Integrated passive and active communications system

We claim:

1. A hands-free integrated passive and active communications system (IPAC), comprising:

at least one shared I/O device;

a passive communications device;

an active communications device which is a telephone, further comprising:

at least one audio input device; and

means to communicate with a remote location; and

a switch device, further comprising:

a controller, the controller having means to control access to the shared I/O device, having means to control the passive communications device, and means to control the active communications device;

gating means to control access to the shared I/O by the passive communications device and the active communications device; and

means to automatically deactivate the passive communications device when the active communications device detects an incoming communication, and automatically activate the active communication device;

a head set having a head strap which supports the audio input device the shared I/O device, the passive communications device, the active communications device, and the switch device;

the shared I/O device is a first speaker and a second speaker, at least one speaker for each user's ear;

a flexible headset strap, the flexible headset strap connected to a first speaker at one end and connected to a second speaker at the other end; and

at least one of the speakers is attached to the flexible headset strap by a hinge, the hinge having a closed position in which the speaker is adjacent to user's ear and an open position in which the speaker is hingedly moved away from the user's ear such that at least one ear can hear ambient noise when the other speaker is used for a telephone call;

whereby the IPAC controls active communications and passive communications with a reduced set of shared I/O devices, and automatically interrupts the passive communications device when an incoming transmission is received for the active communications device and whereby a user can place a telephone call while maintaining the ability to hear sounds not coming from the telephone.

2. An IPAC, as in claim 1, wherein the passive communications device is a radio receiver.

3. An IPAC, as in claim 2, wherein voice commands are used to control the radio receiver.

4. An IPAC, as in claim 1, wherein the active communications device is a walkie-talkie device.

5. An IPAC, as in claim 1, wherein the passive communications device is a CD player.

6. An IPAC, as in claim 1, wherein the active communications device is a cellular telephone.

7. An IPAC, as in claim 1, wherein the active communications device is a 900 mhz telephone.

8. An IPAC, as in claim 1, wherein the active communications device is a cordless telephone with a base station.

9. An IPAC, as in claim 1, wherein the active communications device uses voice activation to place telephone calls.

10. An IPAC, as in claim 9, wherein:

a head set having a head strap which supports the audio input device, the shared I/O device, the passive communications device, the active communications device, and the switch device;

the audio input device is a microphone, the microphone is movably attached to the headset such that it has an off-hook and an on-hook position;

means to detect when the microphone moves from the on-hook to the off-hook position;

means to activate the telephone when the microphone moves from the on-hook to the off-hook position.

11. An IPAC, as in claim 1, further comprising memory for storing preselected data.

12. An IPAC, as in claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the memory stores speed dial data.

13. An IPAC, as in claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the memory stores radio frequency data.

14. An IPAC, as in claim 11, further comprising:

at least a portion of the memory stores encrypted telephone password data;

a control panel for inputting decryption password data;

means to use the decryption password data to decrypt the encrypted telephone password data;

whereby access to the telephone requires entry of password data.

15. An IPAC, as in claim 1, further comprising:

a speech synthesizer;

a caller ID function to identify the source of a telephone call received by the active communications device;

the controller having means to obtain caller ID identifying information from the active communications device and to control the output of the speech synthesizer such that audio information identifying the source of a call is output from the speech synthesizer to the audio switch and then gated to the speakers.

16. An IPAC, as in claim 6, further comprising:

a microphone having a voice output;

a voice recognition device having an input connected to the voice output of the microphone, the voice recognition device capable of recognizing voice commands, and further capable of outputting control commands to control operation of the passive communications device based on the content of the voice commands;

whereby the passive communications device functions are controlled by voice commands.

17. A system, as in claim 16, wherein the passive audio device is a radio receiver.

18. A system, as in claim 16, wherein the passive audio device is a CD player.

19. An integrated passive and active communications system (IPAC), comprising:

at least one shared I/O device;

a passive communications device;

an active communications device, the active communications device being a telephone device which further comprises:

at least one audio input device; and

means to communicate with a remote location;

a switch device, further comprising:

a controller, the controller having means to control access to the shared I/O device, having means to control the passive communications device, and means to control the active communications device;

gating means to control access to the shared I/O by the passive communications device and the active communications device; and

means to automatically deactivate the passive communications device when the active communications device detects an incoming communication, and automatically activate the active communication device;

a timed programs memory, having means to store programmed events;

a timer, the timer providing timing information for use by the controller; and

the controller having means to use the timing information in conjunction with the programmed events stored in the timed programs memory to control activation and tuning of the passive communications device when a preselected program is remotely broadcast and activation of the active communications device when a outgoing communication is to be made at a preselected time;

whereby the IPAC controls active communications and passive communications with a reduced set of shared I/O devices, and automatically interrupts the passive communications device when an incoming transmission is received for the active communications device.

