cas) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2004/0204168 Al
`
` Laurila (43) Pub. Date: Oct. 14, 2004
`
`
`US 20040204168A1
`
`(54) HEADSET WITH INTEGRATED RADIO AND
`PICONET CIRCUITRY
`
`(52) U.S. Cle.
`
`sesnsssssssnsnnsnnsnee 455/569.1; 455/422.1
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Juha P. Laurila, Halikko (FI)
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Correspondence Address:
`HARRINGTON & SMITH, LLP
`4 RESEARCH DRIVE
`SHELTON, CT 06484-6212 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Nokia Corporation
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 17, 2003
`
`A portable headset 30 has a speaker 42, a radio receiver 32,
`and PAN circuitry 50 for receiving wireless electrical signals
`over a piconet such as Bluetooth. The radio receiver 32 or
`the PAN circuitry 50 may drive the speaker 42, and override
`circuitry 68 cnables the PAN circuitry 50 to mute the radio
`receiver 32. The headset 30 may have a microphone 52. A
`mobile phone call incoming to a mobile phone 46 automati-
`cally causes a speech connection over the PAN to be
`established between the mobile phone 46and the headset 30.
`(21) Appl. No.:—10/390,441
`The radio receiver 32 is muted and the user 44 carries on a
`phone conversation through the headset 30 without manu-
`ally turning off the radio. Muting may be ceased upon
`termination of the phone call or of the PAN connection. A
`mobile phone user interface 56 maybe used to control the
`radio receiver 32.
`
`(51)
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Tmt. Ch? a ecsseeeesseeeie H04Q 7/20; HO4M 1/00
`
`38
`
`APPLE 1105
`APPLE1105
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 1 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 2 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`~)
`
`30
`
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 3 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`
`Heals et .
`PAD Cireurty
`Radio...
`Receive v
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Figure 3
`
`
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 4 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`or’
`
` atexh
`
`Pomerateen teenna ean
`
`
`
`oe
`
`ac
`
`y a. yo.
`‘
`
`+ladatatSUL
`heaks<rAL
`
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 5 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`40
`
`vo
`
`CL
`
`I a3 ove
`
`AL
`
`FIGURE a
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 6 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`30
`
`
`
`
`
`Battery
`Headset
`Headset
`
`Conttra\ler
`
`User Trtesfxe
`
`
`FAGUreG
`
`7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 7 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`Cy
`
`9
`\w
`
`<
`or
`pe
`
`
`
`!
`yA
`3
`hr:yy
`6
`oot
`+
`4
`£
`“|e
`tC
`—
`tm
`+
`AS
`HK
`A
`id
`yy
`74?
`
`3
`af
`
`s
`
`G
`
`8
`
`
`
`2
`
`2£
`
`§
`
`ry
`
`&
`
`__ Vv
`x
`
`2
`
`Yo
`
`3
`
`32
`
`8B
`
`8
`
`

`

` eresepaceon&all
`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 8 of 13 GRASMRI
`=JaHOD tq
`
`F32h‘(F722asayPalOn
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`GsSQV!PraeeWoo2)\
`
`
`Cyrere2?[eryetteal)
`
`i
`
`aaeeeeHD
`
`20
`
`~As
`
`9
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 9 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`58
`
`a 4
`
`eadset-
`Ur
`
`5°
`
`Headset
`PA Girevuth
`
`
`onnect BT (LMP, L2Cap
`
`
`BT Connected
`
`Sle
`
`9a
`
`AG PAD
`Cytrcuit:
`
`
`Connecting
`
`
`Connect BT Remote Ul:service
`
`
`
`FM_Parameters_Request
`
`FM_Parameters_Response
`
`AG_Parameters_Request
`Je——_—(spp)
`AG_Parameters_Response
`
`Service connected
`jg—_—_
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ch20,name,
`
`
`Turn On Fm [ channel number,
`FM On
`Connected
`
`===—
`FM On, (+ channel number,|FM On, [ channel number, name
`
`—_
`
`Channels status
`
`Status_response[ch1 name, f;
`ch2,name,f; ch3,name,f; cz...
