as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2002/0098878 A1
`(43) Pub. Date: Jul. 25, 2002
`
`Mooneyetal.
`
`US 20020098878A1
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SWITCHING
`BETWEEN AUDIO SOURCES
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Philip D. Mooney, Sellersville, PA
`(US); Joseph M. Cannon, Harleysville,
`PA (US); James A. Johanson,
`Macungie, PA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO MORIN & OSHINSKY
`LLP
`2101 L STREET NW
`WASHINGTON, DC 20037-1526 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`09/767,839
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jan.24, 2001
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(SL) Unt, C0 acecccscsscsssssssesssssnssssnntsneensee H04B 1/38
`(52) US. Che
`eccececssscssenee 455/569; 455/550; 455/575;
`455/90
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Asystem and method is provided for monitoring a plurality
`of audio sources and switching from one to another of the
`audio sources in accordance with a stored program. An audio
`output device receives a signal from each of the portable
`electronic devices and selectively switches the contents of
`its output according to at least one preprogrammed user
`preference. The audio output device also automatically
`communicates with transceiver modules connected to local
`information systems, for example within a vehicle, office or
`shopping center. Based on programs stored in a storage
`device connected to the headset,
`the local
`information
`sources may be monitored and selected to interrupt other
`audio sources received by the headset when desired.
`
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 25,2002 Sheet 1 of 3
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`US 2002/0098878 Al
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 25,2002 Sheet 2 of 3
`
`US 2002/0098878 A1
`
`‘#6
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 25,2002 Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 2002/0098878 A1
`
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`4
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`

`

`US 2002/0098878 Al
`
`Jul. 25, 2002
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SWITCHING
`BETWEEN AUDIO SOURCES
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001]
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0002] The present invention relates generally to commu-
`nications between electronic devices, and, more particularly,
`to a system and method for switching the output of an audio
`device from one to another of a plurality of audio sources in
`accordance with a stored program.
`
`[0003]
`
`2. Description of the Related Art
`
`In recent years, public use of portable electronic
`[0004]
`devices, such as wireless communication and playback
`devices,i.e., cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs),
`personal computers, compact disc (CD) players, AM/FM
`radios and the like, have increased greatly. To enhance their
`mobility, such devices are designed to be light and compact.
`A.user should be able to comfortably carry the device in a
`pocket, purse or briefcase. Many of these devices are typi-
`cally provided with several user friendly functions,
`for
`example programmable settings for easy configuration, stan-
`dardized audio outputs, clocks, calendars and the like.
`
`[0005] Despite all of the technological advancements,
`such portable electronic devices are not without their short-
`comings. For example, while manyofthe electronic devices
`are compatible with standard audio output (e.g., they have a
`headphone jack), a user may encounterdifficulties in using
`multiple devices simultaneously or sequentially as desired.
`A conventional audio output device, for example a head-
`phonesset or headset, typically permits a user to monitor the
`audio output of only one device at a time. Thus, a user may
`miss an important mobile telephone call
`if the user is
`listening to the audio output of the CD player instead of the
`mobile telephone. For another example, a user may not be
`notified of an important electronic message received at a
`notebook computer if the user is instead listening to the
`audio output of an AM/I'M radio.
`
`[0006] To combat these shortcomings, one common solu-
`tion is to enable a sound generator for each portable elec-
`tronic device and set the output level to a high enough value
`so that each device is capable of interrupting any other. This
`solution is undesirable in many public spaces because it
`annoysthose within audible range and generally addsto the
`noise pollution problem already pervasive at most public
`gatherings.
`
`[0007] Another common solution is to use a personal
`headset and manually switch between devices as desired. In
`addition, several headsets may be worn by a single user
`simultaneously. These solutions are cumbersomeand the use
`of multiple headsets is often considered unsightly. When
`multiple devices are monitored simultaneously, frequent
`manual switching may become a burdensometask requiring
`a user to devote substantial time and attention to monitoring
`several audio devices for the occurrence of impromptu
`events,i.e., listening for the ring of the mobile telephone,the
`beep of the pager, the e-mail alert sound of the notebook
`computer and/or the appointmentalert of the PDA, and then
`manually switching to the appropriate device when an
`audible alert
`is received. For many portable electronic
`devices, the user must react to the alert and switch between
`
`time period to receive an
`audio sources within a short
`incoming message, for example receiving a mobile tele-
`phonecall.
