KR20020034025A - Hands-free transceiver unit and method for use with wireless communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method for using a handsfree transmit-receive device and a radio communication device is provided for a handsfree base unit that executes radio communication through a handsfree communication module. CONSTITUTION: A radio handsfree communication system(1) consists of a base unit(30), a radio communication device(25), an external power source(10), and a handsfree communication module(5). A fixed member(35) is attached to the base unit(30) typically. The radio communication device(25) is located on the support of the base unit(30) typically. When a user receives a call, the radio communication device(25) communicates with the base unit(30). In this case, the base unit(30) modulates a voice signal received from the radio communication device(25) and transmits the modulated signal(20) to the handsfree communication module(5). Receiving the modulated signal(20), the handsfree communication module(5) regenerates and demodulates the content of the received signal. If the user responds to the regenerated content in his/her voice, the handsfree communication module(5) converts the user's voice input into a relevant electric signal. The electric signal is modulated, and the modulated signal(15) is transmitted to the base unit(30). The base unit(30) detects the modulated signal(15) and sends the sound signal to the radio communication device(25). The radio communication device(25) sends the signal to a cellular base station.

Description

HANDS-FREE TRANSCEIVER UNIT AND METHOD FOR USE WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE}

The present invention relates generally to the use of a handsfree wireless communication device, and more particularly to a handsfree wireless base unit.

Much interest and research has been done with hands-free accessories for use with wireless communication devices (cellular, wireless, radio, or cellular phones).

In consideration of safety while driving, the user is required to use hands free, and the accessories for hands free allow the user to do other tasks while talking on the mobile phone.

However, there are some limitations to note with current hands-free accessories.

Many hands-free accessories, such as earphones or microphones, use wires to connect the accessory to a cell phone.

These accessories allow the user to hold the microphone and speakers in their ears to reduce noise and better listen.

But good is sometimes annoying and disturbing.

The line may also artificially form a physically limited confined space between the phone and the user.

Other handsfree devices use a base unit (sometimes called a cradle), which connects to a mobile phone.

The base unit has a built-in speaker and microphone that allows users to talk without using their hands.

However, talking with speakers and microphones produces considerable noise, so currently available models are not recommended.

Accordingly, there is a need for a technology for a handsfree base unit that communicates wirelessly with handsfree accessories placed near the user.

According to the present invention, the body can be freely moved to a wider range, less disturbed by wire connection, and noise generated in the current system can be reduced.

The present invention is for a hands-free base unit for wireless communication with the hands-free communication module.

1 is a diagram illustrating a hands-free radio call system according to the present invention.

2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a base unit.

3 is a block diagram in which a speaker is added to the circuit of FIG.

4 is a block diagram of a circuit in which a low dropout (reducing output voltage drop) circuit, a step-down converter, a battery charger, and a rechargeable battery are added to the circuit of FIG.

5A and 5B show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the electric circuit of the base unit is contained in a case which can be attached to a wireless communication device and a battery pack.

Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention and is an explanatory diagram showing that a base unit circuit is accommodated in a wireless communication device battery pack.

7 is a block diagram of an electric circuit of a battery pack base unit.

8 is a block diagram in which a step-down converter and a low dropout electrical circuit are added to the circuit of FIG.

9 is a block diagram of a desktop charger equipped for multiplexing between various audio inputs and a base station.

Typically, a cordless phone is connected to a base unit (or the base unit is in a phone battery case) and communicates audio messages received from a cellular base station in a cellular network in a typical manner.

The base unit delivers audio information to the hands-free communication module via the RF signal.

The user hears the information and sends his delivery message in the form of an RF signal.

The base unit receives the RF signal and sends a sound message to the wireless telephone, and the information transmitted from the wireless telephone is sent to the cellular base station.

The telephone call continues until you hang up this way.

The base unit has its own built-in battery that can be used when disconnected from an external power supply.

When disconnected from an external power supply, the battery powers the RF transceiver base unit, allowing the user to continue hands-free use of the radiotelephone.

Accordingly, the present invention enables the user to perform uninterrupted wireless communication between the base unit and the wireless communication module without using wires.

The above and other advantages of the present invention may be understood in more detail in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description relating thereto.

The invention is susceptible to various modifications, alternatives and particular implementations as set forth in the examples implemented based on the drawings and in the detailed description that follows.

However, this detailed description is not limited to the specific forms listed herein, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

(Example)

1 shows a wireless hands-free radio call system indicated by reference numeral 1.

The system 1 is composed of a base unit 30, a wireless communication device 25, an external power supply 10, and a hands free communication component 5.

The fixing member 35 is typically attached to the base unit 30.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing member 35 includes one antenna.

