Patent Abstract:
One embodiment features a wearable device having computer-readable media and comprising: an output device; a receiver configured to communicate over a wireless link with a phone; and a processor configured to cause the output device to indicate a status of a headset, the headset being in wireless communication with the phone, responsive to the receiver receiving, over the wireless link, an indication of the status of the headset. Another embodiment features a wearable device having associated computer-readable media and comprising: an output device; a receiver configured to communicate over a wireless link with a headset; and a processor configured to cause the output device to indicate a status of a headset responsive to the receiver receiving, over the wireless link, an indication of the status of the headset.

Full Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of call status and control. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to headset call status and control. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This background section is provided for the purpose of generally describing the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor(s), to the extent the work is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
     To meet the demands of conducting business professionally in a mobile environment, mobile professionals seek out premium headsets with sophisticated functions such as microphone mute, volume, answer/end call, and even voice commands to help manage the quality of their communications. User interfaces to control these functions typically require physical buttons or a list of voice commands that the wearer can speak, usually stored in the firmware of the headset. 
     The lack of a visual user interface for these functions while wearing the headset causes anxiety to the user. Users become uncertain of the microphone mute status of the call, or miss critical information when on a call in loud environments, because they can&#39;t find the buttons to change call volume in the headset. 
     Previous solutions fall into two categories of call control interfaces. With a physical headset user interface, buttons on the headset itself control the microphone mute status of a call, volume of the call, redial, call answer/end ability, and the like. With a PC/Mobile graphical user interface, voice controls stored in the headset firmware allow hands-free voice control including but not limited to pairing the device, answering/ending a call, recognizing and calling a stored contact by name, querying what other voice commands are available with “what can I say?” and the like. Selectable icons to control the call status (microphone mute, volume, answer/end) are typically found in the user interface of softphone clients or in the telephony client of a mobile device/PC. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features a wearable device comprising: an output device; a receiver configured to communicate over a wireless link with a phone; and a processor configured to cause the output device to indicate a status of a headset, the headset being in wireless communication with the phone, responsive to the receiver receiving, over the wireless link, an indication of the status of the headset. 
     Embodiments of the wearable device may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the status of the headset includes at least one of: a microphone mute status; a volume level; a power level of the headset; a notification of maximum volume; a notification of minimum volume; a notification of call start; and a notification of call end. Some embodiments comprise a transmitter; and a processor configured to cause the transmitter to transmit a control signal over the wireless link responsive to user operation of the wearable device. In some embodiments, the control signal includes at least one of: a microphone mute on control signal; a microphone mute off control signal; a volume up control signal; a volume down control signal; a call start control signal; a call answer control signal; a call redial control signal; and a call end control signal. In some embodiments, the wearable device includes at least one of: a wristwatch; a wristband; a ring; a necklace; and a garment. In some embodiments, the phone includes at least one of: a smartphone; a feature phone; a soft phone; and a desk phone. 
     In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features computer-readable media embodying instructions executable by a computer in a wearable device to perform functions comprising: receiving, from a phone, over a wireless link with the phone, an indication of a status of a headset; and causing an output device of the wearable device to indicate the status of the headset responsive to receiving the indication of the status of the headset. 
     Embodiments of the computer-readable media may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the status of the headset includes at least one of: a microphone mute status; a volume level; a power level of the headset; a notification of maximum volume; a notification of minimum volume; a notification of call start; and a notification of call end. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: causing a transmitter of the wearable device to transmit a control signal over the wireless link responsive to user operation of the wearable device. In some embodiments, the control signal includes at least one of: a microphone mute on control signal; a microphone mute off control signal; a volume up control signal; a volume down control signal; a call start control signal; a call answer control signal; a call redial control signal; a call end control signal. In some embodiments, the wearable device includes at least one of: a wristwatch; a wristband; a ring; a necklace; and a garment. In some embodiments, the phone includes at least one of: a smartphone; a feature phone; a soft phone; and a desk phone. 
