as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 10) Pub. No.: US 2008/0113689 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: May 15, 2008
`
`Bailey
`
`US 20080113689A1
`
`(54) VOICE ACTIVATED DIALING FOR
`WIRELESS HEADSETS
`
`(52) U.S. C1. cece eeeseneeseeseeescecseneens 455/569.1
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor:
`
`William P. Bailey, Lithonia, GA
`(US)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Correspondence Address:
`WITHERS & KEYS FOR BELL SOUTH
`P. O. BOX 71355
`MARIETTA, GA 30007-1355
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/558,547
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 10, 2006
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`HO4M 1/00
`
`(2006.01)
`
`Provided are methods and systems for hands free commu-
`nication with a wearable telecommunication device config-
`ured to recognize a command associated with the audio
`message and executing the command by communicating
`wirelessly with at least one communication device or a
`mobile telecommunication system. The wearable wireless
`telecommunications headset includes a casing containing a
`speaker for receiving an audio message, a microphone for
`sending an audio message,
`transceiver and a processor
`programmed for voice recognition. Methods are provided
`for direct communication with a telecommunication system
`and also communicating with a telecommunications system
`
`APPLE 1038
`
`via an intermediary local device.
`
`APPLE 1038
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 15,2008 Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 2008/0113689 Al
`
`i
`I\
`“= @ez
`—“— 7
`
`l
`
`=
`
`Radio Frequency
`Transceiver
`10
`
`"
`
`~
`
`105
`
`Processor
`102
`
`Voice Recognition
`Module
`il4
`
`Microphone
`
`FIG 1A
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 15,2008 Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 2008/0113689 Al
`
`OB 7WS
`
`103
`
`Radio Frequency
`Transceiver
`10
`
`Speaker
`106
`—
`
`Bluetooth Receiver
`
`Processor
`102
`
`Voice Recognition
`Module
`114
`
`Microphone
`105
`
`Transducer
`107
`
`142
`
`3
`
`

`

`204
`
`m=
`
`Patent Application Publication May 15,2008 Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 2008/0113689 Al
`
`\y)mp
`
`203 NG
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 15,2008 Sheet 4 of 7
`
`US 2008/0113689 Al
`
`START
`
`
`| RECEIVE PROMPT TO
`START OUTGOING
`CALI.
`
`
`
`301
`
`
`
`ENERGIZE RF
`
`TRANSCIEVER
`
`
`
`PROCESSOR _
`RECOGNIZES AUDIO
`COMMAND
`
`
`
`USER UTTERS AUDIO
`SIGNAL
`
`
`
`
`305
`
`309
`
`
`
`DATA
`
`LOOKUP
`
`REQUIRED?
`
`
`
`HEADSET PROCESSOR
`
`311 I DIALS PHONE NUMBER
`AND MAKES CALL
`
`DETERMINE
`PHONE NUMBER
`ASSOCIATED
`WITH COMMAND
`
`FIG.3A
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 15,2008 Sheet 5 of 7
`
`US 2008/0113689 Al
`
`START
`
`
`
`300b
`
`{
`
`RECEIVE PROMPT TO
`START OUTGOING
`CALL
`
`
`
`DETERMINE DEVICE
`TO MAKE CALL
`
`N
`
`SELECT LOCAL
`
`
`
`
`
`
`304
`
`
`
`303 Ty ROM.” ——»|DEVICE FOR
`
`
`
`TRANSMISSION
`
`
`
`305
`
`307
`
`
`
`
`
`306
`
`USER UTTERS AUDIO
`SIGNAL
`
`
` ENERGIZE
`
`
`ENERGIZED RF
`
`LOCAL
`TRANSCIEVER
`TRANSCEIVER
`
`
`
`
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`RECOGNIZES AUDIO }¢-——~ 398
`COMMAND
`
`
`DETERMINE
`PHONE NUMBER
`
`ASSOCIATED
`WITH COMMAND
`
`DATA
`
`
`LOOKUP
`
`
`REQUIRED?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`INSTRUCT CALLING
`DEVICE TO DIAL PHONE
`NUMBER AND MAKE
`
`CALL
`
`
`FIG, 3B
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 15,2008 Sheet 6 of 7
`
`US 2008/0113689 Al
`
`ioa = p|
`
`FIG. 4A
`
`
`
`RECEIVE
`NOTIFICATION OF \#— 401
`
`{INCOMING CALL
`
`
`
`CALLER
`
`INFO
`
`PRESENT?
