1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 11111 1111111111 11111 111111111111111 1111111111111111 IIII IIII IIII
`US 20090029743A9
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2009/0029743 A9
`(19)United States
`
`(48)Pub. Date: Jan. 29, 2009
`
`
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`CORRECTED PUBLICATION
`Lair et al.
`
`(54)W IRELESS HEADSET AND MICROPHONE
`
`ASSEMBLY FOR COMMUNICATIONS
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63)Continuation-in-part of application No. 11/264,169,
`
`
`
`filed on Nov. 2, 2005.
`Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/828,480,
`
`
`
`
`filed on Apr. 21, 2004, now Pat. No. 7,149,552.
`
`(75)Inventors: John Lair, Salt Lake City, UT (US);
`
`
`
`
`
`Anthony J. Sutera, Midway, UT (US);
`
`
`Douglas H. Dobyns, Lindon, UT (US)
`(60)Provisional application No. 60/503,949, filed on Sep.
`
`
`
`19, 2003. Provisional application No. 60/527,776,
`
`filed on Dec. 9, 2003.
`
`Correspondence Address:
`
`HUNTON & W ILLIAMS LLP
`INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
`1900 K STREET, N.W.
`SUITE 1200
`
`
`
`
`WASHINGTON, DC 20006-1109 (US)
`
`
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)Int. Cl.
`H04M 1100 (2006.01)
`
`
`(52)U.S. Cl. .......................................................... 455/569.1
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`
`
`(73)Assignee: Radeum, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT (US)
`
`
`
`(21)Appl. No.:
`
`11/469,751
`
`(22)Filed:
`
`Sep.1,2006
`
`
`
`
`
`(15) Correction of US 2007/0004464 Al Jan. 4, 2007
`
`Disclosed herein is a communications system implementing a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`microphone wirelessly connected to a half-duplex communi­
`
`
`
`
`cations device, such as a two-way radio or a radio-simulating
`
`
`
`
`cellular phone. The microphone may incorporate a transmit/
`Prior Publication Data
`
`
`
`
`
`trans­receive switch wherein a transmit sign al is wirelessly
`
`
`
`
`mitted from the microphone to the communications device to
`
`
`
`direct the communications device to enter into a transmit
`
`
`mode. The microphone may communicate with the half-du­
`
`
`
`
`plex communications device through a magnetic induction
`link.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`See (63) Related U.S. Application Data.
`
`
`
`
`
`( 65)US 2007 /0004464 Al Jan. 4, 2007
`
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`
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 1 0f 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`FIG.1A
`
`
`Communications
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 2 0f 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`130
`
`FIG.18
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`
`Communications
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 3 0f 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 4 0f 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`FIG.28
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 5 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 6 0f 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 7 of 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 8 0f 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`FIG.4
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 9 of 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 10 0f 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 11 of 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 12 of 15
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 13 of 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`Fig.8D
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 14 of 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`Fig.9
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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 29, 2009 Sheet 15 0f 15
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
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`US 2009/0029743 A9
`
`Jan. 29, 2009
`
`WIRELESS HEADSET AND MICROPHONE
`ASSEMBLY FOR COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of US.
`patent applications Ser. No. 11/246,169 filed NOV. 2, 2005
`and Ser. No. 10/828,480 filed Apr. 21, 2004, which claim
`benefit of US. Patent Application No. 60/503,949, filed Sep.
`19, 2003 and entitled “Wireless Headset for Two-Way
`Radios” and US. Patent Application No. 60/527,776, filed
`Dec. 9, 2003 and entitled “Wireless Headset for Communi-
`cation Device,” the entireties of which are incorporated by
`reference herein.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present invention relates generally to half-du-
`plex communications and more particularly to utilizing a
`push-to-talk (PTT) feature in a wireless headset and micro-
`phone assembly.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Half-duplex communications devices, such as two-
`way radios (or “walkie-talkies”) and cellular phones having a
`half-duplex or similar service, such as the DIRECT CON-
`NECT® cellular walkie-talkie service offered by Nextel
`Communications, Inc. of Reston, Va. or the Push to Talk
`Group Calling feature offered by Verizon Wireless of Bed-
`minster, N.J., frequently are used to facilitate communica-
`tions between mobile users, such as emergency personnel and
`construction workers. Because half-duplex communications
`devices generally are not configured to support simultaneous
`two-way communications, one or more mechanisms typi-
`cally are implemented to help ensure that the half-duplex
`device is in a transmit mode only at the appropriate times. One
`such mechanism includes a voice operated (VOX) feature
`whereby a user’s voice or other sound triggers the communi-
`cations device to enter a transmit mode. Another mechanism
`
`includes a push-to-talk (PTT) button which places the com-
`munications device in a transmit mode while pressed or
`engaged and returns the communications device to a receive
`mode when the PTT button is released or disengaged. Thus,
`while the VOX feature benefits from not requiring the user to
`manipulate a button to switch the communications device
`between the transmit and receive mode, the VOX feature
`typically fails to operate accurately or correctly in noisy envi-
`ronments as the VOX feature often inadvertently interprets
`loud noises as a voice signal and therefore needlessly places
`the communications device in transmit mode. Accordingly,
`the use of a PTT button is frequently implemented for use in
`noisy environments.
