`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`Goldman et al. Dec. 15, 2011 (43) Pub. Date:
`
`
`US 20110306393A1
`
`(76)
`
`(54) HEADSET BASE WITH DISPLAY AND
`COMMUNICATIONS BASE
`Inventors:
`Tomasz Goldman, Hellerup (DK);
`Claus Tondering, Kgs. Lyngby
`(DK); Henning Toft Schwarz,
`Hor51101111 (13K); BO Schmidt, Kgs.
`Lyngby (DK); Stefan Heise,
`Br01151101 (DK)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/815,502
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun_ 151' 2010
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl-
`H04M 1/00
`G06F 3/041
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) US. Cl. ...................................... 455/575.2; 345/173
`
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A headset base unit (2) comprising a base housing (4), a
`headset holder (5, 38) for holding a headset (3). The headset
`base unit (2) has control means (9), by means of which an
`audio channel can be opened between the headset (3) and a
`selected one of the telecommunication devices (9, 10, 11),
`and a display unit (39) with a display (6) adapted for display-
`ing device icons (12, 13, 14) representing connected telecom-
`munication devices (9, 10, 11). A further communication
`system (95) comprising a headset system (1) and a cordless
`telephone (109). The headset system (109) comprises a wire-
`less headset (3) with a headset transceiver (51) and a headset
`base unit (2) with headset base transceiver means (27, 28).
`The handset transceiver (103) and the telephone base trans-
`ceiver means (100) can be connected by a second radio link
`(96) according to the first radio standard. The headset base
`transceiver means (27) and the telephone base transceiver
`means (100) are adapted to be connected by a third radio link
`(65) according to the first radio standard, wherein the headset
`(3) can be used for a telephone call via the first radio link (66)
`and the third link (65).
`
`APPLE 1047
`
` 1
`
`APPLE 1047
`
`1
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 1 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`
`
`Fig. 1
`
`2
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 2 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`
`
`Fig. 2
`
`3
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 3 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`
`
`4
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 4 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`
`
`5
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 5 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`
`
`6
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 6 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`29a
`
`59
`
`k 54
`
`58
`
`7
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 7 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`
`
`8
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 8 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`13—)
`
`12—)
`
`18
`41—.)
`
`Fig. 80)
`
`Fig. 8d)
`
`9
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 9 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`20—>
`
`21—}
`
`23—)
`
`22+
`
`Fig. 3e)
`
`Fig. 8f)
`
`«(—62
`
`Fig. 89)
`
`10
`
`10
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 10 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`
`
`Fig. 9a)
`
`Fig. 9b)
`
`80—)
`
`81"
`
`82—)
`
`83—»
`
`84"
`
`85”
`
`Fig. 90)
`
`Fig. 10a)
`
`11
`
`11
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 11 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`phone?
`
`Connect to a desk
`
`86”
`
`/
`
`87
`
`.
`\88
`Fig. 10b)
`
`,
`fl
`87/
`Fig. 10c)
`
`K
`\88
`
`90 )
`
`*
`
`nplug handset
`cable and
`connect to base
`
`—)
`
`91
`77 —>
`
`
`
`Adjust mic level un’ui
`your friend hears you
`we“.
`
`1
`7
`
`8
`
`9 10 11 12
`
`«78
`
`/
`
`92
`
`\93
`Fig. 10d)
`
`Fig. Me)
`
`12
`
`12
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 12 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`95
`
`
`
`Fig. 11
`
`13
`
`13
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 13 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`
`
`14
`
`14
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 15, 2011 Sheet 14 0f 14
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`
`
`15
`
`15
`
`
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`Dec. 15,2011
`
`HEADSET BASE WITH DISPLAY AND
`COMMUNICATIONS BASE
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The invention relates to a headset communications
`system with a base unit and headset.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Wireless headset systems for use in offices and con-
`tact centres are well known. They normally comprise a wire-
`less headset with a headset transceiver and a headset base
`
`with a corresponding headset base transceiver. The headset
`transceiver and the headset base transceiver can be connected
`
`by a radio link. Wireless headsets following different radio
`standards are known, but DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless
`Telecommunications) and BluetoothTM are the most preva-
`lent. BluetoothTM is the prevailing radio standard used by
`mobile phones and headsets, and DECT is the prevailing
`standard used by office headsets and their base cradles.
