CA2322258A1 - Audio device selector for wireless communication - Google Patents
Audio device selector for wireless communication Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2322258A1 CA2322258A1 CA002322258A CA2322258A CA2322258A1 CA 2322258 A1 CA2322258 A1 CA 2322258A1 CA 002322258 A CA002322258 A CA 002322258A CA 2322258 A CA2322258 A CA 2322258A CA 2322258 A1 CA2322258 A1 CA 2322258A1
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- Prior art keywords
- audio
- selecting means
- path selecting
- portable terminal
- card
- Prior art date
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- Abandoned
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- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 38
- 230000006854 communication Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 38
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 22
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000010187 selection method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013256 coordination polymer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/725—Cordless telephones
- H04M1/737—Characterised by transmission of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. infrared waves
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
- H04B1/40—Circuits
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
- H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
- H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
- H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
- H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
- H04M1/6066—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone including a wireless connection
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/725—Cordless telephones
Abstract
An audio path selecting means for wireless communication is adapted to function with a portable terminal to which more than one audio device may be connected, for example including one or more hands-free sets connected by a wired or a wireless connection, a loudspeaker and/or a microphone found in the portable device and an external loudspeaker and/or microphone connected to the portable device or the communication card. The audio path selection means receives information about available audio devices and determines which one of the audio devices should be used for sound input/output, preferably according to a priority list found in the audio path selecting means. The audio path selecting means may also be adapted to act on manual instructions that override the priority list. The audio path selecting means may be implemented on a PCMCIA card or in a terminal that is adapted to wireless communication.
Description
WO 99145685 _ PCT/SE99/OOZ68 AUDIO DEVICE SELECTOR FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
Technical Field The present invention relates to wireless communication, and in particular to the transmission and reception of sound in wireless terminals.
Description of Related Art There is a constant demand for portable devices for wireless communication to be-come smaller and lighter and at the same time have increased functionality.
The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) has devel-oped a card, the PCMCIA card, with a standardized interface. A PCMCIA card is approximately 55 mm wide and 8~ mm long, _and may be either 3.3 mm. ~ mm or 10.5 mm thick. The pin socket is standardized and includes 68 pins.
The PCMCIA card can be used, among other things, for wireless communication.
Applications have been developed providing all functions required for wireless communication. The wireless communication card based on the PCMCIA card is normally inserted into some kind of portable terminal. such as a laptop PC, and can then function as a mobile telephone, a wireless modem and a fax. It may also be combined, for example, with a unit providing a keypad and a hands-free set to func-tion as a mobile telephone.
Different types of audio equipment may be connected to the wireless communica-tion card, and to the device in which it is inserted.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to enable the use of several different types of audio equipment in a device adapted to wireless communication, such as a personal computer, and to switch between them in a way that is perceived as simple by the user, WO 99/45685 ~ _ PCT/SE99/00268 These objects are achieved according to the present invention by an audio path' se-lecting means for wireless communication, adapted to function with a portable ter-minal to which more than one audio device may be connected, said audio path selection means being adapted to - - receive information about available audio devices;
- determine which one of the available audio devices should be used for sound in-put/output.
The audio device to be used is determined according to a priority list preferably - found in the audio path selecting means. The audio path selecting means may also be adapted to act on manual instructions that override the priority Iist. w A communication card, such as a PCMCIA card, for wireless communication adapted to function with a portable terminal comprises an audio path selecting means is also disclosed A portable terminal adapted for wireless communication, to which more than one audio device may be connected, either directly or through a communication card, comprising _:~..
- means for registering the audio devices connected, and -- means for informing an audio path selecting means about the audio devices con-nected.
The portable terminal may also comprise an audio path selection means as describes above.
The audio devices may include one or more hands-free set connected either to the portable terminal or to the communication card by a wired or a wireless connection, a loudspeaker andlor a microphone found in the portable device and an external WO 99/45685 ., PCT/SE99/00268 J _ loudspeaker and/or microphone connected to the portable device or the communica-tion card.
The invention offers the following advantages:
It enables the automatic switching to the best available audio device at any time, while still giving the user the opportunity to determine manually what audio device should be used.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a personal computer (PC) with a PCMCIA card according to the in-Mention inserted.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the PC and the PCMC1A card shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a block diagram of a PC comprising the audio path selecting means.
Figure 4 is a block diagram of an audio device connected by an infrared (IR) con-nection.
Figure 5 is a block diagram of an audio device connected by a radio frequency (RF) connection.
Figure 6 is a block diagram of an audio device connected by a wired connection.
