Abstract:
A detachable element such as a headset ( 20 ) which stowable in a mobile electronic device (e.g., cellular phone ( 10 )) is described. In one embodiment, while in the phone ( 10 ) the headset ( 20 ) serves as the phone ( 20 ) speaker and microphone. Upon detachment from the phone ( 10 ) the headset ( 20 ) spontaneously changes its shape to facilitate user convenience. A wireless version of the handset ( 20   a ) automatically enters a stand-alone operational mode when detached from the phone ( 10 ). Separate and distinct embodiments of the headset ( 20 ) and ( 50 ) exist for a single piece phone ( 10 ) and a flip-type phone ( 40 ) respectfully.

Description:
PRIORITY  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/519,998 filed Nov. 15, 2003 entitled “Wireless Apparatus With Detachable Headset”, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates to communications devices in general and in one exemplary aspect to headsets used with, e.g., cellular and cordless phones and radios.  
         [0004]     2. Prior Art  
         [0005]     It is desirable to enable a hands-free operation of such wireless communication devices as cellular and cordless phones and personal radios.  
         [0006]     For instance, while driving a vehicle a hands-free phone operation not only provides convenience but also contributes to driver safety. One of the methods to achieve hands-free operation is to operate a phone in a speaker mode.  
         [0007]     Unfortunately, in noisy environments such as a moving vehicle, when speaker mode is used the sound quality is significantly degraded, as both a speaker and a microphone are normally positioned at a relatively long distances from the user and are subject to interference and feedback. Even when a separate microphone is being used which can be positioned closer to the user, the speaker part of the system is still positioned relatively distant which creates privacy issues and still is susceptible to feedback.  
         [0008]     Another solution for hands-free operation is to use a separate headset which is worn by the user and is either connected to a phone by a cable or communicates with it wirelessly.  
         [0009]     While it provides a higher quality two-way audio communication, a separate headset needs to be stored somewhere when not in use, which tends to limit its utility.  
         [0010]     A more attractive solution is to provide a detachable headset on the phone itself. Such headset is stored on the phone and is operational both while attached to the phone or detached from it. An additional economic advantage can be realized if a headset replaces the phone speaker and a microphone.  
         [0011]     The challenge to create such a system arises from a set of mutually dependent and sometimes conflicting requirements for the headset implementation. One requirement is for the headset to be securely attached to and quickly and easily detached from a phone. Another requirement is for a headset to be ergonomic while in stand-alone use, to minimize user fatigue and discomfort while maintaining a reasonable level of esthetic presentation. Yet another requirement is to provide high quality two-way audio communications.  
         [0012]     It is also advantageous in case of a wireless headset to be able to re-charge it&#39;s power storage device from the phone power source, or at least to disable or minimize the power draw from the headset internal power source while the headset is operated while on the phone.  
         [0013]     Attempts have been made to provide storage of a headset on the phone and to meet some of the requirements above. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,417 to Rydbeck describes two embodiments of a wireless headset stored on the phone. In one embodiment the headset is attached to the side of the phone while in another embodiment the headset is attached to the front of the phone.  
         [0014]     The limitations of these arrangements are that when the headset is attached to the side of the phone, a user has to hold the phone sideways in order to use the headset in its in-the-phone mode, and when a headset is attached to the front of the phone, it interferes with the display and the keypad operation.  
         [0015]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,386 to Phillips describes a corded headset which is stored inside an enclosure. In addition to the presence of the cord, which is not desirable from several standpoints, in order to use the headset in the stand-alone mode a user has to manually flip the earpiece part of the headset, further contributing to its inconvenience in use. The earpiece fits inside of user&#39;s ear and the microphone portion is suspended by the earpiece. Depending on the actual size and weight of this headset assembly, user comfort may be jeopardized. Moreover, the present corded design is not likely to be successfully converted to a wireless handset, due to the wireless headset necessarily greater weight and size and the fact that the device is proposed to simply hang from the ear canal of the user. This further limits potential usage of this device.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]     In accordance with the present invention, improved apparatus and methods for wireless communication are provided.  