`[0003] DECT is also the prevailing radio standard for cord-
`less phones, i.e. between the handset and its base. DECT
`devices can be GAP compatible. GAP is acronym for Generic
`Access Profile and describes a set ofmandatory requirements
`to allow any conforming DECT Fixed Part (base) to interop-
`erate with any conforming DECT Portable Part (handset or
`headset) in order to provide basic telephony services.
`[0004] DECT phones are sometimes sold with more than
`one handset. The extra handsets are only provided with charg-
`ing cradles, as the extra handsets are communicates with the
`main headset base. A system with a main base, a main handset
`and one or more extra handsets also provides the possibility
`for intercom features, whereby people in a home can com-
`municate with each other via the handsets. An example of a
`Cordless DECT phone with two extra handsets is Panasonic
`KX-TG641 1 .
`
`It is possible to use GAP compatible handsets and
`[0005]
`headsets with GAP compatible phone bases. Thus, a con-
`sumer can buy a GAP compatible DECT headset and connect
`it with the base station ofhis GAP compatible DECT phone in
`order to make hands free telephone calls. In this case, the
`headset base station functions as a charger only, as the headset
`transceiver communicates directly with the telephone base
`transceiver.
`
`[0006] Likewise, a headset base unit is a unit, which is
`arranged between a headset and one or more telecommuni-
`cation devices, such as a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone
`Network) desk phone, and IP (Internet Protocol) desk phone,
`an IP soft phone (installed on a computer) and a mobile
`phone. The headset base unit comprises a headset holder for
`holding the headset when not in use. The headset comprises
`one or two earphones and a microphone. The headset base
`unit is typically placed on a desk beside a telephone and/or a
`PC. When the user wants to use the headset, he picks up the
`headset from the holder and arranges in on his ear or head.
`The headset can be connected to the headset base unit by a
`wire or wirelessly. In both cases the user’s hands are free for
`other purposes such as using the computer or handling papers
`while communicating via the headset.
`[0007] GN 9350 is an office headset system comprising a
`headset base unit to be placed on a desk surface and a wireless
`headset, which can be placed in a headset holder of the head-
`set base unit when not in use. The headset is recharged when
`placed in the holder. The headset base unit can be simulta-
`
`neously connected to a desk phone, which can be a PSTN
`phone or an IP Phone, and a USB socket on a PC. The headset
`base unit comprises a “telephone mode” button and a “USB
`mode” button. When the user wants to make or receive a
`
`telephone call via the desk phone, he presses the “telephone
`mode” button. If the user wants to make or receive a call via
`
`a soft phone installed on the PC, he presses the “USB mode”
`button. The buttons are so-called momentary buttons and
`small indicator LED is arranged at each button. When the
`button is pressed, the associated LED is turned on, so the user
`can identify the chosen telecommunication device. This sys-
`tem works well, as the user by means of the LED easily can
`identify the selected telecommunication terminal.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`In one embodiment there is provided a new and
`[0008]
`advantageous communication system comprising a phone
`base, a cordless handset, a headset base and a cordless head-
`set.
`
`in that the
`[0009] The communications system having,
`headset base transceiver means and the telephone base trans-
`ceiver means are adapted to be connected by a third radio link
`according to the first radio standard, wherein the headset can
`be used for a telephone call via the first radio link and the third
`link. With such a system, it is possible to connect a headset
`system to a cordless telephone and still make use of headset
`base features, such as advanced user interfaces, headset base
`connectivity, status information indicators etc.
`[0010] According to another embodiment, also the first
`radio link follows the first radio standard.
`
`[0011] The first radio standard can be the Digital Enhanced
`Cordless Telecommunications standard (DECT). DECT was
`developed by European Telecommunications Standards
`Institute (ETSI).
`[0012]
`Preferably, the headset base unit and the telephone
`base unit are GAP compatible. This ensures an easy exchange
`of parts of the system. The user can for example buy a new
`headset system to his existing cordless telephone or vice
`versa.
`
`[0013] The headset base transceiver means may comprise a
`first headset base transceiver, which is adapted to connect to
`the headset transceiver, and a second headset base transceiver,
`which is adapted to connect to the telephone base transceiver
`means. In this case, there is more freedom in configuring the
`different transceivers as master or slave.
