as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2003/0100274 A1
`(43) Pub. Date: May29, 2003
`
`Brown
`
`US 20030100274A1
`
`(54) WIRELESS HEADSET-BASED
`COMMUNICATION
`
`(52) US. Ch. ve cecteeeeeee 455/90; 455/556; 455/557;
`455/550; 455/569
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Andrew Philip Brown, Temple Grafton
`(GB)
`
`(73) Assignee: Sendo International Limited, (IIK)
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A wireless headset-based communication arrangement (200,
`300) comprises a first subscriber unit (210), a wireless
`headset (212) associated with the first subscriber unit (210)
`to form a wireless communication apparatus; and a detector
`within the wireless communication apparatus to detect a
`spatial proximity of at least one second subscriber unit (220)
`or second wireless headset (222). In response to the detec-
`tion,
`the wireless headsct (212) associated with the first
`subscriber unit (210) is adapted to communicate directly
`(230) with the at least one second subscriber unit (220) or
`Nov. 28, 20019(GB) ueeee GB 0128473.6
`second wireless headset (222). One advantage of the present
`invention is that the functionality of a hands-free headset
`and the functionality of inter-headset communication are
`combined into a single headset apparatus.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/065,895
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 27, 2002
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Unt. C7eee HO04B 1/38; HO4M 1/00
`
`212
`
`\
`
`230
`
`222
`
`oO
`
`215
`
`225
`
`210
`
`220
`
`200
`
`APPLE 1133
`APPLE1133
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 29, 2003 Sheet 1 of 2
`
`US 2003/0100274 A1
`
`130 N\fYr 136
`
`132
`
`FIG.
`
`1
`
`134
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 29, 2003 Sheet 2 of 2
`
`US 2003/0100274 Al
`
`FIG.
`
`2
`
`230
`
`222
`
`a
`
`_W
`
`eee
`
`225
`
`“—“——
`
`235
`
`210
`
`220
`
`200
`
`FIG.
`
`3
`
`300
`
`335
`
`®
`
`aN
`
`315
`
`332
`
`3
`
`

`

`US 2003/0100274 Al
`
`May29, 2003
`
`WIRELESS HEADSET-BASED COMMUNICATION
`
`Cross Reference to Related Applications
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of UK Appli-
`cation No. GB 0128473.6 filed November 28, 2001.
`
`Background of Invention
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`[0002] The present invention relates to a wireless headset-
`based communication arrangement, and in particular to an
`arrangement where a user uses a wireless headset with a
`subscriber communication unit to communicate with other
`subscriber units.
`
`Description of the Related Art
`
`In the field of this invention it is known for wireless
`[0003]
`headsets to be used with communication devices, such as
`cordless telephones, mobile radios or cellular subscriber
`units. Wireless headsets are used to provide hands-free
`functionality of the communication device, and can be
`considered as a wireless extension of the device”s commu-
`nication capability.
`
`[0004] When used in such a hands-free modeof operation,
`the communication device routes the received, demodulated
`and decodedsignal to a short-range transmitter, instcad of a
`microphone. The radio transmission from the short-range
`transmitter is picked up from a wireless receiver in the
`headset, where it
`is processed and passed to an audio
`enunciator in the headset to be relayed to the headset user.
`
`In an alternative application of wireless headsets,it
`[0005]
`is also known for wireless communications to be set up
`between groups of people, where each person in the group
`uses a wireless headset. Such group communication is
`beneficial when the users are highly mobile, and communi-
`cation on the “shared” channel is not needed to be secure.
`Furthermore, such wireless headset use in group communi-
`cations is sometimes used when normal one-to-one conver-
`sation is not practical. Further applications of such group-
`communication wireless headset
`arrangements would
`include sporting events, where the groups are membersof a
`team, or the referees.
`
`the above two applications for using
`[0006] However,
`wircless headscts are very distinct, and have so far becn
`addressed with individual stand-alone solutions. The inven-
`tor of the present invention has recognized this fact and that
`no single headset, presently available, is capable of facili-
`tating both of the above functions. Furthermore, the inventor
`of the present invention has recognized scenarios where a
`multi-purpose wireless headset would be an advantage.