     In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features a wearable device comprising: an output device; a receiver configured to communicate over a wireless link with a headset; and a processor configured to cause the output device to indicate a status of a headset responsive to the receiver receiving, over the wireless link, an indication of the status of the headset. 
     Embodiments of the wearable device may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the status of the headset includes at least one of: a microphone mute status; a volume level; a power level of the headset; a notification of maximum volume; a notification of minimum volume; a notification of call start; and a notification of call end. Some embodiments comprise a transmitter; and a processor configured to cause the transmitter to transmit a control signal over the wireless link responsive to user operation of the wearable device. In some embodiments, the control signal includes at least one of: a microphone mute on control signal; a microphone mute off control signal; a volume up control signal; a volume down control signal; a call start control signal; a call answer control signal; a call redial control signal; and a call end control signal. In some embodiments, the wearable device includes at least one of: a wristwatch; a wristband; a ring; a necklace; and a garment. 
     In general, in one aspect, an embodiment features computer-readable media embodying instructions executable by a computer in a wearable device to perform functions comprising: receiving, from a headset, over a wireless link with the headset, an indication of a status of the headset; and causing an output device of the wearable device to indicate the status of the headset responsive to receiving the indication of the status of the headset. 
     Embodiments of the computer-readable media may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the status of the headset includes at least one of: a microphone mute status; a volume level; a power level of the headset; a notification of maximum volume; a notification of minimum volume; a notification of call start; and a notification of call end. In some embodiments, the functions further comprise: causing a transmitter of the wearable device to transmit a control signal over the wireless link responsive to user operation of the wearable device. In some embodiments, the control signal includes at least one of: a microphone mute on control signal; a microphone mute off control signal; a volume up control signal; a volume down control signal; a call start control signal; a call answer control signal; a call redial control signal; a call end control signal. In some embodiments, the wearable device includes at least one of: a wristwatch; a wristband; a ring; a necklace; and a garment. 
     The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows elements of a headset system according to an embodiment that includes a smartphone. 
         FIG. 2  shows elements of a headset system according to an embodiment that does not include a smartphone. 
         FIG. 3  shows elements of a headset according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  shows elements of a smartwatch according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  shows elements of a smartphone according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  shows a status reporting process for the headset system of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  shows a headset control process for the headset system of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  shows a status reporting process for the headset system of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  shows a headset control process for the headset system of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  shows a smartphone display showing an icon that indicates the headset volume is at minimum volume (no sound). 
         FIG. 11  shows a smartphone display showing an icon that indicates the headset microphone is muted. 
         FIG. 12  shows a watch display showing an icon that indicates the headset volume is at minimum volume (no sound). 
         FIG. 13  shows a watch display showing an icon that indicates the headset microphone is muted. 
     
    
    
     The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in this specification indicates the number of the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide wearable devices for headset status and control. In the described embodiments the wearable devices are smartwatches, that is, wristwatches that include processors, output devices such as displays, speakers, and haptic devices, user-operable controls, and wireless transceivers. However the techniques described herein are applicable to other wearable devices as well. For example the wearable devices can include wristbands, rings, necklaces, garments, and the like. 
     Such a wrist-worn call control center for headset functions provides users with the trust they need during important mobile conversations. The smartwatch and headset may be synchronized at all times. In other words, if the user mutes the headset microphone from the headset the smart watch gives a visual representation that the user is on microphone mute. Then if the user unmutes the headset microphone from the smart watch, the headset microphone comes off mute. The smartwatch then acts not just as a command/control vehicle for the headset functions but also an in-line-of-sight visual representation of the call state. 
     End users now have a visual user interface for functions that previously were difficult to find and use but still did not give users reassurance that the selected function was being effectively carried out. This solution eliminates the anxiety users feel on important calls by providing visual reassurance of the call state. 
     Other features are contemplated as well. 
