Patent Publication Number: US-2007117556-A1

Title: Handset powered wireless table top conferencing system

Description:
BACKGROUND  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates generally to telephone systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to table top conferencing systems.  
      2. Background  
      Communications through table top teleconferencing provides a convenient method for a group of persons in a particular location to participate in a phone conversation with a person or persons located elsewhere. An advantage of tabletop teleconferencing in which a group of users sits at a conference table is the ability of persons at the conference table to independently and rapidly communicate with others at the conference table, while conducting a phone conversation with a remote party. Thus, audio and visual information can be shared within the group at the conference table while a conversation with remote parties is maintained.  
      In order to improve table top teleconferencing, typically a full duplex speakerphone system is employed to allow users from any point in a conference room to hear and converse with remotely located parties. Typically, high quality table top teleconferencing equipment (also termed hereinafter “conference phone” or “conferencing device”) requires a PSTN phone connection and a power source to power the conferencing device.  FIG. 1  shows known table top conference phone  100 , including keypad  102 , microphones  104 , and speakers  106 . Capabilities of known conference phones such as phone  100  include the ability to receive a natural speaking voice of a user within a range of about 15-20 feet or so of phone  100 , using microphones  104  and  108 , making it easy for a remote party to hear conversation from speakers widely dispersed within a room containing the conference phone. Additionally, known speakers  106  can be of a high enough quality to transmit clear audible information received from the remote party to users dispersed within a large conference room.  
      Although known system  100  and other like systems provide a convenient manner in which to carry out a teleconference, nevertheless significant limitations are present that reduce its effectiveness. In addition to the need for a phone line connection, typically such systems require power from an AC outlet for operation of the conference phone. Thus, lengthy cables  101 ,  103  and connectors (such as an RJ11 connector) associated with wired connections to a PSTN and AC power source are required for proper operation of the conference phone. These requirements serve to limit portability and increase the expense of such conference phones.  
      Known fully wireless conference phones that obviate the need for an RJ11 type connection to a PSTN line exist. For example,  FIG. 2  illustrates basic features of a known wireless conference phone  200 . Wireless conference phone  200  includes portable conference “pod”  202  that contains keypad  204 , microphones  206 , and speakers  208 . Pod  202  communicates by RF with base station  210  that can be plugged into a PSTN line. Accordingly, phone  200  increases portability of teleconferencing by allowing a phone conference to be established anywhere within an RF communications range between portable base station  210  and portable pod  202 . However, the latter conference phone entails significant additional expenses over traditional conference phones, because of the need to build into the pod a radio  212  and associated hardware (not shown) to transmit and receive wireless signals.  
      Accordingly, it will be appreciated that a need exists to improve conference phone capabilities.  
     SUMMARY  
      In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for portable tabletop teleconferencing includes a handset that is configured to communicate over a telecommunications network and to supply power to an external device. Preferably the handset is coupled to a base station through an RF communications link. The system further includes a table top conferencing device configured to receive power from the handset to facilitate communications over the telecommunications network. The tabletop conferencing device receives power from the handset when the handset is coupled to the conferencing device and a discharge mode is active. In one embodiment, an audio link to the conferencing device is established using a wire from a headset jack of the handset to a receptacle in the conferencing device. Accordingly, a portable teleconference can be established in any location in the vicinity of a cordless telephone, and in conjunction with any cordless system capable of sending power from a portable handset.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, a handset-powered table top conferencing device contains one or more speakers. The device also contains a speaker driver for controlling the speakers and one or more microphones for receiving voice input. A digital signal processor for audible sound management is also included in the device. The device further includes an interface for coupling with a handset that is configured to supply power to the conferencing device and a keypad for audio management during a teleconference. Accordingly, a teleconference can be conducted with the conferencing device untethered by wires to telephone line connections or power connections.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, a handset for table top phone conferencing includes an RF communications link to a telecommunications network. In one embodiment, the communications link is a link to a base station of a cordless phone system. The handset further includes a battery for powering the handset and a set of contacts for coupling to a table top conferencing device. The handset also includes a circuit for permitting flow of power from the battery to the tabletop conferencing device. When the circuit is engaged and the handset is coupled to the table top conferencing device, the conferencing device is powered by the handset.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for conducting a telephone teleconference includes a step of arranging a conferencing device within a wireless communications range of a base station. In one embodiment, the base station is a base station of a cordless phone system. A handset is coupled with the conferencing device. An RF link is established between the handset and base station. A teleconference is initiated using the conferencing device, whereby the conferencing device is powered by the handset. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a known table top conference phone.  
