Feb. 26, 2002, to the same
`inventor, Shary Nassimi, and entitled “Hands Free Wireless
`Headset for Cell Phones”.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Cellular telephones, while convenient, require the
`user to use one hand to hold the telephone in proximity to ear
`and mouth in order to use the telephone. In addition, when
`the user wishes to use a cell phone control such as the
`alphanumeric keypad, the user musttake the cell phone from
`their ear and transfer it to a location in which they can see
`the keypad and push buttons as needed. In addition to
`inconvenience and distraction from contraindicated activi-
`ties such as driving, this is a two handed process. These
`problems are not restricted to cellular telephones as a
`growing numberof types of devices offer users audio input
`and output data. Personal computers and personal digital
`assistants, as two examples, offer
`increasingly efficient
`speech recognition. Digital and tape recorders, which do not
`offer voice recognition, are also examples of the types of
`devices which mayincreasingly be voice activated and may
`even offer preprogrammed voice output.
`
`activities which require continuousactive use of two hands.
`The user wears the wireless headset with microphone and
`speakers, leaves the base unit safely tucked away, and is in
`no danger of having one or more hands entangled in a cord
`or used to control the base device. This life saving ability is
`ofincreasing importance as the numberofcell telephones on
`the road proliferates and drivers increasingly ignore safety
`(and in some jurisdictions the law) in order to use their
`telephone, computer, recorder or other device. Other situa-
`tions than driving may also showthelife saving features of
`the present invention: skiing, bicycling, operation of indus-
`trial machinery, printing presses, civil engineering equip-
`ment, etc.
`
`[0008] And in yet a broader range of applications, the
`device of the present invention may be used to provide
`convenience and increase productivity: secretarial work,
`telemarketing, office work,etc.
`
`[0009] Various wireless headsets schemes have been pro-
`posed. In general, the problem with most headsets is size,
`bulk, and lack of ease of use. The following prior art head
`sets show these disadvantages.
`
`[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,745 issued Nov. 21, 1989 to
`Silver for“CORDLESS HEADSET TELEPHONE?”shows
`one early telephone headset in the context of a conventional
`land-line telephone. The headset disclosed has a large ear
`piece, telescoping antennas in both base unit and headset,
`and a cross section so large as to include a keypad on the
`headset portion of the device. The ’745 patent teaches only
`that charging of the headset battery is accomplished by
`meansof contacts 29 seen in FIG.2 and FIG.5. The headset
`also includes on/off switches and a manual volumecontrol.
`
`[0011] US. Pat. No. 5,590,417 issued Dec. 31, 1996 to
`Rydbeck
`for
`“RADIOTELEPHONE
`APPARATUS
`[0004] The requirement of holding a device such asacell
`INCLUDING A WIRELESS HEADSET”teaches a headset
`telephone to the ear in turn causes various other problems,
`in which recharging is accomplished when the headset is
`safe operation of motor vehicles being one major example of
`attached to the base transceiver unit. The gain control of the
`such issues, tiredness by the user’s arm being a less impor-
`headset is accomplished manually by means of controls in
`tant type of problem. For these reasons and others, vendors
`the base transceiver unit, as discussed in column 4 at lines
`and inventors are offering a range of solutionsto the problem
`38 through 59. Two embodiments are taught in both of
`of “hands free” cell phone operation.
`which manual control of headset output volume is accom-
`plished manually at the base transceiver unit.
`
`[0005] One attempt to solve this problem is the “hands
`free cell phone” in which the volumeofthe audio output and
`the sensitivity of the audio input are dramatically increased.
`The user places the cell phone or other device in a special
`holder or merely places it on seat or dashboard and speaks
`loudly. Such systems have numerous disadvantages: audio
`feedback, ambient
`interference and poor sound quality,
`among others. Lack of privacy is increasingly an issue as
`well, since both sides of the conversation are clearly audible
`to anyone nearby.
`
`[0006] One more promising route for improvement is the
`use of the headset. By wearing earphones and a microphone,
`a user can escape the need to continuously hold the cellular
`telephone or other audio input/output device. Unfortunately,
`headset cords connecting the headset to the base device can
`entangle the user’s hands, arms, or whatever they may be
`using, such as a computer keyboard or steering wheel, thus
`posing a threat on their own. The solution to this problem is
`the wireless headset, in which the headset device and base
`device communicate by means of RF transmissions.
