(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2011/0151941 A1
`
`
` Chan (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 23, 2011
`
`US 20110151941A1
`
`(54) MOBILE DEVICE HAVING CORD
`RETRACTOR
`
`(52) US. Cl. ...................... 455/569.1; 242/370; 242/371;
`455/5751
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Yuet Ming Chan, Tsuen Wan (HK)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(21) APP1~ N0-3
`
`12/641584
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 18, 2009
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H04M 1/00
`B65H 75/38
`B65H 75/48
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`A mobile device, particularly a wireless headset, includes a
`cord to which an earpiece is fixed and a module having a
`spring-actuated retractor reel into which the cord is retracted
`for storage. A fastener on the module makes the device wear-
`able. A rotary encoder generates a position data output
`according to the rotational position of the reel, and a control-
`ler receives the position data output from the sensor, and, in
`response, controls a function such as placing the device in an
`on—hook or off-hook state.
`
`APPLE 1033
`
`10
`
` 1
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1033
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 23, 2011 Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 2011/0151941 A1
`
`
`
`FIG.1
`
`FIG.2
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 23, 2011 Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 2011/0151941 A1
`
`‘ID
`
`14
`
`AUDIO
`CIRCUIT
`
`‘7
`
`
`
`BLUETOOTH
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`®
`
`24
`
`
`
`HEADSET
`CONTROLLER
`
`SENSOR
`CIRCUlT
`
`35
`
`27
`
`-
`
`21
`
`:Hln}
`” J
`k
`
`FIG.3
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 23, 2011 Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 2011/0151941 A1
`
`/.
`/«~
`
`
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 23, 2011 Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 2011/0151941 A1
`
`300
`
`HEADSET
`RECEIVED
`
`
`
`HEADSET IN
`IN OFF-HOOK
`
`
`
`DE-ACTIVATION
`ON-HOOK MODE
`MODE?
`SIGNAL?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`HEADSET IN
`OFF-HOOK MODE
`
`
`
`303
`
`
`RECEIVED
`
`
`ACTIVATION
`
`
`SIGNAL?
`
`
`
`FIG.6
`
`5
`
`

`

`US 2011/0151941Al
`
`Jun. 23, 2011
`
`MOBILE DEVICE HAVING CORD
`RETRACTOR
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The present invention relates generally to mobile
`devices, and more particularly to mobile devices with cord
`retractors.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] Mobile devices, such as cellular telephones, per-
`sonal data assistants (PDAs), media players etc., continue to
`increase in popularity. To maintain this trend, manufacturers
`continue to explore ways to make mobile devices appeal to a
`larger part of the population. One object of the invention is to
`address a need for improvements in the ease of use of such
`devices, by automating aspects of their operation to make
`performing different functions with the device simpler or
`more intuitive.
`
`[0003] Headsets are used with many mobile devices to free-
`up a user’s hands leaving them free to perform other tasks,
`such as driving, etc and are also advantageous in noisy envi-
`ronments. As a result, headsets increase the convenience of
`using a mobile device. With many mobile devices, the audio
`signal is outputted through a headset having one or more
`earpieces connected by an electrical cord to an output jack on
`the device. An improvement to this is to have a cord retractor
`in the device, as this provides many advantages. It allows for
`convenient storage of the cord, it allows a variable length of
`cord to be deployed as required to avoid snagging, tangling, or
`like problems and it also prevents headsets from being mis-
`placed when not utilized or when not plugged into the mobile
`device. Another area of focus with mobile devices is hands-
`free wireless communications where headsets communicate
`with a local mobile device via a local wireless network. Such
`headsets have elements in common with other mobile audio
`
`devices, but a particular application is telephone communi-
`cations. A further object of the invention is to address a need
`for improvements in the ease of use of audio devices of this
`type.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention
`there is provided a mobile device comprising: a cord having
`inner and outer sections; a retractor into which the cord is
`retracted for storage, the retractor including a fixture holding
`the inner section; a sensor adapted to generate a position data
`output related to the position of the fixture; a controller that
`receives the position data output from the sensor, and, in
`response, controls a function of the device.