`
`there exists a need and desire for a
`[0008] Therefore,
`system and method that will simplify the task of switching
`between multiple available audio devices in a timely fashion
`in response to preprogrammedevents.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0009] The present invention mitigates the problemsasso-
`ciated with the prior art and provides a unique system and
`method for monitoring a plurality of audio sources and
`switching from one to another of the audio sources in
`accordance with a stored program.
`
`In accordance with one aspect of the invention,
`[0010]
`portable electronic devices are provided with built-in trans-
`ceiver modules which automatically communicate with each
`other and with an audio output device that also has a built-in
`transceiver module. The audio output device receives a
`signal from each of the portable electronic devices and
`selectively switches the contents of its output accordingto at
`least one preprogrammeduser preference.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention,
`(0011]
`a personal audio output device, e.g., a headset, is provided
`with a built-in transceiver module which automatically
`communicates with transceiver modules connected to local
`information systems, for example within a vehicle, office or
`shopping center. Based on programs stored in a storage
`device connected to the headset,
`the local
`information
`sources may be monitored and selected to interrupt other
`audio sources received by the headset when desired.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention,
`(0012]
`switching between audio sources may be performed on the
`basis of the contents of the incoming message. For example,
`a user may program the headset to receive certain high-
`priority messages (e.g., a fire alarm), but bypass certain
`low-priority messages(e.g., advertisements) available from
`local information sources.
`
`{[0013] These and other advantages and features of the
`invention will become apparent from the following detailed
`description of the invention which is provided in connection
`with the accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`a communications network
`1 illustrates
`{[0014] FIG.
`including a plurality of electronic devices that may be
`monitored and sclected for audio output in accordance with
`an exemplary embodimentof the invention;
`
`FIG.2 illustrates in block diagram form a method
`([0015]
`for switching between audio sources in accordance with an
`exemplary embodimentof the invention; and
`
`FIG.3 illustrates a plurality of audio sources and
`([0016]
`an audio output device including a programmable switch
`that operates in accordance with the exemplary embodiment
`illustrated in FIG,2.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0017] The present invention will be described as set forth
`in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
`
`5
`
`

`

`US 2002/0098878 Al
`
`Jul. 25, 2002
`
`Other embodiments may be utilized andstructural, logical or
`programming changes may be made without departing from
`the spirit or scope of the present invention. Like items are
`referred to by like reference numerals throughout
`the
`description.
`
`In accordance with the present invention, a user
`[0018]
`may program an audio output device to selectively switch
`between audio sources based on user preferences. FIG. 1
`illustrates a communications network 10 including a plural-
`ity of electronic devices that may be monitored and selected
`for audio output in accordance with an embodiment of the
`invention. A user may employ an audio output device (e.¢.,
`a headset 20)to listen to the audio output of one or more of
`a plurality of electronic devices. Each electronic device may
`be a source of audio information (i.e., an audio source) and
`communicate with the headset 20. Exemplary audio sources
`include, for example, a notebook computer 24, an AM/FM
`radio 26, a personal digital assistant (PDA) 22, a television
`27, a digital audio player such as a Motion Picture Experts
`Group (MPEG) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) player 28, a mobile
`telephone 16, and a local information system access point
`14. The mobile telephone 16 is connected to a mobile
`network 18 for interactive communications as is well known
`in the art. The local information system access point 14 is
`connected to a local area network (LAN) 12 for communi-
`cating information ofinterest to users in a particular locality,
`for example within a shopping mall or amusementpark. ‘The
`headset 20 maybe used to receive an audio signal output of
`each of the electronic devices 14, 16, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28, and
`select among the audio signal outputs according to the
`desires of the user of the headset 20.
`
`[0019] The electronic devices 16,22, 24, 26, 27, 28 in the
`communications network 10 communicate with the headset
`
`20 using a transceiver 64 connected to each device 16, 22,
`24, 26, 27, 28, as shownin FIG.3. The transceiver 64 may
`use one of a variety of communications mediumsto transmit
`and receive, including radio waves,infrared signals, micro-
`wave signals, ultrasonic signals, visible light signals, and
`other electromagnetic transmission media knownin theart.
