(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0166715 A1
`(43) Pub. Date: Jul. 27, 2006
`
`Van Engelen et al.
`
`US 20060166715A1
`
`(54)
`
`(76)
`
`INTEGRATED AND DETACHABLE
`WIRELESS HEADSET ELEMENT FOR
`CELLULAR/MOBILE/PORTABLE PHONES
`AND AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICES
`
`Inventors: Josephus A. Van Engelen, Aliso Viejo,
`CA (US); Jeyhan Karaoguz, Irvine,
`CA (US); Nambirajan Seshadri,
`Irvine, CA (US); James D. Bennett,
`San Clemente, CA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`GARLICK HARRISON & MARKISON LLP
`P.O. BOX 160727
`AUSTIN, TX 78716-0727 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/120,455
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`May 3, 2005
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/646,465, filed on Jan.
`24, 2005. Provisional application No. 60/653,234,
`filed on Feb. 15, 2005. Provisional application No.
`
`60/646,270, filed on Jan. 24, 2005. Provisional appli-
`cation No. 60/646,437, filed on Jan. 24, 2005. Pro-
`visional application No. 60/646,235, filed on Jan. 24,
`2005. Provisional application No. 60/646,272, filed
`on Jan. 24, 2005.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`H04M 1/00
`(52) use. .......................................................... 455/5752
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A modular wireless headset having integrated but detachable
`elements is operable to service a cellular wireless terminal,
`streamed media or playback device. This modular wireless
`headset may include a wireless microphone and a wireless
`earpiece. The wireless earpiece may physically couple to the
`wireless microphone and a base unit in order to exchange
`information and share power resources. A power distribution
`controller allocates power between the wireless earpiece,
`wireless microphone, and base unit when physically coupled
`to operate or charge internal power supplies of the compo-
`nents.
`
`1.
`
`10
`
`
`
`APPLE 1035
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1035
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 1 0f 13
`
`US 2006/0166715 A1
`
`10
`
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`
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 2 0f 13
`
`US 2006/0166715 A1
`
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`3
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 3 0f 13
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 5 0f 13
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 6 0f 13
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 7 0f 13
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 8 0f 13
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`US 2006/0166715 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 9 0f 13
`
`US 2006/0166715 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 10 0f 13
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`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 11 0f 13
`
`US 2006/0166715 A1
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`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 12 0f 13
`
`US 2006/0166715 A1
`
`Couple wireless components
`
`Couple wireless headset to
`accessible resources via the base
`
`unit
`
`Share internal power resources
`through physical coupling
`
`through headset
`
`Service communications available
`
`FIG. 12 -
`
`13
`
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`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jul. 27, 2006 Sheet 13 0f 13
`
`US 2006/0166715 A1
`
`202—1
`
`Determine power distribution
`profHe
`
`Determine power distribution
`resources
`
`
`
`Determine power distribution
`needs based on profile
`
`Distribute power based on
`profile, available resources,
`and current consumption or
`needs
`
`FIG. 13
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US 2006/0166715 A1
`
`Jul. 27, 2006
`
`INTEGRATED AND DETACHABLE WIRELESS
`HEADSET ELEMENT FOR
`CELLULAR/MOBILE/PORTABLE PHONES AND
`AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICES
`
`CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to
`US. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/646,465 entitled
`“INTEGRATED AND DETACHABLE WIRELESS
`HEADSET ELEMENT FOR CELLULAR/MOBILE/POR-
`TABLE PHONES AND AUDIO PLAYBACK DEVICES,”
`by Josephus A. Van Engelen, et al. filed on Jan. 24, 2005, and
`is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all
`purposes. This Application is related to the following appli-
`cations: application Ser. No. 10/981,418 entitled “UNIVER-
`SAL WIRELESS MULTIMEDIA DEVICE,” by Nambira-
`jan Seshadri, et al., filed on Nov. 4, 2004, which is a
`continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/856,430
`entitled “PROVIDING A UNIVERSAL WIRELESS
`
`HEADSET,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed May 28,
`2004 which claims priority under 35 USC §
`ll9(e) to
`Provisional Application No. 60/473,967 filed on May 28,
`2003; and application Ser. No. 10/981,418 is also a continu-
`ation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/856,l24 filed May
`28, 2004 which claims priority under 35 USC § ll9(e) to
`Provisional Application No. 60/473,675 filed May 28, 2003;
`application Ser. No. 10/976,300 entitled “MODULAR
`WIRELESS MULTIMEDIA DEVICE,” by Nambirajan
`Seshadri, et al., filed on Oct. 27, 2004, which is a continu-
`ation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/856,l24 entitled
`“MODULAR WIRELESS HEADSET AND/OR HEAD-
`
`PHONES,” filed May 28, 2004 which claims priority under
`35 USC § ll9(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/473,675,
`filed on May 28, 2003; and application Ser. No. 10/976,300
`is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/856,
`430 filed May 28, 2004 which claims priority under 35 USC
`§ ll9(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/473,967 filed
`May 28, 2003; Application No.