Figure 7 is a flow chart of the actions taken when selecting an audio device.
;.
Detailed Description of Embodiments Figure 1 shows a portable PC 1 including a built-in loudspeaker 3 and microphone 5. A PCMCIA card 7 is inserted in an appropriate slot 9 in the PC I. To the PCMCIA card, two portable hands-free sets 11, 13 are connected: one 11 by a wired connection and the other 13 by a wireless connection, which may be infrared or ra-dio frequency.
Other audio equipment, for example an external loudspeaker and an external micro-phone, or a portable hands-free, may also be connected to the PC or to the PCMCIA
card. This is not shown in Figure 1.
Since several types of audio equipment may be connected at the same time.
there must be a way of determining to what audio equipment the sound should be routed.
Figure 2 shows an apparatus according to the invention for determining the audio equipment that should be used for transmittiiig'and receiving sound. As before, there is a PC 21 having built-in loudspeaker 23 and microphone 25. An external loud-speaker 27 and an external microphone 29 are also connected in this example.
As in Figure 1, other types of audio devices may be connected as well. The loudspeakers 23, 27 and microphones 25, 29 are connected to a sound card 31 in the PC in a way well known in the art. The PC also comprises an input/output unit 33, a memory ;..
unit 35 and a central processing unit (CPU) 37. The CPU 37 is connected to a PC
card controller 39 for receiving a PCMCIA card 41. The connections between the units are dependent on the type of PC. In this example, the sound card 3 l, the I/O
unit 33, the memory unit 35 and the CPU 37 are all connected to the same bus.
The PCMCIA card 4I is inserted in the appropriate slot in the PC 21 and the con-nection is established in a standardized way through the PC card controller 39 in the PC 21 and a PC card interface 43 in the PCMCIA card.
t-:.;., On the PCMCIA.card, the PC card interface 43 is connected to a microprocessor the function of which will be discussed in more detail below. At least one control unit 47 handles memory control, input/output and power control functions.
A radio unit 49 and an antenna 51 in the PCMCIA card are used for the wireless communication with, for example, a cellular network (not shown). An audio block 53 is used, among other things, for registering audio equipment that is connected to the PCMCIA card. The radio unit 49, the control unit 47, the audio block 53 and the microprocessor 45 are connected by a common bus.
The audio block 53 receives connecrions from audio equipment such as portable hands-free equipment (not shown). The audio block 53, and the sound card 31, reg-ister what audio equipment is connected to the PCMC1A. card 41 and the PC 21, re-specrively and reports this to the microprocessor 45 in the PC card 41.
Between. the audio block 53 and the microprocessor 45 there may be one connection for each - audio device connector or only one connection through which information is transmitted serially. An audio path selection unit 55 in the microprocessor 45 then determines, on the basis of an algorithm described below, what sound equipment should be used. In a preferred embodiment, the audio path selection unit 55 com-prises a priority list specifying the priority order of the possible types of audio de-vices. The audio path selection unit 55 preferably also comprises functions for re-ceiving manual instructions to override the order of the priority list.
The sound equipment may be connected to the PC 1, 21 or the PCMCIA card 7, 4I
in any way known in the art. Some known ways are shown in Figures 4-6 and will be discussed in connection with these figures.
Of course, the functions of the audio path selection unit as described above may as well be implemented in the portable device itself. It is not dependent on the ,:,' ~., - 20 PCMCIA card or any other type of wireless communication card being inserted if the portable device itself contains such functions.
Figure 3 shows a solution according to the invention implemented in a portable terminal that itself comprises functions for wireless communication, for example with a cellular network.
As before, there is a PC 61 having built-in loudspeaker 63 and microphone 65.
There is also an external loudspeaker 67 and an external microphone 69. The loud-speakers 63, 67 and microphones 65, 69 are connected to a sound card 71 in the PC
in a way well known in the art. The PC also comprises an input/output unit 73, a WO 99/45685 6 _ PCT/SE99I00268 memory unit 75 and a central processing unit (CPU) 77. The sound card 71, the I/O
unit 73, the memory unit 75 and the CPU 77 are all connected to the same bus, which is also connected to a microprocessor 79 handling the audio functions.
As in Figure 2, the actual co~ections between the units depend on the PC
architecture.
In this case, the portable device 61 also comprises an antenna 81 and a radio receiv-ing/transmitting unit 83 for communication with a wireless network (not shown). At least one control unit 85 handles memory control, input/output and power control functions.