`
`[0007] Wireless headsets offer a potentially life saving
`hands free mode of operation for motor vehicles and other
`
`[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,825 issued Jun. 20, 2000 to
`Hahnet al. for “MODULAR WIRELESS HEADSETSYS-
`TEM FOR HANDS FREE TALKING”and U.S. Pat. No.
`
`6,230,029 B1 issued May 8,2001 to Hahnetal. for “MODU-
`LAR WIRELESS HEADSET SYSTEM”disclose a headset
`
`having battery contacts used to charge the removable battery
`pack module. These patents also teach that the headset have
`manual on/off, channel and volumecontrols.
`
`[0013] Finally, US Patent Application Publication No. US
`2001/0016506 A1 published Aug. 23, 2001 in the name of
`Son et al. and entitled “WIRELESS HANDS-FREE SYS-
`TEM OF CELLULAR PHONE?”teachesa battery operated
`handsfree headset having a battery saving feature described
`in paragraph 0014. No indication of any meansof charging
`of the battery is present in the publication, and as specified
`in the final phrase of paragraph 0013, a switch on the headset
`is operated by the user.
`
`[0014] These devices all require either changing of the
`batteries or plugging the batteries into some type of charger
`arrangement having contacts, springs, sockets or other
`
`6
`
`

`

`US 2003/0211871 Al
`
`Nov.13, 2003
`
`tively recharged in the present invention. Thus, the present
`invention is also more convenient than prior art headset
`devices as it does not require the operator to “plug it into”
`the base transceiver unit for recharging. In fact, even the
`base transceiver unit need not be pluggedin, as it may also
`be recharged inductively. The present
`invention further
`allows the batteries to be recharged, wirelessly, when the
`headset unit is in use within the operative recharging dis-
`tance of the base unit. This ease of recharging in turn allows
`reduction of battery capacity and thus battery size, leading
`to further reductions in space, weight and cost.
`
`[0023] Another space, weight and cost saving feature of
`the present invention is the ability to automatically control
`volume. Automatic volume control allows elimination of
`
`external volume control structure yet still allows volume
`control to occur. In the present invention, volumeis con-
`trolled by the base device attached to the base transceiver
`unit.
`
`[0024] Summary in Reference to claims
`
`devices. In addition, the structure which allows changing of
`the batteries or charging of them (the contacts, sockets,
`access panels,etc) all add cost, weight and complexity to the
`headsets. However, the objective of having such headsets is
`simplicity, small size, light weight, and ease of use.
`
`In addition, the size and weight of these headset
`[0015]
`devices is increased by the use of various ancillary devices
`such as on/off switches, volumecontrols, etc, the functions
`of these device can be better handled by meansof different
`and smaller structures.
`
`[0016] Finally, none of the devices disclosed teach a
`method by which the “trickle current” which the base
`transceiver unit uses may be turned on andoff. None of these
`devices teachthat the “trickle current” powering the wireless
`device may be turned off when notin use, yet leave the base
`device (such as a telephone) turned on, and further have the
`wireless device be available for use whenever the base
`device is used. Such “trickle currents” in consumer elec-
`
`tronic devices such as VCRs,televisions, computers, caller
`ID boxes, and so on are now knownto be a cumulatively
`large source of energy wastage in the form of electricity
`generated and supplied to homes and businesses and wasted
`to power LCDsand othercircuitry in such consumerdevices
`while the devices are not in use.
`
`[0017] General Summary
`
`[0025] The present invention teaches a wireless headset
`comprising: a clip dimensioned and configured to hold the
`wireless headset properly oriented near the ear and mouth of
`a user; a microphone operatively connected to a radio
`frequency transmitter; a speaker operatively connected to a
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`radio frequency receiver; a rechargeable battery; andafirst
`inductive coil operatively connected to the battery; whereby
`when a current is induced in the inductive coil, the inductive
`coil recharges the battery.
`
`[0018] The present invention teaches a hands free headset
`of small size which is more easily used than previous
`designs.
`
`[0019] With the headset is a base transceiver unit which
`connectsto the cell phone or other device having audio input
`and output. The base transceiver unit may be attached to a
`cell phone bya variety of structures such as a 2.5 mm jack;
`such jacks already exist on various types of cellular tele-
`phones. The base transceiver unit may advantageously con-
`tain a rechargeable battery to allow for mobile operation,the
`headset transceiver unit may also use a small rechargeable
`battery (“coin size”) for reduced size and easy recharging.
