Hands-free device with button for cellular telephone send/end and two-way radio push-to-talk

The send, end, and push-to-talk functions of a combination cellular telephone/two-way radio, are controlled with a single button on a hands-free device having a cable attached to the button, a microphone, and an earpiece. The button is pressed to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. The user speaks while continuing to press the button, to transmit the user's words in the two-way radio conversation. Next, the user releases the button, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to cease transmitting, to permit the user to hear words transmitted by the other party to the two-way radio conversation. Additionally, the user may answer an incoming cellular telephone call by pressing the button used during the two-way radio conversation, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hands-free devices for telephonic communications. More particularly, the invention concerns controlling the send, end, and push-to-talk functions of a combination cellular telephone/two-way radio, with a button on a hands-free device.

2. Description of Related Art

“Hands-free” devices which permit having telephonic conversations without holding a telephone, are widely used. A hands-free device typically includes a small speaker which is placed near a user's ear, a microphone, and a cable for connecting the speaker and microphone to the telephone. Hands-free devices have been particularly useful with cellular telephones.

Generally, cellular telephones have a button for establishing communication connections, typically designated “send”, and also have a button for terminating communication connections, typically designated “end”. To establish a connection for a conversation, a user typically enters a telephone number on a keypad, or selects a number from a stored directory of numbers, and then presses the send button. When a user receives a call, which for example, may be indicated by the telephone ringing or vibrating, typically the user presses the send button to answer the telephone and establish a connection for a conversation. To end a conversation, the user presses the end button to terminate the connection.

Communications with cellular telephones are conducted in conjunction with a cellular telephone network which includes base stations, which wirelessly transmit information to, and receive information from, cellular telephones, and which are coupled to the public switched telephone network. Communications over cellular telephones are typically full-duplex, which means that both parties to the conversation can simultaneously send and receive information.

The functionality of two-way radios has been added to a cellular telephone network, and to specific cellular telephones that function with the network, in products known as Motorola's Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN™), and Nextel Communication's Direct Connect™. When using the digital two-way radio feature, a user selects the user identification number of another user from a directory, and then presses a “push-to-talk” (PTT) button on the combination cellular telephone/two-way radio in order to instantly transmit to the other user's cellular telephone/two-way radio, through the digital cellular telephone/two-way radio network. If the intended recipient of the transmission is in a service area defined by the cellular system operator, and has the two-way radio functionality of their cellular telephone/two-way radio turned on, and is not in another conversation, the intended recipient will hear the transmitting sender speaking immediately after the sender presses the PTT button, and without the delay of waiting for the receiver's telephone to ring and be answered. If a user attempts to commence a two-way radio conversation with another user that is engaged in a cellular telephone conversation, the user's cellular telephone/two-way radio will produce a tone indicating that the other user's two-way radio is not available. If a caller places a telephone call to the cellular telephone in a cellular telephone/two-way radio, while the two-way radio is being used, the caller will be forwarded to voicemail for the cellular telephone. When using the two-way radio function, a user must hold down the PTT button while speaking and transmitting to one or more other users, and must release the PTT button in order to receive and hear a transmission from one or more users. Thus, the PTT button controls the transmit/receive, talk/listen, function. This type of communication, in which a user cannot simultaneously transmit and receive information, is called half-duplex, and is in contrast with cellular telephone communications, which are full-duplex. To permit usage of the two-way radio function, combination cellular telephone/two-way radios have a PTT button on the combination cellular telephone/two-way radio.

A known type of hands-free device for a two-way radio includes two cables attached to a common plug, which connects to the two-way radio. A PTT button is attached to the end of the first cable, and a microphone and an earbud (a small speaker which is placed in the user's ear) are attached to the second cable. Due to the second cable required for the PTT button, this type of hands-free device has proven inadequate for many applications. This type of hands-free device is also inadequate for use with a combination cellular telephone/two-way radio, because the microphone and earpiece in this type of device do not function with a combination cellular telephone/two-way radio, and because this type of device does not have the ability to control the send or end cellular telephone functions. Hands-free devices for cellular telephones have also proven inadequate for combination cellular telephone/two-way radios, because they lack a button that has the ability to control the two-way radio PTT function.

SUMMARY

Broadly, the present invention concerns controlling the send, end, and push-to-talk functions of a combination cellular telephone/two-way radio, with a button on a hands-free device. The invention may be practiced with a hands-free device that includes a button that is attached to a cable that is coupled at one end to a combination cellular telephone/two-way radio, and that is also attached to a microphone and an earpiece.

One aspect of the invention may be practiced by first pressing the button attached to the cable, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. The user speaks while continuing to press the button, to transmit the user's words in the two-way radio conversation. Next, the user releases the button, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to cease transmitting, to permit the user to hear the words transmitted by the other party to the two-way radio conversation. After completing the two-way radio conversation, the user may answer an incoming cellular telephone call by pressing the button used during the two-way radio conversation, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation.