`
`[0004] Conventional implementations of PTT buttons (i.e.,
`transmit/receive switches) are not without their drawbacks.
`For one, the location of the PTT button often causes signifi-
`cant inconvenience to the user. In many instances, the PTT
`button is located on the communications device which in turn
`
`is often placed about the user’s body, thereby requiring the
`user to grasp for the communications device to engage the
`PTT button. Alternatively, some conventional implementa-
`tions place the PTT button on a wire connecting a headset to
`the communications device. While this location for the PTT
`
`button may make it somewhat easier to quickly locate the PTT
`
`Page 17 of 30
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`button, it will be appreciated that the wire is likely to become
`entangled with the user or with other equipment in the prox-
`imity due to its length and location.
`
`[0005] Accordingly, improved techniques for implement-
`ing a PTT button functionality in a half-duplex communica-
`tions device would be advantageous.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0006] The present invention mitigates or solves the above-
`identified limitations in known solutions, as well as other
`unspecified deficiencies in known solutions. A number of
`advantages associated with the present invention are readily
`evident to those skilled in the art, including economy of
`design and resources, transparent operation, cost savings, etc.
`
`In accordance with one embodiment of the present
`[0007]
`invention, a wireless headset is provided. The wireless head-
`set comprises a switch for indicating a provision of audio
`information for transmission and means for wirelessly trans-
`mitting a signal representative of an engagement of the
`switch.
`
`In accordance with another embodiment of the
`[0008]
`present invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus
`comprises an interface operably connected to a half-duplex
`communications device, a wireless interface; means for
`receiving a first transmit mode signal via the wireless inter-
`face, the transmit mode signal indicating a provision of audio
`information for transmission by the half-duplex communica-
`tions device, and means for providing a second transmit mode
`signal to the half-duplex communications device via the inter-
`face to direct the half-duplex communications device to
`switch to a transmit mode.
`
`In accordance with yet another embodiment of the
`[0009]
`present invention, a system is provided. The system com-
`prises a half-duplex communications device and a headset
`wirelessly connected to the half-duplex communications
`device. The headset is adapted to wirelessly transmit a trans-
`mit mode signal for reception by the half-duplex communi-
`cations device, the transmit mode signal indicating a provi-
`sion of audio information by the headset for transmission by
`the half-duplex communications device. The half-duplex
`communications device is adapted to transmit at least a por-
`tion of the audio information based at least in part upon
`receipt of the transmit mode signal.
`
`In accordance with an additional embodiment ofthe
`[0010]
`present invention, a system is provided. The system com-
`prises a half-duplex communications device, a transmit
`switch assembly wirelessly connected to the half-duplex
`communications device and a headset wirelessly connected
`to the half-duplex communications device. The transmit
`switch assembly is adapted to wirelessly transmit a transmit
`mode signal for reception by the half-duplex communications
`device, the transmit mode signal indicating a provision of
`audio information by the headset for transmission by the
`half-duplex communications device. The half-duplex com-
`munications device is adapted to transmit at least a portion of
`the audio information based at least in part upon receipt ofthe
`transmit mode signal.
`
`In accordance with another embodiment of the
`[0011]
`present invention, a system comprises a mobile half-duplex
`communications device in operation with a microphone
`assembly. The microphone assembly includes a push-to-talk
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`button, a microphone, a speaker, a transceiver for communi-
`cation with the mobile device, and a battery for powering the
`microphone assembly.
`
`In each of the above embodiments, the wireless
`[0012]
`transmission is conducted over a short range. This short range
`transmission is especially suited to transmission by magnetic
`induction. The wireless transmission by magnetic induction
`operates within a small operational bubble that provides
`secure communication.