`Whereradio wavesare used, each transceiver 64 is typically
`connected to an antenna 66 for communicating with a
`transceiver 64 connected to another device 16, 20, 22, 24,
`26, 27, 28. At the headset 20, the transceiver 64 is connected
`to a programmable switch 82. The programmable switch 82
`is connected to an audio signal reproducing device 84, for
`example earpiece speakers in the headset 20, for reproduc-
`tion of an audio signal.
`
`[0020] The programmable switch 82 is also connected to
`a storage device 78 that stores one or more programs,or sets
`of instructions for switching the programmable switch 82
`according to a user or system preference. Although the
`storage device 78 is shown within the headsct 290, this is not
`required and the storage device 78 may be connected to the
`programmable switch via the transceiver 64 and the antenna
`66, or alternatively via some other communication system,
`such as a radio-frequency (RF) wireless data bus.
`
`(0021] The programmable switch 82 may be programmed
`according to the personal preferencesof a user of the headset
`20. Auserinterface useful for entering user preferences,e.g.,
`a keyboard and LCD, may be included in the headset 20,
`although this is not preferred. Instead, configuration and
`entry of user preferences may be performed using another
`
`device equipped for complex userinteraction, for example a
`notebook computer 24 or PDA 22. For example, specialized
`software executed on the notebook computer 24 may utilize
`the transceivers 64 and the antennas 66 of the notebook
`
`computer 24 and the headset 20 to communicate program-
`ming data and user preferences that are stored at the storage
`device 78 for later use. During operation of the headset 20,
`the stored programming data and user preferences may be
`used to selectively switch the audio output of the headset 20
`between the audio signals generated by the devices 16, 22,
`24, 26, 27, 28. In this way, a minimum of simple controls
`may be included on the headset 20, for example a volume
`controller and one or more controls to confirm switching
`(e.g., a button to answer an incoming mobile telephonecall).
`{0022]
`In order for the electronic devices 16, 20, 22, 24,
`26, 27, 28 to communicate effectively, a protocol should be
`established that is commonto all of the electronic devices.
`
`One exemplary protocol is known as Bluetooth™. Blue-
`tooth™ is a wireless communication standard that describes
`how electronic devices, such as wireless telephones, PDAs,
`and personal computers, can easily interconnect with each
`other and with home and business phones and computers
`using a short-range wireless connection. The Bluetooth™
`specification ensures that diverse devices supporting the
`Bluetooth™ technology can communicate with each other
`worldwide. The Bluetooth™ protocol allows for automatic
`connections to be established between the devices 16, 20,
`22, 42, 26, 27, 28 without any user intervention. Thus, when
`Bluetooth™ equipped devices come within range of one
`another, such as for example when headsct 20 comes in
`range of an access point 14, the headset 20 and access point
`14 will communicate with each other via a radio frequency
`link to determine if they have information to share or
`whether one needs to control the other.
`
`[0023] Bluetooth™ utilizes a technique called spread-
`spectrum frequency hopping,
`in which multiple pseudo-
`randomly chosen frequencies within a designated range are
`utilized, with the chosen frequency changing on a regular
`basis. By regularly changing the frequencies within the
`given range, Bluetooth™ devices are prevented from inter-
`fering with one anotheras it is unlikely that more than one
`device within range will be on the same frequency at the
`same time. In Bluetooth™, the transmitters change frequen-
`cies 1,600 times every second. When aninitial conversation
`between Bluetooth™ devices has occurred, such as for
`example between a headset 20 and access point 14 of FIG.
`1, a piconet, or small network,is created between headset 20
`and access point 14. Thereafter, the headset 20, access point
`14 and any other electronic devices subsequently connected
`to the piconet will randomly hop frequencies in unison to
`maintain the transfer of data.