`
`Stored FM volume level to AG
`
`FiguRe FA
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 10 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`5l
`
`AG ut
`
`~~ ChangeChannel[ channel Change channel
`
`FM Channel change from AG
`Change channel
`
`Ack
`
`Channel Change OK
`
`
`——
`
`Sauron
`
`FM Channel change from FM
`
`Change channel
`
`Change channel [ channel
`
`Change channel
`
`Ack
`pg
`
`Channelchange OK
`
`Set frequency / Manual
`Tuning
`from AG
`
`Change Channel | frequency]
`
`Change frequency
`
`
`
`Frequency set OK
`
`Set Frequency /Manual
`
`
`
`
`
`Set frequency / Manual
`
`
`Tu ning from FM
`
` Change channel[ frequency] Set frequency /
`
`Change frequency
`
`
`
`
`
`Frequency set OK
`
`FidukRe
`
`9B
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 11 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`Ba
`
`EO
`
`a chy4|e
`
`FM Channel save in AG|
`
`
`
`
`Save Channel
`
`FM Channel save in FM
`
`Channel saved -
`
`FM Channel delete from AG
`memory
`Delete Channel
`
`F
`
`from
`
`FM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`annel delete
`3 3
`memory
`
`
`Delete Channel[ch
`
`[ channel number
`Delete channel
`Channeldeleted
`
`Aq PAD
`Cire unt:
`ATE MITE vy
`
`Save Channel[ channel number:.
`
`
`
`' Ack—_—
`
`Channel Save OK
`
`Save Channel[.channel number
`
`Ack
`
`Channel save OK
`
`Headset
`uL
`
`|:
`
`Channel saved
`
`Save channel
`
`
`
`
`
`Delete Channet [ channel number
`Ack
`
`Channel deleted
`
`Channel Delete OK
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Channel delete OK
`
`FIGURE
`
`4c
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 12 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`5L
`
`Ba
`
`52
`
`Headset:
`
`Rename Channel
`
`
` Rename Channel[ channel
`
`
`
`
`Channel renamed
`
`Ut
`FMChannelrenameinAG| |
`Channel renamed OK t
` FM Channel rename in F
`Rename channel
`
`
`
`
`Set Mono or Stereo Output
`from AG
`
`
`Set Mono/Stereo Output
`Set Mono/Stereo
`Mono/Stereo Output
`
`
` Mono/Stereo Output OK
`
`Stereo Output
`o or
`Set
`from.HS
`
` Set Mono/Stereo
`Mono/Stereo Output
`Set Mono/Stereo
`
`
`
`
`Mono/Stereo Output OK
`
`Channel renamed
`
`Rename Channel { channel
`
`Channel renamed OK
`
`
`
`Figuee 4d
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 14,2004 Sheet 13 of 13
`
`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`5
`
`
`
`AG Pad.
`‘Ciraaty
`AG UL.
`FM Channel Automatic tuning
`fromAG
`Automatic Tuning Up/Down: «|: »Automatic tuning Up/Downfstart | ining (Up/Down)
`
`Pg
`
`
`
`
`
`Channelfrequency
`
`FM Channel Automatic tunin
`|
`from Fm
`Tuning (Up/Down)
`
`Channelfrequency
`
`FM Volume Adjust
`
`FM Volume Adjust
`evel 0-
`
`FM Volume Adjust
`
`
`
`
`
`Automatic tuning started
`
`Channel found[frequency]
`
`Automatic tuning (Up/Down)
`Ack
`
`Automatic tuning started
`epeated even
`
`Automatic Tuning
`
`Channel found{frequency]
`
`Frequency
`
`FM Volume Adjust
`evel 0.
`Ack
`q—_—-—
`
`FM Volume Adjust
`fleve 0-15
`
`,
`
`FM Volume Adjust
`evel 0-
`
`FM Volume Adjust
`evel O-
`Ack
`
`FM Volume Adjust
`evel 0.
`
`
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2004
`
`HEADSET WITH INTEGRATED RADIO AND
`PICONET CIRCUITRY
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] These teachingsrelate generally to wireless com-
`munication devices that use a personal area network (PAN)
`such as the Bluetooth protocol. It is particularly related to a
`headset
`that
`integrates a radio headset with circuitry to
`communicate via the PAN with another device such as a
`
`mobile terminal or phone.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`In
`presently preferred embodiments of these teachings.