The audio block 87 also receives connections from audio equipment such as port-able hands-free equipment (not shown). The audio block 87, and the sound card 71, register what audio equipment is connected to the PC 6 i and repozts this to the mi-croprocessor 79. Between the audio block 87 and the microprocessor 79 there may be one connection for each audio device connector or only one connection through which information is transmitted serially. An audio path selection unit 89 in the mi-croprocessor 79 then determines, on the basis of an algorithm described below, what sound equipment should be used. In a preferred embodiment, the audio path selec-tion unit 89 comprises a priority list specifying the priority order of the possible types of audio devices. The audio path-selection unit 89 preferably also comprises functions for receiving manual instructions to override the order of the priority list.
In this embodiment, of course, the functions handled by the control unit 85 may in-stead be integrated with other units in the PC performing similar functions.
The mi-croprocessor 79 may; for example, be integrated with the CP.U 77 and the audio block 87 may, for example, be integrated with the sound card 7I .
Figure 4 shows a possible connection of a wireless audio device 101 connected through an infrared (IR) interface 103. The wireless audio device comprises an ear-phone 105 (or another loudspeaking device) and a microphone 107, an IR modula-tor/demodulatar 109 and IR diodes 111 for transmission and detection of IR
signals.
The functions of the IR modulator/demodulator and the IR diodes are well known in the art. The wireless audio device 101 is connected to an input part 113 of, for ex-ample, a PCMCIA card or to a PC (not shown in full). This input part 113 com-prises IR diodes 115 and an IR modulator/demoduiator 117, the functions of which - are well known in the art. The IR modulator/demodulator 117 also comprises func-tions for registering if a device l0I is connected through the IR interface 103 and reporting this to an audio path selecting means 53, 79 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. This may be reported, for example, as a logical signal, which may be asserted when a device is connected and deasserted when no device is connected.
Figure 5 shows a possible connection of a wireless audio device I21 connected through a radio frequency (RF) interface 123. The wireless audio device comprises an earphone 125 (or another loudspeaking device) and a microphone 127, an RF
modulator/demodulator 129 and an RF antenna 131. The functions of the RF
modulator/demodulator and the RF antenna are well known in the art. The wireless audio device 121 is connected to an input part 133 0~ for example, a PCMCIA
card or to a PC (not shown in full). This input part 133 comprises an RF antenna 135 and an RF modulator/demodulator 137, the functions of which are well known in the art.
The RF modulator/demodulator I37 also comprises functions for registering if a device 121 is cannected through the RF interface 123 and reporting this to an audio path selecting moans 53, 79 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. This may be reported, for example, as a logical signal, which may be asserted when a device is connected and deasserted when no device is connected.
Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a simple solution for registering if a device is con-nected by a wired connection. Figure 6A shows the situation in which the device is not connected, and Figure 6B shows the situatian in which the device is plugged in.
A device (not shown), which may be an external loudspeaker and/or a microphone, or a hands-free set, is connected to an inlet part 141 of a portable device, such as a 8 _ PC or a PCMCIA card, by means of a connector plug 143. The inlet part 141 com-prises connector pins 145 far the transfer of the audio signal, and also comprises a sensor pin 147 for registering whether or not a device is connected. If the device is connected, the plug will press the sensor pin 147 towards a signal wire 149 causing a logical signal to be transmitted to the audio path selecting means 53, 79 as shown ' in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. -Figure 7 is a flow chart of the actions taken in the audio path selecting means to determine which audio device should be used at any given time. The audio path se-lecting means receives information from each inlet terminal .to which an audio de-vice may be connected about whether or not an audio device is actually connected.
;:
This information may be transferred at regular intervals or whenever the situation changes, that is, when a device is connected or disconnected. In the flow chart it has been assume that three different audio devices may be connected. Of course, an arbitrary number of audio devices may be connected. The flow chart would com-prise one decision box for each possible audio device.
Step S 1: Has a manual command been issued? If yes, go to step S2; if no, go to step S3.
Step S2: Connect~the audio device manually selected. End of selection procedure.
Step S3: Is the first audio device on the priority list connected? If yes, go to step S4; if no, go to step S5.
Step S4: Connect the first priority audio device. End of selection procedure.
Step S5: Is the second audio device on the priority list connected? If yes, go to step S6; if no, go to step S7.
Step S6: Connect the second priority audio device. End of selection procedure.
Step S7: Is the third audio device on the priority list connected? If yes, go to step S8; if no, go to step S9.
Step S8: Corulect the third priority audio device. End of selection procedure.