`entitled “MODU-
`LAR EARPIECE/MICROPHONE THAT ANCHORS
`
`VOICE COMMUNICATIONS,” by Nambirajan Seshadri,
`et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priority under 35
`USC § ll9(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/656,828
`filed on Feb. 25, 2005; Application No.
`entitled
`“HANDOVER OF CALL SERVICED BY MODULAR
`EARPIECE/MICROPHONE BETWEEN SERVICING
`
`BASE PORTIONS,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on
`May 3, 2005, which claims priority under 35 USC § ll9(e)
`to Provisional Application No. 60/653,234 filed on Feb. 15,
`2005; Application No.
`entitled “MODULAR EAR-
`PIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) OPERABLE TO
`SERVICE VOICE ACTIVATED COMMANDS,” by Nam-
`birajan Seshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims
`priority under 35 USC § ll9(e) to Provisional Application
`No. 60/
`filed on Apr. 22, 2005; Application No.
`entitled “BATTERY MANAGEMENT IN A
`MODULAR EARPIECE MICROPHONE COMBINA-
`
`TION,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on May 3,
`2005, which claims priority under 35 USC § ll9(e) to
`Provisional Application No. 60/646,270 filed on Jan. 24,
`2005; Application No.
`entitled “PAIRING MODU-
`LAR WIRELESS EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEAD-
`SET) TO A SERVICED BASE PORTION AND SUBSE-
`QUENT ACCESS THERETO,” by Nambirajan Seshadri, et
`
`al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priority under 35
`USC § ll9(e) to Provisional Application No. 60/646,437
`filed on Jan. 24, 2005; Application No.
`entitled
`“MANAGING ACCESS OF MODULAR WIRELESS
`
`EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) TO PUBLIC/
`PRIVATE SERVICING BASE STATION,” by Nambirajan
`Seshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which claims priority
`under 35 USC § ll9(e) to Provisional Application No.
`60/646,235 filed on Jan. 24, 2005; Application No.
`entitled “EARPIECE/MICROPHONE (HEADSET) SER-
`VICING MULTIPLE INCOMING AUDIO STREAMS,” by
`Nambirajan Seshadri, et al., filed on May 3, 2005, which
`claims priority under 35 USC §
`ll9(e) to Provisional
`Application No. 60/646,272 filed on Jan. 24, 2005, all of
`which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety
`for all purposes.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002]
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0003] This invention generally relates to wireless com-
`munications and more particularly to the pairing and regis-
`tration of modular wireless headset components to support
`voice communications.