         [0017]     In a first aspect of the invention, improved communications apparatus for use with a wireless communication device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a communications element adapted for removable storage within the wireless communication device, the element being configured for contactless communication with the wireless communication device; wherein the communications element is further adapted to substantially assume a predetermined shape upon removal from the wireless communication device. The communication element may comprise, e.g., a headset which is removable from a cellular telephone or other mobile electronic device.  
         [0018]     In a second aspect of the invention, an improved communications apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a first wireless interface adapted to transmit and receive first radio frequency signals to a remote entity; a body element having at least one recess formed therein; a power source disposed substantially within the body element; a detachable headset element adapted to be received at least partly within the recess; a second wireless interface adapted to transfer communication signals between the body element and the headset; a contactless interface between the body element and the headset, the contactless interface adapted to transfer power between the power source and the headset when the headset is substantially received within the recess; wherein when the headset element is received within the at least one recess, the headset element substantially assumes a first shape, and when the headset element is removed from the recess, assumes a second, predetermined shape different from the first shape, the second predetermined shape being substantially adapted for fitting over at least a portion of the human ear.  
         [0019]     In a third aspect of the invention, improved communications apparatus for use with a wireless communication device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a communications element adapted for removable storage at least partly within the wireless communication device, the element being configured for contactless communication with the wireless communication device; wherein the communications element is further adapted to substantially assume at least one of plurality of colors upon contact with a user.  
         [0020]     In a fourth aspect of the invention, a method of operating a headset being disposed substantially within a communications device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the disposed headset has a first shape, and the method comprises: removing the headset from within the device, the act of removing causing the headset to assume a second shape; disposing the headset onto at least a portion of a user&#39;s head; and wirelessly communicating with the device via the headset.  
         [0021]     In a fifth aspect of the invention, an improved wireless communications system comprising a detachable headset and an electronic device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the headset is removably stored on the device, the headset adapted for communication with the device in at least one of two modes: a first mode such that when stored on the device, the headset communicates with the device via a first wireless communications interface; and a second mode such that when removed from the device, the headset communicates with the device via a second wireless communications interface. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]      FIGS. 1 and 1   a  show prior art cellular phones with detachable headsets  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective of a one-piece cellular phone with a headset stowed in.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  shows a headset shape change from a stowed mode to stand alone mode.  
         [0025]      FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c ,  3   d  show variations of the headset having articulating earpiece and microphone  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a cross section taken along line  4 - 4  on  FIG. 2   
         [0027]      FIG. 5  shows positioning of the headset when worn by user  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  shows a one-piece cellular phone with the headset detached  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  shows a flip-type cellular phone with the headset detached  
         [0030]      FIGS. 8, 8   a ,  8   b  show hinged headset used with flip-type cellular phones.  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  illustrates storage of the hinged headset into a closed flip-type cellular phone  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is an electrical block diagram of the headset and related circuitry in the cellular phone. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0033]     As used herein, the terms “wireless” and “contactless” are used to refer to apparatus or methods which operate without direct electrical or other physical contact. Examples of wireless/contactless apparatus include, without limitation, radio frequency (RF) interfaces, optical interfaces, infrared interfaces, inductive interfaces, and capacitive interfaces.  
         [0034]     The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated on  FIG. 2 . A cellular phone  10  contains cavity  12  which receives headset  20 . The face of the phone contains apertures  14  and  16  which are aligned with headset earpiece  22  and microphone  24  respectfully. The shapes and placement of these apertures are selected to maximize sound transmission to the microphone  24  and from the earpiece  22 . Apertures  14  and  16  may be of an open type or can incorporate protective grilles or meshes. The cross section of the cavity  12  essentially matches the cross section shape of the headset.  
         [0035]     An essentially longitudinal slot  18  extending through a portion of cavity  12  is provided for insertion of the headset  20  and to enable the grip  32  to be exposed. It should be noted that the width of the slot  18  is not uniform throughout its length but is made to accommodate the insertion and retention of headset  20 .  