`
`Still further features and advantages of the present
`[0013]
`invention are identified in the ensuing description, with ref-
`erence to the drawings identified below.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0014] The purpose and advantages ofthe present invention
`will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the
`following detailed description in conjunction with the
`appended drawings in which like reference characters are
`used to indicate like elements, and in which:
`
`[0015] FIGS. 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of exemplary
`wireless communications systems implementing wireless
`headsets in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
`
`present invention.
`
`[0016] FIGS. 2A-2G are schematic diagrams illustrating
`exemplary placements of a transmit/receive switch in con-
`junction with a wireless headset in accordance with at least
`one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wire-
`less headset in accordance with at least one embodiment of
`
`the present invention.
`
`[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wire-
`less adaptor for a communications device in accordance with
`at least one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wire-
`less transmit/receive switch assembly in accordance with at
`least one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0020] FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating exemplary
`push-to-talk engagement techniques in accordance with at
`least one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0021] FIGS. 8A-8D are perspective views ofan exemplary
`implementation of a wireless headset in accordance with at
`least one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary imple-
`mentation of a wireless adapter in accordance with at least
`one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates details of the system using a
`wireless microphone including a portable radio and a mobile
`radio.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0024] The following description is intended to convey a
`thorough understanding ofthe present invention by providing
`a number of specific embodiments and details involving the
`communication of information using multiple wireless chan-
`nels. It is understood, however, that the present invention is
`not limited to these specific embodiments and details, which
`are exemplary only. It is further understood that one possess-
`ing ordinary skill in the art, in light of known systems and
`
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`methods, would appreciate the use of the invention for its
`intended purposes and benefits in any number of alternative
`embodiments, depending upon specific design and other
`needs.
`
`[0025] For ease of illustration, the present invention is
`described herein in the context of a half-duplex communica-
`tions system wherein a wireless channel is reserved for the
`transmission of information through the use of a PTT mecha-
`nism. However, using the guidelines provided herein, the
`present invention also may be implemented in pseudo-half-
`duplex communications systems, such as, for example, the
`DirectConnect® cellular phone feature offered by Nextel
`Communications of Reston, Va., or other communications
`systems wherein a PTT mechanism or similar transmit/re-
`ceive switch mechanism is used to reserve a wireless channel
`
`for the transmission of information. Accordingly, reference
`herein to half-duplex includes true half-duplex and other
`similar communications techniques unless otherwise noted.
`
`[0026] The present invention is described primarily is the
`context of portable communications devices. Portable com-
`munications devices are typically designed to be carried by a
`user. Accordingly, portable communications are typically
`battery powered. Portable communications devices may be
`regulated differently from other communications devices
`such as by lower limits on transmission power. Portable com-
`munications devices may be distinguished from fixed com-
`munications devices. Fixed communications devices are
`installed in fixed location. Portable communication devices
`
`may also be distinguished from mobile communications
`devices. Mobile communications are installed in or on a
`
`vehicle. Mobile communications devices typically do not
`include batteries as they draw power from the vehicles elec-
`trical system.
`
`[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1C, exemplary half-
`duplex systems 100A, 100B and 100C are illustrated in accor-
`dance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
`System 100A includes a communications device 102 (e.g., a
`half-duplex radio or cellular phone) in communication with
`another communications device 104. Communications
`
`device 102 may include, as is typical of two-way radios and
`cellular phones, a speaker and a microphone. Communica-
`tions between the devices 102 and 104 may be half-duplex
`transmissions and may be transmitted wirelessly via an
`antenna 106 or may be transmitted via a conductive wire, fiber
`optic cable, and the like.
`
`In at least one embodiment, a wireless headset 108 is
`[0028]
`utilized to facilitate the transmission of audio information and
`
`other information (e.g., video information) between the com-
`munications device 102 and a user 110. As discussed below
`
`with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, the headset 108 may be
`implemented as an earbud-type or ear-clip type headset which
`may utilize a relatively small headset body 112 operably
`connected to an earbud speaker (not shown) for outputting
`audio information and a microphone assembly 114 for input-
`ting audio information (such as the vocalizations of the user
`110). As depicted in the illustrated embodiment, the micro-
`phone assembly 114 may be operably connected to the head-
`set body 112 via a boom 116. Alternatively, the microphone
`assembly 114 may be implemented on a wire connected to the
`headset body 112 which may be clipped to the clothing ofthe
`user 110, for example. The microphone assembly 114 may
`include any of a variety of microphones, including, but not
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`limited to, throat microphones, boom microphones, bone
`induction microphones (i.e., microphones placed in the ear
`canal which pick up audio signals Via Vibrations in the ear
`canal), and the like.
