GB2435986A

GB2435986A - A mobile telephone having a docking unit for a wireless headset

Info

Publication number: GB2435986A
Application number: GB0604547A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew James Marcelin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-07
Filing date: 2006-03-07
Publication date: 2007-09-12
Also published as: GB0604547D0

Abstract

A mobile telecommunications apparatus (10) for transmitting and receiving data over a mobile telecommunications network, the apparatus comprising a handset (12) having a docking unit (34, 40) for a wireless headset. Also disclosed is an embodiment wherein the wireless headset is charged by the handset.

Description

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS APPARATUS

The invention relates to mobile communications apparatus and particularly to mobile telephones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

S

It is known to provide mobile phones and PDAs with wireless headsets. Having a wireless headset makes it possible to use a mobile phone or PDA to make a telephone call in hands free mode. Thus the user does not have to hold the device to his/her ear throughout the duration of a call, an operation that can be uncomfortable during long calls and/or inconvenient. Furthermore, the use of wireless headsets may be detrimental to the health of the user. Concern has been expressed about health risks resulting from prolonged exposure to radiation from mobile phones and PDAs, particularly since the source of the radiation is placed adjacent the user's head. If a wireless headset is used, the mobile phone or PDA can be positioned away from the user's head thereby reducing the risks to the user's health that are associated with radiation exposure.

Known wireless headsets are devices that are entirely separate from the mobile phone.

This niakes them inconvenient to use since every time the user wishes to use the headset, it must continuously he paired with the mobile phone or PDA using the Bluetooth or Wi Fi phone functionality making operation tedious. Additionally, the wireless headset must be connected to an external power supply for charging separately of the mobile phone or PDA.

The invention provides mobile telecommunications apparatus for transmitting and receiving data over a mobile telecommunications network, the apparatus comprising a handset having a docking station for a wireless headset.

The invention also includes mobile telecommunications apparatus comprising a hand held mobile communications device and a wireless headset, said hand held mobile communications device being equipped to transmit signal to and receive signals from a mobile communications network and comprising a docking facility for said wireless headset.

The invention also includes a wireless headset comprising electrical terminals configured to mate with electrical terminals oC a mobile communications device such that a battery of the wireless headset can be charged via the mobile communications device.

The invention also includes a method of charging a battery of a wireless headset, said method comprising mating electrical terminals of said headset with electrical terminals of a mobile telecommunications device and providing electrical charge to said battery via said mated electrical terminals.

The invention also includes a method of enabling wireless communication between a wireless headset and a mobile telecommunications device, said method comprising detecting release of the wireless headset from a connected condition in which it is connected to the mobile telecommunications device and automatically switching circuitry of said mobile telecommunications device to enable wireless communication with said wireless headset when release is detected.

In order that the invention may be well understood, an embodiment thereoç, which is given by way of example only, will now be described with reference to the drawings inwhich Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the front face of a mobile phone; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the rear face of the mobile phone showing a wireless headset docked with the phone; Figure 3 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 showing the wireless headset removed; and Figure 4 is a schematic rear view of the wireless headset.

Referring to Figure 1, a mobile telephone 10 comprises a handset that includes a casing 12 having a front face 14. A graphical user interface comprising an LCD 16 is provided in the front lace 14 permitting the display of menus and other information relating to the use of the mobile telephone. A keypad 18 comprised of push buttons that project from the front face 14 is provided for operating the mobile phone and the input of data.

Refernng to Figure 2, the mobile telephone 10 includes a processor 22 and a receiver 23 and 24 for respectively receiving and transmitting data over a mobile telecommunications network. The mobile telephone 10 also has a power supply 26, which includes a rechargeable battery 28 that can be recharged via terminals 30.

These elements of the mobile telephone 10 can be of any suitable known type and will be familiar to those skilled in the art. For that reason, their construction, connection and operation will not be described in detail herein.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the rear face 32 of the casing 12 is provided with a docking station 34 (Figure 3), which comprises a recess 36 shaped to receive a wireless headset 38 (Figure 2). The recess 36 is shaped such that when the wireless headset 38 is docked, it does not project from the rear face 32. Within the recess 36, there is a terminal block 40 that comprises gold plated terminals. The terminal block is arranged such that when the headset 38 is housed in the recess 36, it mates with a terminal set 41 provided on the headset 38. Also housed in the recess 36 is a switch 42, which may be a mechanical micro switch or an optical switch. The switch 42 is actuated by movement of the wireless headset 38 into and out of the recess 34 and supplies detection signals to the processor 22.

The wireless headset 38 comprises a body part 50 having a speaker 52 at one end and a microphone 54 at the other end. The body part 50 may be provided with a clip (not shown) by means of which a user can secure the wireless headset to his/her ear.

Alternatively, the wireless headset 38 may include an earplug projecting from a region in front of the speaker 52 for insertion into the user's ear.