The invention affords its users with a number of distinct advantages. Chiefly, the invention permits using a hands-free device with a combination cellular telephone/two-way radio, and also permits controlling both the send and end cellular telephone functions, and the push-to-talk two-way radio function, of the combination cellular telephone/two-way radio with a single button on the hands-free device. One example of the invention also provides the benefit of attaching the button, microphone, and earpiece of the hands-free device to a single cable. The invention also provides a number of other advantages and benefits, which should be apparent from the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The nature, objectives, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings. As mentioned above, the invention concerns controlling the send, end, and push-to-talk functions of a combination cellular telephone/two-way radio, with a button on a hands-free device.

A “cable” is defined as a group of wires and insulating material that are attached or bundled together. “In-line” means attached directly to the cable. “Mid position” means anywhere between the ends of the cable, but not including either end.

I. Hardware Components and Interconnections

FIRST EXAMPLE

One aspect of the invention concerns a single-cable hands-free device which permits hands-free communications when using a combination cellular telephone/two-way radio, and which includes a button which can be pushed to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation, and to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation.

As an example, this hands-free device may be embodied by various hardware components and interconnections as shown inFIG. 1. More specifically, the hands-free device100includes a plug assembly102having a plug104and a plug assembly circuit board106. The plug104has a VCC pin108, a ground pin110, a transmit pin112, a receive pin114, a PTT pin116, and a mode pin118. The plug assembly circuit board106has a transmit connection area120coupled to the transmit pin112, a receive connection area122coupled to the receive pin114, an analog ground connection area124coupled to the ground pin110, a PTT connection area126coupled to the PTT pin116, and a PTT ground connection area128coupled to the ground pin110. The connection areas may be, for example, pads or terminals. “Transmit” may also be referred to as “audio in” (to the cellular telephone/two-way radio), and “receive” may also be referred to as “audio out” (from the cellular telephone/two-way radio) for example, as shown in FIGS.14A–B and15A–B. The plug assembly102advantageously attaches directly to a connector on specific cellular phones without the need of an adaptor or connector.

The hands-free device100also has a switch assembly130, which includes a momentary contact switch132that has a depressed position and a nondepressed position, and a first terminal134and a second terminal136. In one example the first terminal134is coupled to the second terminal136when the momentary contact switch132is in the depressed position. In an alternative design, the switch could be a normally closed switch. The switch assembly130also includes a switch assembly circuit board138that has a primary transmit pad140coupled to a secondary transmit pad142, a primary receive pad144coupled to a secondary receive pad146, and a primary analog ground pad148coupled to a secondary analog ground pad150. The switch132may also be referred to as a button or as a push-to-talk (PTT) button.

The hands-free device100also has a microphone assembly152which includes a microphone154that has a first lead156and a second lead158, and a microphone assembly circuit board160. The microphone assembly circuit board160has a transmit pad164and an analog ground pad162. The hands-free device100also has an earpiece166that has a first connector168and a second connector170.

Additionally, the hands-free device100has a single cable172, which has a base section174and an extension section176. The base section174includes a transmit wire178that has a proximal end that is coupled to the transmit connection area120, and a distal end that is coupled to the primary transmit pad140on the switch assembly circuit board138. The base section174also includes a receive wire180that has a proximal end that is coupled to the receive connection area122, and a distal end that is coupled to the primary receive pad144on the switch assembly circuit board138. The base section174also includes an analog ground wire182that has a proximal end coupled to the analog ground connection area124, and a distal end coupled to the primary analog ground pad148on the switch assembly circuit board138. The base section174further includes a PTT wire183that has a proximal end that is coupled to the PTT connection area126, and a distal end that is coupled to the second terminal136of the momentary contact switch132. The base section174also includes a PTT ground wire184that has a proximal end that is coupled to the PTT ground connection area128, and a distal end of the PTT wire that is coupled to the first terminal134of the momentary contact switch132.

The extension section176of the single cable172includes a transmit wire extension185having a proximal end that is coupled to the secondary transmit pad142on the switch assembly circuit board138, and a distal end that is coupled to the transmit pad164on the microphone assembly circuit board160. The extension section176also includes a receive wire extension186that has a proximal end that is coupled to the secondary receive pad146on the switch assembly circuit board138, and a distal end that is coupled to the first connector168of the earpiece166. The extension section176also includes a first analog ground wire extension187that has a proximal end coupled to the secondary analog ground pad150on the switch assembly circuit board138, and a distal end that is coupled to the analog ground pad162on the microphone assembly circuit board160. The extension section176further includes a second analog ground wire extension188that has a proximal end that is coupled to the secondary analog ground pad150on the switch assembly circuit board138, and a distal end that is coupled to the second connector170of the earpiece166.