`
`typically includes one
`[0024] A Bluetooth™ piconet
`“master” for configuring and maintaining the piconet, and
`up to seven additional “slaves” that communicate with the
`master. In accordance with the invention, the hcadsct 20 may
`be configured as a master of its own piconetthat includes the
`devices 16, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28. Alternatively, the headset 20
`may be configured as a slave in multiple separate piconets,
`for example each device 16, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28 could have
`its own piconet and the headset 20 could be a member of
`each device’s piconet.
`[0025]
`It will be appreciated by those skilledin theartthat
`many different audio sources may be used with the pro-
`
`6
`
`

`

`US 2002/0098878 Al
`
`Jul. 25, 2002
`
`grammable headset 20. Exemplary audio sources include an
`AM/FMradio, a mobile telephone, a walkie-talkie, a tele-
`vision, a compact disc (CD) player, a cassette tape player, a
`digital audio player (e.g., MP3 player), a vehicle audio
`system (e.g., car stereo), various kitchen and household
`appliances (e.g., microwave oven, toaster, stove, popcorn
`popper, etc.), a pager, a personal computer, a personal digital
`assistant (PDA), and various local and regional broadcast
`sources including short-range commercial radio systems
`(c.g., shopping center advertising).
`
`It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art
`[0026]
`that more than one audio channel may be included in an
`audio signal received from an audio source. An exemplary
`audio signal received from an audio source may be a
`monaural,
`stereo or multi-channel
`audio signal. For
`example, an audio source may transmit a stereo audio signal
`including at least two audio channels (e.g., right and left
`channels).
`
`{0027] An exemplary embodiment of the method of the
`present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. When a user
`wishesto listen to a particular audio source but be available
`for interruptions, for example a mobile telephone message,
`the audio output device (e.g., a programmable headset 20)
`permits selection of an initial or default audio source in
`method segment 42. For example, a user may listen to the
`AM/FM radio 26 while waiting for a call on the mobile
`telephone 16. When an event, e.g., an incoming telephone
`call, occurs in method segment 44 for which the user may
`want to switch audio outputs, the programmable headset 20
`accesses one or more stored switching programs in method
`segment 46. The switching programs may be stored in a
`storage device included in the programmable headset 20, or
`alternatively the programs maybe stored at a remote loca-
`tion and accessed via a communications network, such as a
`Bluetooth™ piconet.
`
`[0028] The programmable headset 20 compares an event
`list associated with each of the stored programs to the event
`that has occurred and searches for a match in method
`
`segment 48. If no match is found with an event associated
`with a stored program, the programmable headset continues
`output of the default audio source. If a match is found with
`a stored program, the programmable headset 20 executes the
`matching stored program at method segment 50. The stored
`program usually includes one or more instructions to switch
`to specific audio sources in order to receive information or
`a desired message. For example, when the event
`is an
`incoming mobile telephone call, the stored program may
`include switching the audio output of the programmable
`headset 20 to the mobile telephone ring tone generator for a
`specified period or until the user answers the telephone.
`Thereafter, the audio output of the programmable headset 20
`may be switched to the voice output of the mobile telephone
`to permit the user to communicate with the incomingcaller.
`
`[0029] Whenthe stored program has completed its instruc-
`tions for switching between audio sources at method seg-
`ment 52, the programmable headset 20 may return to the
`default audio source at method segment 42. Alternatively,
`the programmable headset 20 may be powered down at
`method segment 54 if the event occurring at method seg-
`ment 44 is a power off command.
`
`[0030] Avvariety of events may be sensed by the program-
`mable headset 20 and associated with a stored program for
`
`use in switching between audio sources. Exemplary events
`may include an incoming telephone call, an outgoing tele-
`phonecall (off-hook signal), a specified date and time, an
`incoming news flash (e.g., special report), an incoming
`advertisement
`from a nearby merchant, a walkie-talkie
`transmission, a message from an vehicle diagnostic or
`warning system, a message from an emergency broadcast
`system, depression of a doorbell, a message from a house-
`hold appliance (e.g., microwave done bell), a fire alarm,
`activation of a baby monitor, an incoming pager message, an
`incoming electronic mail message, and the like.