`
`Preferably, the second headset base transceiver is
`[0014]
`configured as slave and the telephone transceiver means as
`master.
`
`[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the headset
`base unit it is simultaneously connectable to additional tele-
`communication devices.
`
`Preferably, the headset base unit is adapted to be
`[0016]
`able to instruct a connected telecommunication device to
`
`initiate an outgoing call. Thus, the user does not have to use
`the connected telecommunication device in order to initiate a
`call.
`
`[0017] The headset base may comprise a base user inter-
`face. A great advantage with this is that the user, while wear-
`ing the headset, can use the interface while looking at it,
`which is not the case with a user interface on the headset.
`
`[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the headset
`base unit comprises a display.
`[0019]
`In a particularly preferred embodiment, the display
`is a touch-screen display, which makes up a user interface.
`
`16
`
`16
`
`
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`Dec. 15,2011
`
`[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the speaker
`volume, microphone volume, and speaker equalisation can be
`adjusted by means of the touch-screen display.
`[0021] The touch-screen display may be adapted to display
`a keypad for dialling a telephone number.
`[0022] The headset base unit may be adapted to store a call
`list or phone book and show this call list or phone book on the
`display, such that the user can initiate an outgoing call by
`selecting a contact from the call list or phone book.
`[0023]
`Preferably, the display is adapted to show informa-
`tion about caller identity or callee identity.
`[0024]
`In addition, the headset base can be adapted to show
`information about the charging status of the headset battery.
`[0025]
`In another embodiment there is disclosed a more
`flexible identification system.
`[0026] The headset base unit according to the invention is
`characterised in a display unit with a display adapted for
`displaying device icons representing connected telecommu-
`nication devices.
`
`[0027] The display gives the advantage that the user easily
`can identify which telecommunication terminal is connected
`to the headset base unit. For example, if a desk phone is
`connected, an icon clearly indicates this. Furthermore, the
`graphic software can be upgraded for future needs and or
`changed for different utilities.
`[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the headset
`base unit is simultaneously connectable to more than one
`telecommunication device. In this case, a device icon for each
`telecommunication device on the display makes it easy for the
`user to identify the connected telecommunication devices.
`[0029]
`Preferably,
`the device icons change appearance,
`when the represented telecommunication device is selected.
`[0030] According to an embodiment, the display is a touch-
`screen display. In this case, the numbers of mechanical but-
`tons and pointing devices can be reduced or omitted. This
`saves manufacturing costs and improves the design possibili-
`ties, as the base housing can be designed slim and minimal-
`istic. Thus, the touch-screen display forms, in whole or in
`part, a user interface of the headset base unit.
`[0031]
`Preferably, a telecommunication device can be
`selected by touching the device icon representing the tele-
`communication device. For example, if a call is received by
`the desk phone, the user can easily choose to open an audio
`channel between the headset base unit and the desk phone by
`touching the device icon representing the desk phone.
`[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, one or more
`of headset speaker volume, microphone volume, and speaker
`equalisation can be adjusted by means of the touch-screen
`display.
`Preferably, the device icons change appearance in
`[0033]
`dependence on the call status, such as incoming call, on call
`and on hold, of the represented telecommunication device.
`Thus, the user can easily identify the call status of the con-
`nected telecommunication devices. It also reduces the num-
`
`ber of erroneous actions by the user. If there is an incoming
`call on a connected PC soft phone, a device icon on the
`display clearly indicates this, and intuitively the user will
`receive the call by touching this icon.
`[0034] According to an embodiment, a caller identity icon
`is shown when a device icon signals an incoming call. The
`caller identity icon can show the telephone number or name of
`the calling party.
`[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the headset
`base unit comprises a first base transceiver for wireless con-
`
`nectivity to a wireless headset comprising a headset trans-
`ceiver. Such a wireless solution provides more freedom, as
`the user can walk around in the office and even into another
`
`room when talking through the headset. A transceiver is a
`combined transmitter and receiver with common circuitry.
`However, a transmitter-receiver with no common circuitry
`can also be used.
`
`If the headset is wireless, the holder may comprise
`[0036]
`charging terminals for charging a rechargeable battery of the
`headset, when the headset is received by the holder.