       FIG. 2  depicts basic features of a known wireless conference phone.  
       FIG. 3  depicts a system for portable tabletop teleconferencing, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates details of a conference pod, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  depicts exemplary features of handset, according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates handset, according to a further embodiment of the present invention  
       FIG. 7  illustrates exemplary steps involved in a method for conducting a teleconference using a portable teleconference device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates further exemplary steps involved in a method for operating a teleconference using a portable teleconference device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 8   a  illustrates further details of an exemplary step of  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 9  illustrates exemplary steps for automatic conferencing operation in low power mode, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 10  illustrates exemplary steps for automatic conferencing operation in high quality mode, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      Before one or more embodiments of the invention are described in detail, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction, the arrangements of components, and the arrangement of steps set forth in the following detailed description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
       FIG. 3  illustrates a handset-powered teleconferencing system  300 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. System  300  includes table top conferencing device (also hereinafter termed “pod” or “conference pod”)  302  that is used to facilitate a teleconference for users in close proximity to table  308 . Pod  302  includes microphones  304  and speakers  306  to receive and transmit, respectively, audio input from users in proximity to table  308 . Table  308  is, for example, a table in a conference room. In another example, table  308  is a desk in a user&#39;s office. Alternatively, table  308  can be any surface capable of supporting pod  302 . Thus, use of pod  302  facilitates conducting a teleconference in a variety of settings.  
      Pod  302  also includes keypad  309  that is used, for example, for dialing telephone numbers and audio management of a teleconference. Audio management includes manually controlling speaker output and microphone input. For example, speaker volume and microphone muting can be controlled through keypad  309 .  
      Pod  302  further includes interface  310 . In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, interface  310  is a cradle that is configured to accept handset  312 . Handset cradle  310  preferably contains contacts (not shown) that electrically engage contacts (not shown) of handset  312  when the latter is placed in cradle  310 . Handset  312  contains battery  314  used to power handset  312  during operation. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, handset  312  is used to supply power to pod  302  when placed in cradle  310 . Accordingly, a teleconference using pod  302  can be conducted where operation power of pod  302  is received solely from handset  312 .  
      System  300  is configured to allow a phone call to be placed or received by handset  312  when it is coupled to interface  310 . An RF link between handset  312  and base station  316  is established during the phone call. For example, handset  312  and base station  316  can communicate using a Worldwide Digital Cordless Telecommunications (WDCT) protocol. In an exemplary embodiment, base station  316  is configured to connect to a conventional PSTN line. When a phone call is initiated to or from handset  312  while it is coupled with interface  310 , speakers  306  and microphones  304  are activated by power supplied from battery  314 . Thus, from a teleconference user&#39;s point of view, pod  302  acts to amplify and improve the quality of sound transmitted from a receiver of handset  312 . From a point of view of a remote party, system  300  acts to amplify and improve the audio input into handset  312 , such that voice input from many users within a room can be clearly received and understood by the remote party.  
      An advantage of system  300  over conventional handsets having speakerphone capability is that the quality of sound received and transmitted is far superior, since audio signals are sent and received through pod  302  rather than directly through handset  314 .  