`
`[0004]
`
`2. Background of the Invention
`
`[0005] Battery powered wireless communications offer
`users the ability to be “wired” from almost anywhere in the
`world. Cellular telephones, satellite telephones, wireless
`local area networks, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with
`radio frequency (RF) interfaces, laptop computers with RF
`interfaces and other such battery powered devices enable
`these wireless communications. Such wireless communica-
`
`tions have been extended to personal wireless networks,
`such as these defined by the Bluetooth specification. Not
`only have cellular telephones become very popular, but
`Wireless Local Area Networking (WLAN) devices have also
`proliferated. One standard for wireless networking, which
`has been widely accepted, is the Specification of the Blue-
`tooth System, v. 1.0 (“Bluetooth Specification”).
`
`[0006] The Bluetooth Specification enables the creation of
`small personal area networks (PAN’s) where the typical
`operating range of a device is 100 meters or less. In a
`Bluetooth system, Bluetooth devices sharing a common
`channel sequence form a piconet. Two or more piconets
`co-located in the same area, with or without inter-piconet
`communications, is known as a scattemet.
`
`[0007] The Bluetooth Specification supports voice com-
`munications between Bluetooth enabled devices. When a
`
`pair of Bluetooth devices supports voice communication, the
`voice communications must be wirelessly supported in a
`continuous fashion so that carried voice signals are of an
`acceptable quality. One popular use of personal wireless
`networks couples battery powered wireless headset(s) with
`cellular telephone(s), personal computer(s), and laptop(s),
`etc. These standalone devices each typically require batter-
`ies to operate. Because these standalone devices each con-
`sume power differently, coordinating power consumption
`would be desirable.
`
`In most cases, the device is simply a replacement
`[0008]
`for a wired headset. Such Bluetooth devices, while provid-
`ing benefits in mobility of the user, provides little additional
`benefit over wired devices. In fact, portability and wearabil-
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`US 2006/0166715 A1
`
`Jul. 27, 2006
`
`ity are often negatively impacted by internal power con-
`sumption and battery capacity. Thus, there is a need for
`portability and wearability of headset devices that support
`audio or multimedia communications and also provide
`improved service quality through extended battery life.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are directed
`to systems and methods that are further described in the
`following description and claims. Advantages and features
`of embodiments of the present invention may become appar-
`ent
`from the description, accompanying drawings and
`claims.
`
`[0010] Other features and advantages of the present inven-
`tion will become apparent from the following detailed
`description of the invention made with reference to the
`accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`in
`[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless headset
`accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
`
`[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another modular wireless
`headset in accordance with one embodiment of the present
`invention;
`
`[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a wireless headset operable
`to couple to various devices in accordance with one embodi-
`ment of the present invention;
`
`[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a multi-channel
`wireless headset in accordance with one embodiment of the
`
`present invention;
`
`[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an access
`point in accordance with one embodiment of the present
`invention;
`
`[0016] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of wireless
`earpiece in accordance with one embodiment of the present
`invention;
`
`[0017] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a wireless
`microphone in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present invention;
`
`[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless
`microphone in accordance with the present invention;
`
`[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless
`microphone in accordance with the present invention;
`
`[0020] FIG. 10 is a logic diagram illustrating operation of
`a wireless headset in performing call management;
`
`[0021] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a modular communication
`device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention; and
`
`[0022] FIG. 12 is a logic diagram ofa method for servic-
`ing voice communication with a wireless headset in accor-
`dance with one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0023] FIG. 13 is a logic diagram of a method for sharing
`power resources within a wireless headset in accordance
`with one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a modular wireless headset
`10 wirelessly coupled to base unit 16 that includes wireless
`earpiece 12 and wireless microphone 14. Wireless earpiece
`12 communicates wirelessly with microphone 14. However,
`wireless earpiece 12 and wireless microphone 14 may also
`physically couple to exchange
`information or
`share
`resources through an alternate connection. In one embodi-
`ment, receptacles within a base unit facilitate the distribution
`of power and communications between the wireless earpiece
`12, wireless microphone 14, and the base unit. A portable
`power supply, such as but not
`limited to a battery,
`is
`provided within the wireless earpiece and/or the wireless
`microphone. This portable power supply is operable to
`power wireless earpiece 12 and wireless microphone 14
`when the wireless earpiece and wireless microphone are
`coupled via the base unit.