`
`
`DETERMINE
`
`
`CALLER
`#¢- 403
`
`INFORMATION
`
`NOTIFY USER OF
`INCOMING CALL
`WITH AUDIO
`
`402
`
`404
`
`
`¥ USER
`
`
`
`406
`
`IGNORE CALL
`~ —
`
`CHOOSES TO
`ACCEPT
`CALL?
`
`
`
`SEND TO
`ALTERNATIVE
`DESTINATION
`
`
`
`
`USER
`ANSWERS
`
`
`
`ACCEPT AT
`
`HEADSET
`— 450
`
`7
`
`

`

`
`
`CALLER
`
`Y
`
`402
`
`Patent Application Publication May 15,2008 Sheet 7 of 7
`
`US 2008/0113689 Al
`
`400b
`
`FIG. 4B
`
`RECEIVE
`NOTIFICATION OF|«77 401
`INCOMING CALL
`
`
`—s
`INFO |PRESENT?
`
`DETERMINE
`CALLER
`Ht 403
`
`INFORMATION
`
` 404
`NOTIFY USER OF
`INCOMING CALL
`WITH AUDIO
`
`IGNORE CALL
`
`
`USER
`
`CHOOSES TO
`ACCEPT
`CALL?
`
`
`
`405
`
`
`
`
`407
`
`USER
`
`
`
`SEND TO
`ANSWERS
`
`
`CALL?
`ALTERNATIVE
`
`
`
`
`DESTINATION
`
`
`
`
`ACCEPT AT
`HEADSET?
`
`ACCEPT AT
`HEADSET
`
`+ 450
`
`409 >
`
`SEND TO REMOTE
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`<— 451
`
`8
`
`

`

`US 2008/0113689 Al
`
`May 15, 2008
`
`VOICE ACTIVATED DIALING FOR
`WIRELESS HEADSETS
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0001] Wireless headsets are popular devices for cell
`phone users. The portability and convenience of wireless
`headsets have convinced professional and amateur users
`alike to switch from wired headsets, conventional cell phone
`speakers and microphones. Wireless headsets generally may
`include one or more components for transmitting sound
`(e.g., a speaker) one or more components for receiving
`sound (e.g. a microphone), and one or more signaling
`components (e.g. a radio), the combination of these com-
`ponents enable a user to wirelessly listen to an audio
`message and/or participate in a conversation.
`[0002] Conventionally, wireless headsets are used in con-
`junction with detached cell phones. A user may, for example,
`have a cell phone in his pocket,
`the cell phone being
`simultaneously in communication with both a cell tower and
`a wireless headset affixed to the user’s ear or head. Even
`though cellular telephones have been reducedin size and are
`sleeker in design, they still constitute a weight that must be
`carried in a pocket, purse or on a belt.
`[0003]
`Ifa user, however, wishes to enjoy the benefits of
`a cellular telephone without the inconvenience of carrying
`an extra weight in his pocket or on his belt, the existing
`solutions fall short. Furthermore, if a user wants to receive
`audio announcement information about an incoming call
`through his headset, again existing solutions fall short.
`Finally, if a user wants the ability to connect to a remote
`person or location using audio commands, headset solutions
`do not handle such commandsin as simple and centralized
`a methodas possible.
`
`communication with the recipient over a mobile communi-
`cation system based in part on the audio command.