`accordance with one aspect of the present
`invention, a
`portable audio device such as a headsetthat is wearable by
`a user includes a first transducer for converting electrical
`signals to acoustic signals, such as a speaker, and a radio
`receiver for receiving wireless radio transmissions. The
`radio receiver drives the speaker under certain conditions.
`The audio device also includes personal area network (PAN)
`circuitry. The PAN circuitry includescircuitry for transmit-
`ting and receiving a PAN signal over a piconet, override
`circuitry for interrupting a signal from the radio receiverto
`the first transducer(i.e.: muting the radio receiver’s signal to
`the speaker), and circuitry for driving the speaker with an
`electrical signal corresponding to a PAN audiosignal.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`[0006]
`invention, a communication system includes a portable
`audio device and an audio gateway. The audio device
`includesa first transducer for converting electrical signals to
`acoustic signals, such as a speaker, and a radio receiver for
`receiving wireless radio transmissions such as AM or FM
`radio broadcasts. The radio receiver drives the speaker
`except
`in certain circumstances. The audio device also
`includes headset PAN circuitry, and the PAN circuitry
`includes circuitry for transmitting and for receiving PAN
`signals over a piconet, override circuitry for interrupting a
`signal from the radio receiver to the first transducer (i.e.:
`muting the radio receiver’s signal
`to the speaker), and
`circuitry for driving the first transducer with an electrical
`signal corresponding to a PAN audio signal. The audio
`gateway may be a mobile phone and includes a second
`transducer for converting acoustic signals to electrical sig-
`nals, such as a microphone. The audio gateway also includes
`PAN circuitry for transmitting and for receiving PAN signals
`over the piconet, and the audio gateway PAN circuitry is
`connected to the microphone.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0007] The foregoing and other aspects of these teachings
`are made more evidentin the following Detailed Description
`of the Preferred Embodiments, when read in conjunction
`with the attached Drawing Figures, wherein:
`
`[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic overview of a preferred
`embodimentof the present invention, a headset, in context
`with other communication devices and networks.
`
`FIG.2A is a first alternative embodiment wherein
`[0009]
`the housing defines a wing for securing a single speaker to
`a user’s ear.
`
`[0010] FIG. 2B is a second alternative embodiment,
`whereinthe housing is an earpiece that extends into a canal
`defined by a user’s ear.
`
`[0011] FIG. 2C is the third alternative embodiment,
`wherein the speakeris external of the housing and connected
`thereto bya flexible wire.
`
`[0012]
`2A-2C.
`
`FIG.3 is a block diagram of the headset of FIG.
`
`[0013] FIG. 4 isa process diagram showing data flow for
`FM muting between an Audio Gateway (AG) and a headset
`of the present invention.
`
`
`
`[0002] As consumer electronics become more ubiquitous,
`personal area networks (PANs) or piconets are being
`employedto facilitate the use of multiple devices that can
`automatically synchronize
`and communicate with one
`another over the piconet. Bluetooth (BT) is one radio-
`frequency protocol by which electronic devices are con-
`nected to one another over short-range radio links, and
`operates in the unlicensed ISM (industrial, scientific, medi-
`cal) band at about 2.4 to 2.5 GHz. Low power (about 1 mW)
`limits the range of a Bluetooth network to about 10 meters,
`and spread spectrum frequency hopping (changing frequen-
`cies ~1,600 timesper second) limits interference from other
`devices using the ISM bandwidth (e.g.: garage door openers,
`baby monitors, devices using a different Bluetooth piconet).
`
`[0003] Headsets employing piconets in general and Blue-
`ooth in particular are known in the art. Specifically, a BT
`headset may be combined with a mobile terminalor cellular
`phone. The headset includes headset Bluetooth circuitry that
`ransmits andreceives signals from the piconet. The mobile
`erminal, referred to herein as an audio gateway (AG)
`ransmits and receives via AG BTcircuitry that is synchro-
`nized with the headset BT circuitry to communicate via the
`PAN.Incoming transmissions, such as incoming audio from
`a cellular/PCS phone call, are received by the mobile
`erminal and transmitted over the PAN to the headset, which
`drives the speaker. The headset may include a microphone
`hat converts a user’s spoken audio to an electronic signal
`hat is sent by the headset BT circuitry over the PAN, and
`eceived by the AG BTcircuitry to be sent via a cellular,
`PCS, or similar telecommunications network.