`
`[0025] Accordingly, earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may
`be separate communication devices. As separate devices,
`those devices may clip to a user or have other fastening
`means that facilitate the user wearing the device. Clips are
`shown on both earpiece 12 and microphone 14 to secure
`these devices to the user. Those devices may individually
`communicate with base unit 16 via separate communication
`pathways or through a single wireless interface contained
`either in the earpiece, microphone, or base unit.
`
`[0026] Earpiece 12, microphone 14, and base unit may
`integrate to form a wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) headset with
`audio functions. FIG. 1 shows that the components may be
`detachable from a phone or playback device. However, these
`components retain the ability to share power from the base
`unit. Thus a common charger and overall battery capacity
`may be shared. The headset may normally be physically
`coupled to the phone or playback devices and may or may
`not provide the normal audio (and/or video) functionality for
`the main device when attached. When ‘docked’ the battery
`headset unit may be charged from the main device battery
`(or wall charger when plugged in). The headset may detach
`from the base unit and be worn.
`
`[0027] As shown, earpiece 12 and microphone 14 may
`both communicate with base unit 16, which may be a
`cellular telephone, wire line telephone,
`laptop computer,
`personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc., using
`transceiver (transmitter and/or receiver) 13 of FIG. 2 via a
`first communication pathway 18. The base unit may physi-
`cally couple to earpiece 12 and/or microphone 14. When
`physically coupled, the base unit may serve as an external
`portable power supply to the wireless modular headset. This
`external portable power supply may include receptacles for
`the both the wireless earpiece and wireless microphone as
`well as a battery that can provide power to operate the
`modular wireless headset or recharge the portable power
`supplies of the modular wireless headset through the physi-
`cal coupling. Such an embodiment will be discussed in more
`detail in FIGS. 11A and 11B. A display/interface on the
`battery may allow user commands to be received and
`directed to the modular wireless headset and the display of
`information from the modular wireless headset as well as the
`
`portable power supply to be presented to the user. The
`external power supply may physically couple directly to the
`modular wireless headset or may couple through the tether
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`US 2006/0166715 A1
`
`Jul. 27, 2006
`
`Via an adapter. This adapter may take the form of a universal
`serial bus (USB) connector that allows the modular wireless
`headset to be recharged from laptops, personal computers, or
`other devices having USB or like connectors.
`
`[0028] Base unit 16 may also directly couple the headset
`to voice communication networks such as radio, cellular,
`wireless voice or packet data, public switched telephone
`networks (PSTN), private branch exchanges or others
`known to those skilled in the art. Although shown as being
`external to earpiece 12,
`transceivers 13 and 15 may be
`integrated within earpiece 12 and microphone 14. Base unit
`16 is operable to establish a wireless pathway to earpiece 12
`and/or microphone 14 through the antennas. This pathway
`may be direct or via another wireless component and path-
`way, such as pathway 21. For example, wireless microphone
`14 may communicate via base unit 16 through a wireless
`pathway between earpiece 12 and base unit 16. Similarly,
`wireless earpiece 12 could communicate with base unit 16
`through wireless microphone 14. Microphone 14 may com-
`municate with the base unit 16 or earpiece 12 using trans-
`ceiver (or transmitter) 15 of FIG. 2 via communication
`pathway 20 or 21, respectively. Either or both earpiece 12
`and microphone 14 may have a user interface 22. If the
`communication pathways are established in accordance with
`the Bluetooth specification, communication resources 18,
`20, and 21 may be different timeslot allocations on the same
`synchronous connection orientated (SCO) link, or may be
`separate SCO links.
`
`[0029] Earpiece 12 and microphone 14 both contain a
`pairing circuit. These pairing circuits are operable to pair the
`wireless earpiece and microphone when pairing information
`associated with the individual earpiece 12 and microphone
`14 compare favorably. If the pairing information associated
`with the individual earpiece 12 and microphone 14 com-
`pares unfavorably, these individual components may not
`pair to form a modular wireless headset. Pairing allows the
`microphone and earpiece, after the wireless earpiece and
`microphone are successfully paired, to establish a wireless
`connection between them. Also in the event that one of the
`
`modular components needs to be added or replaced to the
`modular wireless headset 10, this component would have to
`pair to the other components present.