The single cable has a first insulating sheath189that encloses the transmit wire178, the receive wire180, the analog ground wire182, the PTT wire183, and the PTT ground wire184, between the plug assembly102and the switch assembly130. The single cable also has a second insulating sheath190that encloses the transmit wire extension185and the first analog ground wire extension187, between the switch assembly130and the microphone assembly152. The single cable also has a third insulating sheath191that encloses the receive wire extension186and the second analog ground wire extension188between the switch assembly130and the earpiece166.

The switch assembly130may be referred to as being in-line, because it is attached directly to the single cable172, and because it is attached to the cable172at a location that is not at an end of the cable172.

SECOND EXAMPLE

FIG. 2illustrates a second example of a hands-free device200which includes a plug assembly201that has a plug202and a plug assembly circuit board/terminal interface203. The plug202has a POW pin205, an audio out pin206, a ground pin207, a VCC pin208, a PTT pin209, an audio in pin210, an analog ground pin211, and a mode pin212. The plug assembly circuit board/terminal interface203has a POW connection area214coupled to the POW pin205, an audio out connection area215coupled to the audio out pin206, a ground connection area216coupled to the ground pin207, a VCC connection area217coupled to the VCC pin208, a mode connection area218coupled to the mode pin212, a PTT connection area219coupled to the PTT pin209, an audio in connection area220coupled to the audio in pin210, and an analog ground connection area221coupled to the analog ground pin211. The plug assembly201advantageously attaches directly to a connector on specific cellular phones without the need of an adaptor or connector.

The hands-free device200also includes an interface circuit board223which has a POW pad224, an audio out pad225, a first ground pad226, a VCC pad227, a mode pad228, a first PTT pad229, an audio in pad230, an analog ground pad231, a positive speaker pad233, a negative speaker pad234, a second PTT pad235, a second ground pad236, a mic pad237, and a second analog ground pad238. The hands-free device200also includes a switch assembly240that has a momentary contact switch241that has a depressed position and a nondepressed position, and a first terminal242and a second terminal243. The first terminal242is coupled to the second terminal243when the momentary contact switch241is in the depressed position. The switch assembly240also has a switch assembly circuit board245that has a primary positive speaker pad246coupled to a secondary positive speaker pad247, a primary negative speaker pad248coupled to a secondary negative speaker pad249, a primary mic pad250coupled to a secondary mic pad251, and a primary analog ground pad252coupled to a secondary analog ground pad253.

The hands-free device200also has a microphone255that has a mic connection area256and an analog ground connection area257, and an earpiece259that has a positive speaker connection area260and a negative speaker connection area261.

The hands-free device200also has a single cable265that has a base section266, a middle section267, and an extension section268. The base section266includes a POW wire270that has a proximal end coupled to the POW connection area214and a distal end coupled to the POW pad224, an audio out wire271having a proximal end coupled to the audio out connection area215and a distal end coupled to the audio out pad225, and a ground wire272having a proximal end coupled to the ground connection area216and a distal end coupled to the first ground pad226. The base section266further includes a VCC wire273having a proximal end coupled to the VCC connection area217and a distal end coupled to the VCC pad227, a mode wire274having a proximal end coupled to the mode connection area218and a distal end coupled to the mode pad228, a first PTT wire275having a proximal end coupled to the PTT connection area219and a distal end coupled to the first PTT pad229, an audio in wire276having a proximal end coupled to the audio in connection area220and a distal end coupled to the audio in pad230, and a first analog ground wire277having a proximal end coupled to the analog ground connection area221and a distal end coupled to the analog ground pad231.

The middle section267of the single cable265includes a positive speaker wire279that has a proximal end coupled to the positive speaker pad233on the interface circuit board223and a distal end coupled to the primary positive speaker pad246on the switch assembly circuit board245. The middle section267also has a negative speaker wire280that has a proximal end coupled to the negative speaker pad234on the interface circuit board223and a distal end coupled to the primary negative speaker pad248on the switch assembly circuit board245. The middle section267further includes a second PTT wire281having a proximal end coupled to the second PTT pad235on the interface circuit board223, and a distal end coupled to the second terminal243of the momentary contact switch241. The middle section267also includes a PTT ground wire282that has a proximal end coupled to the second ground pad236on the interface circuit board223, and a distal end coupled to the first terminal242of the momentary contact switch241. The middle section267also has a mic wire283that has a proximal end coupled to the mic pad237on the interface circuit board223, and a distal end coupled to the primary mic pad250on the switch assembly circuit board245. Additionally, the middle section267has a second analog ground wire284that has a proximal end coupled to the second analog ground pad238on the interface circuit board223, and a distal end coupled to the primary analog ground pad252on the switch assembly circuit board245.