In another embodiment the antenna is a fixing member 35.

The base unit 30 typically places the wireless communication device 25 on a pedestal, which, in another embodiment, makes the base unit 30 an important part of the wireless communication device 25 battery pack.

When a user using a wireless communication device receives a call, the wireless communication device 25 communicates with the base unit 30.

The base unit 30 modulates the voice input received from the wireless communication device 25 and transmits the modulated signal 20 to the hands free communication module 5.

This module 5 may be a headset having a microphone and a speaker, a headset having a speaker separate from the wireless microphone module, or simply a headset of the wireless microphone module.

The module 5 is typically attached to the user's body but can be conveniently placed anywhere else as long as it can be used comfortably.

After receiving the modulated signal 20, the hands-free communication module 5 reproduces and demodulates the sound content.

The user then responds with a voice and the module 5 converts the voice input into a corresponding electrical signal.

The signals are modulated and then transmitted along with the remodulated signal 15.

The base unit 30 receives the modulated signal 15 returned and detects the signal, and sends the sound signal to the wireless communication device 25.

The radio 25 sends the signal to the cellular base station of the conventional mobile communication system.

Accordingly, the system 1 allows the user to wirelessly communicate with the base unit 30 using the wireless communication device 25 without connecting a wire to the hands free communication component 5.

If convenient for the user, the base unit 30 is connected to the external power supply 10.

The external power supply 10 is typically an automatic power supply or an adapter connected to an existing home power plug.

In one embodiment of the invention, the adapter is contained in a multimedia interface / desktop charger that includes a LAN line connection to a voice recognition device, a connection to a home telephone, and audio (sound device) as described in FIG. Input to the player.

The desktop charger / multimedia interface is connected to the body 30 via an audio signal contact 31.

This allows the user to have either of the desktop charger / multimedia interface inputs or to own handsfree communication with the wireless communication device.

The voltage input from the external power supply 10 is around 12V typical, such as automatic power supply calculation.

When connected, the external power supply 10 supplies power to the base unit 30 to operate normally, and recharges the base unit 30 and the wireless communication device 25 battery.

When disconnected from the external power supply 10, the base unit 30 and the wireless communication device 25 switch the power supply to depend on the internal battery.

In this way, the user can continue hands-free wireless communication without connecting to the power supply 10.

For example, while driving, the user answers the call to the base unit 30 connected to the car battery.

This does not limit the user's movement, since there is no wire connecting the hands free communication component 5 to the base unit 30.

When the user arrives at the company parking lot, the user detaches the base unit 30 and attaches it to the user's body, belt or pocket.

Then, the base unit 30 is switched to the battery, and the call continues.

When the user arrives at the office, the base unit 30 is placed on a typical table charger, where the base unit 30 is placed back on an external power supply.

The user can switch it using a LAN line connector for dial-up or other calls.

Thus, the user can continue hands-free wireless communication without interruption.

2 shows the base unit 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention in more detail.

In order to provide the hands-free communication module 5 for wireless communication, the base unit 30 has its own RF transceiver 60 built therein.

In addition, the base unit includes a battery 40, so that a hands-free call is made even when the external power supply 10 is not connected.

When the radio communication device 25 receives a call, the RF transceiver 60 receives the sound calculation contents by the radio communication device interface 65.

Then, the RF transceiver 60 performs a modulation operation, receives the modulated signal 20, senses it, and reproduces the modulated signal 20.

The component 5 receives the sound content from the user and sends a modulated signal 15 to modulate and return.

The RF transceiver 60 senses the signal and sends the signal to the radio communication device interface 65 to the radio communication device 25.

The radio communication device 25 continues to send a signal to the mobile communication base station of the mobile communication network.

This process continues until the call ends.

The RF transceiver 60 is also connected to an audio signal interface 31 for communicating with other devices via a desktop charger / multimedia interface.

When an external power supply is present, the external power detector 50 detects power coming in so that the switch 45 remains open by the switch controller 55.

Typically switch 45 is an electronic switch, such as a bipolar or field effect transistor or delay switch.

Preferably, field effect transistors are used for battery efficiency.

When connected, the external power supply 10 supplies power to the RF transceiver 60 and the radio communication device 25 by the radio communication device interface 65.

The external power detector 50 is a device that keeps it below the minimum output voltage (limit not to be less than 10.8V) by a general automotive power supply.

Generally it is about 10.8V.

When the user disconnects the base unit 30 from the external power supply 10, the external power detector 50 senses that the input voltage is falling and causes the switch controller 55 to close the switch 45.

This is to connect the RF transceiver 60 to the battery 40, so that the communication between the hands-free communication module 5 and the wireless communication device 25 is constantly made.