`
`[0030] Pairing quite simply is the act of introducing two
`wireless devices to one another so that
`they can then
`communicate. Pairing enables the two or more wireless
`devices to join and become a trusted pair. Within a trusted
`pair, each device recognizes the other device(s). Then, each
`device can automatically accept communication and bypass
`the discovery and authentication process that normally hap-
`pen during an initial wireless interaction between devices.
`Once the trusted pair is established, some embodiments may
`require user authentication before other devices are allowed
`to enter into the trusted pair. This prevents, for example, a
`second wireless earpiece, not of the trusted pair,
`from
`establishing communications with wireless headset 10. This
`could result in an untrusted earpiece eavesdropping on the
`voice communication serviced by modular wireless headset
`10. Thus, pairing enables security and privacy for voice
`communications serviced by modular wireless headset 10.
`Additionally, some embodiments may only pair when a
`discoverability function associated with the wireless device
`is enabled. For example, the device may pair when physi-
`cally coupled or when a user toggles a pairing switch located
`
`on user interface 22. When the discoverability/pairing func-
`tion is not enabled, the wireless devices will not accept
`communications from unknown devices.
`
`[0031] User interface 22 may also allow a user to initiate
`call functions or network hardware operations. These call
`functions include call initiation operations, call conferencing
`operations, call forwarding operations, call hold operations,
`call muting operations, and call waiting operations. Addi-
`tionally, user interface 22 allows the user to access network
`interface functions, hardware functions, base unit interface
`functions, directory functions, caller ID functions, voice
`activated commands, playback commands and device pro-
`gramming functions. User interface 22 can be any combi-
`nations of a visual interface as evidenced by display 24,
`tactile interface as evidenced by buttons 26, and/or an audio
`interface.
`
`[0032] Each of these devices, earpiece 12, microphone 14
`and base unit 16, may support one or more versions of the
`Bluetooth Specification or other wireless protocols. A Blue-
`tooth “scattemet” is formed from multiple “piconets” with
`overlapping coverage. A user of modular wireless headset 10
`may establish communications with any available base unit
`16. Wireless headset 10 may have a minimal user interface
`22 where a single authenticate or register button initiates
`registration. Modular wireless headset 10 includes a regis-
`tration circuit. This registration circuit needs to reside in
`either or both the wireless microphone and wireless ear-
`piece. The registration circuit receives and exchanges reg-
`istration information with base unit 16. Once this informa-
`
`tion is exchanged, the modular wireless headset, as well as
`base unit 16, compares their registration information with
`the exchanged information to determine whether or not
`modular wireless headset 10 is authorized to use base unit
`
`16. Authorization will occur when the registration informa-
`tion within the modular wireless headset compares favorably
`to that of the base unit. This may involve accessing a
`third-party database in order to confirm where the base unit
`establishes communications between a servicing network,
`such as a cellular or public switch telephone network
`(PSTN) network, or a local authentication via a local data-
`base that may compare biometric, password user interface,
`VRS voice pattern recognition, encryption key/dongle, in
`order to allow modular wireless headset 10 to access
`
`resources available through base unit 16.
`
`[0033] Registration may determine what resources the
`headset may access. For example, access may be granted to
`an available one cellular network but not a wireless packet
`data network. Registration may require physically coupling
`modular wireless headset 10 to base unit 16 or establishing
`wireless communications. In the case where wireless com-
`
`munications are established, this may require additional user
`input or proximity testing to authenticate and register the
`modular wireless headset to the base unit. The base unit, as
`well as the modular wireless headset, may access memory
`either local or via server or network to validate the regis-
`tration information associated with the other component.