      Another advantage of system  300  over known wireless speaker phones is that an expensive radio need not be built into the conference pod. A further advantage is that no batteries requiring frequent recharging and replacing are needed for the conference pod.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates details of a conference pod  400 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Pod  400  includes microphones  404  and speakers  406 , as well as keypad  402 . Preferably, keypad  402  includes keys for increasing and decreasing speaker volume, and microphone muting. Cradle  410 , which is an exemplary form of interface  310 , includes contacts  416  that electrically engage contacts of a handset placed therein, for example handset  312 , so that battery current from the handset can supply power for operation of pod  400 . Pod  400  also contains a signal connector  420 , preferably a signal jack, that is used to communicate signals to and from the handset via its headset jack when the handset is placed in cradle  410 . For example, a known headset wire can be used to plug into signal jack  420  and a conventional headset jack in the handset that is inserted in cradle  410 . Cradle  410  also includes signal connector  412  that is designed to couple to a signal jack located on a handset base region specially adapted to fit into cradle  410 . Thus, when a specially adapted handset is inserted into cradle  410 , an electrical connection to transmit audio signals as well as data such as call control signals between the handset and pod  400  is automatically established. Preferably, signal connector  412  is configured so that a handset without a signal jack in a base region of the handset can electrically couple to contacts  416  without interference from signal connector  412 . Thus, cradle  410  is configured to accept handsets with and without special signal jacks located in the base region.  
      In one embodiment, cradle  410  is configured to accept a handset of standard base region dimensions. In another embodiment, cradle  410  is designed to couple to handset of specially designed dimensions. In still another embodiment, cradle  410  is configured to accept a flexible insert (not shown) designed to allow handsets of varying base dimensions to fit snugly within cradle  410 .  
      It is noted that cradle  410  can be configured to receive a wireless telephone (cell phone) or other wireless communications device or handset that is capable of carrying voice signals. Thus, in another embodiment of the invention, system  400  provides a means for conducting a teleconference using power from a wireless telephone.  
      Preferably, pod  400  includes a digital signal processor and speaker drivers to implement full duplex speakerphone functionality including echo cancellation and background noise reduction.  
      Pod  400  also contains connector  430  to couple to optional AC adapter  440  that is configured to connect to an AC power source for use, for example, when battery power of a handset is low, or to replenish power to the battery handset when convenient.  
      Also located in pod  400  is power source detector  460  that detects if power is being received from an AC power supply or DC battery.  
       FIG. 5  depicts exemplary features of handset  500 , according to another embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the invention, handset  500  includes antenna  502  that can be used to establish an RF link to a base station, for example, base station  316  of  FIG. 3 . Handset  500  is configured to receive and send phone calls in a known manner. For example, referring also to  FIG. 3 , when a caller dials a number associated with handset  500 , base station  316  establishes an RF duplex link with handset  500  and a user can answer the call at the handset. In another embodiment of the invention, handset  500  is a wireless phone that can receive a phone call directly over a wireless network without the use of a base station linked to a land line connection.  
      Handset  500  is also configured to engage a cradle of a conference pod, for example, pod  400  of  FIG. 4 . Referring now also to  FIG. 4 , handset contacts  504  engage cradle contacts  416  when handset  500  is placed therein. Using battery  506 , handset  500  can subsequently supply power to operate pod  400 . Circuit  510  is included in handset  500  to connect battery  506  to pod  400  and allow battery power to flow from battery  506  to pod  400 . For example, when a user places handset  500  in pod  400 , if an electrical path exists from battery  506  to contacts  504 , power can flow from battery  506  to an external device connected to the contacts, such as pod  400 . Circuit  510  acts to establish current flow between battery  506  and contacts  504 . In one embodiment, circuit  510  provides separate rectifying electrical current paths that allow current to flow either exclusively in the direction from battery  506  to contacts  504  or in the direction from contacts  504  to battery  506 . By switching the rectifying electrical current path used to connect battery  506  and contacts  504 , the flow of current between handset  500  and an external device can be regulated. In other words handset operation can be switched from a charge mode, where battery  506  accepts external power, to a discharge mode, where battery  506  supplies power both to handset  500  and to an external source. In one embodiment, detection circuit  512  is provided to detect the presence of an external power source connected to pod  400 . If no power source is detected, then circuit  510  can be automatically set in a discharge mode configuration, such that battery  506  acts as a power supply for electrical components in handset  500  and pod  400 . If an external source of power to pod  400  is detected, detection circuit  512  can send a signal to switch circuit  510  so that battery  506  can receive power from pod  400 . Preferably, handset  500  also includes protection circuits that, when engaged, prevent battery  506  from discharging power to any other devices besides pod  400 , and allow battery  506  to be charged when placed in a separate charging cradle (not shown) or a cradle in a base station. Thus, handset  500  can be changed from a charge to a discharge mode when needed to power a conference pod, as well as be isolated from other external devices.  