`[0008] Other apparatuses, methods, and/or computer pro-
`gram products according to embodiments will be or will
`becomeapparent to one with skill in the art upon review of
`the following drawings and Detailed Description.
`It
`is
`intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or
`computer program products be included within this descrip-
`tion, be within the scope of the present invention, and be
`protected by the accompanying claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating functional
`[0009]
`components that may be found in a wireless telecommuni-
`cations headset;
`[0010]
`FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an optional
`embodiment
`including additional
`functional components
`that may be foundin a wireless telecommunications headset;
`[0011]
`FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary wireless telecommu-
`nications headset in communication with multiple remote
`devices and a telecommunications system;
`[0012]
`FIG. 3A is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary
`methodfor initiating an outgoing phonecall from a wireless
`telecommunications headset;
`[0013]
`FIG. 3B is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary
`methodfor initiating an outgoing phonecall from a wireless
`telecommunications headset utilizing remote devices;
`[0014]
`FIG. 4A is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary
`method for receiving an incoming phonecall using a wire-
`less telecommunications headset; and
`[0015]
`FIG. 4B is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary
`method for receiving an incoming phonecall using a wire-
`less telecommunications headset utilizing remote devices.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`this Summary is
`It should be appreciated that
`[0004]
`provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified
`form that are further described below in the Detailed
`
`Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key
`features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
`noris it intended to be usedto limit the scope of the claimed
`subject matter.
`[0005] Exemplary embodiments include a wireless tele-
`communications headset casing being detachably secured to
`a user’s head and containing a speaker for providing audio
`to a user, a microphonefor receiving an audio message from
`a user, a transceiver for communicating with a mobile
`telecommunication system and a processor for recognizing
`a command associated with the audio message and execut-
`ing the command.
`[0006] Exemplary embodiments provide a method to
`establish a communication by a headset. The method
`includes receiving an audio signal from a userat the headset
`via a microphone attached to the headset. An audio com-
`mand is then derived from the audio signal, allowing the
`headset to establish a communication with the recipient over
`a mobile communication system based in part on the audio
`command.
`
`In accordance with other exemplary embodiments,
`[0007]
`a computer readable medium is provided with instructions to
`receive an audio signal from a user via a microphone
`attached to the headset. An audio commandis then derived
`
`from the audio signal, allowing the headset to establish a
`
`[0016] The following detailed description is directed to an
`apparatus and methodfor receiving and initiating telephone
`calls. In the following detailed description, references are
`made to the accompanying drawingsthat form a part hereof
`and which are shown, by wayofillustration, using specific
`embodiments or examples. Referring now to the drawings,
`in which like numerals represent like elements through the
`several figures, aspects of the apparatus and methodspro-
`vided herein will be described.
`
`FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating functional
`[0017]
`components that may be found in a wireless telecommuni-
`cations headset 101. Headset 101 may be wearable by a user.
`For example, headset 101 may be formed soasto affix to the
`head of a user by wrapping aroundanearor inserting at least
`partially within the ear canal, or the headset may include a
`speaker for one or both ears and extend over or around the
`head as with conventional headphones. Headset 101 may
`also be separated into multiple physical components
`attached to each other using wired and/or wireless schemes
`(e.g. separate microphoneor battery attached by a wire).
`Although represented here by distinct blocks for clarity,
`functional components of headset 101 may be combinedinto
`a single component(e.g. processor with on-board memory)
`and/or split
`into multiple components (e.g. multiple co-
`processors).
`[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the headset 101 may
`include a processor 102. Processor 102 may include a central
`processing unit, an embedded processor, a specialized pro-
`
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`

`US 2008/0113689 Al
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`May 15, 2008
`
`cessor(e.g. digital signal processor), or any other electronic
`element responsible for interpretation and execution of
`instructions, performance of calculations and/or execution
`of voice recognition protocols. Processor 102 may commu-
`nicate with, control and/or work in concert with other
`functional components,
`including a microphone 105, a
`speaker 106, an antenna 109, a battery 111 and a voice
`recognition module 114. Communication between compo-
`nents may be facilitated by a bus 108. Bus 108 may be
`inclusive of multiple buses and/or communication paths.