`
`[0004] There is a desire among consumersfor a headset
`hat enables communications with a mobile terminal as
`above and that also receives FM or AM radio transmissions
`whenthe mobile terminalis not active(i.e.: no active phone
`call). Specifically, it would be very desirable for a consumer
`o have his or her listening to AM or FM radiointerrupted
`automatically when two-way communication over a net-
`work other than the PAN is initiated, such as an incoming
`cellular phone call. It would also be preferable thatlistening
`to AM or FM radio at the headset is resumed when such
`
`two-way communication is terminated. It would be a critical
`consideration that such a system not draw power from
`batteries within the BT headset to such an extent as to
`significantly shorten battery life between chargings, as com-
`pared to current BT headsets.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0005] The foregoing and other problems are overcome,
`and other advantages are realized, in accordance with the
`
`FIG.5 is a block diagram of the headset of FIG.
`[0014]
`1 that includes a microphone.
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2004
`
`FIG.6 isa simplified block diagram of a handsfree
`[0015]
`headsetof the present invention suchas that shown in FIG.
`1.
`
`FIG.7 is a process diagram showing data flow for
`[0016]
`FM muting between a handsfree headset of the present
`invention and an AG does not supportcall setup indicators.
`
`FIG.8 is a process diagram similar to FIG. 7, but
`[0017]
`wherein the AG does supportcall setup indicators.
`
`[0018] FIGS. 9A-9E are sections of a continuousvertical
`process diagram showing data flowfor variousactions taken
`at a remoteuser interface or a FM userinterface on a headset
`
`of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of a preferred
`embodimentof the present invention, a headset 30 shown in
`context with other communication devices. The headset 30
`
`includes a radio receiver 32 within a housing 34for receiv-
`ing radio transmissions 36 such as AM or FM radio broad-
`casts from a radio transmitting station 38. As knownin the
`art, the radio receiver 32 is powered bya battery 40 and
`drives an electrical to acoustic transducer such as a speaker
`42 placed near an ear of a user 44 so that the user can listen
`to, for example, AM talk or FM music. An audio gateway
`(AG) 46 such as a mobile phoneis in close proximity to a
`user so that the AG can communicate over a personal area
`network (PAN,also knownas a piconet or piconetwork) via
`a PAN link 48 with headset PAN circuitry 50 that is located
`within the housing 34 of the headset 30. The AG 46 must
`also incorporate AG PAN circuitry 82 that is synchronous
`with the headset PAN circuitry 50. Both the headset PAN
`circuitry 50 and the AG PAN circuitry 82 have the capability
`o transmit andreceive signals over the PAN.The headset 30
`may optionally be connected to an acoustic to electrical
`ansducer such as a microphone 52.
`
`
`
`[0020] Piconet and PAN as used herein is any network
`defined by a limited wireless range, typically less than, for
`example, about 20 meters. A piconet or PAN is not limited
`o radio-frequency networks but may employother means of
`ansmission (such as optical, as in a localized infrared
`network). Preferably, the PAN employs the Bluetooth (BT)
`adio frequency (RF) standard having a wireless range
`limited to about 10 meters, but the present invention is not
`limited to any particular RF standard or even RF networks
`in general. The terms PAN,piconet, and Bluetooth are used
`herein interchangeably except where context makes clear
`hat the term Bluetooth is limited to only that particular RF
`standard. The Bluetooth specification, version 1.1, is herein
`incorporated by reference.
`
`[0021] The AG 46 may communicate over a cellular/PCS
`RFlink 54 with a base station 55 of a wireless cellular/PCS
`network as known in the art. The AG 46is any device that
`ransmits and receives wireless signals over a network
`having a range substantially larger than the range of the
`PAN. AGsinclude mobile terminals, cellular/PCS phones,
`wireless intercoms, personal digital assistants with wireless
`phone capability, two-way radios, walkie talkies, and the
`like. The AG 46 includes an AG user interface (AG UD) 56,
`preferably an LCD screen 57 to display data and a series of
`buttons 59 or a touch-sensitive pad, whereby the user 44 can
`
`manually input data or commandsto the AG 46. The headset
`30 may optionally include a headset user interface (UI) (58
`of FIG. 2C), preferably a series of buttons and an LCD
`screen to display data.