`[0037]
`Preferably, the display is able to show battery status
`of the headset. The status may be sent from the headset to the
`headset base unit during use of the headset, or the headset
`base unit may be updated every time the headset is received
`by the holder.
`[0038]
`In an alternative embodiment, the headset and the
`base unit are connected by means of a wire. According to an
`embodiment, the headset base unit is adapted to be able to
`instruct a connected telecommunication device to initiate an
`
`outgoing call. In this case, the user does not need to manipu-
`late the telecommunication device itself.
`
`In a preferred embodiment, the touch— screen display
`[0039]
`is adapted to display a keypad for dialling a telephone num-
`ber. In this case, the user dials the number by touching the
`relevant number icons on the touch-screen display.
`[0040]
`In another embodiment, the headset base unit is
`adapted to store a call list or phone book and show this call list
`or phone book on the display, wherein the user can initiate an
`outgoing call by selecting a contact from the call list or phone
`book. If a touch-screen display is employed, the user can
`select the contact by simply touching it on the display.
`[0041] The display device may be hingedly connected to
`the housing, so that it can be tilted. Then it can be adjusted for
`the best viewing angle.
`[0042] According to an embodiment, the headset holder is
`a part of a headset holder unit, which is an adjustable or
`releasable part ofthe headset base unit. In this case, the holder
`may be adjusted to hold the headset in the most appropriate
`position or the holder may be replaced by another holder unit,
`which is adapted for a headset of another type.
`[0043] According to an embodiment, the headset holder or
`headset holder unit is rotatable about an essentially vertical
`axis, when the headset base unit stands on an essentially
`horizontal surface. This is a simple and effective solution.
`[0044] The holder unit may be arranged beside the display
`device.
`
`[0045] According to an embodiment, the headset base unit
`comprises a second transceiver or transmitter-receiver for
`wireless communication with a telecommunication terminal
`
`comprising a corresponding transceiver or transmitter-re-
`ceiver. The second transceiver could be a Bluetooth trans-
`ceiver or transmitter-receiver, which is connectable to a
`mobile phone also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver or
`transmitter-receiver. The headset base unit according to the
`invention with a second transceiver or transmitter-receiver
`
`may be without a display.
`[0046] The invention also relates to a headset system com-
`prising a headset base unit and a headset to be held by the
`headset holder when not in use.
`
`[0047] The headset system may be wired or wireless, which
`means that the connection between the headset base unit and
`the headset can be wired or wireless.
`
`17
`
`
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`Dec. 15,2011
`
`[0048] The disclosure also induces a method of setting up a
`headset base unit according to claim 1, wherein the display
`instructs the user to one or more of the following:
`[0049]
`connect the headset base unit to telecommunica-
`tion devices
`
`configuring interface wiring between telephone
`[0050]
`and headset base unit,
`[0051] microphone level setup
`[0052] The display instructions can be assisted by voice
`tags.
`[0053] The various embodiments can also be combined
`together into multiple permuations.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0054] The invention is explained in detail below with ref-
`erence to the drawing illustrating a preferred embodiment of
`the invention and in which
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodi-
`[0055]
`ment of a headset system comprising a headset base unit and
`a headset arranged on a headset holder of the headset base
`unit,
`FIG. 2 the headset base unit ofthe system ofFIG. 1,
`[0056]
`FIG. 3 the headset base unit, where a headset holder
`[0057]
`unit is released from the remainder of the headset base unit,
`[0058]
`FIG. 4 the headset system with the headset holder
`unit is in a second position,
`[0059]
`FIG. 5 a second embodiment of a headset system,
`[0060]
`FIG. 6 the headset of the first embodiment,
`[0061]
`FIG. 7 a diagram showing the headset system
`according to the invention connected to three different tele-
`communication devices,
`[0062]
`FIG. 8 different views of the display during use of
`the headset system,
`[0063]
`FIG. 9 different views of the display during adjust-
`ment of call options, and
`[0064]
`FIG. 10 different views of the display during setup
`of the headset system,
`[0065]
`FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a general commu-
`nication system,
`[0066]
`FIG. 12 is a diagram showing some of the main
`elements of the different parts of the telecommunication sys-
`tem according to a first embodiment, and
`[0067]
`FIG. 13 is a diagram showing some of the main
`elements of the different parts of a second embodiment of a
`telecommunication system.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0068] At various places in this disclosure the term
`“means” is used. It is a convenience but not intended to be
`
`interpreted under 35 USC sec 103 sixth paragraph as a
`“means+function” statement. Rather,
`“means” in this
`instance refers to the structures stated and equivalents thereof.