`Various types of rechargeable batteries may also be used
`(Li-ion, Ni-Cad, etc) in the present invention. The base
`transceiver unit communicates with the headset via half or
`full duplex transmission and reception, allowing continuous
`audio input and output as needed. This may also be achieved
`in alternative embodiments by digitally encoding one or
`both of the signals and transmitting them as digital data.
`
`[0020] Advantageously, high frequencies may be utilized
`by the invention in order to provide greater antenna effi-
`ciency andclarity of sound. The antenna of the headset unit
`may be located on or within the microphone tube,
`thus
`allowing a reduced headset size.
`
`[0021] The base transceiver unit, which may be plugged
`into electrical power wiring continuously or may be com-
`pletely mobile may also save energy in the form of elec-
`tricity by avoiding an unnecessary “trickle current”.
`
`[0022] One space, weight and cost saving feature of the
`present
`invention is the ability to recharge the battery
`without having any form of contacts, sockets or other
`external recharging interface. The battery in the base trans-
`ceiver unit, and the battery in the headset, are both induc-
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0026]
`invention to teach a wireless headset further comprising: a
`powercontrol device capable of controlling current flow to
`at least one memberof the group comprising: the transmitter,
`the receiver, the speaker, the microphone, and combinations
`thereof, wherein; the power control device has no manual
`control.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0027]
`invention to teach a wireless headset further comprising: a
`body portion within which the transmitter and receiver are
`contained.
`
`It is one objective and aspect of the present inven-
`[0028]
`tion to teach a wireless headset wherein the transmitter uses
`
`a radio frequency in the range from 100 MHzto 2.4 GHZ.
`
`It is one objective and embodimentof the present
`[0029]
`invention to teach a wireless headset further comprising an
`antenna, and a microphone tube, wherein the microphoneis
`contained within the microphone tube.
`
`It is one embodiment, objective and advantage of
`[0030]
`the present invention to teach a wireless headset comprising:
`a clip dimensioned and configured to hold the wireless
`headset properly oriented near the ear and mouth of a user;
`a microphone operatively connected to a radio frequency
`transmitter; a speaker operatively connected to a radio
`frequency receiver; a battery; at least one antenna opera-
`tively connected to one memberselected from the group
`comprising: the transmitter, the receiver, both the transmitter
`and receiver; and a microphonetube havingfirst and second
`ends, the microphone tube dimensioned and configured such
`that when the wireless headset is properly oriented near the
`ear and mouth of the user, the first end of the microphone
`
`7
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`

`

`US 2003/0211871 Al
`
`Nov.13, 2003
`
`tube is located near the mouth of the user; wherein the at
`least one antenna runs along the microphonetube.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0031]
`invention to teach a wireless headset further comprising: a
`power control device capable of controlling current flow to
`at least one memberof the group comprising: the transmitter,
`the receiver, the speaker, the microphone, and combinations
`thereof, wherein; the power control device has no manual
`control.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0042]
`invention to teach a base transceiver wherein the radio
`
`transmitter and radio receiver provide half duplex data
`transmission.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0043]
`invention to teach a base transceiver wherein the radio
`
`transmitter and radio receiver provide full duplex data
`transmission.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0032]
`invention to teach a wireless headset further comprising: a
`[0044] FIG.1 isaside view of the first embodimentof the
`
`body portion within which the transmitter and receiver are
`improved wireless headset of the invention.
`contained.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0033]
`invention to teach a wireless headset wherein the transmitter
`
`uses a radio frequency in the range from 100 MHz to 2.4
`GHz.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0034]
`invention to teach a wireless headset further comprising: a
`first
`inductive coil operatively connected to the battery;
`whereby when a currentis inducedin the inductive coil, the
`inductive coil recharges the battery.
`
`It is one embodiment, objective and advantage of
`[0035]
`the present
`invention to teach a base transceiver for a
`wireless headset, the base transceiver comprising: a micro-
`phoneoperatively connected to a radio frequency transmit-
`ter; a speaker operatively connected to a radio frequency
`receiver; a rechargeable battery; and a first inductive coil
`operatively connected to the battery; whereby when a cur-
`rent
`is induced in the inductive coil,
`the inductive coil
`recharges the battery.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0036]
`invention to teach a base transceiver further comprising: a
`power control device capable of controlling current flow to
`at least one memberof the group comprising: the transmitter,
`the receiver, the speaker, the microphone, and combinations
`thereof, wherein; the power control device has no manual
`control.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0037]
`invention to teach a base transceiver further comprising: a
`body portion within which the transmitter and receiver are
`contained.