Step S9: Disable the use of audio signals. End of selection procedure.
Technical Field The present invention relates to wireless communication, and in particular to the transmission and reception of sound in wireless terminals.
Description of Related Art There is a constant demand for portable devices for wireless communication to be-come smaller and lighter and at the same time have increased functionality.
The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) has devel-oped a card, the PCMCIA card, with a standardized interface. A PCMCIA card is approximately 55 mm wide and 8~ mm long, _and may be either 3.3 mm. ~ mm or 10.5 mm thick. The pin socket is standardized and includes 68 pins.
The PCMCIA card can be used, among other things, for wireless communication.
Applications have been developed providing all functions required for wireless communication. The wireless communication card based on the PCMCIA card is normally inserted into some kind of portable terminal. such as a laptop PC, and can then function as a mobile telephone, a wireless modem and a fax. It may also be combined, for example, with a unit providing a keypad and a hands-free set to func-tion as a mobile telephone.
Different types of audio equipment may be connected to the wireless communica-tion card, and to the device in which it is inserted.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to enable the use of several different types of audio equipment in a device adapted to wireless communication, such as a personal computer, and to switch between them in a way that is perceived as simple by the user, WO 99/45685 ~ _ PCT/SE99/00268 These objects are achieved according to the present invention by an audio path' se-lecting means for wireless communication, adapted to function with a portable ter-minal to which more than one audio device may be connected, said audio path selection means being adapted to - - receive information about available audio devices;
- determine which one of the available audio devices should be used for sound in-put/output.
The audio device to be used is determined according to a priority list preferably - found in the audio path selecting means. The audio path selecting means may also be adapted to act on manual instructions that override the priority Iist. w A communication card, such as a PCMCIA card, for wireless communication adapted to function with a portable terminal comprises an audio path selecting means is also disclosed A portable terminal adapted for wireless communication, to which more than one audio device may be connected, either directly or through a communication card, comprising _:~..
- means for registering the audio devices connected, and -- means for informing an audio path selecting means about the audio devices con-nected.
The portable terminal may also comprise an audio path selection means as describes above.
The audio devices may include one or more hands-free set connected either to the portable terminal or to the communication card by a wired or a wireless connection, a loudspeaker andlor a microphone found in the portable device and an external WO 99/45685 ., PCT/SE99/00268 J _ loudspeaker and/or microphone connected to the portable device or the communica-tion card.
The invention offers the following advantages:
It enables the automatic switching to the best available audio device at any time, while still giving the user the opportunity to determine manually what audio device should be used.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a personal computer (PC) with a PCMCIA card according to the in-Mention inserted.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the PC and the PCMC1A card shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a block diagram of a PC comprising the audio path selecting means.
Figure 4 is a block diagram of an audio device connected by an infrared (IR) con-nection.
Figure 5 is a block diagram of an audio device connected by a radio frequency (RF) connection.
Figure 6 is a block diagram of an audio device connected by a wired connection.
Figure 7 is a flow chart of the actions taken when selecting an audio device.
;.
Detailed Description of Embodiments Figure 1 shows a portable PC 1 including a built-in loudspeaker 3 and microphone 5. A PCMCIA card 7 is inserted in an appropriate slot 9 in the PC I. To the PCMCIA card, two portable hands-free sets 11, 13 are connected: one 11 by a wired connection and the other 13 by a wireless connection, which may be infrared or ra-dio frequency.
Other audio equipment, for example an external loudspeaker and an external micro-phone, or a portable hands-free, may also be connected to the PC or to the PCMCIA
card. This is not shown in Figure 1.
Since several types of audio equipment may be connected at the same time.
there must be a way of determining to what audio equipment the sound should be routed.
Figure 2 shows an apparatus according to the invention for determining the audio equipment that should be used for transmittiiig'and receiving sound. As before, there is a PC 21 having built-in loudspeaker 23 and microphone 25. An external loud-speaker 27 and an external microphone 29 are also connected in this example.
As in Figure 1, other types of audio devices may be connected as well. The loudspeakers 23, 27 and microphones 25, 29 are connected to a sound card 31 in the PC in a way well known in the art. The PC also comprises an input/output unit 33, a memory ;..
unit 35 and a central processing unit (CPU) 37. The CPU 37 is connected to a PC
card controller 39 for receiving a PCMCIA card 41. The connections between the units are dependent on the type of PC. In this example, the sound card 3 l, the I/O
unit 33, the memory unit 35 and the CPU 37 are all connected to the same bus.