`
`[0007] A need therefore exists for an improved wireless
`headset, wherein the abovementioned disadvantages may be
`alleviated.
`
`Summary of Invention
`In accordance with a first aspect of the present
`[0008]
`invention, there is provided a wireless headset-based com-
`munication arrangement, as claimed in Claim 1.
`
`In accordance with a second aspect of the present
`[0009]
`invention, there is provided a wireless headset, as claimed in
`Claim 9.
`
`In accordance with a third aspect of the present
`[0010]
`invention,
`there is provided a communication device, as
`claimed in Claim 10.
`
`In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present
`[0011]
`invention,there is provided a wireless headset, as claimed in
`Claim 11.
`
`(0012] Further aspects of the invention are as claimed in
`the dependent Claims.
`
`In summary, the present invention proposesinter-
`[0013]
`alia, to facilitate direct communication, using a short-range
`wireless communication link betweena first wireless head-
`set and a second wireless headset or associated subscriber
`
`unit. The short-range link is preferably used as an alternative
`to a normal communication link when the second wireless
`
`headset or associated subscriber unit are detected as being
`spatially near the first wireless headset or its associated first
`subscriber unit. In this manner, a wireless headsetis able to
`provide two modes of operation, a first being “hands-free”
`communication with its associated first subscriber unit, and
`a second mode being direct (inter-headset) communication
`with other wireless headsets (or their associated subscriber
`unit(s)).
`
`Brief Description of Drawings
`([0014] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention
`will now be described, with reference to the accompanying
`drawings, in which:
`
`{0015] FIG. 1 showsa block diagram of a subscriber unit
`and associated wireless headset arrangement adapted to
`support the inventive concepts of the preferred embodiments
`of the present invention;
`
`FIG.2 illustrates a subscriber unit/wireless headset
`{[0016]
`communication arrangement,
`in accordance with a first
`preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
`
`([0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a communication unit/wireless
`headset communication arrangement, in accordance with an
`alternative embodiment of the present invention.
`
`Detailed Description
`[0018] The preferred embodimentof the present invention
`is described with reference to a portable cellular phone/
`wireless headset arrangement. However,
`it is within the
`contemplation of the present invention that the inventive
`concepts described herein are equally applicable to any other
`audio, video or image communication device, such as a
`personal data assistant (PDA), a portable or mobile radio, a
`laptop computer or a wirelessly networked Personal Com-
`puter (PC), where an optional short range communication
`link would be advantageous.
`It
`is envisaged that future
`wireless headset applications will not be limited to relaying
`audio communication, but will include relaying image or
`video signals to a screen attached to the headset, or to a
`virtual screen positioned in view of the headset user.
`
`[0019] Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a block
`diagram of a cellular subscriber unit 100 adapted to support
`the inventive concepts of the preferred embodiments of the
`present
`invention. The subscriber unit 100 contains an
`antenna 102 preferably coupled to a duplex filter, antenna
`switch or circulator 104 that provides isolation between
`receiver and transmitter chains within the subscriber unit
`100.
`
`4
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`US 2003/0100274 Al
`
`May29, 2003
`
`[0020] The receiver chain, as known in the art, includes
`scanning receiver front-end circuitry 106 (effectively pro-
`viding reception, filtering and intermediate or base-band
`frequency conversion). The scanning front-end circuit 106 is
`serially coupled to a signal processing function 108. An
`output from the signal processing function 108 is provided
`to a suitable output device 110, which in accordance with the
`preferred embodiment of the present invention is a radio
`frequency interface port for transmitting short-range signals
`to an associated wireless headset. The radio frequency
`interface port 110 preferably includes a port driver 111.
`
`In the preferred embodiment of the present inven-
`{0021]
`tion,
`the scanning front-end circuit 106 and the signal
`processing function 108 have been adapted to distinguish
`between communication on the subscriber unit”s usual wire-
`less communication system, and a communication with a
`proximal communication unit/Awireless headset on a short-
`range radio frequency (RF) link. Such a communication is
`described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 2.