`
`[0022] The user 44 maybelistening to FM radio via the
`radio receiver 32 and speaker 42 in the headset 30. Prefer-
`ably, a wireless PAN link 48is established anytime the AG
`46 and the headset 30 are both powered and within piconet
`range of one another. The AG 46 may then receive an
`incoming phone call over the cellular RF link 54, and in
`response, establish an audio connection 84 (see FIG. 4) with
`the headset PAN circuitry 50. The headset PAN circuitry 50
`mutes FM radio to the speaker 42 by blocking,attenuating,
`or turning off a signal from the radio receiver 32. The
`headset PAN circuitry 50 then drives the speaker 42 with at
`least a portion of the wireless signals received from the AG
`46 over the PAN link 48. In this manner,the user 44 can hear
`a ring, tone or beep over the speaker 42 indicating that a call
`is incoming without the distraction of simultaneously lis-
`tening to the FM transmission 36, and the user 44 does not
`need to manually access the headset UI (not shown) to adjust
`or turn off the FM radio portion of the headset. In certain
`embodiments, the user 44 may carry on a mobile phone call
`via the headset while FM listening is automatically muted.
`
`[0023] Each of the FIGS. 2A to 2C representalternative
`embodiments of a headset according to the present inven-
`tion, each without a microphone 52, wherein the radio
`receiver 32, the battery 40, and the headset PAN circuitry 50
`function as previously described. FIG. 2A isa first alterna-
`tive embodiment wherein the housing 34 defines a wing 60
`for securing the single speaker 42 to a user’s ear. The headset
`UL 58 is a series of buttons, and the user 44 would have to
`remove the speaker 42 from his ear to view any visual
`display that may form a portion of the headset UI 58. FIG.
`2B is a secondalternative embodiment, wherein the housing
`34 is a hearing-aid style earpiece that extends into a canal
`defined bya user’s ear 62. An external antenna 64 receives
`both broadcast radio transmissions 36 and transmissions
`over the PAN link 48. Due to the small size of the embodi-
`
`ment of FIG. 2B,the external antenna 64 may be used as a
`handle for inserting and removing the headset 30 from a
`user’s ear 62. There is no headset UI in the embodiment of
`FIG. 2B. FIG. 2C represents the third alternative embodi-
`ment, wherein the speaker 42 is external of the housing 34
`and connected thereto by a flexible wire 66. The housing 34
`is preferably carried in a user’s pocket or clipped to his or
`her belt. The embodiment of FIG. 2C depicts a single
`speaker 42, but two maybe used forstereo listening. The
`headset UI 58 includes a series of buttons and an LCD
`display screen, which the user can view without removing
`the speaker 42 from his orher ear 62.
`
`FIG.3 depicts in simplified block diagram form a
`[0024]
`headset 30 according to the present invention. The headset
`PAN circuitry 50 receives signals from and preferably also
`transmits signals to at least one other device (not shown),
`such as an AG, employing synchronous AG PAN circuitry
`82 over the piconet. The headset PAN circuitry 50 and the
`radio receiver 32 are each connected to the speaker 42 so
`that either may drive the speaker 42 independently of one
`another. The headset PAN circuitry 50 and the radio receiver
`32 may be segregated modules or components, or they may
`be intertwined or separated circuitry that may or may not
`share a commonsubstrate such as a printed wiring board.
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2004
`
`The headset PAN circuitry 50 includesoverridecircuitry 68
`for interrupting the radio receiver’s 32 ability to drive the
`speaker 42 under certain circumstances, such ascircuitry to
`mute a signal from the radio receiver 32 to the speaker 42.
`Preferably,
`the radio receiver 32 and the headset PAN
`circuitry 50 are electrically powered by a commonbattery
`40 disposed within the housing 34, or by acommonplurality
`of batteries. Alternatively, the receivers 32 and 50 may be
`powered byseparate batteries.