`[0005]
`Preferably the device comprises a portable audio
`device for providing an audio output signal, the retractor
`comprises a reel for winding up the cord and spring means for
`biasing the reel to wind the cord onto the reel; the sensor
`comprises a rotary encoder that generates the position data
`output according to the rotational position ofthe reel, the cord
`comprises flexible conductors for transmitting the audio out-
`put signal, and further comprising an earpiece coupled to the
`outer section of the cord for projecting audible signals to a
`user in response to the audio output signal.
`[0006] Alternatively, for instance, the cord may provide a
`tether for securing a stylus to the mobile device. The mobile
`device may include a stylus-operated input, such as a touch-
`sensitive pad, for inputting text into the device. The sensor
`
`may comprise a two-position switch actuated by the cord to
`move between a first position when the cord is extended and
`a second position when the cord is retracted. The function of
`the device controlled by the controller in response to the
`position data output determined by the controller according to
`the position ofthe switch may include actuation ofthe touch-
`sensitive pad so as to display input from the pad upon a screen
`of the device.
`
`Preferably the function ofthe device comprises acti-
`[0007]
`vating or deactivating the audio device to transmit the audio
`output signal to the earpiece. Optionally, if the audio device
`further includes a main speaker, the function of the device
`includes activating or deactivating the main speaker.
`[0008]
`Preferably the mobile audio device is adapted for
`two-way telephone communication and comprises a wireless
`headset having a microphone for receiving audible signals
`from a user, a wireless interface to interface the earpiece and
`microphone with a terminal, and wherein the function of the
`device comprises automatically placing the wireless headset
`in an on-hook or off-hook mode in response to the position
`data output.
`[0009]
`Preferably the mobile audio device has an associ-
`ated housing in which the reel, spring means, microphone and
`wireless interface are disposed, the rotary encoder comprises
`a non-contact sensor, and fastening means on the housing for
`securing the housing to a user. Preferably the fastening means
`includes a spring clip, most preferably the clip having teeth
`for engaging teeth on the housing. Alternatively, the fastening
`means may include an aperture in the housing for fastening a
`lanyard, or the like.
`[0010] Optionally the device further includes a plurality of
`teeth circumferentially spaced about the reel, a pawl slidably
`fixed in the housing and moveable between an engaged posi-
`tion in engagement with the teeth to prevent the spring wind-
`ing in the cord while allowing the cord to be extended from
`the reel, and a disengaged position allowing the spring to
`retract the cord and a button mounted to the housing for
`moving the pawl between the engaged and disengaged posi-
`tions. Optionally, other known ratchet-type mechanisms for
`allowing unwinding of a retractor reel and selectively latch-
`ing to prevent winding up of the reel may be employed.
`[0011]
`Preferably the rotary encoder comprises at least one
`discontinuity provided in a circumferential surface on the reel
`and a Hall-effect sensor arranged with respect to the at least
`one discontinuity so as to enable each one of the at least one
`discontinuities to exert a characteristic magnetic influence
`upon the Hall-effect sensor during reel rotation. It will be
`appreciated that other types of non-contact sensor, such as
`optical sensors, may be employed to provide the position data
`output.
`slip rings
`includes
`further
`Preferably the reel
`[0012]
`through which the audio output signal is transmitted and each
`one of the at least one rotor discontinuities further comprises
`a recessed area formed in one ofthe slip rings. Each one ofthe
`at least one rotor discontinuities may exhibit magnetic prop-
`erties.
`
`In another aspect the invention provides a mobile
`[0013]
`device comprising a mobile terminal and a wireless headset
`having a microphone for receiving audible signals from a
`user, a wireless interface to interface the earpiece and micro-
`phone with the mobile terminal, and wherein the function of
`the device comprises automatically connecting or discon-
`necting communication between the mobile terminal and the
`wireless headset in response to the position data output.