`
`(0031] Although the invention has been described with
`reference to “switching” between discrete audio sources,
`this is not required and one or more audio sources may be
`configured with specific decibel levels while combined or
`faded in/out as desired in accordance with the invention. For
`example, a userlistening to a CD player may notbe instantly
`switched between a music recording and the ring sound of
`the mobile telephone when an incoming call is detected, but
`instead the ring sound maybe fadedin or overlaid on top of
`the music recording to achieve an aural result that is pleasing
`to the user. The user may then switch to just the mobile
`telephone if the user does not want to hear the music during
`the call or the user may leave the music playing in the
`background.
`
`invention has been
`the
`(0032] Furthermore, while
`described with respect to a programmable headset 20, the
`inventionis not so limited. It will be appreciated by a person
`of skill in the art that many different audio output devices
`may be used in accordance with the invention. Exemplary
`audio output devices may include homeaudio system speak-
`ers, vehicle audio system speakers,
`television speakers,
`personal computer audio output devices, clock radio speak-
`ers, a facility public address (PA) system (e.g., an airport PA
`system), mobile telephone audio output, walkie-talkie audio
`output, and the like. Each of the aforementioned exemplary
`audio output devices may include or be connected to a
`programmable switch 82, a storage device 78 and a trans-
`ceiver 64 for programmable switching between audio
`sources in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of
`the invention described with reference to FIGS. 1-3.
`
`[0033] Reference has been made to preferred embodi-
`ments in describing the invention. However, additions, dele-
`tions, substitutions, or other modifications which would fall
`within the scope of the invention defined in the claims may
`be implemented by those skilled in the art and familiar with
`the disclosure of the invention without departing from the
`spiril or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention
`is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing descrip-
`tion, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
`
`What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by
`Letters Patent of the United states is:
`
`1. A method of switching among wireless audio sources,
`comprising:
`receiving a plurality of input audio signals from respec-
`tive wireless audio sources at a wireless receiver;
`
`selecting one of said plurality of input audio signals for
`output
`from an audio signal
`reproducing device
`coupled to said wireless receiver, said selecting being
`pertormed according to at least one stored selection
`instruction which includes a designated triggering
`event for triggering said selection.
`
`7
`
`

`

`US 2002/0098878 Al
`
`Jul. 25, 2002
`
`2. A method as in claim 1, wherein said selecting is
`performed according to a plurality of selection instructions.
`3. Amethodas in claim 2, wherein each of said selection
`instructions is associated with a respective wireless audio
`source so that selection of a particular wireless audio source
`occurs in response to a triggering event included in the
`associated selection instruction.
`
`4. A method as in claim 1, wherein said designated
`triggering event
`includes receipt of a message from a
`wireless audio source.
`
`5. A method as in claim 1, wherein said designated
`triggering event is a particular date and time.
`6. A method as in claim 1, wherein said designated
`triggering event
`is receipt of an incoming information
`update.
`7. A method as in claim 1, wherein said designated
`triggering event includesreceipt of an electronic message at
`a wireless audio source.
`
`8. A method as in claim 1, wherein said designated
`triggering event is a request to communicate via a mobile
`telephone.
`9. A method as in claim 1, wherein said wireless audio
`sources are in RF communication with said wireless
`receiver.
`
`10. Amethodas in claim 9, wherein said wireless receiver
`and said wireless audio sources are Bluetooth™ compliant.
`11. Amethodas in claim 1, wherein said wireless receiver
`and said audio signal reproducing device are included in a
`headset.
`
`12. Amethod of switching among wireless audio sources,
`comprising:
`
`receiving a plurality of Bluetooth™ compliant transmis-
`sions, each including a respective input audio signal,
`from respective electronic devices;
`
`selecting at least one of said received audio signals for
`output to a headset in accordance with at least one
`stored selection instruction, said selection instruction
`including a designated triggering event for triggering
`said selection.
`
`13. Amethodas in claim 12, further comprising selecting
`at least another of said received audio signals for output to
`said headset after said triggering event has concluded.
`14. A method as in claim 12, wherein said selecting is
`performed according to a plurality of selection instructions.
`15. A method as in claim 14, wherein each of said
`selection instructions is associated with a respective elec-
`tronic device so that selection of a particular electronic
`device occurs in response to a triggering event included in
`the associated selection instruction.
`
`16. A method as in claim 12, wherein said designated
`triggering event is a chronological event.