The extension section268of the single cable265includes a positive speaker wire extension285that has a proximal end coupled to the secondary positive speaker pad247on the switch assembly circuit board245, and a distal end coupled to the positive speaker connection area260on the earpiece259. The extension section268also includes a negative speaker wire extension286having a proximal end coupled to the secondary negative speaker pad249on the switch assembly circuit board245, and a distal end coupled to the negative speaker connection area261on the earpiece259. The extension section268further includes a mic wire extension287that has a proximal end coupled to the secondary mic pad251on the switch assembly circuit board245, and a distal end coupled to the mic connection area256on the microphone255. The extension section268also includes an analog ground wire extension288that has a proximal end coupled to the secondary analog ground pad253on the switch assembly circuit board245, and a distal end coupled to the analog ground connection area257on the microphone255.

The single cable265includes a first insulating sheath290enclosing the POW wire270, the audio out wire271, the ground wire272, the VCC wire273, the first PTT wire275, the audio in wire276, and the first analog ground wire277, in the base section266of the single cable265. The cable265also has a second insulating sheath292enclosing the positive speaker wire279, the negative speaker wire280, the second PTT wire281, the PTT ground wire282, the mic wire283, and the second analog ground wire284in the middle section267of the single cable265. The cable265also has a third insulating sheath293enclosing the positive speaker wire extension285, the negative speaker wire extension286, the mic wire extension287, and the analog ground wire extension288over at least a portion of the extension section268of the single cable265.

FIGS.14A–B and15A–B are schematic diagrams of interface circuit boards223in accordance with illustrative embodiments of the invention. In FIGS.14A–B and15A–B, U101C and U101D are PIC12LC508 integrated circuits which may be used for the optional vibrate function, and U2C and U2D are S1T8602B01 (KA8602B) audio amplifiers. InFIGS. 15A–B, VCC1 is a power supply voltage for the audio amplifier U2D, and VCC2 is a general power supply voltage for the circuit board.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES

An earpiece166,259includes a speaker of appropriately small size, and may be, for example, an earbud, an earloop, a headset, a behind the head headset, a submersible headset, or an acoustic audio tube and eartip. An acoustic tube embodiment may include two cables, with the PTT button and microphone attached to one cable, and the earpiece attached to the other cable. In one example the microphone is attached in-line to a mid point on a cable, and alternatively, the microphone is attached to a boom. In another example of the invention, the microphone, speaker, and PTT button are all in a single module attached to the end of a cable. In another example, the PTT button is attached to the end of a first cable, and the microphone and speaker are attached to a second cable. Alternatively, the microphone can be included in an enclosure with the PTT button on the first cable. In one example, the earpiece may have a silver-metallic appearance. In one example, the microphone is omnidirectional. Alternatively, other directionality patterns could be used.

Circuitry on the plug assembly circuit board106,203or on the interface circuit board223may be modified to provide different optional functions. For example, the circuitry may be modified to enable or disable the capability of the PTT button132,241to answer incoming cellular telephone calls. The circuitry may be modified to provide the capability for the cellular telephone/two-way radio to vibrate when receiving an incoming cellular telephone call. The circuitry may be modified to provide the capability for the cellular telephone/two-way radio to ring out loud when receiving an incoming cellular telephone call. The circuitry may be modified to provide the capability for a ringing sound to be produced in the earpiece when an incoming cellular telephone call is received. The circuitry could also be modified to provide the capability to place a cellular call by pressing the PTT button132,241, after entering or selecting on the telephone, a telephone number to be dialed. The circuitry could also be modified to provide the capability to terminate a cellular telephone call by pressing the PTT button132,241.

As an example, the invention is operated with a cellular network that uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology. However, the invention also could be implemented with Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), PCS, or GSM. As an example, the invention is operated with a digital cellular network. However, an analog network could also be used.

In addition to the various hardware embodiments described above, a different aspect of the invention concerns a method for instructing a combination cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation, and for instructing the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation, by pressing a button attached on a single cable which is coupled at one end to the cellular telephone/two-way radio, and which is also attached to a microphone and a speaker. As described below, two cables can also be used. For ease of explanation, but without any intended limitation, the examples below are described in the context of the hands-free devices described above in the hardware section.