       FIG. 1  shows elements of a headset system  100  according to an embodiment that includes a smartphone. Although in the described embodiment elements of the headset system  100  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the headset system  100  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the headset system  100  includes a headset  102 , a smartwatch  104 , a smartphone  106 , and a network  108 . In other embodiments, the smartphone  106  may be replaced by a feature phone, a desk phone, a soft phone, a computer, and the like. The network  108  may be a mobile network, a computer network or the like. The headset  102  and the smartphone  106  may communicate over a wireless link  110 . The smartwatch  104  and the smartphone  106  may communicate over a wireless link  112 . The smartphone  106  and the network  108  may communicate over a wireless link  114 . As used herein, wireless refers to a communications, monitoring, or control system in which electromagnetic or acoustic waves carry a signal through atmospheric space rather than along a wire. 
     The wireless links  110 ,  112 ,  114  may be Bluetooth links, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) links, cellular links, Wi-Fi links, or the like. The headset  102  may exchange audio, status messages, command messages, and the like with the smartphone  106  over the wireless link  110 . The smartwatch  104  may exchange status messages, command messages, and the like with the smartphone  106  over the wireless link  110 . The smartphone  106  may exchange audio, status messages, and command messages with the network  108  over the wireless link  114 . 
       FIG. 2  shows elements of a headset system  200  according to an embodiment that does not include a smartphone. Although in the described embodiment elements of the headset system  200  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the headset system  200  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the headset system  200  includes a headset  202 , a smartwatch  204 , and a network  208 . The network  208  may be a mobile network, a computer network or the like. The headset  102  and the smartwatch  204  may communicate over a wireless link  210 . The smartwatch  204  and the network  208  may communicate over a wireless link  212 . In this embodiment, the smartwatch  204  is capable of phone calls, and so no smartphone is needed. 
     The wireless links  210 ,  212  may be Bluetooth links, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) links, cellular links, Wi-Fi links, or the like. The headset  102  may exchange audio, status messages, command messages, and the like with the smartwatch  204  over the wireless link  210 . The smartwatch  204  may exchange audio, status messages, command messages, and the like with the network  208  over the wireless link  212 . 
       FIG. 3  shows elements of a headset  300  according to one embodiment. The headset  300  may be used as the headset  102  of  FIG. 1  or as the headset  202  of  FIG. 2 . Although in the described embodiment elements of the headset  300  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the headset  300  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the headset  300  may include one or more of a transceiver  312 , a processor  308 , a memory  310 , a microphone  314 , a speaker  316 , one or more user-operable controls  320 , and a power supply  326 . The headset  300  may include other elements as well. The elements of headset  300  may receive power from the power supply  326  over one or more power rails  330 . Various elements of the headset  300  may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits. 
     The processor  308  may execute applications stored in the memory  310 . The processor  308  may include digital signal processors, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and the like. The processor  308  may communicate with other elements of the headset  300  over one or more communication busses  328 . The transceiver  312  may employ any communication protocol, including wired and wireless communication protocols. The wireless protocols may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), cellular, near-field communications (NFC), and the like. The transceiver  312  may employ multiple communication protocols. The user-operable controls  320  may include buttons, slide switches, capacitive sensors, touch screens, and the like. 
       FIG. 4  shows elements of a smartwatch  400  according to one embodiment. The smartwatch  400  may be used as the smartwatch  104  of  FIG. 1  or as the smartwatch  204  of  FIG. 2 . Although in the described embodiment elements of the smartwatch  400  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the smartwatch  400  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the smartwatch  400  may include one or more of a transceiver  412 , a processor  408 , a memory  410 , a microphone  414 , a speaker  416 , one or more output devices  418 , one or more user-operable controls  420 , and a power supply  426 . The elements of smartwatch  400  may receive power from the power supply  426  over one or more power rails  430 . Various elements of the smartwatch  400  may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits. The smartwatch  400  may include other elements as well. 
     The processor  408  may execute applications stored in the memory  410 . The processor  408  may communicate with other elements of the smartwatch  400  over one or more communication busses  428 . The elements of smartwatch  400  may receive power from the power supply  426  over one or more power rails  430 . Various elements of the smartwatch  400  may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits. 