`Communication may be in the form of multiple parallel
`paths, a single serial path, or any other communication
`scheme.
`
`Processor 102 may include a voice recognition
`[0019]
`module (““VRM”) 114. VRM 114 maybe any available voice
`recognition hardware, software or firmware allowing audio
`commands uttered by the user 201 to be transformed into
`electronic commands understandable by processor 102 or
`the other components of headset 101. As an alternative,
`VRM 114 mayreside on a remote device 202 or 205 capable
`of communicating with headset 101.
`[0020] RF transceiver 110 is capable of communicating
`wirelessly with a transponder of a telecommunications sys-
`tem 203 using antenna 109 or a second antenna, if desired.
`RFtransceiver 110 may include multiple radios, each being
`specialized for different frequencies and/or reception and
`transmission. The telecommunications system 203 may be
`any telecommunications system including a mobile telecom-
`munications system where the user may travel from base
`station-to-base station or hot spot-to-hot spot. A telecom-
`munications system may be an analog or digital cellular
`telecommunications system. Moreover, the telecommunica-
`tions system 203 may be a Personal Communication Service
`(PCS) in either of its analog and digital versions. The
`telecommunication system 203 may utilize Time Division
`Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access
`(CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)or
`Global System for Mobile (GSM) technologies. The tele-
`communication system 203 may bea satellite communica-
`tion system.
`[0021] Microphone 105 and speaker 106 may each include
`any form of transducer capable of converting audio waves
`into electrical signals (as with the microphone) and/or
`converting electrical signals into audio waves (as with the
`speaker). Ultimately,
`these components enable a user of
`headset 101 to participate in a telephonic conversation and
`may also enable the user to provide audio commands and
`receive audio. Microphone 105 and speaker 106 may be
`designed to also provide “speaker phone” capability for
`conference call use.
`
`[0022] According to exemplary embodiments, each elec-
`tronic component comprising headset 101 is powered by
`battery 111. Battery 111 can be any type of battery com-
`mensurate with the manufacturer’s ultimate design choices.
`As non-limiting examples, such a battery can be a recharge-
`able or disposable battery and can range from a ubiquitous
`AAA battery to a miniature lithium ion battery. If the headset
`101 is disposable, the battery does not have to be replace-
`able. The composition of the battery is not essential to the
`subject matter being described herein as long as the power
`providedis sufficient to the manufacturer’s ultimate design.
`Battery 111 can be integrated into the headset 101 or reside
`externally and provide power via an external cable.
`
`FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an optional
`[0023]
`embodiment
`including additional
`functional components
`that may be found in a wireless telecommunications headset
`101. Headset 101, wearable by a user, may also include a
`local
`transceiver 103, a memory 104, a transducer 107,
`shielding 112 and a synchronizing connection 113.
`[0024] Local transceiver 103 is capable of communicating
`wirelessly with other local devices using electromagnetic
`frequencies broadcasted and received using antenna 109.
`Transceiver 103 may include multiple radios. Local trans-
`ceiver 103 may include transmitters and/or receivers capable
`of utilizing radio standards for communicating with remote
`devices. As an example, local transceiver 103 may be of
`limited range and be enabledto utilize a Bluetooth® radio
`standard. Radio standards mayalso include Ultra-Wideband
`(UWB), Wireless USB (WUSB), Wi-Fi
`(IEEE 802.11),
`WiMAX. WiBro, infrared, near-field magnetics, HiperLAN,
`and so forth. These short range radio standards will be
`referred to as the local network or local system. The local
`transceiver may also be an optical transceiver operating in
`commonly used spectra such as the infrared or ultraviolet
`spectra. Antenna 109 of the headset 101 may include mul-
`tiple antennas, each being specialized for different frequen-
`cies and/or reception and transmission.