Overall Sequence of Operation

FIRST EXAMPLE

One example of the method aspect of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 30.FIG. 30shows a method for using a button132,241attached to a single cable172,265attached to a microphone154,255, a speaker (for example included in earpiece166,259), and a cellular telephone/two-way radio, for instructing the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation, and for instructing the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation. The method begins with the step3002of entering another user's personal identification number into the cellular telephone/two-way radio, for example, by using a keypad or selecting the number from a directory on the cellular telephone/two-way radio. Next, in step3004, the user presses the button132,241to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. Next, in step3006, the button132,241attached to the cable172,265is released to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to cease transmitting for the two-way radio conversation, and to permit the cellular telephone/two-way radio to receive in a half duplex communications mode for the two-way radio conversation so the user can hear a received transmission. In step3008, while not engaged in a two-way radio conversation, the user becomes cognizant of an indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call. The user may become cognizant of an indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call by, for example, hearing a ringing tone generated in an earpiece, hearing a ringing tone generated in the cellular telephone/two-way radio, or by feeling or hearing the cellular telephone/two-way radio vibrate. Finally, in step3010, responsive to becoming cognizant of the indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call, the user presses the button132,241attached to the cable172,265, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation.

SECOND EXAMPLE

Another example of the method aspect of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 31.FIG. 31shows a method for instructing a cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation, and for instructing the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation, by pressing a button attached to the end of a first cable which is coupled to the cellular telephone/two-way radio, and speaking into a microphone and listening to a speaker that are attached to a second cable which is coupled to the cellular telephone/two-way radio. Alternatively, the microphone can be included in an enclosure with the button on the first cable. The method begins in step3112by pressing the button attached to the end of the first cable to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. Next, in step3114the user speaks within a detection range of the microphone that is attached to the second cable, while continuing to press the button attached to the end of the first cable, to transmit spoken information in the half-duplex communications mode in the two-way radio conversation. In step3116, the user releases the button attached to the end of the first cable to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to cease transmitting for the two-way radio conversation, and to permit the cellular telephone/two-way radio to receive in a half duplex communications mode for the two-way radio conversation so the user can hear a received transmission through the speaker attached to the second cable. In step3118, the cellular telephone/two-way radio ceases transmitting or receiving in a half duplex communications mode for the two-way radio conversation. In step3120, the user becomes cognizant of an indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call. Responsive to becoming cognizant of the indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call, in step3122the user presses the button attached to the end of the first cable, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation.

THIRD EXAMPLE

Another example of the method aspect of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 32.FIG. 32shows a method for instructing a cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation, and for instructing the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation, by pressing a button132,241attached in-line to a mid position on a single cable172,265which is coupled at one end to the cellular telephone/two-way radio, and which is also attached to a microphone154,255and a speaker (for example included in earpiece166,259). The method begins in step3224, by pressing the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. Next, in step3226, the user speaks within a detection range of the microphone154,255, while continuing to press the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265, to transmit spoken information in the half-duplex communications mode in the two-way radio conversation. In step3228, the user releases the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to cease transmitting for the two-way radio conversation, and to permit the cellular telephone/two-way radio to receive in a half duplex communications mode for the two-way radio conversation so the user can hear a received transmission. In step3230, the cellular telephone/two-way radio ceases transmitting or receiving in a half duplex communications mode for the two-way radio conversation. Next, in step3232, the user becomes cognizant of an indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call. Finally, in step3234, responsive to becoming cognizant of the indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call, the user presses the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation.

Optionally, in step3236, the method also may include pressing the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to terminate the connection for the full duplex cellular telephone conversation.

The method may also include the step3238of coupling one end of the single cable172,265to a cellular telephone/two-way radio.

If the speaker is an earbud, the method may include locating the earbud in an ear, in step3240. If the speaker is an earloop, the method may include putting the earloop on an ear, in step3242. If the speaker is attached to a headset, the method may include positioning the headset to locate the speaker near an ear, in step3244. If the speaker is attached to an acoustic tube, the method may include putting the end of the acoustic tube in an ear. The method may also be practiced with a submersible headset.

FOURTH EXAMPLE

Another example of the method aspect of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 33.FIG. 33shows a method for instructing a cellular telephone two-way radio to transmit in a half duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation, and for instructing the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation, by pressing a button132,241attached in-line to a mid position on a single cable172,265which is coupled at one end to the cellular telephone/two-way radio, and which is also attached to a microphone154,255and a speaker (for example included in earpiece166,259). The method begins in step3346, by hearing a transmission received by the cellular telephone/two-way radio in a half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. Next, in step3348, responsive to hearing the transmission, after the transmission has ended, the user presses the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in the half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. Next, in step3350the user speaks within a detection range of the microphone154,255, while continuing to press the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265, to transmit spoken information in the half-duplex communications mode in the two-way radio conversation. In step3352, the user releases the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to cease transmitting for the two-way radio conversation, and to permit the cellular telephone/two-way radio to again receive in the half duplex communications mode for the two-way radio conversation so the user can hear a received transmission. In step3354, the cellular telephone/two-way radio ceases transmitting or receiving in a half duplex communications mode for the two-way radio conversation. Next, in step3356, the user becomes cognizant of an indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call. Responsive to becoming cognizant of the indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call, in step3358the user presses the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation.