20. An integrated passive and active communications system (IPAC), comprising:

at least one shared I/O device;

a passive communications device;

an active communications device, said active communications device comprising a telephone;

a switch device, further comprising:

a controller, the controller having means to control access to the shared I/O device, having means to control the passive communications device, and means to control the active communications device; and

gating means to control access to the shared I/O by the passive communications device and the active communications device;

an audio sample memory, having means to store samples of musical works;

audio data comparison means, having a first input for inputting data from the audio sample memory, a second input for inputting data from the passive communications device, and an output which indicates whether the data from the audio sample memory and the data from the passive communications device match;

the controller having means to monitor the audio data comparison means and means to activate transfer for data from the passive communications device to speakers 202 when the audio data comparison means indicates a match;

whereby the IPAC is capable of active communications and passive communications with a reduced set of shared I/O devices.

21. A passive communications system, comprising:

a radio receiver having at least one radio tuner having an audio data output;

audio sample memory, for storing a preselected sample of audio data;

audio data comparison means to compare the preselected sample of audio data with the audio data output of the radio tuner;

means to switch the tuner frequency at preselected times, such that radio stations received by the radio receiver are scanned by the audio data comparison means;

audio speaker means;

a controller, the controller having means to select a radio station and activate the audio speaker means when the audio data comparison means indicates that the preselected sample of audio data and the audio data output of the radio tuner match; and

whereby the radio receiver is automatically activated when a preselected audio work is detected on a particular radio station.

22. A passive communications system, as in claim 21, further comprising:

at least two tuners, the first tuner providing an audio data output for input to the audio data comparison means, and the second tuner providing audio data for output by the receiver to the speaker means;

means to switch the selected frequency of the second tuner to the frequency of the first tuner when the audio data comparison means indicates that a match has been detected;

whereby the passive communications system can play audio works on one radio station while scanning other stations for a selected work, and then automatically switch to the radio station playing the selected work when the selected work is detected by the audio comparison means.

Description Submit all comments and votes

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of portable electronic devices. In particular, it relates to radio headset receivers which are capable of automatically and/or semi-automatically activating a telephone interface controller such that the passive radio headset can be integrated with active communications devices such as portable telephones, walkie-talkies, intercoms, or monitoring devices.

2. Background Art

Portable passive electronic devices such as an AM/FM radio or a cassette player are well known. Compact entertainment devices have been used by individuals desirous of having the availability of music while engaged in outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, etc. Early portable entertainment devices used a larger main unit with a radio receiver and/or tape player which attached to an individual's belt or clothing. These devices typically have a separate headset which is attached to the main unit via wires.

More recently, self contained headsets such as those typified by the "Walkman" (TM) headsets commercially available from SONY corporation have become popular. These units are lighter in weight than previous units. As a result, a user can comfortably wear this type of headset without the inconvenience of the heavier separately carried units discussed above. In particular, the user does not have to be concerned about accidentally becoming entangled with the headset wires, thereby disconnecting the headset.

Other portable active electronic devices such as cellular telephones, intercoms, walkie-talkie devices, CB radio, etc. are also well known. These devices allow a user the benefit of communicating while traveling or engaging in outdoor activities. These devices have many of the drawbacks of earlier entertainment devices in that they are inconvenient to carry. Further, when a user is engaged in outdoor activities such as jogging, walking, etc., it is inconvenient to use a portable communication device due to the necessity of having to first remove the portable entertainment units headset. Further, the additional weight and nuisance of carrying multiple devices discourages users from taking both types of devices.

While the ability to communicate often provides a user with convenience, it can also provide the user with an added element of security. For example, many individuals jog alone. As a result, they can be targets for assailants, they can become injured due to traffic accidents, or even become injured from the physical activity they are engaged in. The possession of a telephone while engaging in leisure activities such as jogging or while working outdoors can be useful for summoning help, and may be an important factor in the jogger obtaining timely help. Unfortunately, the inconvenience of carrying two separate systems while outdoors typically results in an individual choosing one type of device or another, but not both.

A factor in the overall bulk and inconvenience associated with carrying two types of systems is the redundant nature of many components in each system. For example, both a radio headset and a cellular telephone include speakers and audio circuitry, both may have LCD display panels and the associated driving circuitry, and both may have data entry devices such as keypads.