Mounted on the body part 50, the wireless headset 38 has a volume control 56 for controlling the volume output from the speaker 52. The body part 50 also has a multifunction button 58 mounted on it. The various functions of the multifunction button 58 will be described below. A spring loaded catch 60 is provided in the recess 34 for engaging the body part 50 and retaining the wireless headset 38 in the docking station 36.

The wireless headset 38 comprises a receiver 62 and transmitter 63 for wireless communication with the mobile telephone 10. The wireless headset 38 also has a power supply comprising a rechargeable battery 64, which may, for example, be a lithium polymer battery, a lithium ion battery or a nickel cadmium battery. The rechargeable battery 64 is housed in the body part 50 and is electrically connected with the terminal unit 41.

In use, when the wireless headset 38 is docked in the docking station 34, it is snugly housed in the recess 36 so that substantially no part projects from the recess. The terminal unit 41 of the wireless headset is mated with the terminal block 40. When the wireless headset 38 is inserted into the recess 36, the switch 42 is actuated and sends a detection signal to the processor 22, which enables charging of the headset's rechargeable battery via the mating terminal block 40. The LCD 16 includes display functions 66, 68, 70, 72 respectively indicating the docked state of the headset 38, the charge status of the battery 64 in the headset, the charge status of the battery 28 in the mobile phone 10 and when the battery 28 is charging via the terminals 30.

If an incoming telephone call is received by the mobile phone 10, the user can detach the wireless headset 38 from the docking station 34 and clip it to, or plug it into, his/her ear. Movement of the headset 38 from the docking station 34 is detected by the switch 42, which results in the transmission of a detection signal to the processor 22, which causes the mobile phone 10 to automatically default to headset functionality. The user can then use the multifunction button 58 to answer to the call or accept the call by using the button 20 on the keypad 18 that is designated the open call' button. Once the call is completed, the user can abort the call by pressing the multifunction button 58 or by pressing the button 20 on the keypad 18 that is designated the end call' button.

The multifunction button 58 may be arranged to provide additional functionality, for

example:

Initiating a remote voice recording feature of the mobile phone 10 -this would he enabled by the user selecting the mobile phone's recording menu, which would be displayed on the LCD 16, so that the multi function button 58 could be used as a toggle switch to start and stop recording.

Initiating a remote picture taking control -this would be enabled by the user selecting the control menu for the mobile phone's inbuilt camera, which would be displayed on the LCD 16. With the camera enabled, the multifunction button 58 could be used to cause a picture to be taken.

It will be appreciated that the mobile phone 10 provides many advantages for the user.

For example, the docking station 34 provides convenient storage for the wireless headset 38 when not in use. This should reduce the likelihood of the headset being lost. A further advantage is that when the wireless headset 38 is docked in the docking station 34 the headset battery 64 can be recharged automatically. Recharging may take place automatically when the mobile phone's battery 28 is being recharged.

In addition to that, the mobile phone 10 may be enabled to top up the charge in the headset battery 64 from the battery 28. Since the charge required by the wireless headset and the capacity of its battery 64 would typically be small compared with the capacity of the battery 28, this should be possible without adverse effect on the performance of the mobile phone 10. The controls in the mobile phone's circuitry may he configured to prevent charging from the battery 28 if the charge held by the battery 28 is below a predetermined level. The user does not, therefore, have to take separate action to ensure that the battery of the wireless headset is charged.

A further feature of the mobile phone 10 is that the logic circuitry in the phone defaults to headset functionality when removal of the wireless headset 38 from the docking station is detected so that the headset is automatically enabled by removal allowing the user to simply fit the headset to his/her ear and commence use without further steps. The headset 38 may be controlled locally by means of the volume control 56 and multifunction button 58 and, optionally from the mobile phone by means of designated buttons 20 on the keypad 1 8.

It will be appreciated that the mobile phone 10 may he sold without a wireless headset 38 leaving it to the user to purchase a headset as an optional upgrade. In that case, a blanking plate could he provided for blanking off the docking station 38.

It will be appreciated that the mobile phone 10 and wireless headset 38 may be arranged so that power supply 26 could draw power 1mm the headset's battery 64 when needed.

It will be appreciated that in place of the spring loaded catch 60 provided in the recess 36, the body part 50 of the headset may carry a spring loaded catch for engaging a formation provided in the recess. Ii will also be understood that in place of a spring loaded catch any other suitable mechanical latching of clipping device may be used and, for example, the body part 50 may be provided with a portion that is resiliently deformable to permit snap-fitting into the recess and/or another snap-fitting formation provided on the mobile phone 10.

It will be understood that the wireless communications link between the mobile phone and the wireless headset may be of any type suitable for transmitting data between the phone and the headset. The communications link will preferably be a short range wireless communication link requiring relatively low transmission power from the headset. Preferably, the communications link will be compatible with one or more of the following standards IEEE8O2.llb, IEEE8O2.ila or IEEE8O2.llg. It is presently envisaged that the wireless transmission system used will be Bluetooth or Wi Fi.