     The transceiver  412  may employ any communication protocol, including wired and wireless communication protocols. The wireless protocols may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), cellular, near-field communications (NFC), and the like. The transceiver  412  may employ multiple communication protocols. The processor  408  may include digital signal processors, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and the like. The output devices  418  may include displays, speakers, haptic devices, and the like. The displays may be implemented as a touch screen or the like. The user-operable controls  420  may include buttons, slide switches, capacitive sensors, touch screens, and the like. 
       FIG. 5  shows elements of a smartphone  500  according to one embodiment. The smartphone  500  may be used as the smartphone  106  of  FIG. 1 . Although in the described embodiment elements of the smartphone  500  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, elements of the smartphone  500  may be implemented in hardware, software, or combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the smartphone  500  may include one or more of a transceiver  512 , a processor  508 , a memory  510 , a microphone  514 , a speaker  516 , one or more output devices  518 , one or more user-operable controls  520 , and a power supply  526 . The elements of smartphone  500  may receive power from the power supply  526  over one or more power rails  530 . Various elements of the smartphone  500  may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits. The smartphone  500  may include other elements as well. 
     The processor  508  may execute applications stored in the memory  510 . The processor  508  may communicate with other elements of the smartphone  500  over one or more communication busses  528 . The elements of smartphone  500  may receive power from the power supply  526  over one or more power rails  530 . Various elements of the smartphone  500  may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits. 
     The transceiver  512  may employ any communication protocol, including wired and wireless communication protocols. The wireless protocols may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), cellular, near-field communications (NFC), and the like. The transceiver  512  may employ multiple communication protocols. The processor  508  may include digital signal processors, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and the like. 
     The output devices  518  may include displays, speakers, haptic devices, and the like. The displays may be implemented as touch screens or the like. The user-operable controls  520  may include buttons, slide switches, capacitive sensors, touch screens, and the like. 
       FIG. 6  shows a status reporting process  600  for the headset system  100  of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  600  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  600  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  600  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  600  can be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , at  602 , a status may be generated at the headset  102 . As used herein the term “status” may include a status change, notification of a status, and the like. At  604 , the status change or notification of status may be generated responsive to user operation of the headset  102 . For example, the user may operate the user-operable controls  320  of the headset  102 . Responsive to the operation of volume controls, the volume may change, and if a maximum or minimum volume is reached, the headset  102  may generate a notification of maximum or minimum volume, which may be announced for the user over the speaker  316  of the headset  102 . Responsive to the operation of a microphone mute control, audio generated by the microphone  314  may be blocked from transmission from the headset  102  by the transceiver  312 , and the headset  102  may generate a notification of microphone mute on or microphone mute off, which may be announced for the user over the speaker  316  of the headset  102 . Responsive to the operation of a call control, the headset  102  may start a call or end a call. 
     At  606 , the status may be generated responsive to an internal event at the headset  102 . for example, the processor  308  may determine that the power level of the power supply  326  has dropped below a threshold, and may therefore announce this status change for the user over the speaker  316  of the headset. 
     At  608 , the status may be generated responsive to an inquiry from the smartphone  106 . For example, the smartphone  106  may send a message over the wireless link  110  that requests the power level of the power supply  326  of the headset  102 . 
     At  610 , responsive to generation of the status, the headset  102  may send an indication of the status to the smartphone  106 . That is, the transceiver  312  of the headset  102  may transmit a message over the wireless link  110 , where the message represents the indication of the status. At  612 , the smartphone  106  may receive the indication of the status. That is, the transceiver  512  of the smartphone  106  may receive the message transmitted by the headset  102  over the wireless link  110 . 
     At  614 , responsive to receiving the indication of the status from the headset  102 , the smartphone  106  may indicate the status of the headset  102 . That is, the processor  508  of the smartphone  106  may cause an output device  518  of the smartphone  106  to generate an output representing the status. For example, the status may include a microphone mute status, a volume level, a power level of the headset  102 , a notification of maximum volume, a notification of minimum volume, a notification of call start, a notification of call end, and the like. For example, a display of the smartphone  106  may show a message announcing “Call End” or the like. As another example, a haptic device of the smartphone  106  may vibrate to indicate the headset  102  has reached maximum volume.  FIG. 10  shows a smartphone display showing an icon that indicates the headset volume is at minimum volume (no sound).  FIG. 11  shows a smartphone display showing an icon that indicates the headset microphone  314  is muted. 
