Patent ID: 7113492
Filing Date: 2006-09-26
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
1. A method for providing an audio broadcast for a time division multiple access system with a base part and a plurality of portable parts, comprising: broadcasting an audio message from the base part during a single time slot of a time division; receiving the audio message at the plurality of portable parts at least one of which is a hands free unit; automatically converting the audio message into sound by the plurality of portable parts; generating an audio broadcast command at the base part by designating the single time slot; placing the plurality of portable parts in a receive only mode by synchronizing the plurality of portable parts to the a single time slot and turning on only speakers without turning on microphones of the plurality of portable parts; transmitting the audio broadcast command from the base part to the plurality of portable parts; transmitting a broadcast origination signal from an additional portable part to the base part; transmitting the audio message from the additional portable part to the base part; transmitting the audio broadcast command from the base part to the plurality of portable parts; assigning a time slot other than the designated time slot to at least one portable unit before the transmitting of the audio broadcast from the base part such that the at least one of the portable parts so assigned does not broadcast audio messages during the designated time slot; and dividing out more than three receiving time slots and more than three sending time slots for the base part, wherein the designated time slot is one of the more than three sending time slots and wherein the transmitting audio broadcast command is transmitted during at least two of the more than three sending time slots.