While addressing the basic desirability of having access to entertainment and communications while outdoors, the prior art has failed to provide an integrated system which allows convenient access to both communications and entertainment in a single device. Further, the prior art has failed to provide for automatic or semi-automatic switching between the two devices, a modular system capable of function substitution, a common control mechanism capable of managing the shared use of individual components of each system, or the automatic interruption of one function by another based on priority.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the foregoing problems by providing a combined entertainment and communications system which includes a passive communications subsystem such as an AM/FM radio receiver, an active communications subsystem such as a cellular telephone transmitter/receiver or a CB radio transmitter/receiver, a shared I/O subsystem, and a mechanism for switching the I/O between subsystems. The subsystems are integrated into a single portable package and are controlled by a control mechanism capable of automatically or semi-automatically switching control of the shared I/O subsystem between the active and passive communications subsystems. Size, weight, and cost of the device are reduced by sharing common input/output (I/O) and control components. Alternative embodiments provide additional functions such as voice activation, remote monitoring, radio station scanning for preselected audio works, caller ID used in conjunction with voice synthesis, folding headsets, and modular function packaging to easily expand or alter a particular system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment illustrating the passive subsystem, active subsystem, shared I/O devices and switching device used as the control mechanism.

FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment in which the passive and active communications devices are integrated into the headset. A boom microphone is shown as an integrated part of the headset.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment in which the passive and active communications devices are integrated into opposite sides of the headset. A boom microphone is shown as an integrated part of the headset.

FIG. 4 is another alternative preferred embodiment in which the passive communications device is integrated into the headset and a conventional cellular phone is attached to an I/O port in the headset. An optional boom microphone is shown as an integrated part of the headset.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the system components.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment in which the telephone antenna is elevated and retracted under motor control.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an Integrated Passive and Active Communications system which is used with a fixed monitoring station.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the device illustrating the LCD display, the control panel, and the microphone in the "stowed" (on hook) position.

FIG. 8B is a front edge view of the device of FIG. 8A with the microphone in the "in use" (off hook) position.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which one of the speakers can be opened such that it is positioned away from the users ear to allow safe telephone operation when operating a vehicle.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment with voice recognition circuitry in the Integrated Passive and Active Communications system.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment with a folding head strap which uses hinges to fold the device for storage.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment which includes a programmable program timer and program memory that provides automatic program event control.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment which includes a selection search feature.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment which includes a passive-only communications system with a selection search feature.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment which notifies the user as to who is calling via a caller ID function combined with a voice synthesizer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, this figure shows a block diagram of the Integrated Passive and Active Communications (hereinafter IPAC) system 100. The shared I/O devices 108, which provide an important advantage in terms of reduced weight and cost, are illustrated by this figure. In normal operation, the passive communications device 102 is connected to the shared I/O devices 108 via switch 106. The passive communications device 102 would typically be an AM/FM radio receiver. AM/FM radio receivers are well known in the art. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternatives to a standard AM/FM receiver could be used, such as cassette tape players, compact disc players (CDS), police scanners, etc.

Active communications device 104 is envisioned as a conventional cellular phone. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable telephone technology can be used, such as a wireless telephone with a fixed base station, higher frequency (900 MHZ) telephones which have been recently developed, walkie talkie transmitter/receivers, etc. While any of these known voice technologies may be used, cellular currently provides the advantage of having no restrictions insofar as range from a fixed base station is concerned. Therefore, it allows the user to communicate from any location.

A user would typically use passive communications device 102 while engaging in outdoor activities (or even indoor activities where the device could be conveniently worn). The audio output from passive communications device 102 would be input to speakers 202 (shown in FIG. 2) under control of switch device 106. Speakers 202 are part of the shared I/O 108. In the event a telephone call is received, switch device 106 interrupts audio data from passive communications device 102 and connects the audio output of the active communications device 104 to speakers 202. In the preferred embodiment, the interruption process would be automatic when a call is received. However, the device can be constructed such that the passive audio is not interrupted until manually switched.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is also possible to selectively permit interruption via a hardware or software switch. In effect, a "do not disturb" function can be implemented for call interruption. Further, the active communications device 104 (e.g., the telephone) can be activated to receive or not receive calls regardless of whether the passive communications device 102 (e.g., the radio) is activated. An advantage of using the IPAC 100 in this manner is that the user may not wish to use the radio portion of the device on a particular day, but may wish to have a telephone conversation while jogging. By using a telephone which is completely self contained in the headset of the IPAC 100, the user has the convenience of having a hands free conversation.

The active communications device 104 can also be an alternative to a telephone. For example, a "walkie-talkie" type receiver/transmitter can be used as the active communications device 104. This configuration is useful when two or more individuals want to communicate, but are engaging in activities which require their physical separation. For example, if individuals engage in recreational activities such as bicycling, skiing, rock climbing, etc., they will typically be too far apart to engage in conversation. An active communications device 104 which is implemented as a walkie-talkie allows two or more individuals who are separated by a significant distance to have the convenience of conversation. In addition to the type of communication discussed above, IPAC 100 can be very useful when two or more vehicles are traveling together. For example, if at least one IPAC 100 is in each car of a group of cars, then the occupants of any car can communicate for social reasons or to inform the other vehicles if a stop must be made.