     At  616 , responsive to receiving the indication of the status from the headset  102 , the smartphone  106  may send an indication of the status to the smartwatch  104 . That is, the transceiver  512  of the smartphone  106  may transmit a message over the wireless link  112 , where the message represents the indication of the status. 
     At  618 , the smartwatch  104  may receive the indication of the status. That is, the transceiver  412  of the smartwatch  104  may receive the message transmitted by the smartphone  106  over the wireless link  112 . 
     At  620 , responsive to receiving the indication of the status from the smartphone  106 , the smartwatch  104  may indicate the status of the headset  102 . That is, the processor  408  of the smartwatch  104  may cause an output device  418  of the smartwatch  104  to generate an output representing the status. For example, the status may include a microphone mute status, a volume level, a power level of the headset, a notification of maximum volume, a notification of minimum volume, a notification of call start, a notification of call end, and the like. For example, a display of the smartwatch  104  may show a message announcing “Call End” or the like. As another example, a haptic device may vibrate to indicate the headset  102  has reached maximum volume.  FIG. 12  shows a watch display showing an icon that indicates the headset volume is at minimum volume (no sound).  FIG. 13  shows a watch display showing an icon that indicates the headset microphone  314  is muted. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  shows a headset control process  700  for the headset system  100  of  FIG. 1  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  700  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  700  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  700  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  700  can be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , at  702 , a headset control signal may be generated at the smartwatch  104 . The headset control signals may include a microphone mute on control signal, a microphone mute off control signal, a volume up control signal, a volume down control signal, a call start control signal, a call answer control signal, a call redial control signal, a call end control signal, and the like. 
     At  704 , the headset control signal may be generated responsive to user operation of the smartwatch  104 . For example, the user may operate controls  420  of the smartwatch  104  for volume up, volume down, call start, call answer, call redial, call end, and the like. 
     At  706 , the headset control signal may be generated responsive to an internal event at the smartwatch  104 . For example, the processor  408  may determine that a call has been ended by another party to the call. 
     At  708 , responsive to generation of the headset control signal, the smartwatch  104  may send an indication of the headset control signal to the smartphone  106 . That is, the transceiver  412  of the smartwatch  104  may transmit a message over the wireless link  112 , where the message represents the headset control signal. 
     At  710 , the smartphone  106  may receive the indication of the headset control signal. That is, the transceiver  512  of the smartphone  106  may receive the message transmitted by the smartwatch  104  over the wireless link  112 . 
     At  712 , responsive to receiving the indication of the headset control signal from the smartwatch  104 , the smartphone  106  may send an indication of the headset control signal to the headset  102 . That is, the transceiver  512  of the smartphone  106  may transmit a message over the wireless link  110 , where the message represents the indication of the headset control signal. 
     At  714 , the headset  102  may receive the indication of the headset control signal. That is, the transceiver  312  of the headset  102  may receive the message transmitted by the smartphone  106  over the wireless link  110 . 
     At  716 , responsive to receiving the indication of the headset control signal from the smartphone  106 , the headset  102  may act on the headset control signal. That is, the processor  308  of the headset  102  may perform the action indicated by the headset control signal. For example, the processor  308  may mute or un-mute the microphone  314  of the headset  102 , change the volume level of the headset  102 , start, answer, or end a call, redial a number, determine and report a power level of the headset  102 , or the like. 
     Acting on the headset control signal may result in a change of status at the headset  102 . At  718 , responsive to the status change, the headset  102  may send an indication of the new status to the smartphone  106 . That is, the transceiver  312  of the headset  102  may transmit a message over the wireless link  110 , where the message represents the indication of the new status. 