         [0036]     For it to be used outside the phone in a stand-alone mode, headset  20  is removed from the cavity  18  by the user&#39;s grasping grip  32  on the body of the handset and pulling upward and away from the phone body.  
         [0037]     As shown of  FIG. 3  upon exit from the cavity  12 , the headset  20  assumes a new shape denoted in the figure by solid lines. Due to the bending of the earpiece stalk  26  the earpiece  22  descends downward and toward the main body of the headset thus creating an open loop  30 . Simultaneously, through the upward bending motion of the microphone stalk  28  the microphone  24  assumes its position essentially below the new position of the earpiece  22 .  
         [0038]     The resulting shape of the headset is conducive to a comfortable wear of the headset as illustrated on  FIG. 5  where the headset  20  is draped over and behind a user&#39;s ear  60 . In this position the earpiece  22  is positioned at the entrance of the auditory canal while the microphone  24  is projected below the earlobe and toward user&#39;s mouth. Thus, not only the respective positions of the earpiece  22  and microphone  24  are conducive to superior two-way sound quality, but the whole headset is largely concealed behind a user&#39;s ear where it has a less chance of causing discomfort to the user, interfere with user&#39;s activities or be too conspicuous.  
         [0039]     To return the headset  20  to the phone  10  as shown on  FIG. 6 a  user holds the headset by the grip  32  and slides it microphone  24  end first into the cavity  12 . The microphone stalk  28  resiliently bends and follows the shape of the cavity  12 . The microphone  24  is then positioned behind aperture  16  in the phone  10 . The earpiece stalk  26  then is then urged to unbend and the earpiece takes its place behind the aperture  14  in the phone  10 .  
         [0040]     The headset operates electrically in two modes. In in-the-phone mode the earpiece  22  and the microphone  24  operate as a speaker and a microphone of the phone  10 . In stand-alone mode when the headset is removed from the phone, it communicates with the phone but the sound is emitted and sensed only by the headset, not by the phone.  
         [0041]      FIG. 10  shows an electrical systems block diagram pertaining to co-operation of the headset and the phone. The diagram pertains to a wireless type of headset denoted  20   a , since for a wired headset the operation is greatly simplified because the headset can be considered as mere remote speaker and a microphone still permanently attached to the phone.  
         [0042]     For the in-phone operation, the following steps are taken to place the system into the in-the-phone operational mode: the headset presence is detected, the headset power is switched to come from the phone, unless the handset&#39;s energy level is sufficient to power it, or the energy level of the phone is determined not to be sufficient to support the headset operation in addition to its own circuitry. The wireless transceivers both in the phone and in the headset are then switched off, unless the system is designed to operate via wireless transceivers in close proximity. The audio channel in the headset is switched from the transceiver to the local contact-less coupling element through which the signals are conveyed to the phone.  
         [0043]     Referring again to  FIG. 10 , the control unit  200  of the phone  10  periodically briefly turns power oscillator  160  on which through the coil  162  emits an electromagnetic pulse. The effective impedance of the coil  162  is simultaneously monitored by phone headset detector  170 . When the wireless headset  20   a  is inserted in phone  10 , it&#39;s presence is detected by the phone headset detector  170  as a change in effective impedance of coil  162  due to its loading by the headset coil  142 .  
         [0044]     Alternatively, the headset detector  170  can be a magnetically activated reed switch, an electromechanical switch or an opto-electronic switch, all these types being familiar to those skilled in the art.  
         [0045]     When the headset is thusly detected by the headset detector  170  the phone control unit  200  is notified and initializes energy transfer operation from phone energy storage element  200  by fully turning on the power oscillator  160  and transferring energy through the coil  162  to the headset coil  142 . The electromagnetic energy received by coil  142  is converted by headset power converter  140  for the use by the rest of the headset circuitry.  
         [0046]     The phone control unit  200  then shuts down its secondary wireless transceiver used to communicate with the headset and activates its audio processor  180 .  
         [0047]     The presence of power input from the phone is detected by headset power detector  150  which notifies headset control unit  120 . The control unit  120  determines the energy level of headset energy storage element  102 , and if it&#39;s below a pre-determined level initiates its charging.  