`[0025] The headset 101 may include shielding 112 as
`protection forthe user in order to directionally attenuate any
`RF energy being emitted from transceivers 103 and/or 110.
`Shielding 112 may be constituted from any materials known
`to one of ordinary skill in the art as being suitable for such
`purposes now or in the future.
`[0026] Memory 104 may be utilized for the storage of
`electronic data and electronic instructions for use by pro-
`cessor 102. Memory 104 may include one or more types of
`computing memory, including volatile (powered) and non-
`volatile forms of memory. Volatile memory are most com-
`monly comprised of integrated circuits and may include
`various formsofstatic random access memory (SRAM)and
`dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Non-volatile
`memory may include integrated circuit forms of memory
`such as flash memory, as well as other categories of memory
`including magnetic and/or optical forms of data storage. As
`above, memory 104 may be comprisedof a single integrated
`circuit, or multiple components. Memory 104 may record
`multiple types of data also including ring tones, caller ID
`information, operational instructions andall types of data-
`bases. In the alternative, the memory 104 may beresident on
`a remote computing device 205 such as a nearby personal
`computer, which is accessible by the local transceiver 103.
`Memory 107 may also contain VRM 114 or instructions
`associated with VRM 114.
`
`[0027] Transducer 107 may provide an additional input
`method for providing or prompting commands by the user.
`Transducer 107 may be a button, toggle, touchpad or other
`suitable device to convert mechanical energy into an elec-
`trical signal. Transducer 107 may include a touch sensor, a
`motion sensor, a sound sensor, or any other component
`capable of providing or prompting commands bythe user.
`For purposes of headset 101, the functionality of transducer
`107 maybe integrated with microphone 105 so as to enable
`vocal commandsor prompts by the user. Transducer 107 can
`be comprised of a single multifunction transducer, multiple
`single purpose transducers that operate in conjunction or
`independently with each other and/or multiple multifunction
`transducers that operate in conjunction or independently
`
`10
`
`10
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`

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`US 2008/0113689 Al
`
`May 15, 2008
`
`with each other. If desired, multifunction transducer 107 can
`also be a single function transducer. Transducer 107 may be
`used to initiate any number of functions associated with
`headset 101. Transducer 107 may be usedto initiate a call,
`receive a call, send a call to voice mail, terminate a call,
`initiate/terminate speaker phone capability for microphone
`105 and speaker 106 or select a phone numberto call. The
`preceding list of functions controlled by transducer 107 is
`exemplary and may be expanded to include any and all
`functions of headset 101.
`
`[0028] Headset 101 may include synchronizing connec-
`tion 113 (“syne connector”). Syne connector 113 may be
`used to receive and deliver updates and downloads via a
`computing device such as remote device 205, for example.
`Sync connector 113 may communicate by a radio protocol
`(i.e. Bluetooth®), optics (1.e. infrared) by a cable connection
`or any other available communication medium. Updates and
`downloads may be also accomplished from telecommuni-
`cations system 203.
`[0029]
`FIG. 2 depicts an example of wireless telecommu-
`nications headset 101 in use with telecommunication system
`203. User 201 may wear headset 101 over one ear. User 201
`may speak such that microphone 105 can pick up the user’s
`voice. A user 201 may hear synthesized audio feedback from
`headset 101, via VRM 114, as well as the voices of others
`via speaker 106. User 201 may also prompt, or otherwise
`command headset 101, using transducer 107 or by speaking
`audio commands into microphone 105 which are then con-
`verted to digital signals by VRM 114 and processor 102. Via
`VRM 114, audio commandsmay be usedto control any and
`all functions of headset 101. For example, such audio
`commands may direct processor 102 to connect RF trans-
`ceiver 110 with telecommunication system 203 and dial a
`particular number. Such communication can use any radio
`standard used by the telecom provider.