Likewise, outdoor workers, each equipped with an IPAC 100, can also use them to communicate with one another. As a result, work may be performed more efficiently because each worker can immediately be reached or can immediately reach others whenever necessary. This is a particularly valuable advantage, whether or not the device is used for recreation or work, in the event that one of the individuals using the IPAC 100 is injured.

Another embodiment uses the IPAC 100 as a baby monitor. A fixed microphone/transmitter unit 700 (shown in FIG. 7) can be placed in a nursery. The microphone /transmitter unit 700 communicates with the walkie/talkie receiver in the active communications device 104. The parent can then engage in activities or chores throughout the home, or go outside the home for yardwork, etc., without worrying about the status of the infant because the parent is constantly monitoring the infants room. When the infant awakes or needs attention, the parent is immediately aware and can take appropriate action.

It is possible to integrate several devices into the active communications device 104. Telephone, walkie-talkie, and monitor circuitry can be incorporated into a single device. A priority interruption protocol can also be implemented to allow one device to interrupt another. For example, the walkie-talkie can be interruptible by the telephone which in turn can be interrupted by the monitor. Likewise, any of these devices can be used in conjunction with a passive communications device 102.

In addition to the speakers 202, the shared I/O also includes the microphone boom 210 (shown in FIG. 2) and may have optional indicator lamps which can inform individuals near the user that the speakers are activated. The antenna 208 and/or 304 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively) may also be part of the shared I/O.

In FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of the IPAC 100 in which the passive communications device 102 and the active communications device 104 are incorporated into a single communications assembly 204. Communications assembly 204 provides a single integrated structure which houses all of the components required by the passive and active communications devices 102, 104. A single antenna structure 208 is shown attached to communications assembly 204. Those skilled in the art will recognize that while a single antenna may be used for both the passive communications device 102 and the active communications device 104, improved performance will be obtained by using separate antennas, each tuned for a specific frequency, to optimize performance for the particular frequencies used. Of course, it is possible to have separate antenna wires within a single antenna structure 208. This would provide a more compact and visually pleasing outer structure for antenna 208.

Communications assembly 204 is attached to a conventional headset strap 206 which has speakers 202 at each end. In the preferred embodiment, a flexible microphone boom 210 is attached to headset strap 206.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of IPAC 100 in which the active communications assembly 302 contains the active communications device 104 and is separate from the passive communications device 102 located in communications assembly 204. By separating the active and passive function circuitry, weight and size can be distributed to both sides of a user's head, resulting in a more comfortable fit.

In addition, the separation provides a convenient method of implementing another embodiment of the invention, in which one particular type of function can be interchanged or substituted for another. For example, if a parent was taking the device out for recreational use, then there would be no need to carry the monitor function. Likewise, the telephone, walkie-talkie, CB radio, or police scanner functions may not be desired on a particular day. Active communications assembly 302 can be designed as a detachable unit which holds a given combination of one or more functions. Active communications assembly 302 can be detached and replaced with another active communications assembly 302 which has an alternative function or functions. For example, the monitor function can be replaced with the telephone function or the walkie-talkie function.

One advantage of this embodiment is the reduction in weight and size which improve the comfort and convenience of the wearer. Further, by designing the system as a modular IPAC 100 system, it can be delivered at lower cost to a user since the user will only purchase the subsystem functions desired. Likewise, the user can grow the system as needs arise if it is modular. For example, a user may not need a monitor function at present, but may need one in the future if a child is conceived. Of course, if the monitor function was not desired, then the user would save the expense of purchasing the fixed microphone/transmitter unit 702. Likewise, features such as walkie-talkie or telephone functions may be incorporated when the user wants to add them. The modularity can be achieved by replacing the entire active communications assembly 302 or by adding a pluggable circuit into the active communications assembly 302. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a modular system allows new technologies and/or functions to be added in the future as they become available.

In FIG. 4, another preferred embodiment of IPAC 100 is illustrated. This embodiment allows a user who already owns a pre-existing device, such as a cellular telephone, to have the advantages of hands free operation without incurring the expense of purchasing a second (and redundant) cellular function. The existing passive communications device 102 is connected to a conventional cellular telephone 402 via attachment cable 404. Switching device 106 controls bi-directional passthru of audio data between the shared I/O and the cellular telephone. The cellular telephone 402 can be conveniently placed in the user's pocket providing the user with the convenience of hands free telephone operation.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the IPAC 100. The controller 502 is a low power microcomputer. An example of a suitable controller would be the Intel 80C5x series. It receives commands and information from the operator control panel 504 via bus 514. The control panel 504 has controls for such things as AM/FM radio frequency, phone numbers, volume control, etc. The LCD display 506 is used by the controller 502 via bus 516 to display status information such as current radio frequency, telephone number, signal st