         [0048]     Simultaneously, control unit  120  switches the headset wireless transceiver  104  off and activates audio transfer switches  108 , while activating the audio processor  110  which communicates with phone audio processor  180  via a contact-less coupling coils  112  and  182 .  
         [0049]     When the headset is removed from the phone the phone headset detector  170  notifies control unit  200  which then initiates steps corresponding to headset stand alone mode. The power oscillator  160  is placed in low energy headset seeking mode and made to emit intermittent low power short pulses, the audio processor  180  is shut off and the wireless secondary transceiver  220  is turned on.  
         [0050]     Upon headset&#39;s  20   a  removal from the phone  10  the headset power converter  140  no longer detects energy emitted by the phone power oscillator  160  and notifies control unit  120  which places the headset  20   a  in the stand-alone mode.  
         [0051]     The control unit  120  switches power to the energy storage element  102 , turns on headset transceiver  104 , shuts off audio processor  110  and redirects audio signals to the earpiece  22  and from microphone  24  via their respective switches  108  and amplifiers  106  to headset transceiver  104 .  
         [0052]     It should be noted that although the contact-less coupling between the wireless headset  20   a  and the phone  10  was shown implemented with electromagnetic coils  142 ,  162 ,  112 , and  182 , other means are possible as well, such as with opposing plate capacitive coupling, or opto-electronic, these methods being familiar to persons skilled in the art.  
         [0053]     The absence of exposed electrical contacts enables a completely sealed construction for the wireless headset  20   a , since other exposed components, namely the earpiece  22  and the microphone  24  can be made sealed as is known in the art. Such a construction offers many advantages to a consumer product such as a headset, and especially one in prolonged contact with human skin.  
       Additional Embodiments  
       [0054]     In the foregoing description like components are labeled with like numerals.  
         [0055]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a flip-type cellular phone  40  consists of two hinged halves  40   a  and  40   b , each having cavities  42   a  and  42   b  for storing the headset  50 .  
         [0056]     The headset  50  contains earpiece  22  and microphone  24 , each located on the end of their respective stalks, denoted by numerals  26  and  28 . The body of the headset  50  is provided with a hinge assembly  52  located essentially in the middle of the headset&#39;s body and connecting upper and lower parts  50   a  and  50   b  of the headset. The headset  50  is further provided with two grips  32   a  and  32   b  located on upper and lower parts  50   a  and  50   b  respectively.  
         [0057]     When the phone  40  is open or unfolded, the headset  50  is inserted in the open state straight in into the cavities  42   a  and  42   b  through their respective side slots  48   a  and  48   b . Once in the cavity, the headset earpiece  22  is positioned behind aperture  44  in the upper phone half  40   a , while the headset microphone is positioned behind aperture  46  in the lower phone half  40   b . The headset  50  is held in the cavities  42   a  and  42   b  essentially by a friction fit. Alternatively, a plurality of detents can be supplied in the cavities to capture the headset.  
         [0058]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , upon its removal from the phone the headset  50  spontaneously assumes its stand-alone shape denoted by solid lines. The resulting overall shape is similar to the shape of the non-hinged headset  20 , with the difference in additional spontaneous unfolding of the hinged version at the hinge assembly  52 . To enable this unfolding the hinge assembly  52  contains a spring or resilient element.  
         [0059]      FIG. 9  shows insertion of headset  50  into phone  40  while the latter is closed. To accomplish this the headset body halves  50   a  and  50   b  are folded toward each other at the hinge assembly  52  as shown on  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b . By grasping the headset  50  simultaneously by the grips  32   a  and  32   b , a user would insert the headset  50  into corresponding cavities  42   a  and  42   b  through corresponding slots  48   a  and  48   b  in the respective phone upper half  40   a  and lower half  40   b.    
         [0060]     The headset can be extracted from the phone by grasping the grips  32   a  and  32   b  and pulling outwards. Upon exit from the phone the headset  50  spontaneously unfolds at the hinge assembly  52  and simultaneously assumes the stand-alone shape due to resilient bending of the respective earpiece and microphone stalks  26  and  28 .  