`
`[0022] The receiver chain also includes received signal
`strength indicator (RSSD circuitry 112, which in turn is
`coupled to a controller 114 where the RSSI circuitry pro-
`vides useful quality indicators on the received signal and the
`controller maintains overall subscriber unit control. The
`
`controller 114 is also coupled to the scanning receiver
`front-end circuitry 106 and the signal processing function
`108 (generally realized by a digital signal processor (DSP))
`for receiving a transmitted audio, video or image signal.
`
`[0023] The controller 114 may therefore receive signal
`level information, bit error rate (BER) or frame erasure rate
`(FER) data from recovered information. The controller is
`also coupled to a memory device 116 that stores operating
`regimes, such as decoding/encoding functions and the like.
`In accordance with the preferred embodimentof the present
`invention, a proximity detector has been incorporated, oper-
`ably coupled to the processor 108 and/or controller 114, to
`detect when a wireless headset has moved into the spatial
`vicinity of the headset associated with the subscriber unit
`100.
`
`[0024] Upon detecting the spatial proximity of a second
`subscriber unit or its associated headset, the primary sub-
`scriber unit 100 orits associated headset is provided with an
`opportunity to communicate directly with the second sub-
`scriber unit or its associated headset using a short range RF
`link. In this manner, the short-range communication link is
`used to supplement
`the standard communication of the
`subscriber unit, whilst minimizing the impact on the usual
`communication resource and any generated interference.
`
`{0025] A timer 118 is operably coupled to the controller
`114 to control the timing of operations (including transmis-
`sion or reception of time-dependent signals) within the
`cellular subscriber unit 100. The timer, together with the port
`driver 111, processor 108 and/or controller 114, has also
`been adapted to control the switching of communications
`from a usual communication link, for example a GSM or 3**
`generation cellular (3G) communication link to a more
`appropriate short range RF link.
`
`[0026] The wireless headset 130 associated with the sub-
`scriber unit 100 is preferably comprised of:
`
`[0027]
`
`(i) One (monaural) or two (bi-aural) earpieces 132;
`
`[0028]
`
`(ii) A microphone 134;
`
`(iii) RF transmit and receive elements 136 and a
`[0029]
`controller for wireless (e.g. bluetooth) headsets; and,
`in
`some cases:
`
`[0030]
`and
`
`(iv) A remote answer switch/button (not shown);
`
`[0031]
`
`(v) Asecond noise cancellation button (not shown).
`
`[0032] As indicated, each wireless headset comprises RF
`transmitting and receiving elements, allowing two-way
`communicationsto at least one other device. Furthermore, in
`an alternative embodiment of the present
`invention,
`the
`wireless headset includes a detector, in a similar manner to
`that described earlier with respect to the subscriber unit.
`Each wireless headset comprises a microprocessorto control
`communication etc, as well as memory for storing applica-
`tion software etc. In accordance with the preferred embodi-
`mentof the present invention, a wireless headset(s) has been
`adapted with regard to the detection of signals destined for
`that headset, and how such received signals are controlled,
`for example via the man machine interface (MMI) of the
`cellular phone or computer.
`
`[0033] The preferred operation is now described in greater
`detail with reference to FIG. 2, where an example of a
`wireless communication arrangement 200 is illustrated, in
`accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention. The arrangement 200 comprises a first commu-
`nication device, which for the illustrated embodimentis in
`the form of a subscriber unit 210, and an associated wireless
`headset 212. The subscriber unit 210 and the wireless
`headset 212 are operably coupled and capable of providing
`hands-free functionality to a user of the subscriber unit 210.
`
`(0034] FIG. 2 further illustrates a second communication
`device 220, which for the illustrated embodiment is in the
`form of a second subscriber unit 220, and a second associ-
`ated wireless headset 222. The second subscriber unit 220
`
`and second wireless headset 222 are also capable of pro-
`viding hands-free functionality to a user of the second
`subscriber unit 220.