`
`FIG.4 is a process diagram showing communica-
`[0025]
`tions over the piconet between an audio gateway (AG) 46
`and a headset 30 according to an embodimentofthe present
`invention that does not include a microphone. The user may
`employ a microphone of the AG 46 for two-way mobile
`communications. The AG 46 is equipped with AG PAN
`circuitry 82 that
`is synchronized with the headset PAN
`circuitry 50.
`
`[0026] As is known in the Bluetooth protocol, a PAN link
`48 (FIG.1) is preferably established anytime the AG 46 and
`the headset 30 are both powered and within range of one
`another. The PAN link 48 becomes an audio link such as a
`synchronous connection oriented (SCO)
`link (line 84)
`between the AG PAN circuitry 82 and the headset PAN
`circuitry 50 under certain conditions, such as whena call is
`incoming to the AG 46 over a mobile RF link 54 (FIG.1).
`Whenthe SCOlink is established (line 84), the headset PAN
`circuitry 50 employs override circuitry 68 (FIG. 3) to
`interrupt signals from the radio receiver 32 to the speaker 42
`(i.e.: FM mute), Preferably, this is done by muting signals
`
`from the radio receiver 32 to the speaker42, or alternatively
`
`
`
`by turning off
`the radio receiver 32. Once the SCO link is
`established (line 84), a ring (line 86) at the AG will cause the
`AG PAN circuitry 82 to transmit over the piconet a ring or
`a tone to the headset PAN circuitry 50. In response,
`the
`headset PAN circuitry 50 continues to mute radio signals to
`the speaker 42 and also signals an incomingcall state to
`other circuitry within the headset 30, which may configure
`certain inputs at the headset UI to perform functions not
`associated with other states. In accordance with line 88,
`while an SCO linkis established and a user makesa specific
`input at the headset UI (for example, depressing a button),
`he headset PAN circuitry 50 informs the AG PAN circuitry
`82 to route the call through the headset. Signals from the
`adio receiver to the speaker 42 continue to be muted.
`
`
`
`[0027] The radio receiver’s signal to the speaker 42 may
`be restored (unmuted), for example, under either of two
`separate circumstances while the headsetis in the incoming
`call state. The first instanceis illustrated at line 90 when the
`SCO link is disconnected, such as when the AG is moved
`beyond the piconet range of the headset. In this case, the
`headset may automatically cease interrupting (muting)sig-
`nals from the radio receiver 32 to the speaker 42 (FM
`nmute). The secondinstance is represented at line 92 when
`a user makes an input at the headset UI after the headset
`enters the incoming call state. For example, a user may
`choose not to receive an incoming call after viewing a cller
`ID on the screen of the headsetor the AG. Consequently, the
`user may depress a button on the headset
`that restores
`(unmutes) FM radio sounds to the speaker, perhapsallowing
`a voicemail system to answer the incomingcall. Thelatter
`instance disconnects the audio link while leaving a more
`generalized PAN link 48 intact.
`
`In order to maximize options for a user 44 accord-
`[0028]
`ing to the present invention, a headset 30 incorporating a
`microphone 52 (i.¢., a handsfree headset) is preferred. As an
`added conveniencefora user 44, a handsfree headset 30 may
`include the ability to transmit status data over the piconet
`corresponding to the radio module 32, such as on/off,
`stereo/mono, channel, frequency, commonstation name,call
`status, etc. This convenience integrates the headset UI 58
`with the AG UI 56, so that some orall aspects of the headset
`maybe controlled through the AG UI 56. Such a handsfree
`headset 30 may exclude a headset UI 58 altogether, or only
`parts thereof. FIGS. 5 through 9E depict details of the
`handsfree headset embodiment.
`
`FIG.5 depicts in block diagram a handsfree head-
`[0029]
`set 30, such as that in FIG. 1, in more detail. The handsfree
`headset 30 includesan acoustic to electrical transducer such
`as a microphone 52 connected to the headset PAN circuitry
`50. The headset PAN circuitry 50 further includes a PAN
`antenna 72, and optionally may include one or more headset
`PAN controls 70 accessible by a user and/or a PAN display
`74 (such as an indicator light). Similarly, the radio receiver
`32 includes a radio antenna 80, and may optionally include
`one or more radio controls 76 (such as volume and fre-
`quency adjust) and/or a radio display 78 (such as an alpha-
`numeric frequencydisplay and a stereo indicator light). The
`headset PAN controls 70,
`the PAN display 74,
`the radio
`controls 76, and the radio display 78, or whichever of them
`are present, are each components of the headset UI 58
`previously described. The radio antenna 80 may or may not
`be identical with, or co-located with, the PAN antenna 72.