`
`6
`
`

`

`US 2011/0151941Al
`
`Jun. 23, 2011
`
`[0014] The mobile terminal may not include a speaker and
`microphone and therefore be incapable of communicating
`audible signals with a user except in conjunction with the
`wireless headset.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Preferred forms ofthe present invention will now be
`[0015]
`described by way of example with reference to the accompa-
`nying drawings, wherein:
`[0016]
`FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a headset accord-
`ing to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
`[0017]
`FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the headset of
`FIG. 1.
`
`FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the headset
`[0018]
`of FIG. 1.
`
`FIG. 4 is a schematic of the reel of the headset of
`[0019]
`FIG. 1, showing the latching mechanism.
`[0020]
`FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section along a plane
`obliquely intersecting the plane AA in FIG. 1.
`[0021]
`FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method of operating
`the headset of FIG. 1.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exemplary mobile device
`[0022]
`comprising a wireless headset 10 according to the present
`invention, having an earpiece 11 fixed to a cord 12 retractable
`from a housing 13. While the present invention is described in
`terms of a wireless headset 10 for telephone use, those skilled
`in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not
`limited to telephone communication, and is applicable to
`wireless headsets for use with any device. Likewise the head-
`set itself may include a device such as a cellular telephone, a
`Media Player, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a conven-
`tional laptop and/or palmtop computer, or any other mobile
`device that is used with an earpiece.
`[0023] The wireless headset 10 is a hands-free communi-
`cation device that enables a user to communicate with a
`
`cellular telephone using a wireless interface. In exemplary
`embodiments, the wireless interface comprises a short-range
`wireless network, particularly a Bluetooth® network. A
`Bluetooth® network is a radio interface that enables two or
`
`more wireless devices to communicate wirelessly over a
`short-range. However, the present invention is not limited to
`Bluetooth® networks and is applicable to any wireless inter-
`face with a wireless headset 10.
`
`[0024] The wireless headset 10 generally includes an ear-
`piece 11 for proj ecting audible signals to a user, a microphone
`14 for receiving audible signals from the user, and a fastener
`for securing the wireless headset 10 to the person or clothing
`of a user, such as a spring-closed pivoted clip 15. A release
`button 16 is mounted to the housing 13, together with a
`multi-function push-button 17 for controlling functions such
`as pairing with the cellular telephone. A slider control 18 is
`provided for audio output volume control and, like the multi-
`function push-button 17 is associated with the headset con-
`troller 21.
`
`In FIG. 3 each illustrated electronic component of
`[0025]
`wireless headset 10 is shown as a separate element or block,
`however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that two or
`more ofthese electronic components may be combined into a
`single microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit,
`or other suitable circuit.
`
`[0026] The wireless headset 10 includes headset electron-
`ics 20 including a headset controller 21 for controlling the
`headset electronics 20, and which may include a processor
`and memory for storing data. A battery 22 provides power to
`the headset electronics 20. Headset electronics 20 further
`
`include an earpiece 11 for projecting audible signals to a user,
`microphone 14 for receiving audible signals from the user,
`and an audio circuit 23. Audio circuit 23 processes audio
`signals received from the cellular telephone according to
`known methods, and provides the processed audio signals to
`earpiece 11 for projection to the user. Audio circuit 23 further
`processes audible signals received by microphone 14 accord-
`ing to known methods, and forwards the processed audio
`signals to the cellular telephone. As discussed further below,
`audio circuit 23 transmits/receives audio signals to/from the
`cellular telephone via a wireless interface. To that end, head-
`set electronics 20 further include a wireless transmitter, such
`as a Bluetooth® transceiver 24 and antenna 25 for commu-
`
`nicating with the cellular telephone via the wireless interface
`according to instructions provided by headset controller 21.