The PCMCIA card 4I is inserted in the appropriate slot in the PC 21 and the con-nection is established in a standardized way through the PC card controller 39 in the PC 21 and a PC card interface 43 in the PCMCIA card.
t-:.;., On the PCMCIA.card, the PC card interface 43 is connected to a microprocessor the function of which will be discussed in more detail below. At least one control unit 47 handles memory control, input/output and power control functions.
A radio unit 49 and an antenna 51 in the PCMCIA card are used for the wireless communication with, for example, a cellular network (not shown). An audio block 53 is used, among other things, for registering audio equipment that is connected to the PCMCIA card. The radio unit 49, the control unit 47, the audio block 53 and the microprocessor 45 are connected by a common bus.
The audio block 53 receives connecrions from audio equipment such as portable hands-free equipment (not shown). The audio block 53, and the sound card 31, reg-ister what audio equipment is connected to the PCMC1A. card 41 and the PC 21, re-specrively and reports this to the microprocessor 45 in the PC card 41.
Between. the audio block 53 and the microprocessor 45 there may be one connection for each - audio device connector or only one connection through which information is transmitted serially. An audio path selection unit 55 in the microprocessor 45 then determines, on the basis of an algorithm described below, what sound equipment should be used. In a preferred embodiment, the audio path selection unit 55 com-prises a priority list specifying the priority order of the possible types of audio de-vices. The audio path selection unit 55 preferably also comprises functions for re-ceiving manual instructions to override the order of the priority list.
The sound equipment may be connected to the PC 1, 21 or the PCMCIA card 7, 4I
in any way known in the art. Some known ways are shown in Figures 4-6 and will be discussed in connection with these figures.
Of course, the functions of the audio path selection unit as described above may as well be implemented in the portable device itself. It is not dependent on the ,:,' ~., - 20 PCMCIA card or any other type of wireless communication card being inserted if the portable device itself contains such functions.
Figure 3 shows a solution according to the invention implemented in a portable terminal that itself comprises functions for wireless communication, for example with a cellular network.
As before, there is a PC 61 having built-in loudspeaker 63 and microphone 65.
There is also an external loudspeaker 67 and an external microphone 69. The loud-speakers 63, 67 and microphones 65, 69 are connected to a sound card 71 in the PC
in a way well known in the art. The PC also comprises an input/output unit 73, a WO 99/45685 6 _ PCT/SE99I00268 memory unit 75 and a central processing unit (CPU) 77. The sound card 71, the I/O
unit 73, the memory unit 75 and the CPU 77 are all connected to the same bus, which is also connected to a microprocessor 79 handling the audio functions.
As in Figure 2, the actual co~ections between the units depend on the PC
architecture.
In this case, the portable device 61 also comprises an antenna 81 and a radio receiv-ing/transmitting unit 83 for communication with a wireless network (not shown). At least one control unit 85 handles memory control, input/output and power control functions.
The audio block 87 also receives connections from audio equipment such as port-able hands-free equipment (not shown). The audio block 87, and the sound card 71, register what audio equipment is connected to the PC 6 i and repozts this to the mi-croprocessor 79. Between the audio block 87 and the microprocessor 79 there may be one connection for each audio device connector or only one connection through which information is transmitted serially. An audio path selection unit 89 in the mi-croprocessor 79 then determines, on the basis of an algorithm described below, what sound equipment should be used. In a preferred embodiment, the audio path selec-tion unit 89 comprises a priority list specifying the priority order of the possible types of audio devices. The audio path-selection unit 89 preferably also comprises functions for receiving manual instructions to override the order of the priority list.
In this embodiment, of course, the functions handled by the control unit 85 may in-stead be integrated with other units in the PC performing similar functions.
The mi-croprocessor 79 may; for example, be integrated with the CP.U 77 and the audio block 87 may, for example, be integrated with the sound card 7I .
Figure 4 shows a possible connection of a wireless audio device 101 connected through an infrared (IR) interface 103. The wireless audio device comprises an ear-phone 105 (or another loudspeaking device) and a microphone 107, an IR modula-tor/demodulatar 109 and IR diodes 111 for transmission and detection of IR
signals.
The functions of the IR modulator/demodulator and the IR diodes are well known in the art. The wireless audio device 101 is connected to an input part 113 of, for ex-ample, a PCMCIA card or to a PC (not shown in full). This input part 113 com-prises IR diodes 115 and an IR modulator/demoduiator 117, the functions of which - are well known in the art. The IR modulator/demodulator 117 also comprises func-tions for registering if a device l0I is connected through the IR interface 103 and reporting this to an audio path selecting means 53, 79 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. This may be reported, for example, as a logical signal, which may be asserted when a device is connected and deasserted when no device is connected.