`Thus, both the base unit needs to compare the registration
`information and result in a favorable comparison, as well as
`the modular wireless headset comparing the registration
`information in order to result in a favorable comparison. For
`example, where fees are required for access, the user may
`not authenticate registration to avoid the fee. Registration
`allows communications to be automatically exchanged
`17
`
`17
`
`

`

`US 2006/0166715 A1
`
`Jul. 27, 2006
`
`between the modular wireless headset and the base unit. This
`
`improves both security and privacy for communications
`serviced using the modular wireless headset.
`
`[0034] Wireless headset 10 may reside within the service
`coverage area of multiple base units. Thus, when headset 10
`enters (or powers up in) an area with more than one
`functioning wireless network, a user may depress authenti-
`cate button 26, use a voice command or other means to start
`the authentication/registration process. With the button
`depressed, the wireless headset attempts to establish com-
`munications with base unit 16. Subsequent authentication
`operations are required to have the wireless headset join the
`selected network. These subsequent operations may include
`prompting the user for selection of the network, requiring
`that an entry be previously made in an access list to allow
`wireless headset 10 to join or otherwise complete the
`authentication operations (registration).
`
`[0035] Once wireless headset 10 joins a respective net-
`work, headset 10 may service voice communications with
`the base unit via respective WLAN links. Such calls will be
`received and managed by base unit 16 or headset 10.
`Management duties for the calls may be divided between
`base unit 16 and headset 10. For example, upper level
`portions of the cellular protocol stack may be supported by
`the headset while the lower level portions are supported by
`the base unit. Integrated circuits in either headset 10 or base
`unit 16 support call functions. These call functions include,
`but are not limited to, call initiation and termination, call
`conferencing operations, call forwarding operations, call
`hold operations, call muting operations, or call waiting
`operations, and may be initiated through user interface 22.
`
`[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a modular wireless headset
`that includes earpiece 12, microphone 14 physically coupled
`by tether 27. This headset may also include display/camera
`17, and portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 to support
`net-meetings. Microphone 14, earpiece 12, display/camera
`17 and portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 may each be a
`separate physical device that communicates wirelessly when
`paired to form a modular wireless headset. Earpiece 12 is a
`separate device from microphone 14, that together function
`to provide the modular wireless headset shown in FIG. 1.
`Accordingly, earpiece 12, microphone 14, display/camera
`17, and a portable touch-screen/whiteboard 19 are separate
`communication devices that may individually communicate
`with base units via separate or shared communication path-
`ways. A single communication pathway using time division
`may be used to communicate between earpiece 12, micro-
`phone 14, display/camera 17, portable touch-screen/white-
`board 19 and base units (base units 30-37 or access point
`21). These communications are secured by both pairing and
`registration. Encryption, validation, or other like methods
`known to those skilled in the art may also be used and
`support one-way or two-way audio, video or text commu-
`nications. One way communications allow the headset to act
`as receivers to broadcast information, while two-way com-
`munications allow real-time voice communications, such as
`phone or radio communications, which may be augmented
`with data, text and video to support interactive net-meetings.
`
`[0037] Earpiece 12, once paired to form a modular wire-
`less headset and registered to a base unit, may automatically
`communicate with base unit 16 and attached resources. FIG.
`
`3 depicts those resources as a cellular telephone network,
`
`wire line telephone, Ethernet telephone, laptop computer,
`personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc, using
`transceiver (or receiver) 13 via a first communication path-
`ways 18. Base unit 16 may establish a wireless pathway to
`earpiece 12 or microphone 14. The microphone 14, once
`authorized or validated, may communicate with the base
`unit 16 using transceiver (or transmitter) 15 via a second
`communication pathway 20 or by sharing communication
`pathway 18 with earpiece 12. Display/camera 17 and por-
`table touch-screen/whiteboard 19 may communicate with
`the base unit 16 using transceivers (receivers and/or trans-
`mitters) 25 and 27 via communication pathways 21 and 23,
`respectively, or by relaying communications
`through
`another wireless component.