`[0069]
`FIG. 1 discloses a headset system 1 according to a
`preferred embodiment of the invention. The headset system
`comprises a headset base unit 2 and a wireless headset 3. The
`headset base unit 2 comprises a housing 4, a headset holder 5
`and a display device 39 with a touch-screen display 6. The
`display device is a part of or physically connected to the
`housing 4. When not in use, the headset 3 is arranged on the
`headset holder 5, as shown in FIG. 1. The headset 3 comprises
`an earphone housing 54, a microphone arm 30a extending
`from the earphone housing 54 and a headband 2911, which
`
`extends from the earphone housing 54 and comprises a
`T-shaped endpiece 31 at the opposite free end.
`[0070]
`In FIG. 2, the headset 3 is removed from the headset
`base unit 2. The upper side of the headset holder 5 comprises
`charging terminals 30 for recharging the battery of the head-
`set 3, when the latter is received by the headset holder 5. The
`display device 39 is step-less adjustable from 0° to 90° along
`the arrow 55. his is made possible through a friction hinge.
`Thus, the user can adjust the display device 39 to an appro-
`priate viewing angle. In the 0° position (not shown), the
`display device 29 is received in a recess 37 in the base housing
`4, so that it flushes with the upper side of the base housing 4.
`In FIG. 2, the display device 39 is positioned at an angle
`between 0° and 90°.
`
`In FIG. 3, it is showed that a holder unit 56 compris-
`[0071]
`ing the headset holder 5 and a bottom part 35 can be lifted out
`of a receiving hole 36 in the base housing 4. By turning the
`holder unit 56 90° along the arrow 57 about a vertical axis and
`return it to the receiving hole 36, the headset holder 5 can be
`adjusted from “right ear position” shown in FIG. 1 to a “left
`earposition” shown in FIG. 4. In the “right earposition” (FIG.
`1), the user can easily grab the headset 3 with his right hand
`and put it on his head so that the earphone 54 is placed on the
`right ear. In the “left ear position” (FIG. 4), the user can easily
`grab the headset 3 with his left hand and arrange it on his head
`so that the earphone 54 is placed on his left ear. A preferred
`embodiment would have a symmetric connector which
`worked in any of 4-90 degree rotated positions, or the con-
`nector itself was rotatable. In the case of a symmetric con-
`nector, the connections would be mirror imaged 2 or 4 times
`to allow for 90 or 180 degree rotations. Electrical contact
`between the headset holder unit 56 and the remainder of the
`
`headset base unit 2 can be maintained during adjustment by
`means of a not shown wire on pluggable connector. Altema-
`tively contact terminals could be provided on bottom part 35
`of the holder unit 56 and in the receiving hole 36 so that
`electrical contact is established in the selected adjustment
`position.
`In an alternative embodiment, the headset holder 5
`[0072]
`could be rotatably mounted, so that it could be rotated about
`a vertical axis without being removed from the headset base
`unit 2. In that case, the connector would allow for rotation and
`the base 35 and receiving hole 36 wouldbe circular. In the non
`circular configuration as shown, the preferred embodiment is
`square so that the based can be inserted in any of 4-90 degree
`rotated positions. Likewise, base 35 may comprises a plural-
`ity of base units configured to be swapped out with different
`style headset cradles/chargers from the same manufacturer or
`competitive products so that the base housing 4 can be used
`for many different headset or cell phone products. FIG. 5
`illustrates an alternative swap-out unit.