`Preferably, a single battery 40 provides power to both the
`headset PAN circuitry 50 and the radio receiver 32. The
`battery 40 may be charged through the headset PAN cir-
`cuitry 50 by a power source (not shown) external of the
`headset 30, and controlled by software resident
`in the
`headset PAN circuitry 50. In other embodiments, any suit-
`able battery recharging scheme (1e.:
`solar, gyroscopic
`motion) can be employed, or the battery can be a non-
`rechargeable type of replaceable battery.
`
`FIG.6 is a simplified block diagram of the hands-
`[0030]
`free headset 30 wherein the headset PAN circuitry 50 and the
`radio receiver 32 are mounted to a commonprinted wiring
`board (PWB) 94. Preferably, a headset controller 96 is
`included that carries a processor, memory and software to
`enable someorall of the additional functionalities described
`with reference to a handsfree embodiment. The headset
`
`controller 96 preferably also controls charging of the battery
`40. The battery 40, speaker 42 and microphone 52 are as
`previously described. A headset UI 58 may optionally be
`employed on a handsfree headset 30. Where the headset UI
`58 is employed,
`the handsfree headset 30 preferentially
`includes software, a local control unit (e.g.: a microproces-
`sor) and memoryto store pre-set radio data such as channel,
`frequency, station name, volumelevel, etc. Where all func-
`tions are controllable from an AG UI 56, no such additional
`memoryor software in the handsfree headset 30 is required
`since such data may be stored in and accessed from within
`the AG 46 via the piconet whenever the AG 46 is within
`piconet range and powered ON. The term “remote user
`interface (UI)”refers to an interface of the AG being used to
`control headset functions, especially radio receiver (i.e.:
`FM)functions, and may be used regardless of whether the
`headset 30 includes its own headset UI 58.
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`

`US 2004/0204168 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2004
`
`[0031] FIGS. 7 and 8 are process diagrams illustrating
`howradio (FM) muting works when the AG 46 doesor does
`not support call setup indicators, respectively. A call indi-
`cator and a call set-up indicatoris an electronicstatus of the
`AG 46that sets up circuitry for a particular function. Certain
`of these, described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, are
`signaled from the AG 46 to the headset 30 to facilitate
`seamless operation. In the example described herein, there
`are two call status states: a mobile call with the AG 46 is
`either established (an ongoing call between two users,
`depicted as call indicator=1) or there is no mobile call (a
`mobile call is not ongoing between two users, depicted as
`call indicator=0). In the example described herein, there are
`four call set-up status states: no call set-up (either an
`established call or no call; depicted as call set-up indicator=
`0); incoming call state (an incoming call that has not yet
`been establishedat the AG 46, such as when the AG 46 rings
`but is not yet answered; depicted as call set-up indicator=1);
`outgoing call set-up state (the AG 46 is preparingto initiate
`a mobile call but has not yet established communications
`over an RF link 54 with a base station 55, such as when a
`ser 44 has depressed a send button but the remote party has
`not yet been alerted; depicted as call set-up indicator=2); and
`outgoing call state (an outgoing call is being made from the
`AG 46 and an RFlink 54 has been established but the call
`has not yet been answeredat the receiving end; depicted as
`call set-up indicator=3). Certain of these states and statuses
`maybe displayed for a user on a display screen at the AG 46
`and/or the headset 30 (.e.: “connecting”, “Joe Smith, 123-
`4567”, “in use”, “signal lost”, etc.).
`
`
`
`the handsfree headset 30 delivers an
`Preferably,
`[0032]
`audible tone or beep to the speaker 52 anytime an SCO link
`is established 84 or disconnects 90, as described above with
`eference to FIG. 4. Each of the horizontal lines betweenthe
`
`AG PAN circuitry 82 and the headset PAN circuitry 50
`epresents data that flows over the SCO link between them.