`
`If the communication pathways are established in
`[0038]
`accordance with the Bluetooth specification, communication
`resources may be different timeslot allocations on the same
`synchronous connection orientated (SCO) link, or may be
`separate SCO links. These communication pathways may be
`secured by encryption, validation, pairing, or other like
`means to secure the communications exchanged with the
`base unit. Validation or pairing may prevent unauthorized
`devices from communicatively coupling to the base unit.
`
`[0039] The quality of data provided to these devices may
`be adjusted according to which devices are actually present
`and supported. For example, audio quality can be improved
`and may even support stereo (multi-channel audio). This
`option may limit resources provided to microphone 14,
`display/camera 17, or whiteboard 19 to service multi-chan-
`nel audio. Another example may favor the use of only
`earphone 12 and display/camera 17 to render streamed video
`and audio content. To coordinate the presentation of both
`audio and video in such an example, earphone 12 and
`display/camera 17 and their received communications may
`be synchronized to provide a quality viewing experience.
`Similarly, to coordinate the presentation of multiple audio
`channels, earphones 12 may be synchronized in order to
`provide a quality experience. To coordinate the presentation
`of real-time two-way audio earphones 12 and microphone
`14 may be synchronized such that unacceptable delays do
`not exist within exchanged voice communications. This
`coordination ensures there is no undue delay between the
`presentations provided by these individual devices allowing
`the user to perceive a seamless presentation. This embodi-
`ment allows the multimedia device to support net-meetings
`that require the delivery of complete Internet conferencing
`solutions with multi-point data conferencing,
`text chat,
`whiteboard, and file transfer, as well as point-to-point audio
`and video. Additionally, this allows the multimedia device to
`coordinate the presentation of these different media formats
`without necessarily requiring shared physical connections of
`these devices.
`
`[0040] Direct connectivity previously limited the physical
`structure that could be used for a wireless headset to support
`net-meetings. In many cases, this results in headsets that are
`cumbersome to use and uncomfortable to wear. The protocol
`used between modular components (base units, host devices,
`access points and other communicatively coupled devices)
`may allow the base unit to send data to each device in a
`coordinated manner that allows for the synchronized pre-
`sentation of multimedia content by the devices. Altema-
`tively, the information may be supplied to one component
`and then distributed within the trusted pair devices that make
`18
`
`18
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`

`

`US 2006/0166715 A1
`
`Jul. 27, 2006
`
`up the modular wireless headset. For example, one embodi-
`ment may allocate a predetermined portion of each data
`transmission for each media format. This would allow base
`unit 16 to transmit the same data to each device, wherein
`each device only processes that content intended for that
`device. In another embodiment, base unit or access point
`communicates in parallel with each device. By coordinating
`the data or packets exchanged with the devices, their indi-
`vidual presentations may be synchronized.
`
`[0041] Direct connectivity may still be desired to share
`resources such as batteries or onboard power supplies. This
`allows components of the modular wireless headset
`to
`extend the battery life of the modular wireless headset. Such
`direct connectivity may be through a direct physical con-
`nection as shown in FIG. 3 or a tethered connection as
`
`shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Power from power supplies located
`within the wireless microphone, wireless earpiece, or
`optionally coupled based unit may be shared between the
`wireless microphone and wireless earpiece through the
`physical coupling provided by the tether. The portable power
`supplies within the wireless microphone, wireless earpiece
`or base unit may be used also to recharge the portable power
`supplies within the microphone or earpiece. This may be
`done based on many different criteria. For example, which
`battery or portable power supply has a lesser charge may be
`used as the determining criteria. Other criteria may be based
`standby time associated with individual components, his-
`torical user profile, mode of operation as specified by user,
`or other such reasons known to those having skill in the arts.
`The base unit may further have receptacles through which
`the earpiece and microphone may physically couple to the
`base unit. Such receptacles may receive the wireless ear-
`piece and microphone, a battery, and a display interface
`through which a user may input com