      Handset  500  also contains headset jack  508  that is used to couple to jack  420  in pod  400 , as described above. A communications link can be established from base station  316  to pod  400  when handset  500  is placed in pod  400  and headset jack  508  is connected to jack  420 , for example, using wire  514 . A teleconference user or group of users receiving a phone call with handset  500  inserted in cradle  410  can press an “ON” button (not shown) on handset  500  and a duplex audio link is established. Subsequently, the users can employ pod  400  in a conventional manner to conduct a teleconference with the calling party or parties. Alternatively, a user can initiate a teleconference by placing a call using keypad  516  of handset  500  while it is inserted in cradle  404 .  
       FIG. 6  illustrates handset  600 , according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, handset  600  includes a signal jack  602  located in base region  604  that is configured to engage a signal plug of a cradle, for example plug  412  of  FIG. 4 . Accordingly, an audio signal link and optional data signal link is established between handset  600  and pod  400  when the handset is in cradle  410 . The audio signal link can be either an analog or digital link, the latter of which can carry both audio data and control data over the same signal path.  
       FIG. 7  illustrates exemplary steps involved in a method for conducting a teleconference using a portable conferencing device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step  700 , the conferencing device is placed within a wireless communications range of a first base station. In a preferred embodiment, the first base station is a base station of a cordless telephone system. Preferably the base station is configured to communicate with one or more handsets over an RF link. Referring also to  FIG. 3 , for example, pod  302  is set up to be within a wireless communications range of base station  316 . In one example, base station  316  and pod  302  are in a same room. Alternatively, base station  316  can be located in a room or other location different than that of pod  302 , as long as RF communications can be maintained between them. It is known that RF ranges at frequencies commonly employed for cordless phones, such as 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz, a communications range between a handset and base station can typically extend to 20 meters or more within buildings, and to several hundred meters or more in outdoor spaces. Thus, for example, teleconference users can place portable device  302  in one office of a building, while base station  316  is located in an office down the hall. Alternatively, a teleconference could be conducted using device  302  in a park located near a building containing a base station linked to a portable handset, such as base station  316 . In other words, any place a handset can be used is suitable for placement of pod  302 .  
      In another exemplary embodiment the first base station is a base transmission station (cell tower) of a wireless communications network. In this embodiment, any place that a wireless (cell) telephone can be used is suitable for placement of the pod.  
      In step  702 , a first handset is placed in a receptacle of the conferencing device.  
      The first handset is configured to establish an RF link with the base station configured in step  700 . Thus, for example, handset  312  and base station  316  “belong” to the same telephone device. The receptacle is configured to provide an electrical power connection between handset and conferencing device as described above. In addition, an audio signal connection between the first handset and conferencing device is established, as detailed above.  
      In step  704 , the handset is switched to a discharge mode, in which a battery in the handset discharges power to the conferencing device. Preferably, the switching to discharge mode takes place automatically, for example, after the handset detects that no other external power supply exists to power the conferencing device, as described above with respect to  FIG. 5 .  
      In step  706 , an RF link is initiated between the first handset and first base station. For example, handset  312  is switched on and a phone number for a called party is dialed. An RF link between handset  312  and base station  316  is established, and a call is placed to the called party.  
      In step  708 , a teleconference using the handset powered teleconferencing device is conducted.  
      In step  710 , a battery power level on the handset is checked. If the power is deemed acceptable according to some predetermined criterion, the process continues to step  712 . If a low battery power condition is detected, the process moves to step  800  of  FIG. 8 .  
      In step  712 , the teleconference is concluded. The first handset can then be powered off and removed from the conferencing device receptacle.  
      In step  714 , if a user detects that battery power is sufficient, and does not require recharging, then the process moves to step  720 , where the first handset is used for a next teleconference.  
      If a battery in the handset is deemed to be in the need of recharging, then in step  716 , the handset is placed in a charging cradle to recharge the battery.  
      In step  718 , a second handset is placed in the conferencing device and then used to conduct a subsequent teleconference. In one embodiment, the second handset is a handset belonging to the same base station as the first handset. In another embodiment, the second handset is associated with a second base station, and is configured similarly to the first handset such that battery power and audio signals can be conveniently communicated between the second handset and conferencing device.  