`[0030] Headset 101 may optionally be in wireless com-
`munication with one or more local remote devices 202 and
`
`205, simultaneously via a local network. Remote devices
`may include conventional telephonic devices in addition to
`other less conventional devices, including personal comput-
`ers and video enabled phones. Wireless communication may
`be in the form of a Bluetooth® radio standard, or other
`wireless standards as discussed above. For example, when
`user 201 is at home, headset 101 may be connected to a
`home phone, such as the communication device 202 via a
`Bluetooth® wireless connection. User 201 may havealready
`authorized headset 101 to communicate with the communi-
`cation device 202 using an authentication process such as
`pairing. The communications device 202 may have wireless
`networking built in to communicate with headset 101 or the
`home phone may be connected through a wireless converter
`which converts wireless signals back and forth into conven-
`tional wired telephone signals. The communications devices
`202 and 205 may include POTSphones, Voice over Internet
`Protocol
`(VoIP), WiFi phones, computers and Personal
`Digital Assistants (PDAs).
`[0031]
`In an exemplary embodiment, headset 101 acts as
`a conduit for audio signals, acting as a receiver and trans-
`mitter of a conversation between user 201 and remote user
`204. When user 201 speaks, audio waves are converted to
`analog electronic signals by microphone 105. The analog
`signals may or may not be processed by processor 102 to
`convert them into digital signals, for example, by digital
`sampling of the analog signal. Either way, according to
`
`exemplary embodiments, signals are transmitted wirelessly
`by RFtransceiver 110 directly to the telecommunications
`system 203 for communication with remote user 204. Tele-
`communications system 203 may include, a packet switched
`data network such as the Internet, or any combination of
`networksusedto distribute information such as voice and/or
`
`data signals. Likewise signals may return along the same or
`a different path through the same wireless connection for
`conversion to audio waves for user 201 to hear.
`
`In other exemplary embodiments, headset 101 may
`[0032]
`interpret audio commandsdelivered verbally by user 201.
`The user 201 may prompt headset 101 to make a call by
`either speaking a particular word or phrase, by manipulating
`transducer 107 or both. Headset 101 may then use speech
`recognition techniques, via VRM 114, to interpret a verbal
`commandprovided by user 201. The command may include
`a telephone numberto be dialed or a name from an address
`book to be dialed from memory device 104. Once the
`commandis interpreted by processor 102, headset 101 may
`act on the commandby, for example, transmitting signals to
`telecommunications system 203 via RF transceiver 110.
`[0033] Once wireless headset 101 determines a phone
`number associated with the audio command,
`the phone
`number may be converted to an audio message to be
`delivered as feedback to user 201 prior to dialing, or it may
`be automatically dialed without providing feedback. An
`address book created by user 201 and stored in memory 104
`may include a listing of names, other identification infor-
`mation and one or more telephone numbers associated with
`each of the names and/or other identification information.
`
`If, in addition to headset 101, user 201 also owns
`[0034]
`communication device 202, then the user may wishto utilize
`wireless headset 101 in conjunction with the communication
`device 202. Communication device 202 may be in commu-
`nication with remote user 204 over telecommunication net-
`work 203. User 201 may pair headset 101 with communi-
`cation device 202. In this fashion, headset 101 may be used
`either with the communication device 202 or with the
`telecommunication network 203. When making an outgoing
`call using headset 101, user 201 may have to indicate a
`choice to connect with either communication device 202 or
`
`with network 203 if both are in range of the headset. This
`indication may occur at the time of the call. Choice of
`connection may be signaled by depression of button 107 or
`by an audio command via VRM 114. Alternatively, an
`indication of priority may have been previously provided
`thus making one remote device preferred over another when
`both are in range. A list of remote devices in a preferred
`access order may be stored in memory 104 of headset 101.
`Anotheralternative may involve headset 101 weighing the
`relative strength of the wireless signal between both devices
`and using the device with the strongest signal to make the
`outgoing call.