`
`[0045] FIG. 2 isa block diagram of a second embodiment
`of the invention, showing the overall system in use with a
`cell phone.
`
`[0046] FIG.3 isa block diagram of a third embodiment of
`the invention showing details of the base transceiver unit.
`
`FIG.4 is a block diagram of the first embodiment
`[0047]
`of the invention showing details of the headset transceiver
`unit.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIG.1 is a side view of the first embodimentof the
`[0048]
`improved wireless headset of the invention. Headset 2 has
`ear clip 12 used to retain headset 2 on an ear. Earpiece
`speaker 14 fits in or over the user’s ear. Body 16 contains the
`electronic devices used to make the headset device work
`
`properly, while microphone tube 18 may contain a micro-
`phone (not shown). The microphone may belocated at the
`base of microphone tube 18 inside or near to body 16, or in
`alternative embodiments the microphone may belocated at
`other locations in or on microphonetube 18. While clip 12
`is the preferred embodiment and best mode presently con-
`templated for holding the headset to the user’s ear and
`properly oriented near the user’s ear and mouth, other
`structure such as elastic bands, hair clips, head bands,etc,
`may be substituted without departing from the scope of the
`invention. Microphone tube 18 has two ends, one located at
`body 16, the other located such that when the headset is
`worn properly, one end of microphone tube 18 is located
`near the user’s mouth.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0038]
`invention to teach a base transceiver of claim 10, wherein
`the transmitter uses a radio frequency in the range from 100
`MHzto 2.4 GHZ.
`
`[0049] Microphone tube 18 may also advantageously con-
`tain one or more antennae. This allows increased length for
`each antenna and yet does not increase the overall length of
`headset 2.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0039]
`invention to teach a base transceiver further comprising: at
`least one antenna.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0040]
`invention to teach a base transceiver further comprising: a
`plug and powerreception circuitry, the plug dimensioned
`and configured to receive electrical energy from anelectrical
`outlet.
`
`It is one objective and advantage of the present
`[0041]
`invention to teach a base transceiver of further comprising:
`digital encoding/decoding circuitry, wherein radio transmit-
`ter and the radio frequency receiver use digitally encoded
`data.
`
`FIG.2 isa block diagram of a second embodiment
`[0050]
`of the invention, showing the overall system in use with a
`cell phone. Headset 2 communicates via 2-way RF link with
`base transceiver 4. Base transceiver 4 in turn has connec-
`tions 6 to base unit 8. In the second embodiment, base unit
`8 may be a cell phone (as shown in FIG. 2) or may be
`another type of device. Such devices now include computers
`(which are increasingly able to input, process, and output,
`human speech), personal digital assistants, recorders, other
`consumerelectronic devices, and in the future, a wide range
`of other devices which are not presently known(real-time
`verbal translators) or which are presently known but which
`are not presently susceptible to reliable audio input and
`output
`(automobiles
`for handicapped mobility). Such
`
`8
`
`

`

`US 2003/0211871 Al
`
`Nov.13, 2003
`
`devices, now knownorlater developed, are included within
`the possible types of base units useful with the present
`invention.
`
`[0051] Both headset 2 and base transceiver 4 may be
`recharged inductively, as will be disclosed below. In the
`second embodiment, headset 2 may be either headset 2 as
`taught by the first embodiment or an equivalent headset as
`claimed herein.
`
`[0052] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of
`the invention showing details of the base transceiver unit.
`Base unit 100 connects via connection 102 to base trans-
`
`ceiver unit 104. Base unit 100 may be anyof the devices as
`discussed previously. Connection 102 may be a cable and
`2.5 mm jack, another form of standard jack such as is used
`in the telecommunication industry (for example, RJ-11), or
`another form of standard jack suchas is used in the computer
`industry (EEE 1394, USB, etc) or another type of jack. The
`connection may also be made without a cable/jack structure,
`for example, base transceiver unit 104 may be integrated
`into base unit 100, or a non-physical connection may be
`established, etc.