      Thus, according to the above exemplary steps, combinations of multiple handsets within a given cordless phone system, or handsets belonging to separate cordless phone systems can be used to power a wireless conferencing device. The wireless conferencing device can be moved to any location in wireless communications range or a base station of a cordless phone, and can accordingly be used to communicate over different phone lines and phone numbers.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates further exemplary steps involved in a method for operating a teleconference using a portable conferencing device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Continuing from step  710 , in step  800 , a low battery power condition is confirmed to exist in the first handset. For example, the first handset contains a warning LED that lights to signal low battery power.  
      In step  802 , the availability of an AC power source to power the conferencing device is determined. If an AC power source is available, the process moves to step  804 .  
      In step  804 , a determination is made as to how much longer the teleconference will last. If the teleconference may last for a significant time, then the process moves to step  806 .  
      In step  806 , an AC power source is engaged to power the conferencing device. For example, adapter  440  in  FIG. 4  is plugged into plug  430  of pod  400  and also to an external AC power source.  
      In step  808 , the handset is switched to a charge mode, so that the handset can be recharged. Referring also to  FIG. 5 , for example, if handset  500  is placed in cradle  410  of pod  400  during a teleconference, circuit  512  can automatically detect the presence of the AC power source, so that circuit  510  switches handset battery  506  to a charge state, wherein current from AC adapter  440  can flow into battery  506 .  
      In step  810 , the teleconference is completed with the conferencing device powered by an AC power source. A battery within the first handset is recharged at the same time.  
      If, in step  802  it is determined that no AC power source is available, or if in step  804  a user determines that a duration of the remaining teleconference is likely to be short, the process moves to step  814 .  
      In step  814 , it is determined whether the teleconferencing system components, such as portable handset and conference pod are operating in a high quality mode. If the conferencing components are not operating in a high quality mode, the process moves to step  818  where the teleconference continues. If the device is operating in a high quality mode, the process moves to step  816 .  
      In step  816 , the mode of operation of the conferencing system components are switched from the high quality mode to a low power mode.  
      The process moves to step  818  where the conferencing system components are maintained in a low power operation mode. In low power mode, an acceptable audio quality is maintained in the conferencing pod and handset, as described further with respect to  FIG. 8a , but the rate of power consumption of a battery of the first handset is significantly reduced, allowing the teleconference and/or subsequent teleconferences to continue for a significantly longer duration, as compared to operation in high quality mode, before battery power becomes too low to properly operate the conferencing device.  
       FIG. 8   a  illustrates further details of step  814 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. In step  814   a,  a determination is made as to whether the handset used to power the conferencing pod is operating in a high quality mode. As regards handset operation, a high quality mode can include such features as multiple time slot use in a time division multiple access (TDMA) device. By employing more than one time slot for a base station to transmit to a handset and for a handset to transmit to a base station during each communications time frame, a link between the handset and a base station provides a higher audio quality. This is due to the lower probability of degrading transmission of audio packets while transmitting the packets between the handset and base, since each packet can be sent over multiple time slots to avoid a time period when interference is greater. However, this high quality operation consumes significantly more power than when a link between handset and base or base and handset is established over a single time slot in a communications frame. Accordingly, the handset battery power depletes at a faster rate.  
      If the handset is determined to be operating in high quality mode, the process moves to step  816 , where low power mode operation for the handset is initiated, including, for example, setting a frame structure such that communication from a base station to a handset takes place over a single time slot in a given communications frame. In one embodiment, the low power mode comprises operation of a single time slot per communications frame for both transmitting from a handset to a base station and transmitting from a base station to a handset. However, in other embodiments, a low power mode may employ multiple time slots for communication in one direction between the base and handset, and only a single time slot for communication in the other direction. In either case, the power used is significantly lower than in high quality mode operation. If the handset is operating in low power mode (the equivalent of not operating in high quality mode), the process moves to step  814   b.  In one embodiment of the invention, handset operation is automatically switched from high quality to low power mode, when the handset detects that the power level of the handset battery is reduced to a threshold value.  