`
`[0029] As illustrated in greater detail with reference to
`FIGS. 2D-2G, the headset 108 alternately may be imple-
`mented as a headband-type headset haVing one or two ear
`pads or cups connected Via one or more bands that encircle at
`least part of the head or neck of the user 110.
`
`[0030] The headset 108 preferably is configured to wire-
`lessly communicate audio information to and from the com-
`munications deVice 102. Accordingly, as discussed in detail
`below, the headset 108 may utilize a wireless interface com-
`prising at least an antenna or transducer and a transceiVer to
`transmit and receiVe analog and/or digital signals representa-
`tiVe of audio information or other information. A preferred
`embodiment of the wireless interface is a magnetic induction
`link. Accordingly,
`the communications deVice 102 may
`include a module capable of wirelessly communicating with
`the headset 108 Via, for example, the antenna 106, or a wire-
`less adapter 118 may be used to wirelessly relay information
`between the headset 108 and the communications deVice 102
`
`Via, for example, the antenna 106 or a separate antenna or
`transducer 120. To illustrate, the wireless adapter 118 may
`include a deVice that connects to a commercial radio handset
`
`(one embodiment of the communications deVice 102) Via, for
`example, a socket or jack conVentionally used to connect the
`radio handset to a wired headset. When a handset or headset
`
`is connected to the socket or jacket, any speaker or micro-
`phone of the communications deVice is disabled as appropri-
`ate. Audio information from the communications deVice 102
`
`may be pr0Vided to the wireless adapter 118 Via the socket or
`jack and the wireless adapter 118 may transmit the audio
`information wirelessly for reception by the headset 108. Con-
`Versely, audio information may be transmitted wirelessly
`from the headset to the wireless adapter 118 and the wireless
`adapter 118 then may pr0Vide an electric or optical signal
`representatiVe of the audio information to the communica-
`tions deVice 102 Via the socket or jack.
`
`In one embodiment, the wireless adapter 118 draws
`[0031]
`operational power through the socket or jack from the com-
`munications deVice 102. In this embodiment, the wireless
`adapter requires no independent power source such a battery.
`The wireless adapter may include a power switch. The power
`switch is a mechanism that disconnects the electrical and data
`
`connections of the wireless adapter 118 from the communi-
`cations deVice 102, although the adapter 118 may remain
`physically attached to the communications deVice 102. With
`the power switch turned off the wireless adapter 118 config-
`ures the connections of the socket or jack such that the com-
`munications deVice 102 operates as if the adapter 118 is not
`present. For example, if the communications deVice 102 is
`configured to disable an onboard speaker and onboard micro-
`phone upon connection of a deVice to the socket or jack,
`turning the power switch off on wireless adapter 118 will
`cause the onboard speaker and onboard microphone to be
`enabled. Switching the power switch off will also disable any
`communication link established between the wireless adapter
`118 and the wireless headset 108.
`
`cation to indicate when the user 110 has audio information to
`
`transmit to the communications deVice 104. ConVentionally,
`the transmission indication is supplied through the use of a
`transmit/receiVe switch positioned on or near the communi-
`cations deVice which pr0Vides a signal that indicates that the
`transmission medium is reserved for the transmission of
`
`information by the communications deVice. Accordingly, in
`at least one embodiment, a transmit/receiVe switch is imple-
`mented to pr0Vide such a transmission indication, where the
`transmit/receiVe switch may include, for example, a push
`button, a toggle switch, a slide switch, a capacitiVe switch,
`and the like. The transmit/receiVe switch may be positioned
`on or near the communications deVice 102, such as, for
`example, the transmit/receiVe switch 122 connected to or
`implemented as part of the wireless adapter 118. Altema-
`tiVely, the transmit/receiVe switch may be positioned on or
`operably connected to the wireless headset 108, such as, for
`example, the transmit/receiVe switch 124 positioned on the
`body 112 of the headset 108. To illustrate, the transmit/re-
`ceiVe switch could be positioned on a side of the body 112 of
`the headset 108 that is facing or resting against the user’s head
`such that the user 110 may press the body 112 of the headset
`108 against the user’s head to engage the transmit/receiVe
`switch.