`
`Interface 106 performs matching of impedance
`[0053]
`(resistance), protocols, and/or physical matching to the
`connection means, then sends the signals to be sent to a
`headset unit (not shown) to preamp 108. After the signal is
`boosted,
`filtered,
`transformed and otherwise handled in
`preamp 108, transmitter 122 sends an RF signal. An antenna
`(not shown) may advantageously be used with transmitter
`122. Transmitter 122 may use any frequency legally avail-
`able, for example, in the US, the Federal Communications
`Commission establishes and regulates use of such frequen-
`cies. RF signal 122 may advantageously be a high frequency
`signal allowing greater bandwidth and thus an increased
`audio data capacity and greater clarity, broader audio fre-
`quency range transmission, etc. RF signal 122 maybe full or
`half duplex, or may be digitally encoded by any method
`(TDMP,etc).
`
`[0054] Receiver 124 sends RF data in the other direction,
`receiving it from the headset transceiver unit and sending it
`to the base unit 100. In the embodiment shown,receiver 124
`sends the RF data to connection 102, however, receiver 124
`mayin other alternative embodiments operate through other
`circuitry such as interface 106 or analogous devices.
`
`[0055] Receiver 124 and transmitter 122 may operate
`independently, may operate in full-duplex mode, etc, thus
`allowing simultaneous transmission and reception.
`
`[0056] External power 110 may be a conventional AC
`powersource at the locally used voltage and frequency (for
`example 115 VAC @ 60 Hz), or it may be a DC power
`source (such as 12 volt or 42 volt supplies found in vehicles).
`External power 110 goes to power supply 112 for any
`necessary inversion to AC, conversion to DC, etc. For
`example, in an alternative embodiment in which the cir-
`cuitry of base transceiver unit 104 operates at 5 volts DC,
`power supply 112 may convert from 240 VAC to 5 VDC.
`External power 110 mayalso be used to recharge battery
`114,or in alternative embodiments, power supply 112 may
`recharge battery 114 using power supplied by external
`power source 110. Battery 114 may provide powerto both
`power supply 112 and power control circuit 120. In the
`embodimentdepicted in FIG.3, battery 114 receives current
`
`from charging circuit 116, which receives power from
`inductive coil 118. Inductive coil 118 is used to supply
`energy to the base transceiver unit, without any need for any
`“charging stand” into which base transceiver unit 104 must
`be placed.
`In other embodiments of the invention (not
`pictured), charging circuit 116 may be supplied directly by
`powersupply 112 or even directly be external power 110 if
`the voltage of battery 114 matches the voltage of external
`power110, (as might occur with a 12 volt battery pack used
`in a vehicle having a 12 volt DC electrical supply).
`
`[0057] Charging of base transceiver unit 104 may be
`accomplished by placing the unit near to a “charging tray”
`(not shown) or “charging tower” or other similar device
`which transmits electrical energy to inductive coil 118. Such
`charging may occur during use, for example when base
`transceiver unit 104 is in use in operative proximity to the
`charging tray, or during the night, etc. Thus base transceiver
`unit 104 need never be “plugged into” a “charging stand.”
`
`[0058] Power control circuit 120 assists in saving energy
`by controlling the power flow to transmitter 122, receiver
`124, power supply 112, and other associated circuitry. Power
`control circuitry 120 thus saves energy and furthermore
`increasesbattery life. Power control circuit 120 may operate
`automatically to turn on and off transmitter 122 or power
`supply 112, and may operate to turn on and off or to mute
`receiver 124.
`
`[0059] For example, a user might use the headset of the
`present invention to carry on a long telephone conversation,
`thus somewhatdraining the battery of the headset unit (not
`shown). During the course of the conversation, power con-
`trol circuit 120 may provide automatic volume control as
`both a convenience and an energy saving mechanism. The
`user may provide manual volumecontrol by adjusting the
`volume of the base device. At the conclusion of the tele-
`
`phone conversation, power control circuit 120 may entirely
`turn off receiver 124 and transmitter 122, thus reducing the
`trickle current usage of the charging tray, and receive energy
`via charging circuit 116 and inductive coil 118. Later,
`control circuit 120 may turn off power supply 112, thus
`further decreasing energy use by eliminating the “trickle
`current”. Note that in an alternative embodiment of the
`
`invention, this energy saving scheme may be used only at the
`first level (to turn off the transmitter and receiver units) but
`not at the second level, to turn off the charging current, or
`may be used in the opposite manner: turning off the charging
`current but not the transmitter and receiver units.