`
`In particular, according to the present invention,
`(0035]
`the first subscriber unit 210 (or associated wireless headset
`212) has been adapted to include a headset detector, as
`described with regard to FIG. 1, capable of detecting the
`presence of the second wireless headset 222, when the
`second wireless headset 222 (or the second subscriber unit
`220) is spatially near the first communication device 210. In
`the context of the preferred embodiment of the present
`invention, it is envisaged that the detector recognizes, for
`example, when the second wireless headset 222 is within,
`say, ten meters of the first communication unit 210 orits
`associated wireless headset 212.
`
`In the alternative preferred embodiment, where the
`[0036]
`wireless headset 212 is provided with a RF detector that is
`capable of detecting the presence of the second wireless
`headset 222, it is envisaged that the first wireless headset
`212 informs its associated subscriber unit 210 of the proxi-
`mal wireless headset(s) or subscriber unit(s).
`
`[0037] When the second wireless headset 222 is detected
`as being within range 135 ofthe first subscriber unit 210 (or
`first wireless headset 212), a user of the first subscriber unit
`210 may initiate wireless communication between the first
`
`5
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`

`US 2003/0100274 Al
`
`May29, 2003
`
`wireless headset 212 and the second wireless headset 222.
`This provides a meansfor the user ofthe first subscriber unit
`210 to communicate with a user of the second subscriber
`
`unit 220 by way of direct short-range wireless communica-
`tion between the wireless headsets 212 and 222. It is further
`envisaged that such short-range communication could be
`effected using simple RF communication, perhapsinitiating
`the use of pre-stored messages stored within the respective
`headsets.
`
`[0038] Preferably, each wireless headset has a substan-
`tially unique identification (ID). For example, since each
`headset is associated with a particular subscriber unit, each
`headset may be configured to use the telephone number of
`the respective subscriber unit as its ID. When the subscriber
`unit 210 detects the presence of the second wireless headset
`222,it is envisaged that the subscriber unit 210 may request
`the ID of the second wireless headset 222, or the second
`wireless headset 222 may be configured to automatically or
`periodically transmit its ID. The first subscriber unit 210
`may then use the second subscriber unit’s ID in differenti-
`ating communication between different headsets.
`
`[0039] Where the ID is the telephone number of the
`second subscriber unit 220,
`the subscriber unit 210 may
`search through its phone book in order to identify the user
`of the second wireless headset 222.
`
`[0040] Preferably the subscriber unit 210 retains a list of
`the wireless headsets within its range, such that when the
`user wants to communicate with a specific user of another
`headset they simply search throughthe list until they find the
`required ID (or nameif the number matches an entry in the
`phone book). On selecting the required ID or name,
`the
`subscriber unit 210 sends an instruction to its respective
`headset 212, instructing the headset to initiate communica-
`tion 130 with the second wireless headset 222 having the
`selected ID. On receipt of this instruction, the first wireless
`headset 212 may initiate communication with the second
`wireless headset 222 by, for example, sending a call request
`to the second wireless headset 222.
`
`[0041] When the second wireless headset 222 receives
`such a request for communication from the first wireless
`headset 212, the second wireless headset 222 may automati-
`cally establish communication with the first wireless headset
`210 to allow the users of the first and second headsets 221,
`222 to communicate directly.
`
`[0042] Alternatively, the second wireless headset 222 may
`require consent from its user before establishing communi-
`cation with the first wireless headset 212. For example, the
`second wireless headset 222 may transmit a signal to the
`second subscriber unit 220, on receipt of which the second
`subscriber unit 220 displays the ID/nameofthe first wireless
`headset 212 or user. It is also envisaged that the second
`wireless headset 222 may further provide an audible signal
`to its user to alert the user of a request to communicate. The
`user may then accept or decline the request by interacting
`with a user interface on the second subscriber unit 220.
`
`[0043] A corresponding signal may then be transmitted
`from the second subscriber unit 220 to the second wireless
`
`headset 222. If the user has accepted the request for com-
`munication, then the second wireless headset 222 will estab-
`lish communication with the first wireless headset 212.
`
`Alternatively, if the user has declined the request for com-
`
`munication, the second wireless headset 222 may transmit a
`corresponding “declining” message to the first wireless
`headset 212.