`Each horizontalline to the right of the headset PAN circuitry
`50 represents actions/status changes within the headset 30.
`Unlike FIG.4, FIG. 6 represents an AG 46 that supports call
`indicators (though not call set-up indicators), and wherein
`the headset 30 is handsfree capable (i.e.: includes a micro-
`phone). As described in FIG. 4, a call incoming to the AG
`46 when an SCO link is established causes the AG PAN
`circuitry 82 to send a ring signal (Line 86) to the headset PAN
`circuitry 50, which causes the headset PAN circuitry to mute
`radio signals to the speaker (FM mute). The ring tone heard
`at the speaker 42 may be generated by the AG 46 or bythe
`headset 30. Some action by the user is then required to
`answerthecall, either at the AG UI 56 or at a headset UI 58,
`if present. The headset 30 may supportcaller identification,
`wherebythe caller’s name and/or number maybe displayed
`on a UI 56, 58 that
`includes an alpha-numeric display.
`Depending on the size of this headset display, scrolling may
`be used to view the entire name/number.
`
`[0033] Line 98 (call indicator=1) depicts operation when
`the AG PAN circuitry 82 informs the headset PAN circuitry
`50 by a call indicatorthata call is established (i.e.: when the
`user answers the incoming call, such as by depressing a
`button on the AG UI 56). Upon receiptofthat call indicator,
`the headset PAN circuitry 50 continues FM mute and
`configures the headset circuitry to an ongoing call state so
`that the user can both talk and listen to the phonecall over
`the headset.
`
`[0034] Line 100 depicts a redial command from the head-
`set to the AG 46, andis typically initiated by an input 108
`at the UI 56, 58. In this instance, the headset PAN circuitry
`50 commands the AG PAN circuitry 82 to redial, and the AG
`46 dials the last dialed number. This feature is particularly
`useful where a cellular RF link has been inadvertently
`broken, such as when one of the two parties to an ongoing
`call enter an area of weak cellular RF signal 54 strength. The
`headset PAN circuitry 50 further mutes the radio (FM mute)
`and configures the headsetcircuitry to an outgoing call state
`and sets up a call for handsfree operation via the headset
`once the call is established.
`
`[0035] Line 102 represents the situation where the redial
`procedure of line 100 has not resulted in a connected call.
`After the redial command and several rings at the receiving
`end ofthe call cause a timer in the AG to expire, and the AG
`call indicatorstill indicates no established call (call indica-
`tor=0), the AG PAN headset 82 sendsa signalto the headset
`PAN circuitry 50, which unmutes the radio (FM unmute).
`Each unmuting of the radio restores the radio to its status
`quo ante (ie.: the radio receiver driving the speaker at a
`frequency and volume previously selected prior to muting.
`
`[0036] Where the AG 46 supports voice recognition, line
`104 represents voice dialing initiated from the headset, such
`as by depressing a button on a UI 56, 58, placing a
`microphone boom in position and speaking a recognizable
`command,ete. In this instance, the headset PAN circuitry 50
`commands the AG PAN circuitry 82 that voice dial has been
`activated, puts the headset 30 into a voice recognition state,
`and further mutes radio signals (FM mute). In response to a
`recognizable voice dial commandsentacross the SCO link,
`the AG PAN circuitry 82 at line 106 informs the headset
`PAN circuitry 50 that voice dialing has beenstarted in the
`AG 46, and the headset PAN circuitry 50 retains the headset
`30 in the voice recognition state and continues to mute the
`radio. Line 108 depicts operation in two scenarios where
`voice dialing has not resulted in an established connection.
`Where a timer in the AG 46 times outafter the voice dial
`procedure fails to establish a connection as requested byline
`104,
`the AG PAN circuitry 82 informs the headset PAN
`circuitry 50 that voice dial procedures have been stopped.
`Alternatively, if the user de-activates voice dial from the
`headset by speaking a commandor depressing a button on
`a headset user interface, the headset PAN unit 50 informsthe
`AG PAN circuitry 82 to de-activate or stop voice dialing
`procedures. In each instance of line 108, the call indicator
`indicates no call is established, and the headset PAN ci