`[0073] The holder unit 56 can also be replaced by another
`holder unit. This is advantageous as the headset base unit 2
`then can be adapted for use with another headset. In FIG. 5 is
`shown a second embodiment ofthe headset system 94 accord-
`ing to the invention. This embodiment differs from the first
`embodiment by the holder unit 38 being adapted for a differ-
`ent type of wireless headset 32. Thus, the holder unit 38
`according to the second embodiment does not comprise an
`upwardly extending headset holder but simply a receiving
`hole in the top surface. The headset 32 according to the
`second embodiment comprises a headset housing 61, an ear-
`bud 34 to be inserted into the ear and an ear hook 33 to be
`
`arranged around the outer ear ofthe user. The user interface of
`
`18
`
`18
`
`
`
`US 2011/0306393 Al
`
`Dec. 15,2011
`
`the headset 32 comprises a multi-function button 52 and an
`elongate volume touch button 53. The user can inter alia
`receive and end calls by pressing the multi-function button 52
`and adjust the headset volume by sliding a finger along the
`volume button 53. Thus, the user turns the volume up by
`sliding the finger in one direction and turns the volume down
`by sliding the finger in the opposite direction. In this embodi-
`ment, the charging connection in the base 38 engages with the
`headset 61 which has an opening at its distal end which
`received a charging contact. This opening can operate as a
`charging port and microphone passage way (ie a passageway
`into a chamber housing the microphone, so that the port
`performs two functions
`[0074]
`FIG. 6 discloses the headset 3 according to the first
`embodiment. As indicated with the arrow 58, the microphone
`arm 3011 can be rotated about an axis essentially perpendicu-
`lar to the large outer surface of the earphone 54 in order to
`point it in the direction of the user’s mouth and to adjust the
`headset 3 from left ear use to right ear use and vice versa. In
`FIG. 6, the headset 3 is adjusted to left ear use. The headband
`29a comprises a first headbandpart 59 and a second headband
`part 60. The second headband 60 part
`is telescopically
`received in the first headband part 59, so that the length of the
`headband 29a can be adjusted to the size of the user’s head.
`On the outer side of the microphone arm and within the outer
`boundary of the earphone 54, the headset 3 comprises an
`elongate volume touch button 53. The user can adjust the
`speaker volume by sliding the finger in the lengthwise direc-
`tion ofthe touch button 53 as explained in connection with the
`second embodiment. The circumferential surface of the ear-
`
`phone 54 comprises a multi-function button 52 for inter alia
`receiving and ending calls.
`[0075]
`FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how a headset system
`according to the invention can be connected to a number of
`telecommunication terminals. The headset base unit 2 com-
`
`prises a base processor 29, a first connection device 7, a
`second connection device 8, a first transceiver 27, a second
`transceiver 28 and a touch screen display 6. The headset base
`unit 2 is by means of the first connection device 7 connected
`to a desk phone (PSTN) 9, a PC 10 and a mobile phone 11.
`The desk phone 9 and the PC 10 are connected by wires 63, 64
`to the connection device 7. The wire between PC 10 and the
`base unit 2 is a USB cable 64. The first connection device 7
`
`also comprises an antenna 43 by means of which a wireless
`connection 65 to the mobile phone 11 is established. This
`wireless connection is established by means of the second
`transceiver 28 and a corresponding transceiver (not shown) in
`the mobile phone. The wireless connection follows the Blue-
`tooth standard, which means that the second transceiver 28 is
`a Bluetooth transceiver. However, other standards such as
`DECT could be utilized. The headset base unit comprises a
`speaker (not shown in FIG. 7) for generating an audible
`feedback to the user when operating the touch display. The
`speaker will also be used to signal an incoming soft phone
`call.
`
`[0076] The second connection device 8 also comprises an
`antenna 44. A wireless connection 66 between the headset
`
`base unit 2 and the headset 3 is established by means of the
`first transceiver 27 and the antenna 44. The user interface of
`
`the headset base 2 comprises the touch screen display 6,
`which will be described later in detail.
`
`[0077] The headset 3 comprises a headset processor 48, a
`headset connection device 46 with an antenna 45, a headset
`transceiver 51, a speaker 49 a microphone 50 and a user
`
`interface 47. The user interface 47 comprises the multi-func-
`tion 52 button and the touch volume button 53. The wireless
`connection 66 between the headset 3 and the headset base unit
`2 follows the DECT standard. However, other standards, such
`as Bluetooth could be used. If Bluetooth is used, the headset
`3 could be simultaneously connected to another Bluetooth
`device, such as the mobile phone 11. The headset shown in
`FIG. 3 is especially suitable for such a solution, as it is
`compact and easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
`[0078]
`FIG. 8 shows different views of the touch screen
`display during use of the headset system according to the
`invention. A touch screen display normally comprises a flat
`screen display, which is based on LCD, TFT, OLED or other
`technology and is covered with a transparent touch panel. The
`touch panel is normally a so-called capacitive or resistive
`panel. However, other touch panel
`technologies can be
`applied. The touch screen display can show different areas,
`“widgets” or icons, the user can touch in order to control the
`headset system. In the following, the display 6 is shown for
`typical situations during use of a headset system according to
`the invention connected to a desk phone, a PC and a mobile
`phone.