FIFTH EXAMPLE

Another example of the method aspect of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 34.FIG. 34shows a method for instructing a cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation, and for instructing the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation, by pressing a button132,241attached in-line to a mid position on a single cable172,265which is coupled at one end to the cellular telephone/two-way radio, and which is also attached to a microphone154,255and a speaker (for example included in earpiece166,259).

The method begins with step3460, in which the user becomes cognizant of an indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call. Next, in step3462, responsive to becoming cognizant of the indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call, the user presses the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation. In step3464, the user instructs the cellular telephone/two-way radio to terminate the connection for the full duplex cellular telephone conversation. The user may instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to terminate the connection for the full duplex cellular telephone conversation by pressing the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265. In step3466, the user presses the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. In step3468the user speaks within a detection range of the microphone154,255, while continuing to press the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265, to transmit spoken information in the half-duplex communications mode in the two-way radio conversation. Next, in step3470, the user releases the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to cease transmitting for the two-way radio conversation, and to permit the cellular telephone/two-way radio to receive in a half duplex communications mode for the two-way radio conversation so the user can hear a received transmission.

SIXTH EXAMPLE

Another example of the method aspect of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 35.FIG. 35shows a method for instructing a cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation, and for instructing the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in a half duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation, by pressing a button132,241attached in-line to a mid position on a single cable172,265which is coupled at one end to the cellular telephone/two-way radio, and which is also attached to a microphone154,255and a speaker (for example included in earpiece166,259). The method begins with step3572, in which the user becomes cognizant of an indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call. In step3574, responsive to becoming cognizant of the indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call, the user presses the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation. Next, in step3576, the user instructs the cellular telephone/two-way radio to terminate the connection for the full duplex cellular telephone conversation. In step3578, the user hears a transmission received by the cellular telephone/two-way radio in a half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. Responsive to hearing the transmission, after the transmission has ended, in step3580the user presses the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in the half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. In step3582, the user speaks within a detection range of the microphone154,255, while continuing to press the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265, to transmit spoken information in the half-duplex communications mode in the two-way radio conversation. The user releases the button132,241attached in-line to the mid position on the cable172,265in step3584, to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to cease transmitting for the two-way radio conversation, and to permit the cellular telephone/two-way radio to receive in a half duplex communications mode for the two-way radio conversation so the user can hear a received transmission.

SEVENTH EXAMPLE

Another example of the method aspect of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 36.FIG. 36shows a method for instructing a cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit an alert in a half duplex communications mode, and for instructing the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation, by pressing a button132,241attached to a cable172,265which is coupled at one end to the cellular telephone/two-way radio, and which is also attached to a microphone154,255and a speaker (for example included in earpiece166,259). The method begins with step3686, in which a user selects another user's identification number on the cellular telephone/two-way radio. In step3688, the user selects an alert function on the cellular/telephone/two-way radio. In step3690, the user presses the button132,241attached to the cable172,265to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit an alert to the other user's cellular telephone/two-way radio in a half-duplex communications mode. Next, in step3691, the user becomes cognizant of an indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call. Responsive to becoming cognizant of the indication that the cellular telephone/two-way radio is receiving an incoming cellular telephone call, in step3692the user presses the button132,241to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to establish communications for a full duplex cellular telephone conversation. Optionally, this method also includes the following steps. In step3693the user hears a transmission received by the cellular telephone/two-way radio in a half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. In step3694, responsive to hearing the transmission, after the transmission has ended, the user presses the button132,241attached to the cable172,265to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to transmit in the half-duplex communications mode for a two-way radio conversation. In step3695, the user speaks within a detection range of the microphone154,255, while continuing to press the button132,241attached to the cable172,265, to transmit spoken information in the half-duplex communications mode in the two-way radio conversation. In step3696, the user releases the button132,241attached to the cable172,265to instruct the cellular telephone/two-way radio to cease transmitting for the two-way radio conversation, and to permit the cellular telephone/two-way radio to again receive in the half duplex communications mode for the two-way radio conversation so the user can hear a received transmission. In step3697, the cellular telephone/two-way radio ceases transmitting or receiving in a half duplex communications mode for the two-way radio conversation.