`
`Thetimeofturning off of the power supply may be
`[0060]
`dictated by the charging of the base transceiver battery (not
`shown), may be automatic based upontimeor other factors,
`may be manual, etc.
`
`[0061] The presently preferred embodiment and best
`mode now contemplated for carrying out the invention the
`embodimentin whichthe base transceiver unitis inductively
`charged by a chargingtray, as is the headset transceiver unit.
`In alternative embodiments, the charging function may be
`built into the base transceiver unit, and the headset charged
`inductively at the base transceiver rather than the charging
`tray.
`
`[0062] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the first embodiment
`of the invention showing details of the headset transceiver
`unit.
`
`9
`
`

`

`US 2003/0211871 Al
`
`Nov.13, 2003
`
`[0063] Headset 200 has preamp 208, microphone 232,
`transmitter 222, earpiece speaker 230, receiver 224 and
`antennae 226 and 228. These function in a manner analo-
`gous to that described above in reference to base transceiver
`unit 104. Microphone 232 picks up audio signals from the
`user, converts such audio data to electronic information and
`transmitter 222 sends the signals to base transceiver unit 104
`as radio frequency emissions. Receiver 224 picks up RF
`emissions from base transceiver unit 104 and sends them to
`
`earpiece speaker 230 for conversion to audible format
`(sound waves) for the user. Antennae 224 and 226 are shown
`in FIG.4, however, the two may be combinedin alternative
`embodiments into a single antenna device.
`
`In the presently preferred embodiment and best
`[0064]
`modepresently contemplated for carrying out the invention,
`antennae 226 and 228 may be hidden within microphone
`tube 18 (see FIG. 1). By this method the overall size of
`headset 200 may be kept small. Antennae 226 and/or 228
`may also be located on microphone tube 18. In any case,
`antenna 226 and 228 may run along a portion orall of the
`length of microphone tube 18.
`
`[0065] Size, weight and cost being important issues in
`headset design,it is desirable to eliminate as much structure
`as possible without eliminating the associated functionality.
`In headset 200, power supply 212 is powered by battery 214
`without need for physical connection to any external power
`source. This is enabled by inductive coil 218 in which a
`current is induced by inductive coil 118 (the coil in the base
`transceiver unit). Coil 218 is controlled by charging circuit
`216 which supplied electricity to recharge battery 214. Thus,
`it is possible for the headset of the present invention to do
`away entirely with recharging plugs, sockets, contacts, and
`other physical structure/devices for contact recharging, thus
`saving weight, space and cost. In addition, users are not
`required to “plug into” a special charging stand. Depending
`upon range of the inductance, the user may recharge the
`headset merely by placing it on or near the rechargingtray.
`With long range and close proximity, it may even be possible
`for the headset to recharge while being worn.
`
`In order to provide the most efficient battery life
`[0066]
`possible, and to further reduce weight, size and cost, power
`control circuit 220 is also provided in headset 200. Power
`control circuit 220 eliminates the need for a headset
`mounted volume control, a headset mounted on/off switch
`and other devices.
`
`[0067] During use, power control circuit 220 and/or
`receiver 224 mayact to automatically control volumeofthe
`audio output from earpiece speaker 230. Power control
`circuit 220 and/or transmitter 222 may also act to control
`transmission strength to base transceiver unit 104. By means
`of this structure, battery life and sound quality may be
`enhanced, but without the cost and bulk of an external
`control device such as a knob large enough for manipulation
`by a user’s fingers.
`
`[0068] Whenthe user desires manual volume control, the
`user may accomplish this by adjusting the volume of the
`base device (such as a cell phone) to which the base
`transceiver is attached.
`
`[0069] Furthermore, power control circuit 220 may turn
`on and off receiver 224 and transmitter 222 in a manner
`similar to that described above in reference to base trans-
`
`ceiver unit 104. By this means,battery life may be extended
`yet without the cost and bulk of an external control device
`such as a switch of a size suitable for a user’s fingers to
`operate.
`
`[0070] Power control 220 may act independently of base
`unit power control 120 or may cooperate with base unit
`powercontrol 120. For example, power control 220 may act
`to shut down transmitter 222 whenever a user silence is
`
`detected, or power control 220 mayreceive a signal from
`base unit 104 informingit of the end of a transmission or of
`the end of a user session such