`17. A method as in claim 12, wherein said designated
`triggering event is a mobile telephone transmission.
`18. A method as in claim 12, wherein said designated
`triggering event is receipt of an advertising message from a
`merchant.
`
`19. A method as in claim 12, wherein at least one of said
`first and second portable electronic devices is a mobile
`telephone.
`
`20. A method as in claim 12, wherein at least one of said
`first and second portable electronic devices is an AM/FM
`radio.
`21. Amethodas in claim 12, wherein at least one of said
`first and secondportable electronic devices is a compact disc
`(CD) player.
`22. Amethod as in claim 12, wherein at least one of said
`first and secondportable electronic devicesis a walkie-talkie
`radio.
`23. Amethod as in claim 12, wherein at least one of said
`first and second portable electronic devices is a personal
`computer.
`24. A device for switching among wireless audio sources,
`comprising:
`
`a wireless receiver which receives a plurality of audio
`signals transmitted from respective wireless audio
`sources;
`
`a storage device that stores at least onc sclection instruc-
`tion which includes a designated triggering event for
`triggering said selection;
`
`a programmable switch coupled to said storage device and
`said wircless recciver that sclects onc of said plurality
`of audio signals for output according to said at least one
`stored selection instruction and said designated trigger-
`ing event;
`
`an audio signal reproducing device coupled to said pro-
`grammable switch that aurally reproduces said one of
`said plurality of audio signals selected for output.
`25. A device as in claim 24, whercin said wircless audio
`sources are in RF communication with said wireless
`receiver.
`26. Adevicc as in claim 25, whercin said wircless recciver
`and said wireless audio sources are Bluetooth™ compliant.
`27. A programmable audio output device, comprising:
`
`a wireless receiver which receives a plurality of audio
`signals transmitted from respective wireless audio
`sources;
`
`a storage device that stores at least one selection instruc-
`tion which includes a designated triggering event for
`triggering said selection;
`
`a programmable switch coupled to said storage device and
`said wireless receiver that selects one of said plurality
`of audio signals for output according to said at least one
`stored selection instruction and said designated trigger-
`ing event;
`
`a headset for supporting said wireless receiver, said
`storage device, said programmable switch and atleast
`one headset speaker, said at least one headset speaker
`being coupled to said programmable switch to aurally
`reproduce said one of said plurality of audio signals
`selected for output.
`28. A programmable audio output device as in claim 27,
`wherein said wireless audio sources are in RF communica-
`tion with said wircless receiver.
`
`29. A programmable audio output device as in claim 28,
`wherein said wireless receiver and said wireless audio
`
`sourees are Bluctooth™ compliant.
`30. A programmable audio output device as in claim 27,
`wherein said designated triggering event
`is receipt of a
`mobile telephone transmission.
`
`8
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`US 2002/0098878 Al
`
`Jul. 25, 2002
`
`31. A programmable audio output device as in claim 27,
`wherein said designated triggering event
`is receipt of a
`message via an electronic messaging service.
`32. A programmable audio output device as in claim 27,
`wherein said designated triggering event is a chronological
`event.
`
`33. A system of electronic devices, comprising:
`
`a plurality of wireless audio source devices; and
`
`al least one programmable audio output device, compris-
`ing:
`
`a wireless receiver which receives a plurality of audio
`signals transmitted from respective wireless audio
`source devices;
`
`least one selection
`a storage device that stores at
`instruction which includes a designated triggering
`event for triggering said selection;
`
`a programmable switch coupled to said storage device
`and said wireless receiver that selects one of said
`
`plurality of audio signals for output according to said
`at
`least one stored selection instruction and said
`
`designated triggering event;
`
`an audio signal reproducing device coupled to said
`programmable switch that aurally reproduces said
`one of said plurality of audio signals selected for
`output.
`34. A system as in claim 33, wherein said programmable
`audio output device is programmed using one of said
`plurality of wireless audio source devices.
`35. Asystem as in claim 33, wherein said wireless audio
`source devices are in RF communication with said wireless
`receiver.
`
`36. A system as in claim 35, wherein said wireless
`receiver and said wireless audio source devices are Blue-
`
`tooth™ compliant.
`
`9
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`