     At  720 , responsive to receiving the indication of the status from the headset  102 , the smartphone  106  may indicate the status of the headset  102 . That is, the processor  508  of the smartphone  106  may cause an output device  518  of the smartphone  106  to generate an output representing the status. For example, the status may include a microphone mute status, a volume level, a power level of the headset  102 , a notification of maximum volume, a notification of minimum volume, a notification of call start, a notification of call end, and the like. For example, a display of the smartphone  106  may show a message announcing “Call End” or the like. As another example, a haptic device of the smartphone  106  may vibrate to indicate the headset  102  has reached maximum volume.  FIG. 10  shows a smartphone display showing an icon that indicates the headset volume is at minimum volume (no sound).  FIG. 11  shows a smartphone display showing an icon that indicates the headset microphone  314  is muted. At  722 , responsive to receiving the indication of the status from the headset  102 , the smartphone  106  may send an indication of the status to the smartwatch  104 . That is, the transceiver  512  of the smartphone  106  may transmit a message over the wireless link  112 , where the message represents the indication of the status. 
     At  724 , the smartwatch  104  may receive the indication of the status. That is, the transceiver  412  of the smartwatch  104  may receive the message transmitted by the smartphone  106  over the wireless link  112 . 
     At  726 , responsive to receiving the indication of the status from the smartphone  106 , the smartwatch  104  may indicate the status of the headset  102 . That is, the processor  408  of the smartwatch  104  may cause an output device  418  of the smartwatch  104  to generate an output representing the status. For example, the status may include a microphone mute status, a volume level, a power level of the headset  102 , a notification of maximum volume, a notification of minimum volume, a notification of call start, a notification of call end, and the like. For example, a display of the smartwatch  104  may show a message announcing “Call End” or the like. As another example, a haptic device may vibrate to indicate the headset  102  has reached maximum volume.  FIG. 12  shows a watch display showing an icon that indicates the headset volume is at minimum volume (no sound).  FIG. 13  shows a watch display showing an icon that indicates the headset microphone  314  is muted. 
       FIG. 8  shows a status reporting process  800  for the headset system  200  of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  800  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  800  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  800  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  800  can be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , at  802 , a status may be generated at the headset  202 . As used herein the term “status” may include a status change, notification of a status, and the like. At  804 , the status change or notification of status may be generated responsive to user operation of the headset  202 . For example, the user may operate the user-operable controls  320  of the headset  202 . Responsive to the operation of volume controls, the volume may change, and if a maximum or minimum volume is reached, the headset  202  may generate a notification of maximum or minimum volume, which may be announced for the user over the speaker  316  of the headset  202 . Responsive to the operation of a microphone mute control, audio generated by the microphone  314  may be blocked from transmission from the headset  202  by the transceiver  312 , and the headset  202  may generate a notification of microphone mute on or microphone mute off, which may be announced for the user over the speaker  316  of the headset  202 . Responsive to the operation of a call control, the headset  202  may start a call or end a call. 
     At  806 , the status change or notification of status may be generated responsive to an internal event at the headset  202 . For example, the processor  308  may determine that the power level of the power supply  326  has dropped below a threshold, and may therefore announce this status change for the user over the speaker  316  of the headset. 
     At  808 , the status may be generated responsive to an inquiry from the smartwatch  204 . For example, the smartwatch  204  may send a message over the wireless link  210  that requests the power level of the power supply  326  of the headset  202 . 
     At  810 , responsive to generation of the status, the headset  202  may send an indication of the status to the smartwatch  204 . That is, the transceiver  312  of the headset  202  may transmit a message over the wireless link  210 , where the message represents the indication of the status. 
     At  812 , the smartwatch  204  may receive the indication of the status. That is, the transceiver  412  of the smartwatch  204  may receive the message transmitted by the headset  202  over the wireless link  210 . 