`
`In instances where the transmit/receiVe switch 124
`[0033]
`is positioned on or connected to the wireless headset 108, the
`headset 108 may be configured to wirelessly transmit a signal
`representatiVe of an engagement of the transmit/receiVe
`switch 124 to the wireless adapter 118, or, altematiVely, to the
`communications deVice 102. Upon receipt of the signal rep-
`resentation of the engagement of the transmit/receiVe switch
`124, the wireless adapter 118 may pr0Vide a corresponding
`signal to the communications deVice 102 to cause the com-
`munications deVice 102 to enter a transmit mode for the
`
`sub sequent audio information pr0Vided from the headset 108.
`
`[0034] Referring to FIG. 1B, an alternatiVe implementation
`of a transmit/receiVe switch feature is illustrated as system
`1 00B. Rather than, or in addition to, a transmit/receiVe switch
`positioned on the headset 108 or the wireless adapter 118, in
`one embodiment a wireless transmit/receiVe switch assembly
`130 may be employed to pr0Vide a PTT—type transmit mode
`indication. Accordingly, the transmit/receiVe switch assem-
`bly 130 may be located in any of a number of useful locations
`within range of the communications deVice 102 without
`requiring one or more wires that may become entangled or
`otherwise hinder the user 110. In the illustrated example, the
`transmit/receiVe switch assembly 130 includes a transmit/
`receiVe switch 132 that may be engaged by the user 110 to
`indicate that audio information is to be transmitted, a power
`supply such as a battery (not shown) and processing hardware
`and software adapted to wirelessly transmit a PTT—type trans-
`mit mode indication to the wireless adapter 118 or the com-
`munications deVice 102 Via, for example, an antenna or trans-
`ducer 134 when the user 110 engages the transmit/receiVe
`switch 132. The transmit/receiVer switch assembly 130 may
`also include a speaker and receiVe audio information from the
`wireless adapter 118 for output through the speaker. The
`transmit/receiVer switch assembly 130 may also include a
`microphone and transmit audio information to the wireless
`adapter 118 from the microphone.
`
`[0032] As noted ab0Ve, the communications deVice 102
`may be configured to operate in a half-duplex communica-
`tions mode and may rely on some type of transmission indi-
`
`[0035] MoreOVer, in at least one embodiment, the headset
`108 may be configured to receiVe the transmit mode signal
`from the transmit/receiVe switch assembly 130 to determine
`
`Page 19 of 30
`
`KOSS-2014
`
`|PR2021-OO592
`
`Page 19 of 30
`
`KOSS-2014
`IPR2021-00592
`
`

`

`US 2009/0029743 A9
`
`Jan. 29, 2009
`
`whether the transmit/receive switch 134 has been engaged. If
`not engaged, the headset 108 may forgo the transmission of
`any audio information input by the microphone assembly 1 14
`to minimize power consumption and/or to minimize or elimi-
`nate unintended transmissions such as, for example, when the
`user 110 is talking but does not intend to transmit Via the
`communications device 102.
`
`In addition to implementing a transmit/receive
`[0036]
`switch to enable a PTT—type functionality, the headset 108
`may further be VOX enabled and therefore may implement a
`VOX-PTT switch to enable the user 110 to switch between
`
`VOX-type transmission handling and PTT—type transmission
`handling.
`
`[0037] Referring to FIG. 1C, another exemplary embodi-
`ment ofthe headset 108 is illustrated. In the exemplary system
`100C, a wireless microphone assembly 144 may be used to
`input and communicate audio information from the user 110
`to the communications device 102. The wireless microphone
`assembly 144 preferably is adapted to detect and convert
`audio signals into a corresponding electrical signal and wire-
`lessly transmit an analog or digital form of the electric signal
`to the adapter 118 or the communications device 102. The
`wireless microphone assembly 144 may include any of a
`variety of attachment mechanisms, such as straps, hook-and-
`loop fasteners, adhesives, magnets, etc., so that the wireless
`microphone assembly 144 may be fastened or otherwise posi-
`tioned on or in proximity to the user 110. For example, as
`illustrate, the wireless microphone assembly 144 may imple-
`ment a throat microphone placed in contact with the throat of
`the user 110 using one or more straps.