III. Other Embodiments

While the foregoing disclosure shows a number of illustrative embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, although elements of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

TABLE 7This table contains information concerning FIG. 12.PORTABLE H/FMOTOROLA iden 500/700/1000A schematic diagram of a plug assembly circuit board1200 is shown in FIG. 12.List of components in FIG. 12:C3AR1AC1AC2AQ1AR3AL2AC51AR51AC52AR52AR60AL1AC53AR53AC54AQ51AR55AR61AC56AR56AR57AR59AC57AJ1-1AJ1-2AJ1-3AJ1-4AJ4-2AJ4-3AJ4-4AJ4-5AJ4-1AJ4-6A

TABLE 8This table contains information concerning FIG. 13.Schematic illustration of model # K1000-pi.PORTABLE H/FMOTOROLA iden 500/700/1000A schematic diagram of a plug assembly circuitboard 1300 is shown in FIG. 13.List of components in FIG. 13:R1BR2BC1BC2BQ1BR3BL2BC51BR51BC52BR52BR60BL1BC53BR53BC54BQ51BR55BR61BC56BR58BR57BR59BC57BJ1-1BJ1-2BJ1-3BJ1-4BJ4-2BJ4-3BJ4-4BJ4-5BJ4-1BJ4-6B

TABLE 9This table contains information concerning FIGS. 14A–B.iden 50/85/90A schematic diagram of an interface circuitboard 1400 is shown in FIGS. 14A–B.List of components in FIGS. 14A–B:C1CR1CC18CR3CC101CC11CC12CR11CC13CR12CC14CC15CC17CU2CR13CC19CC16CC2CZD1CR15CR16CC5CC6CL1CC7CR101CR107CD102CR102CU1BCD101CC102CR103CQ101CR104CC103CU101CR106CR105CZD2CSW1CC51CZD51CU1CCC56CC4CR2CR52CR53CC53CC8CC52CR51CU1ACC58CR55CC54CR56CR57CC55CC57CV1CMIC1CJ2-6CJ2-2CJ2-9CJ2-1CJ2-5CJ2-7CJ2-3CJ2-4CJ1-1CJ1-2CJ1-3CJ1-4CJ1-5CJ1-6C

TABLE 10This table contains information concerning FIGS. 15A–B.iden 50/85/90MAIN PCB PARTA schematic diagram of an interface circuit board1500 is shown in FIGS. 15A–B.List of components in FIGS. 15A–B:C18DR3DC11DC101DC12DR11DL11DC13DR12DC14DC15DC17DU2DR13DC19DC16DC2DZD1DR15DR16DC5DC6DL1DC7DR107DR101DD102DR102DU1BDD101DC102DR103DQ101DR104DC103DU101DR106DR105DZD51DC51DC56DUICDC4DR2DR52DR54DR53DC53DC8DC52DR51DU1ADC58DR55DC54DR56DR57DC55DC57D

TABLE 11This table contains information concerning FIG. 16.A schematic diagram of a connector circuitboard 1600 is shown in FIG. 16.List of components in FIG. 16:R1EC1E

TABLE 12This table contains information concerning FIG. 17.A schematic diagram of a microphone and switch circuitboard 1700 is shown in FIG. 17.List of components in FIG. 17:SW1FV1FMIC1F

TABLE 15This table contains information concerning FIG. 18.A graph 1800 of audio characteristics of an earphone is shown in FIG. 18.5-4Test Of Output Sound Pressure Frequency Characteristics.Changing the frequency after added 1000 Hz 1 mW (0.179 V) at theinput tip of earphone with constant voltage of sine wave input powerat the standard status, there shall not be great difference with outputsound pressure frequency characteristics shown in the graph 1800.Using B&K 4153 COUPLERX: 1.000 kHz *Y: 106.03 dB ZA: Live Curve SSR Fund.A: Frequency Response, Magn dB re 20.00 μPa/VMode: SSR5-5Test Of SensitivityThe sound pressure shall be within 105 ± 3 dB after added 1000 Hz,1 mW (0.179 V) of sine wave input power.5-6Test Of Continuation ActivationIt should be satisfied with article 5-1 after added 10 □ (0.556 V)of white noise for 48 hours on input terminal under the status ofleaving earphone free space. □ Normal temperature: 5□□35□,Normal humidity: relative humidity 45%□85%, Normal atmosphere:860 mbar□1060 mbar.

TABLE 16This table contains information concerning FIGS. 19 and 20.A graph 1900 of audio characteristics of a microphone is shown in FIG.19.A circuit diagram 2000 is shown in FIG. 20.6.PERFORMANCE(MIC PART)6-1Working ComponentOmnidirectional electron condenser microphone.6-2Working TestIt should be normal at tone quality volume, noise when activatedmicrophone using amplifier which has lower distortion.6-3Frequency Characteristics TestThe frequency characteristics should be within as shown in graph1900 in FIG. 19 of variation with 2 V of allowed voltage.STANDARD FREQUENCY CHARACTERISTICS VARIATION6-4SensitivityMake microphone's sensitivity within −40 dB ± 4 dB,0 dB = 1 V/1 Pa at 1□, allowed voltage 2 V.6-5Range Of Using Voltage1 V□10 V6-6Consumption Current130□□500□6-7Impedance2.2□6-8Signal to Noise Ratio58 dB f = 1□, S.P.L. = 1 Pa A curve6-9Connect zener diode and condenser between microphone's terminals.Zener Diode (Chip type); 12 V (GENERAL SEMICONDUCTOR)In FIG. 20, RL: 2.2 kΩ (external resistor)