         [0061]     The electrical operation of this headset and the phone is similar to the one described above.  
         [0062]      FIGS. 3   a - 3   d  show a variation of the headset  20 . The headset variation on  
         [0063]      FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  contains pivotable earpiece stalk  26   a  and pivotable microphone stalk  28   a . This feature enables a user to select which ear to use by rotating the respective stalks and thus aiming the earpiece  22  and microphone  24  to an opposite side of the headset  20 , as shown on  FIGS. 3   b  and  3   c.    
         [0064]      FIG. 3   d  shows a headset  20  with a telescoping microphone stalk  28   b  which facilitates voice quality in overly noisy environments.  
         [0065]     To enable resilient spontaneous folding of the headset for the stand-alone operation the headset construction may contain a flexible core member onto which electronic components are mounted, the whole assembly further enclosed by preferably an elastomeric skin. As was noted earlier, the headset can be completely sealed against the elements, including those of biological nature. Flexible electronic circuits are well known in the art.  
         [0066]     The unfolding action of the flexible core member can be effected by making this member out of a memory-shape alloy, such as Nitinol™, which can be activated by exposure to the user&#39;s body heat when the headset is worn. Alternatively, an electric current can be passed through the core member to heat it and so cause it to bend in an advantageous way. The memory shape effect of Nitinol can be tailored to be activated at a particular temperature by adjusting the composition of this alloy and its preparation. This is known in the art as well.  
         [0067]     Also, thanks to the additional superplasticity property of Nitinol alloys the headset core member made out of this material can be pre-folded into a shape suitable for stand-alone operation, and then unfolded for insertion into the phone. Upon extraction from the phone the headset will regain its previous shape, with exceptional repeatability and metal fatigue endurance. This property of Nitinol alloys is successfully exploited in eyeglass frames and cellular phone antennae.  
         [0068]     Alternatively, the headset can be made entirely out of an elastomer polymer, with its circuitry embedded into it.  
         [0069]     Bimetallic and piezoelectric elements can be also incorporated into the headset to controllably alter its shape. Such elements change their geometries in response to temperature and electrical voltage, respectively.  
         [0070]     Finally, the outward color appearance of the headset can be dynamically altered by applying thermochromic paints to the surface of, or incorporating thermochromic pigments into an outer skin material of the headset. Such thermochromic materials change their colors when exposed to different temperatures, such as a body temperature of a headset wearer.  
         [0071]     It will be appreciated that while described primarily in the context of a mobile (e.g., cellular) telephone, the various features and embodiments of the present invention may be practiced with and/or incorporated into any number of different platforms, mobile or otherwise, including without limitation PDAs, laptop computers, handheld computers, organizers, “car kits”, etc.  
         [0072]     Furthermore, the wireless interface between these devices and an external entity (such as, e.g., a local base station, WiFi node, IrDA node, etc) may comprise any number of different configurations, including without limitation cellular links (e.g., CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, TDMA, iDEN, UMTS, AMPS, etc.), local/personal area wireless (such as IEEE-Std. 802.11, 802.15, Bluetooth, etc.), WiMAX links, optical links, infrared links (e.g., IrDA), and even millimeter wave or satellite links.  
         [0073]     Similarly, the wireless interface between the device and its removable component(s) may comprise RF links (such as the aforementioned Bluetooth, 802.11, 802.15 PAN, traditional ISM band FHSS or DSSS systems, FDMA or TDMA systems, etc.), infrared links, or other types of air interfaces. Hence, the invention may be practiced substantially independent of any particular configuration of wireless interface.  
         [0074]     It is noted that many variations of the methods described above may be utilized consistent with the present invention. Specifically, certain steps are optional and may be performed or deleted as desired. Similarly, other steps (such as additional data sampling, processing, filtration, calibration, or mathematical analysis for example) may be added to the foregoing embodiments. Additionally, the order of performance of certain steps may be permuted, or performed in parallel (or series) if desired. Hence, the foregoing embodiments are merely illustrative of the broader methods of the invention disclosed herein.  
         [0075]     While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. The foregoing description is of the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. This description is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.