      In step  814   b,  it is determined whether the conferencing pod is operating in a high quality mode. If the pod is not operating in high quality mode, then the process moves to step  818 . If the pod is operating in high quality mode, the process moves to step  816 , where operation of the pod is switched to low power mode. In the context of operation of a conference pod, high quality mode can entail the ability to operate at a high audio output level from the pod with no volume limit.  
      In other embodiments of the invention in which a handset battery acts as power source for a teleconferencing pod, either the handset or conference pod, but not both, are switched from high quality to low power operation, even though both teleconference components are detected to be operating in a high quality mode. For example, a handset used to power a conference pod may not have a low power operation mode available, or automatically enabled. Nevertheless, switching the conference pod to low power operation when a low battery condition is detected can act to substantially preserve battery life of the handset for the duration of a call.  
      In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a conference pod automatically receives a signal indicating a low battery condition in a handset battery so that it can automatically switch from high quality operation mode to low power mode when battery power is low. This low battery signal could be sent, for example, over a data link established when the handset is placed in a conference pod cradle.  
      In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, depicted in exemplary steps of  FIG. 9 , operation in low power mode is automatically commenced when the power source of the portable tabletop teleconference device is a handset battery. In step  900 , a handset is inserted in a cradle of a conferencing device. For example, referring also to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , handset  500  is placed in pod  400 .  
      In step  902 , the tabletop device detects that the power source for the device is a battery. For example, pod  400  using detector  416  determines that battery  506  is powering the pod.  
      In step  904 , the tabletop device determines whether it is set to operate in low power mode. If so, the process moves to step  906  where operation of the conferencing device continues in low power mode. For example, pod  400 , is configured to automatically initiate a low power mode operation when it detects a battery power source only.  
      If low power operation is not set, the process moves to step  908  where the tabletop device is switched to low power operation. Thus, in this embodiment, a tabletop conferencing device can automatically adjust its operation mode base on whether it is being powered by an external AC power supply or by a handset battery.  
      In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in steps  900 - 908 , a handset may not automatically switch to a low power operation if the handset battery power is high. Thus, in one instance, high quality mode operation of the handset may continue in step  906  until a low battery condition is detected and the handset automatically switches into low power mode as described for step  814 . Otherwise, if the handset were to automatically switch to low power mode itself when powering a tabletop device, a user would be precluded from operating the handset in a high quality mode that might be desirable to improve communications with a base station. However, it is envisioned that in some embodiments, a low power button can be provided on a portable handset to allow battery power to be preserved even when the battery initially is at full charge, so that a tabletop conference call duration can be maximized when the handset acts as the sole source of power.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, depicted in exemplary steps of  FIG. 10 , operation in high quality mode is automatically commenced when the power source of the portable teleconference device is an AC power source. In step  1000 , a handset is inserted in a cradle of a teleconferencing device. For example, referring also to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , handset  500  is placed in pod  400 .  
      In step  1002 , the conferencing device detects that the power source for the device is an AC supply. For example, pod  400  using detector  416  determines that AC adapter  414  is powering the pod.  
      In step  1004 , the conferencing device determines whether it is set to operate in high quality mode. If so, the process moves to step  1006  where operation of the conferencing device continues in high quality mode. For example, pod  400 , is configured to automatically initiate a high quality mode operation when it detects an AC source.  
      If high quality operation is not set, the process moves to step  1008  where the conferencing device is switched to high quality operation.  
      The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. For example, although embodiments of the invention discussed above employ handsets of cordless phone systems to power a conferencing device, embodiments in which cell phones or other similar devices are used in lieu of a handset have been contemplated by the inventor. In addition, although the aforementioned embodiments focused on arrangements in which a handset is in wireless communication with a base station, embodiments in which a conference pod is directly connected to a PSTN line are considered to be within the scope of the invention. In other words, embodiments of the invention can include a dual mode operation in which a handset can be used to either power a conference pod for a wireless communication from the handset to a base station, or power a wired communication from the pod to an external PSTN (see  FIG. 4 ). The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.  
      Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. In particular, in addition to those steps disclosed in  FIGS. 7-10 , many combinations of manual and automatic steps are possible for altering the mode of operation of the conferencing device. For example, during a teleconference, a user can remove a first handset from a conference pod when its battery is low and replace it with a second handset belonging to the same base station as the first handset. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.