`[0035] When receiving an incoming call on either com-
`munication device 202 or telecommunication network 203,
`headset 101 may announce the incoming communication,
`either through a generated voice, a particular sound, or the
`use of other feedback mechanisms such as text on an LCD
`
`display or LED lights. Such an announcement mayinclude
`incoming caller
`information. For example,
`an audio
`announcementof an incoming call may be generated stating,
`“Headset is receiving a call from (202) 555-1212”. If user
`201 is engaged with a call via a communication device(e.g.,
`home phone 202), and an incoming call
`is received on
`
`11
`
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`

`US 2008/0113689 Al
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`May 15, 2008
`
`headset 101 (e.g. from cellular network 203), then one of a
`numberof actions may be taken. For example, headset 101
`maynotify the user about the call on the headset 101 using
`a VRM 114 generated voice such as, “receiving a call from
`(404) 555-4132”. Headset 101 may alternatively provide a
`simple audio prompt(such as a “beep”’), to announce a new
`incoming call similar to a call waiting tone. Headset 101
`may also ignore the incomingcall, if so configured.If, user
`201 is alerted to an incoming call, headset 101 may enable
`the user to place the current call on hold while handling the
`incomingcall from the other device by enunciating a verbal
`command or manipulating transducer 107.
`[0036]
`Incoming call announcements may be utilized
`regardless of whether a current call
`is ongoing. Such
`announcements may be determined by announcing a name
`or other identification information associated with a call
`rather than the phone number. For example, the announce-
`ment of an incoming call may be,“headsetis receiving a call
`from Joe Smith” or “headset is receiving a call from Dad”.
`The identification information may be pulled from standard
`Caller ID information associated with the incoming call by
`processor 102. Identification information mayalso be deter-
`mined by performing a reverse lookup of the incoming
`telephone numberin an address book that could be stored in
`memory 104. For example, if user 201 has an address book
`stored in memory 104 of headset 101,
`the headset may
`analyze the incoming caller information and perform a
`lookup based on the incoming telephone number. Once an
`associated nameorother identification information is deter-
`
`mined,the identification information can be madepart of the
`vocal announcement played out of speaker 106 on headset
`101. A user may then decide whether or not to answer the
`incoming call using an audio command spoken into micro-
`phone 105, or by depressing button 107, or by other known
`input methods.
`[0037] Headset 101 may also be linkable with additional
`remote devices such as remote device 205. Remote device
`205 may have a wireless radio standard built
`in (eg.,
`Bluetooth® functionality included with the device). Headset
`101 may utilize incoming call announcements for incoming
`calls associated with remote device 205. Headset 101 may
`also utilize one of the priority schemes identified above
`when making outgoing calls in the presence of, for example,
`office phone 202 and device 205. In a situation where both
`remote devices receive incoming calls at the same time,
`headset 101 may permit user 201 to choose which call to
`answer using transducer 107 or an audio command. Alter-
`natively, the headset may utilize a priority schemesimilar to
`the schemesdescribed above, including having previously
`identified one device (e.g., communication device 202) as
`having priority over another (e.g. device 205) for incoming
`calls. Alternatively, headset 101 may simply compare the
`relative wireless signal strengths of the connections to both
`devices and choose the strongest signal when deciding
`which incoming call to connect. Remote device 205 may
`also act as a local server to store information and execute
`commands for headset 101.
`
`FIG. 3A is a flow chart illustrating an example
`[0038]
`routine 300a for initiating an outgoing communication (e.g.
`a phone call) from wireless telecommunications headset
`101. The functional blocks displayed in this and other
`flowcharts are intended to suggest an order for completing a
`method. The blocks and their order, however, are not
`intended to provide the exact method for performing the
`
`method. Instead, functional blocks may be combined, split
`reordered, added and removed.
`[0039]
`In the example shown in FIG. 3A, a prompt is
`received by wireless telecommunications headset 101 from
`user 201 to initiate an outgoing call at operation 301. The
`prompt may bein the form ofa transducer 107 manipulation,
`an audio command (via VRM 114), or similar input. Upon
`receipt of the prompt, the RF transceiver 110 is energized by
`the battery 111 at process 305 or alternatively, the power
`level to the RF receiver 110 is increased.