It will be appreciated that while it may be preferable for the docking station 34 to include a recess 36 for housing the wireless headset 38, this is not essential. It is possible the wireless headset could be docked with the mobile phone without being housed in such a recess. Tt will be appreciated that providing a recess or housing for the wireless headset instead of having the headset piggy hacked on the mobile phone provides greater security of (locking and reduces the likelihood of forces being applied to the headset that might lead to damage of the electrical terminals.

It will he appreciated that detection of the breaking and making of the connection between the mobile phone and wireless headset may be by means other than switches.

For example, a detection may be made by reference to the condition of an electrical circuit formed by mating of the terminal block 40 and terminal set 41.

It is to be understood that while the described embodiment is a mobile phone, the invention is eqLlally applicable to PDAs and other mobile communications apparatus that permits the user to send and receive audio messages.

Claims

Claims 1. Mobile telecommunications apparatus for transmitting and

receiving data over a mobile telecommunications network, the apparatus comprising a handset having a (locking station for a wireless headset.

2. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handset comprises a casing and said (locking station comprises a recess defined by said casing for receiving at least a portion of a said wireless headset.

3. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said docking station comprises electrical terminals for mating with electrical terminals of a said wireless headset for charging the wireless headset via the handset.

4. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the handset comprises a detector arranged to detect when a said wireless headset is docked with the docking station.

5. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein charging of the wireless headset via the handset is automatically enabled when the detector detects that a said headset is docked with the docking station.

6. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or 5, further comprising control circuitry arranged to receive detection signals from said detector and default to headset functionality when a signal indicating a said headset has been removed from the docking station is received.

7. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handset comprises a retaining device for releasably retaining a said headset in the docking station.

8. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said retaining device comprises a resiliently biased member.

9. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a said wireless headset.

10. Mobile telecommunications apparatus comprising a hand held mobile communications device and a wireless headset, said hand held mobile communications device being equipped to transmit signal to and receive signals from a mobile communications network and comprising a docking facility for said wireless headset. 1 0

11. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said docking facility is arranged to detect when the headset is removed from the docking facility and said communications device is arranged to automatically switch to a head set operations mode when such a detection is made.

12. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said communications device comprises a micro switch for detecting when the headset is removed from the docking facility.

13. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said communications device comprises an optical switch for detecting when the headset is removed from the docking facility.

14. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein said docking facility comprises electrical terminals and the headset comprises electrical terminals for mating with the docking facility electrical terminals when the headset is docked with the docking facility and a power supply comprising a rechargeable battery, the arrangement being such that said rechargeable battery can be charged through the mobile communications device when the headset is docked with the docking facility.

15. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein charging of said rechargeable battery is automatically enabled when the headset is docked with the (locking facility.

16. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein said mobile communications device is arranged to permit the headset to draw power from said rechargeable battery of the communications device when the headset is docked with the docking facility.

17. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein said mobile communications device can draw power from said rechargeable battery of the headset when the headset is docked with the docking facility.

18. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 1 7, wherein said mobile communications device and said headset are enabled for wireless communication using a Bluetooth or Wi Fi standard communications system.

19. Mobile communications apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein at least one of said mobile communications device and said headset carries a securing device for securing the headset to the mobile communications device when the headset is docked with the docking facility.

20. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein said headset comprises at least one user operable button and control circuitry of the mobile communications device is operable by the or at least one said button.

21. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 20, wherein said mobile communications device comprises a plurality of user operable buttons and control circuitry of the headset is operable by at least one said button of the mobile communications device.

22. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 21, wherein said docking facility comprises a recess for at least partially receiving said wireless headset.

23. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 22, wherein said mobile communications device is a mobile telephone.

25. Mobile telecommunications apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 22, wherein said mobile communications device is a personal digital assistant.

26. A wireless headset comprising electrical terminals configured to mate with electrical terminals of a mobile communications device such that a battery of the wireless headset can be charged via the mobile communications device.

27. A method of charging a battery of a wireless headset, said method comprising mating electrical terminals of said headset with electrical terminals of a mobile telecommunications device and providing electrical charge to said battery via said mated electrical terminals.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, including drawing said electrical charge from a battery used to supply power to said mobile communications device.

29. A method of enabling wireless communication between a wireless headset and a mobile telecommunications device, said method comprising detecting release of the wireless headset from a connected condition in which it is connected to the mobile telecommunications device and automatically switching circuitry of said mobile telecommunications device to enable wireless communication with said wireless headset when release is detected.

30. A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein when in said connected condition, electrical terminals of said wireless headset are mated with electrical terminals of said mobile telecommunications device.

31. A computer program product comprising at least one computer program software portion which, when executed in an execution environment is operable to implement said automatic switching of circuitry of the mobile communications device.

32. A data storage medium having at least one computer software portion of claim 3 1 stored thereon.

33. A mobile telecommunications apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 3 of the drawings.

34. A mobile telecommunications apparatus comprismg a wireless headset and substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.

35. A wireless headset substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 2 and 4 of the drawings.

36. A method of enabling wireless communication between a wireless headset and a mobile telecommunications device substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.

37. A method of charging a battery of a wireless headset substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.