TABLE 17This table also contains information concerning FIGS. 19 and 20.6.PERFORMANCE (MICROPHONE COMPONENT)6-1Working ComponentOmni-directional electron condenser microphone.6-2Working TestIt should be normal at tone quality volume and noise when activatingmicrophone (While using the amplifier, which has lower distortion.)6-3Frequency Characteristics TestThe frequency characteristics should be within as shown ingraph 1900 in FIG. 19 of variation with 2 V of allowed voltage.STANDARD FREQUENCY CHARACTERISTICS VARIATION6-4SensitivityMake microphone's sensitivity within −44 dB ± 4 dB, 0 Db =1 V/1 Pa at 1□, allowed voltage 2 V.6-5Range Of Using Voltage1 v□10 V6-6Consumption Current130□□500□6-7Impedance2.2□6-8Signal to Noise Ratio58 dB f = 1□, S.P.L. = 1 Pa A curve6-9Connect zener diode and condenser between microphone'sterminals.Zener Diode (Chip type); 12 V (GENERAL SEMICONDUCTOR)

TABLE 18This table contains information concerning mechanical characteristics of ahands-free device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of theinvention, and relates to FIGS. 21, 22, and 23. FIG. 21 may be referred toas “EARPHONE SIDE” and FIG. 22 may be referred to as “MIC SIDE”.7MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS7-1Bending IntensityIt shall be normal when bended left and right, 20 times for a minutewith below each load, respectively.a) connector part: 5000 times/300 gb) earphone part: 3000 times/c) mic part100 g□1string part: 3000 times/100 g□2string part: 3000 times/100 g7-2Pulling Intensitya) There shall not be abnormality about direction, short and coveredwire after pulled 5 kg of load which is not moving toward corddirection for a minute holding part.b) There shall not be abnormality about disconnection, short andcovered wire after pulled 3 kg of load which is not moving towardnormal direction for a minute holding earphone case and mic side.7-3Connection Intensity Of HOUSING + RUBBER RINGHousing and Rubber Ring shall not be separated with each other afterP = 250 g power is added.

TABLE 19This table contains information concerning testing a hands-free device inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, and relates toFIGS. 24 and 25.7-4Impact Test□ There shall not be malfunction after naturally fall to like figure(FIG. 24) as shown 10 mm thickness of wooden plate 5 times.□ There shall not be malfunction after naturally fall to P-tile 6 timeslike figure (FIG. 25) as shown.8.VEERING TESTThe cord shall not veer to PS.ABS.AS. and POLYCARVONATEwith 60□, 72 hours. (Weight 500 g)9.ENVIRONMENTAL TESTIt should satisfy with article 4-1, 5-1, 5-4 and 5-5 after each belowtest is executed.TESTINGLEAVINGITEMCONDITIONSTIMETIMETEMPERA-TEMPERATURE 45 ± 2□48(H)2(H)TURE-PROOFHUMIDITY 90%□95%HIGH HEATTEMPERATURE 80 ± 2□48(H)2(H)(A)RELATIVE HUMIDITY 95%COLD-PROOFTEMPERATURE −40 ± 2□6(H)2(H)CYCLE TEST0.5(H)3 CYCLE2(H)TEMPERATURE80□(0.5 H)-40□(1 H)0.5(H)

TABLE 21This table contains information concerning a hands-free device inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention, and testingthe hands-free device.10.CONTINUATION LOAD TESTIt should be compliant with article 5-1 after 20 mW(0.8 V) of whitenoise signal is added for 500 hours to input power terminal under thestatus of the feeder regulated by EIAJ RC-7502 is in the free space.11.VIBRATION-PROOF TESTIt should be compliant with article 4-1, 5-1, 5-4 and 5-5 after eachbelow test is executed.* The test be executed with minimum packing status.R.P.M500 □ 1500 R.P.MWIDTH OF VIBRATION2 mmDIRECTION3 directional of upper-down, left and right,and toward and backwardTIMES20 mm per each directionSTATUSsine wave12.INSULATION RESISTANCEIt should be above 5□ after DC 250 V added to exposure surface ofearphone for a minute.13.VOLTAGE-PROOFThere should not be insulation degradation after DC 250 V frequencyadded to exposure surface of earphone for a minute.

TABLE 22This table contains information concerning FIGS. 28 and 29.16.SPEC. FOR REMOTE CONTROLLER'S PARTS16-1.Intensity Of Case (FIG. 28)It should be normal with F1, F2 = 2 kg, for a minute holding halfof the case.16-2.Rotating intensity of case (FIG. 29)It should be normal with 1000 times of revolution.