`
`[0040] At operation 307, user 201 utters an audio message
`which is received via microphone 105 and may bestored
`digitally in memory 104. The contents of the audio message
`may initially be unknown to headset 101 but at operation
`308 processor 102 performs speech recognition analysis
`using VRM 114 on the stored audio message, thus achieving
`a level of recognition of what user 201 uttered. A command
`may be recognized, such as “work phone” and/or “Dial 2 0
`2555121 2,” or “Dial Joe Smith Mobile.” Such speech
`recognition techniques are widely known, and may require
`that user 201 have previously trained headset 101 as to the
`peculiarities of the user’s voice.
`[0041] At decision point 309, a determination is made as
`to whether the recognized commandrequires a phone num-
`ber lookup, as with “Dial Joe Smith Mobile”. If so, a phone
`numberassociated with the name in the commandis deter-
`
`minedat process 310. This determination may be achieved
`by processor 102 looking up the namein an address book
`stored in memory 104 within headset 101. This lookup may
`look for an exact match, or it may use phonetic approxima-
`tion to find the name which soundsclosest to the recognized
`command.
`
`[0042] At operation 311, the resulting phone number is
`dialed by processor 102 in orderthat the call be initiated via
`telecommunications system 203, at which point user 201 can
`converse wirelessly with remote user 204. Routine 300a
`ends after user 201 begins his conversation via RF trans-
`ceiver 110.
`
`FIG. 3B is a flow chart illustrating an example
`[0043]
`routine 3008 forinitiating an outgoing communication from
`wireless telecommunications headset 101 with optional
`remote devices 202 and/or 205 included. In the example
`shown in FIG.3B, at operation 301, a prompt is received by
`wireless telecommunications headset 101 from user 201 to
`
`initiate an outgoing call. The prompt maybein the form of
`a transducer manipulation, an audio command via VRM
`114, or similar input. At operation 302, if multiple remote
`devices (e.g. 202 and 205) are within range and appropri-
`ately authorized, headset 101 determines which of the
`devices to use to initiate the call. At decision point 303, a
`determination is made as to whether the call will be made
`
`directly from the RF transceiver 110 of the headset 101 to
`telecommunication system 203 or whether a local commu-
`nication device, such as the devices 202 and 205, will be
`used and selected in step 304 in which case the local
`transceiver 103 will be activated in step 306. This determi-
`nation may be made by user 201 manipulating transducer
`107, by user 201 uttering an audio command to processor
`102 via microphone 105 or by a preconfigured set of rules.
`[0044] An example of a rule may be to access a home
`phonefirst via local transceiver 103, a work phone second
`via local transceiver 103, and then to the headset third via RF
`transceiver 110 during daytime hours, but always use the
`headset after 7 pm. Other rules are certainly configurable.
`
`12
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`US 2008/0113689 Al
`
`May 15, 2008
`
`Headset 101 may use the remote device 202 having the
`strongest signal via local transceiver 103. Another alterna-
`tive is to have the headset 101 select a remote device based
`on the phone number being dialed. For instance, certain
`numbers may need to go out over the work phone(e.g.,
`international calls),
`in which case local
`transceiver 103
`would be used in conjunction with the work phone while
`other calls go out over the headset RF transceiver 110 (i.e.
`personal calls). Another alternative is to have user 201 select
`among the available remote devices. This selection may be
`made by audibly prompting user 201 to select a remote
`device 202 and awaiting a selection in the form of a vocal
`or other input or by manipulating transducer 107.
`[0045] At operation 307, user 201 utters an audio message
`whichis received via microphone 105 which maybestored
`digitally in memory 104, via VRM 114. The contents of the
`audio message mayinitially be unknownto headset 101 but
`at operation 308, processor 102 performs speech recognition
`analysis on the audio message, achieving a level of recog-
`nition of what us