`
`[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2E, various exemplary
`configurations of the wireless headset 108 are illustrated in
`accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
`invention. FIG. 2A illustrates a wireless earbud-type or
`earclip-type headset 200A wherein a transmit/receive switch
`202 is positioned on a body 204 ofthe headset 200A. In this
`instance, the transmit/receive switch 202 preferably is posi-
`tioned to be substantially coaxial with the ear canal (not
`shown) of the user 110 to prevent excess torque from moving
`the headset 200A or causing the headset 200A to twist out of
`the user’s ear. However, in some instances, the placement of
`the headset 200A may be relatively secure and/or the trans-
`mit/receive switch 202 may be relatively sensitive to touch
`(e.g., a capacitive button) such that the transmit/receive
`switch 202 may be positioned elsewhere on the body 204,
`such as, for example, on the top, side, or bottom of the body
`204.
`
`[0039] FIG. 2B illustrates a wireless earbud-type or earclip-
`type headset 200B wherein a transmit/receive switch 206 is
`positioned on a microphone assembly 208, where the micro-
`phone assembly 208 may be connected to the body 204 via a
`boom 210. In such instances, a transmit/receive switch 206
`relatively sensitive to touch preferably is employed so that a
`minimum amount of force may be employed by the user 110
`to engage the transmit/receive switch 206.
`
`[0040] Rather than positioning the transmit/receive switch
`directly on the headset, FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary
`embodiment wherein a transmit/receive switch 212 is imple-
`mented as part of a transmit/receive switch assembly 214
`connected to the main portion of an earbud-type or earclip-
`type headset 200C via at least one wire lead 216 which may be
`used to signal the headset 200C when the transmit/receive
`
`Page 20 of 30
`
`switch 212 is engaged. The transmit/receive switch assembly
`214 may be clipped to some object on the user 110, such as,
`for example, a collar ofthe user’s shirt or a helmet or hat worn
`by the user.
`
`[0041] Although FIGS. 2A-2C depict exemplary configu-
`rations of a transmit/receive switch on a wireless headset 108,
`the present invention is not limited to these configurations. To
`illustrate, in one embodiment, the transmit/receive switch
`may be positioned on an interior side of the headset 108 and
`placed in contact with, or next to, the face or ear of the user
`110 such that when the user 110 places pressure on the distal
`side ofthe headset 108, the headset 108 is pressed closer to the
`face or ear of the user 110, thereby engaging the transmit/
`receive switch. As another example, the speaker of the head-
`set 108 may be implemented as a ear piece that is inserted in
`or near the ear canal of the user 110 (as illustrated with
`reference to FIGS. 8A-8D) and the transmit/receive switch
`may be integrated into the connection between the ear piece
`and the body of the headset 108 such that when the user 110
`places pressure on the body ofthe headset 108 in the direction
`of the user’s head, the connection is compressed, thereby
`engaging the transmit/receive switch. Using the guidelines
`provided herein, those skilled in the art may implement vari-
`ous transmit/receive switch positions and configurations
`without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present
`invention.
`
`[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 2D-2G, the wireless headset
`108 alternatively may be implemented as a headband-type
`headset having a microphone assembly 218 one or two ear-
`pads 220 connected via one or more headbands 222A or 222B
`that may be positioned over and/or behind the head ofthe user
`110. FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary headband-type headset
`200D wherein a transmit/receive switch 224 may be posi-
`tioned on the earpad 220. However, because the earpad 220 is
`larger and more secure than the earbud-type microphones
`described above, a more substantial transmit/receive switch
`may be used, as it is less likely that the user 110 is likely to
`dislodge the earpad 220 when engaging the transmit/receive
`switch 224. FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary headband-type
`headset 200E wherein a transmit/receive switch 226 is posi-
`tioned on a headband 222A secured over the top of the user’s
`head. Similarly, FIG. 2F illustrates an exemplary headband-
`type headset 200F wherein a transmit/receive switch 228 is
`positioned on a headband 222B secured behind the user’s
`head. FIG. 2G illustrates an exemplary headband-type head-
`set 200G wherein a transmit/receive switch 230 is imple-
`mented as part of a transmit/receive switch assembly 232 and
`operably connected to the main portion of the headset 200G
`via one or more wire leads 234.
`
`[0043] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary functional
`implementation of the wireless headset 108 is illustrated in
`accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
`invention. In the illustrated example, audio information and
`other information may be transmitted from and received by
`the headset 108 in a packetized form. Accordingly, audio
`information from the user 110 (such as vocalizations from the
`user 110) are rece