This radio communication device 25 allows the power supply to depend on its internal battery.

The external power supply 10 is reconnected, and the external power detector 50 opens the switch 45 so that the battery 40 is not depleted when the external power supply 10 is present.

Thus, the base unit 30 allows the user to receive power freely from the outside freely without disturbing hands-free wireless communication.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3.

In this embodiment, the speaker 70 is additionally connected to the radio communication device interface 65 in the circuit of FIG.

This embodiment is used when the handsfree wireless communication module 5 is a wireless microphone module.

The microphone module is typically placed in the user's body or other convenient location.

The user speaks into the microphone module and listens to the caller talking from the base unit 30 through the speaker 70.

This embodiment allows hands free communication without a headset.

4 shows another embodiment of the present invention.

The base unit 30 circuit charges the battery 40 with a rechargeable battery 85 using the battery charger 80.

When connected to an external power supply 10, the battery charger 80 typically charges the rechargeable battery 85 when the input voltage is lower than about 3.6V.

A step down converter 70 is added between the external power supply 10, the radio interface 65 and the low dropout circuit 75.

The step-down converter 70 generally lowers the radio talker 25 input voltage (for battery charging) to approximately 4.8V and the RF transceiver input voltage to approximately 3.6V.

This voltage value is based on technology trends in wireless communication devices and RF transceivers and may change with future improvements.

The low dropout circuit 75 reduces noise at the input voltage of the RF transceiver 60 and increases energy efficiency.

Another function of this circuit is as described previously.

Speakers can also be added to this circuit in the same manner as described in FIG.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 5A, the base unit parts of Figs. 2 and 4 are encased in the base unit case 95 (see Fig. 5B).

The radio communication interface 66 is connected to the radio communication device 105 by an audio connector 100.

The audio connector 100 allows the RF transceiver 61 to communicate with the wireless communication device 105 as described above.

The base unit 95 is mounted where the wireless communication device battery pack 90 is normally mounted.

The battery pack 90 is mounted on the back of the base unit case 95.

The wireless communication device 105 and the base unit 95 are supplied with power from the battery pack 90.

The audio signal interface 68 is connected to the RF transceiver 61 to allow communication with other types of communication media.

This circuit can be designed without a step-down converter 71 or a low drop circuit 62.

This allows a design for very small and portable wireless communication.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 6, the base unit 30 is combined with the battery pack to form the battery pack base unit 110 of the wireless communication device 115.

The wireless communication device 115 has an integrated function interface 114 that can connect with the wireless communication device interface 113.

The integrated functional interface 114 is typically a battery power, audio / output, data, and wireless interface (such as being able to control the wireless speaker and microphone while using handsfree).

This type of interface does not require the audio connector 100, and the components of the base unit 30 are put in the battery pack base unit 110 instead of the base unit case 95 of FIG.

In another description of the present invention, the audio signal interface 111 may be connected to other communication media through the desktop charger / multimedia interface.

In another description of the present invention, ground connection was utilized to minimize noise using typical shielding techniques.

The circuit for the battery pack base unit 110 is illustrated in FIG. 7.

In this circuit, the wireless communication device 115 and the RF transceiver 140 share the same rechargeable battery 155.

The wireless communication device interface 113 is connected to a rechargeable battery 155 or an external power supply 150 to receive power depending on whether an external power supply 150 is present.

When the user cuts off the external power supply 150, the external power detector 145 detects that the input voltage falls and causes the switch controller 125 to close the switch 120.

This allows the RF transceiver 140 and the wireless communication device 115 to be powered from the rechargeable battery 155 (by the wireless communication device interface 113).

When the user connects to the external power supply 150, the external power detector 145 causes the switch 120 to open.

The external power supply 150 supplies power to the RF transceiver 140 and the wireless communication device 115 (by the wireless communication device 113).

The rechargeable battery 155 is also recharged by the battery charger 160.

The RF transceiver 140 has a hands free communication module 5 and communicates in the same manner as described above.

Therefore, the user can perform hands-free wireless communication using a wireless communication device that does not require a separate base unit (body) or a cradle device.

If the hands-free communication module 5 is lost or the battery is discharged (dissipated), the RF transceiver 140 detects that the module 5 has no response.

The RF transceiver 140 then communicates directly with the wireless communication device 115 to switch to normal use.

When the hands-free communication module 5 is unavailable, it prevents the unusable situation of the wireless communication device 115.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 8.

In this circuit, a step-down converter 165 and a low dropout circuit 170 are added in the circuit of FIG.

The step-down converter 165 is connected to the radio communication interface 113 and the low dropout circuit 170.