     At  814 , responsive to receiving the indication of the status from the headset  202 , the smartwatch  204  may indicate the status of the headset  202 . That is, the processor  408  of the smartwatch  204  may cause an output device  418  of the smartwatch  204  to generate an output representing the status. For example, the status may include a microphone mute status, a volume level, a power level of the headset, a notification of maximum volume, a notification of minimum volume, a notification of call start, a notification of call end, and the like. For example, a display of the smartwatch  204  may show a message announcing “Call End” or the like. As another example, a haptic device may vibrate to indicate the headset  202  has reached maximum volume.  FIG. 12  shows a watch display showing an icon that indicates the headset volume is at minimum volume (no sound).  FIG. 13  shows a watch display showing an icon that indicates the headset microphone  314  is muted. 
       FIG. 9  shows a headset control process  900  for the headset system  200  of  FIG. 2  according to one embodiment. Although in the described embodiments the elements of process  900  are presented in one arrangement, other embodiments may feature other arrangements. For example, in various embodiments, some or all of the elements of process  900  can be executed in a different order, concurrently, and the like. Also some elements of process  900  may not be performed, and may not be executed immediately after each other. In addition, some or all of the elements of process  900  can be performed automatically, that is, without human intervention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , at  902 , a headset control signal may be generated at the smartwatch  204 . The headset control signals may include a microphone mute on control signal, a microphone mute off control signal, a volume up control signal, a volume down control signal, a call start control signal, a call answer control signal, a call redial control signal, a call end control signal, and the like. 
     At  904 , the headset control signal may be generated responsive to user operation of the smartwatch  204 . For example, the user may operate controls  420  of the smartwatch  204  for volume up, volume down, call start, call answer, call redial, call end, and the like. 
     At  906 , the headset control signal may be generated responsive to an internal event at the smartwatch  204 . For example, the processor  408  may determine that a call has been ended by another party to the call. 
     At  912 , responsive to generation of the headset control signal, the smartwatch  204  may send an indication of the headset control signal to the headset  202 . That is, the transceiver  412  of the smartwatch  204  may transmit a message over the wireless link  210 , where the message represents the headset control signal. 
     At  914 , the headset  202  may receive the indication of the headset control signal. That is, the transceiver  312  of the headset  202  may receive the message transmitted by the smartwatch  204  over the wireless link  210 . 
     At  916 , responsive to receiving the indication of the headset control signal from the smartwatch  204 , the headset  202  may act on the headset control signal. That is, the processor  308  of the headset  202  may perform the action indicated by the headset control signal. For example, the processor  308  may mute or un-mute the microphone  314  of the headset  202 , change the volume level of the headset  202 , start, answer, or end a call, redial a number, determine and report a power level of the headset  202 , or the like. 
     Acting on the headset control signal may result in a change of status at the headset  102 . At  918 , responsive to the status change, the headset  102  may send an indication of the new status to the smartwatch  204 . That is, the transceiver  312  of the headset  202  may transmit a message over the wireless link  210 , where the message represents the indication of the new status. 
     At  920 , the smartwatch  204  may receive the indication of the status. That is, the transceiver  412  of the smartwatch  204  may receive the message transmitted by the headset  202  over the wireless link  210 . 
     At  922 , responsive to receiving the indication of the status from the headset  202 , the smartphone  106  may indicate the status of the headset  202 . That is, the processor  508  of the smartwatch  204  may cause an output device  418  of the smartwatch  204  to generate an output representing the status. For example, the status may include a microphone mute status, a volume level, a power level of the headset  202 , a notification of maximum volume, a notification of minimum volume, a notification of call start, a notification of call end, and the like. For example, a display of the smartwatch  204  may show a message announcing “Call End” or the like. As another example, a haptic device of the smartwatch  204  may vibrate to indicate the headset  202  has reached maximum volume.  FIG. 12  shows a watch display showing an icon that indicates the headset volume is at minimum volume (no sound).  FIG. 13  shows a watch display showing an icon that indicates the headset microphone  314  is muted. 
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a computer-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor. The described processes can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. Embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. Each computer program can be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language, or in assembly or machine language if desired; and in any case, the language can be a compiled or interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors. Generally, processors receive instructions and data from a read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, a computer includes one or more mass storage devices for storing data files. Such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks; optical disks, and solid-state disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). As used herein, the term “module” may refer to any of the above implementations. 
     A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7