`The cooperation between the headset controller 21, Blue-
`tooth® transceiver 24 and the cellular terminal with which it
`
`communicates are conventional, except as described herein,
`and so are not described in detail.
`
`[0027] The audio circuit 23 transmits an audio output signal
`via conductors 27 to contacts 28 which maintain contact with
`
`the slip rings 29 fixed to the reel 30. The retractor reel 30 for
`winding up the cord 12 rotates about an axis 32 concentric
`with the release button 16. A spiral wound spring 31 is
`received in an annular recess in the reel 30 and has one end
`connected to the reel, and the other end connected to the
`housing so that the spring 31 biases the reel 30 to wind the
`cord 12. A Hall-effect sensor 35 lies adjacent the reel 30, and
`is connected via a sensor circuit 34 to the controller 21,
`thereby providing in this application an off-hook detector for
`the headset.
`
`[0028] As best seen in FIG. 4, the slip rings 29 include outer
`and inner slip rings 29a and 29b, concentric with axis 32 and
`formed as by etching on a printed circuit board substrate (not
`shown). In the outer periphery ofthe outer slip ring 2911 a lobe
`is formed in which apertures are provided, thereby providing
`a discontinuity 36 in a circumferential surface on the reel 30.
`The discontinuity 36 exerts a characteristic magnetic influ-
`ence upon the Hall-effect sensor 35 during reel rotation, pro-
`viding a rotary encoder that generates the position data output
`according to the rotational position of the reel which is trans-
`mitted to the headset controller 21.
`
`[0029] The reel 30 further includes an integral ratchet
`wheel including a plurality of teeth 37 circumferentially
`spaced about the reel, the teeth being tapered to cooperate
`with a pawl 38 slidably fixed in the housing 13. The pawl 38
`is moveable between the engaged position shown, where it
`engages with the teeth 37 to prevent the spring 31 winding in
`the cord 12, while at the same time allowing the cord 12 to be
`extended from the reel 31, and a disengaged position (not
`shown) allowing the spring 31 to retract the cord 12. The pawl
`38 has a tapered face 40 and abuts a first spring 39 urging the
`pawl to engage the teeth 37. The release button 16 is abutted
`by a second spring 41 which slidably urges the button 16 out
`of the housing 13. A tapered face 42 on the button 16 is
`complementary to the face 40 with which it engages when the
`button 16 is pressed to move the pawl 38 to its disengaged
`position.
`
`7
`
`

`

`US 2011/0151941Al
`
`Jun. 23, 2011
`
`[0030] Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary method of
`operation of the off-hook detector of the headset will be
`described. Headset electronics 20 begins the headset detec-
`tion loop (Block 300) at any appropriate time,
`i.e. when
`headset electronics 20 powers up. The headset controller 21
`then determines if the headset 10 is in an off-hook mode
`
`(Block 301). In the off-hook mode the headset is off-hook,
`indicating a call is in progress, i.e., a call has been answered
`or made, in which case the audio circuit 23 is activated,
`transmitting an audio output signal to the earpiece 11. Ifnot in
`the off-hook mode the headset is in an on-hook mode, ready
`to receive or make a call, in which case the audio circuit 23 is
`deactivated, and therefore unable to transmit an audio output
`signal to the earpiece 11. If the controller 21 determines that
`the headset is not in an off-hook mode (as, for instance,
`immediately following power up) the controller 21 deter-
`mines if an activation signal has been received from the
`sensor circuit 34 (Block 302). The activation signal may
`comprise a predetermined number ofpulses received from the
`Hall-effect sensor 35 and counted by the controller. If an
`activation signal has been received from the sensor circuit 34,
`the controller 21 activates the audio circuit 23 to put the
`headset 10 in an off-hook modeifor instance, to answer a
`call (Block 303). If the controller 21 (at Block 301) deter-
`mines that the headset 10 is in an off-hook mode, the control-
`ler 10 then determines whether a de-activation signal has been
`received from the sensor circuit 34 (Block 304). The deacti-
`vation signal may comprise the same predetermined number
`of pulses received from the Hall-effect sensor 35 as the acti-
`vation signal, or a different number ofpulses. If a deactivation
`signal has been received from the sensor circuit 34, the con-
`troller 21 deactivates the audio circuit 23 to put the headset 10
`in a on-hook modeifor instance, to end a call (Block 305).