`FIG. 8a) “Normal Idle Situation”
`[0079]
`In the idle mode situation shown in FIG. 8a), the
`headset is in idle mode, i.e. there are no active calls. The upper
`area of the screen is called the “status bar” and comprises a
`headset icon 15, a battery level icon 16 and a setup icon 17
`represented by a small wrench. The headset icon 15 indicates
`that the headset and the headset base unit are connected. The
`
`icon 17 indicates the battery level of the
`battery level
`rechargeable battery of the headset. The large icon 12 show-
`ing a desk phone with the handset in the cradle is named the
`target phone icon 12. An outgoing call made from the headset
`or the headset base unit is made from the telecommunication
`
`device selected as “target phone”. Below the large “target
`phone” icon 12 there is a “button stack” with two smaller
`icons: a mobile phone icon 13 and a PC icon 14: These icons
`indicate that these telecommunication devices are also con-
`nected to the headset base unit. If the user touches the mobile
`
`phone icon 13, the target phone icon 12 changes from a desk
`phone icon to a mobile phone icon, while a smaller desk
`phone icon will appear in the button stack. In the lower part of
`the screen, there are a first handset icon 18 and a second
`handset icon 19, which are used for receiving and ending
`calls. It does not appear form the drawing, but the first handset
`icon 18 is green and the second handset 19 icon is red.
`FIG. 8b) “Ringing”
`[0080]
`In the ringing situation shown in FIG. 8b), there is an
`incoming call on the mobile phone, which is indicated by an
`incoming call icon 40 with animated symbols representing
`sound waves. Thus, the user’s attention is drawn to the dis-
`play. If the user wants to receive the call, he touches the first
`handset icon 18, and if he wants to reject the call, he touches
`the second handset icon 19.
`
`FIG. 80) “On Call”
`[0081]
`FIG. 80) disclose the screen when there is an active
`call on the desk phone. The active call is indicted by an on call
`icon 41 showing a sound wave symbol at the speaker of the
`lifted handset.
`
`[0082] During an active call, the setup icon 17 has changed
`to a call option icon 67, represented by a small speaker with a
`sound wave symbol. By touching this icon, the user gets
`access to various call adjustments shown in FIG. 9A “record-
`ing” icon 42 shown in the status bar indicates that a call via the
`
`19
`
`
`
`US 2011/0306393 A1
`
`Dec. 15,2011
`
`PC soft phone is recorded on the PC. However, there could
`also be a recording function built into the headset base unit 2,
`so that calls through any ofthe connected telecommunication
`devices could be recorded.
`
`FIG. 8d) “Call Collision”
`[0083]
`FIG. 8d) discloses what is called a “call collision
`scenario”. There is an active call on the desk phone and an
`incoming call on the mobile phone. The caller ID 24 of the
`caller on the mobile phone is shown on the screen just below
`the status bar. The caller ID is normally a phone number or the
`name of the calling party. The user now has two options
`represented by a first call collision icon 68 and a second call
`collision icon 69. If he touches the first icon 68, he rejects the
`incoming call on the mobile phone and continues the call on
`the desk phone. If he touches the second icon 69, he ends the
`call on the desk phone and receives the incoming call on the
`mobile phone.
`FIG. 8e) “On Call/Hold”
`[0084]
`In FIG. 86) a call on the mobile phone is put on hold,
`which is indicated by the on hold icon 20. By simply touching
`the on hold icon 20, the user can make the call active again. By
`touching the icon representing the active call (see FIG. 80)),
`the user can put the call on hold again.
`FIG. 8]) “On Call/Incoming Call on Same Line”
`[0085]
`In FIG. 8]), the user has an active call on the mobile
`phone while there is a