`
`[0044] When the user of either of the first or second
`wireless headsets 212, 222 wishes to terminate communi-
`cation, that user can initiate termination of the communica-
`tion via the subscriber unit 210, 220. When the respective
`user wishes to terminate communication, the subscriber unit
`210 or 220 preferably transmits an instruction to the headset
`212, 222 instructing it to end communication. On receipt of
`this instruction the headset 212, 222 may transmit a signal
`to the other headset
`informing it
`that
`it
`is terminating
`communication, or alternatively the headset 212, 222 may
`simply terminate communication.
`
`[0045] Preferably the headset 212 is configured to be
`capable of establishing communication with a plurality of
`headsets, to allow for a group communication between three
`or more users of headsets. Furthermore, it is envisaged that
`where group communication is supported a user is able to
`broadcastto all wireless headsets within range of its wireless
`headset.
`
`In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless head-
`[0046]
`sets are used in conjunction with subscriberunits. It is within
`the contemplation of the present invention that the wireless
`headsets mayalternatively by used in conjunction with fixed
`line telephone systems, for example in a call center. In this
`case,
`the ID of each headset may be, for example,
`the
`extension numberofthe telephone terminal being utilized by
`an operator.
`
`[0047] During a call, the user of the first subscriber unit
`210 utilizes the headset 212 for hands-free functionality. If
`the user of the first subscriber unit 210 wishes for the user
`of the second wireless headset 222/second subscriber unit
`220 to be included in the call,
`it is preferably given the
`option of communicating with the second wireless headset
`222, either directly or via the first wireless headset 212.
`
`[0048] According to a further aspect of the preferred first
`embodiment of the present invention, it is envisioned that
`the users of the first and second subscriber units 210, 220
`may switch between communication technologies. For
`example, let us assumethat if the users of subscriber units
`210, 220 are communicating via a GSM network, and
`utilizing the wireless headsets 212, 222 for hands-free
`functionality. Let us further assume that the wireless head-
`sets 212, 222 subsequently comeinto close spatial proximity
`with one another during their phone call, such that the
`subscriber units and/or headsets detect one another’s pres-
`ence. In sucha case, it is envisaged that the subscriber units
`utilizing the detector in the respective subscriber unit or
`headset will indicate as such to the users.
`
`[0049] The users may then switch from communicating
`over the GSM network to direct wireless communication
`using the short range RF functionality of the headsets.
`Alternatively, the subscriber units and/or headsets may auto-
`matically switch from communicating over the GSM net-
`workto direct communication. In order to limit interference,
`it is envisaged that this short-range wireless communication
`between a subscriber unit and a non-associated headset (or
`two or more headsets) may utilize alternative communica-
`tion technologies, such as a spread-spectrum frequency-
`hopping scheme.
`
`6
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`

`US 2003/0100274 Al
`
`May29, 2003
`
`[0050] Furthermore, it is envisaged that a headset being
`used in conjunction with a subscriber unit, as in the first
`preferred embodiment, may be capable of communicating
`with a headset used in conjunction with a fixed line tele-
`phone system or a computer system.
`
`It is also envisioned that the wireless headsets may
`[0051]
`be used in conjunction with devices other than typical
`wireless communications devices, for example a computer
`system of even a personal digital assistant (PDA). An
`example of such an arrangementis illustrated in FIG.3.
`
`In FIG. 3, a plurality of wireless headsets 330,
`[0052]
`according to a second embodimentof the present invention,
`are coordinated by a computer system 332. ‘The computer
`system 332 includesor is connected to a transceiver 334 and
`antenna 336 for wireless communication 215, 225 with a
`plurality of wireless headsets 330. One application of such
`communications from a central control
`to a number of
`
`wircless headscts would be for broadcast or dispatch com-
`munications.
`
`[0053] A further envisaged application for this embodi-
`ment would be within an office or building that has a phone
`system based on an exchange which routes calls to say, a
`computer instead of to a telephone. The computers would
`then be configured to communicate with the headsets. Fur-
`thermore, this application could make use of a local area
`network (LAN), rather than individual phonelines.