`[0031] The above discloses a wireless headset 10 that is
`effective and efficient in operational use particularly for per-
`forming a telephone call over a local wireless network, by
`automatically putting the device in an on-hook or off-hook
`state, upon extension of the cord 12 from the retractor or
`winding up ofthe cord 12 into the retractor. This simplifies the
`operation of the device and allows it to be readily used,
`without need to be versed in an operation technique. More-
`over, the device may be economically constructed and has an
`overall simple design which minimizes manufacturing costs.
`[0032] Aspects of the present
`invention have been
`described by way of example only and it should be appreci-
`ated that modifications and additions may be made thereto
`without departing from the scope thereof.
`
`1. A mobile device comprising:
`a cord having inner and outer sections;
`a retractor into which the cord is retracted for storage, the
`retractor including a fixture holding the inner section;
`a sensor adapted to generate a position data output related
`to the position of the fixture;
`
`a controller that receives the position data output from the
`sensor, and,
`in response, controls a function of the
`device.
`2. The mobile device of claim 1 comprising a portable
`audio device for providing an audio output signal, wherein the
`retractor comprises a reel for winding up the cord and spring
`means for biasing the reel to wind the cord onto the reel; the
`sensor comprises a rotary encoder that generates the position
`data output according to the rotational position ofthe reel, the
`cord comprises flexible conductors for transmitting the audio
`output signal, and further comprising an earpiece coupled to
`the outer section of the cord for projecting audible signals to
`a user in response to the audio output signal.
`3. The mobile device of claim 2 wherein the function ofthe
`device comprises activating or deactivating the audio device
`to transmit the audio output signal to the earpiece.
`4. The mobile device of claim 2 wherein the mobile audio
`device is adapted for two-way telephone communication and
`comprises a wireless headset having a microphone for receiv-
`ing audible signals from a user, a wireless interface to inter-
`face the earpiece and microphone with a terminal, and
`wherein the function of the device comprises automatically
`placing the wireless headset in an on-hook or off-hook mode
`in response to the position data output.
`5. The mobile device ofclaim 4 further including a housing
`in which the reel, spring means, microphone and wireless
`interface are disposed, the rotary encoder comprises a non-
`contact sensor, and fastening means on the housing for secur-
`ing the housing to a user.
`6. The mobile device of claim 5 wherein the fastening
`means includes a spring clip.
`7. The mobile device of claim 2 further comprising a plu-
`rality of teeth circumferentially spaced about the reel, a pawl
`slidably fixed in the housing and moveable between an
`engaged position in engagement with the teeth to prevent the
`spring winding in the cord while allowing the cord to be
`extended from the reel, and a disengaged position allowing
`the spring to retract the cord and a button mounted to the
`housing for moving the pawl between the engaged and dis-
`engaged positions.
`8. The mobile device of claim 2 wherein the rotary encoder
`comprises at least one discontinuity provided in a circumfer-
`ential surface on the reel and a Hall-effect sensor arranged
`with respect to the at least one discontinuity so as to enable
`each one of the at least one discontinuities to exert a charac-
`
`teristic magnetic influence upon the Hall-effect sensor during
`reel rotation.
`9. The mobile device of claim 8 wherein the reel further
`
`includes slip rings through which the audio output signal is
`transmitted and each one of the at least one rotor discontinui-
`
`ties further comprises a recessed area formed in one ofthe slip
`rings.
`10. The mobile device of claim 8 wherein each one of the
`
`at least one rotor discontinuities exhibits magnetic properties.
`*
`>X<
`*
`>X<
`*
`
`8
`
`