When the external power supply 150 is connected, the step-down converter 165 lowers the input voltage to a value that can be parallel with the wireless communication device 115 and the RF transceiver 140.

The low dropout circuit 170 stabilizes the voltage at the step-down converter 165 input to the RF transceiver 140.

This reduces noise that may be caused by variations in the input voltage of the RF transceiver 140.

Those skilled in the art can think of particular modifications and improvements from the foregoing.

Such modifications and improvements have been omitted from the detailed description of the invention in order to make the present invention concise and easy to understand, but are included in the claims.

Accordingly, equivalents of structures, materials, products, and other methods corresponding to the claims are included within the scope of the present invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to move the body freely to a wider range, less interference is caused by the wire connection, there is provided a wireless communication antenna device that can also reduce the noise generated in the current system.

Claims (25)

A switch having a controller; A battery that can be connected to the RF transceiver via a switch; An external power detector in electrical communication with the switch controller and capable of being connected with an external power supply; A wireless communication device interface that can be connected to the wireless communication device and an external power supply; A wireless communication device having a, The RF transceiver receives power from a battery or an external power supply, and communicates with a wireless communication device through a wireless communication device interface. The method of claim 1, And the battery is a rechargeable battery and is capable of electrically communicating with an external power supply and a rechargeable battery. The method of claim 1, The external power supply is a wireless communication device, characterized in that for inputting a voltage compatible with the power of the vehicle. The method of claim 3, wherein And said voltage is approximately 12 volts. The method of claim 1, And a step-down converter in electrical communication with an external power supply. The method of claim 5, The RF transceiver is connected to receive power from a step-down converter or battery; A wireless communication device interface is in electrical communication with a step-down converter. The method of claim 6, And said step-down converter can be connected to an RF transceiver via a low dropout circuit. The method of claim 1, And wherein the external power supply can be connected to an RF transceiver via a low dropout circuit. The method of claim 1, The switch, battery, RF transceiver, external power detector and wireless communication device interface are housed in the case. The case is a wireless communication device, characterized in that installed between the wireless communication device and the battery pack. The method of claim 9, The battery is a rechargeable battery, and further comprises a battery charger in electrical communication with an external power supply and the rechargeable battery. The method of claim 9, And a step-down converter capable of electrical communication with the external power supply. The method of claim 11, The RF transceiver is connected to receive power from a step-down converter or battery, And the wireless communication device interface is in electrical communication with the step-down converter. The method of claim 12, And said step-down converter can be connected to an RF transceiver via a low dropout circuit. The method of claim 1, RF transmitter, radio interface, battery, switch, and external power detector are housed in the case. The fixing member is attached to the case, The antenna can be in electrical communication with the RF transceiver, And the antenna is integrated with the fixing member. The method of claim 14, The antenna is a wireless communication device, characterized in that the fixing member. The method of claim 1, And a speaker connected to the wireless communication device interface. In a wireless communication system, a method of supplying power for communicating with a wireless microphone device and a wireless speaker device and an RF transmitter, Supplying power to an RF transceiver through an external power supply; Detecting the loss of the external power supply when the input voltage falls below a certain minimum voltage; A method of supplying power to a wireless communication device comprising the step of switching to an internal battery to supply power to an RF transceiver. A switch having a controller; A battery charger capable of being connected with an external power supply and in electrical communication with a rechargeable battery; An RF transmitter and receiver that can be connected to an external power supply or a rechargeable battery through a switch; A wireless communication device interface connected to the RF transmitter and connected to a wireless communication device, an external power supply, and a rechargeable battery through a switch; A wireless communication device accommodated in a battery pack including; an external power detector that is in electrical communication with a switch controller and can be connected to an external power supply. The RF transceiver receives power from a rechargeable battery or an external power supply, and communicates with a wireless communication device through a wireless communication device interface. The method of claim 18, The external power supply is a wireless communication device accommodated in a battery pack, characterized in that for inputting a voltage compatible with the power supply of the vehicle. The method of claim 19, The voltage is a wireless communication device accommodated in the battery pack, characterized in that about 12V. The method of claim 18, And a step-down converter capable of electrically communicating with an external power supply. The method of claim 21, The RF transceiver is connected to receive power from a step-down converter or rechargeable battery, And a wireless communication device interface can be connected to the step-down converter or a rechargeable battery. The method of claim 22, And said step-down converter is connected to an RF transceiver through a low dropout circuit. The method of claim 18, And the external power supply is connected to an RF transceiver via a low dropout circuit. The method of claim 18, The wireless communication device is a wireless communication device accommodated in a battery pack, characterized in that can be connected to an external power supply, a rechargeable battery, an RF transceiver through a wireless communication device interface.