`
`[0054] A yet further application of the inventive concepts
`hereinbefore described is that, instead of the headsets being
`used for telephone calls, the headsets are used for voice
`recognition by the computer, as well as for inter-headset
`communication.
`
`the wireless headset
`It will be understood that
`[0055]
`communication arrangement, as described above, provides
`both:
`
`(i)The functionality of a hands-free headset when
`[0056]
`operably coupled to, and solely communicating with, its
`associated communication device; and
`
`(ii)The functionality of inter-headset communica-
`[0057]
`tion, between a plurality of communication units, in a single
`headset apparatus.
`
`(iii)A communication can take place, or be initi-
`[0058]
`ated, using a short range RF link, rather than use the usual
`system transmission and bandwidth that utilizes valuable
`resource that creates undesirable interference, particularly in
`highly populated areas.
`
`[0059] Whilst the specific and preferred implementations
`of the embodiments of the present invention are described
`above, it is clear that one skilled in the art could readily
`apply variations and modifications of such inventive con-
`cepts.
`
`[0060] Thus, an improved wireless headset communica-
`tion arrangement has been described wherein the aforemen-
`tioned disadvantages associated with prior art arrangements
`have been substantially alleviated.
`Claims
`1. A wireless headset-based communication arrangement,
`comprising: a first subscriber unit; a wireless headset asso-
`ciated with said first subscriber unit to form a wireless
`
`communication apparatus; a detector within the wireless
`communication apparatus to detect a spatial proximity of at
`least one second subscriber unit or second wireless headset;
`and in response to said detection, said wireless headset
`associated with said first subscriber unit
`is adapted to
`communicate directly with said at least one second sub-
`scriber unit or second wireless headset.
`
`2. The wireless headset-based communication arrange-
`ment according to Claim 1, wherein said direct communi-
`cation is a short-range wireless communication.
`3. The wireless headset-based communication arrange-
`ment according to Claim 1, wherein said at least one second
`subscriber unit or second wireless headset is a plurality of
`subscriber units or wireless headsets such that group com-
`munications are implemented between said wireless headset
`associated with said first subscriber unit and the plurality of
`subscriber units or wireless headsets.
`
`4. The wireless headset-based communication arrange-
`ment according to Claim 3, wherein said wireless headset
`associated with said first subscriber unit provides broadcast
`communication to any of the plurality of subscriber units or
`wireless headsets within range of said wireless headset
`associated with said first subscriber unit.
`
`5. The wireless headset-based communication arrange-
`ment according to Claim 1, wherein an identification is
`associated with the at least one second subscriber unit and
`the first subscriber unit uses the identification to communi-
`cate with the at
`least one second subscriber unit or its
`associated headset.
`
`6. The wireless headset-based communication arrange-
`ment according to Claim 1, whercin said detector is con-
`tained within said first subscriber unit or said wireless
`headset.
`
`7. The wircless headsct-bascd communication arrangc-
`ment according to Claim 1, wherein said detector detects a
`presence of a proximal at least one second subscriber unit or
`associated wireless headset when within the order of ten
`meters of said detector.
`
`8. The wireless headset-based communication arrange-
`ment according to Claim 1, wherein said first subscriber unit
`is one of: a cellular telephone, a mobile or portable radio, a
`personal digital assistant, a computer.
`9. A wireless headset adapted to operate in the wireless
`headset-based communication arrangement of Claim 1.
`10. A communication device adapted to operate in the
`wireless headsct-based communication arrangement of
`Claim 1.
`
`a
`transmitter;
`a
`11. A wireless headset comprising:
`receiver for communicating with its associated communica-
`tion unit in a first mode of operation, and a processor for
`selecting a second modeof operation of the wireless headset
`to communicate directly with one or more alternative com-
`munication units or wireless headsets of said alternative
`communication units.
`
`12. The wireless headset according to Claim 11, wherein
`the wireless headset comprises a detector operably coupled
`to the processor, and said second mode of operation is
`selected by the wireless headset based upon a spatial prox-
`imity of said one or more alternative communication units or
`wireless headsets of said alternative communication units as
`determined by the detector.
`
`7
`
`