Figure 5 shows a possible connection of a wireless audio device I21 connected through a radio frequency (RF) interface 123. The wireless audio device comprises an earphone 125 (or another loudspeaking device) and a microphone 127, an RF
modulator/demodulator 129 and an RF antenna 131. The functions of the RF
modulator/demodulator and the RF antenna are well known in the art. The wireless audio device 121 is connected to an input part 133 0~ for example, a PCMCIA
card or to a PC (not shown in full). This input part 133 comprises an RF antenna 135 and an RF modulator/demodulator 137, the functions of which are well known in the art.
The RF modulator/demodulator I37 also comprises functions for registering if a device 121 is cannected through the RF interface 123 and reporting this to an audio path selecting moans 53, 79 as shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. This may be reported, for example, as a logical signal, which may be asserted when a device is connected and deasserted when no device is connected.
Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a simple solution for registering if a device is con-nected by a wired connection. Figure 6A shows the situation in which the device is not connected, and Figure 6B shows the situatian in which the device is plugged in.
A device (not shown), which may be an external loudspeaker and/or a microphone, or a hands-free set, is connected to an inlet part 141 of a portable device, such as a 8 _ PC or a PCMCIA card, by means of a connector plug 143. The inlet part 141 com-prises connector pins 145 far the transfer of the audio signal, and also comprises a sensor pin 147 for registering whether or not a device is connected. If the device is connected, the plug will press the sensor pin 147 towards a signal wire 149 causing a logical signal to be transmitted to the audio path selecting means 53, 79 as shown ' in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. -Figure 7 is a flow chart of the actions taken in the audio path selecting means to determine which audio device should be used at any given time. The audio path se-lecting means receives information from each inlet terminal .to which an audio de-vice may be connected about whether or not an audio device is actually connected.
;:
This information may be transferred at regular intervals or whenever the situation changes, that is, when a device is connected or disconnected. In the flow chart it has been assume that three different audio devices may be connected. Of course, an arbitrary number of audio devices may be connected. The flow chart would com-prise one decision box for each possible audio device.
Step S 1: Has a manual command been issued? If yes, go to step S2; if no, go to step S3.
Step S2: Connect~the audio device manually selected. End of selection procedure.
Step S3: Is the first audio device on the priority list connected? If yes, go to step S4; if no, go to step S5.
Step S4: Connect the first priority audio device. End of selection procedure.
Step S5: Is the second audio device on the priority list connected? If yes, go to step S6; if no, go to step S7.
Step S6: Connect the second priority audio device. End of selection procedure.
Step S7: Is the third audio device on the priority list connected? If yes, go to step S8; if no, go to step S9.
Step S8: Corulect the third priority audio device. End of selection procedure.
Step S9: Disable the use of audio signals. End of selection procedure.
Claims (16)
1. An audio path selecting means (53,55;87,89) for wireless communication, adapted to function with a portable terminal (1;21;61) to which more than one audio device (23,25,27,29;63,65,67,69;101;121) may be connected, characterized in that it is adapted to - receive information about available audio devices (11,13;23,25,27,29;63, 65, 67,69;101;121), - determine which one of the available audio devices (11,13;23,25,27,29;63, 65,67,69;101;121) should be used for sound input/output according to a priority list.
2. An audio path selecting means (53,55;87,89) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is adapted to act on manual instructions that override the priority list.
3. An audio path selecting means (53,55;87,89) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is adapted to act on manual instructions during an ongoing call.
4. A communication card (7;41) for wireless communication adapted to function with a portable terminal (1;21;61), characterized in that it comprises an audio path selecting means (53,55;87,89) according to any one of the claims 1-3.
5. A communication card (7; 41) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the audio devices (11,13;23,25,27,29;63,65,67,69;101;121) may be a hands-free set (11,13 ) connected either to the portable terminal (1;21;61 ) or to the communication card (7; 41).
6. A communication card (7;41) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least one of the audio devices (11,13;23,25,27,29;63,65,67, 69;101;121) may be a loudspeaker (23;63) and/or a microphone (25;65) found in the portable device (1;21;61).
7. A communication card (7;41) according to any one of the claims 4-6, characterized in that at least one of the audio devices (11,13;23,25,27,29;63,65 67, 69;101;121) may be an external loudspeaker (27, 67) and/or microphone (29; 69) connected to the portable device (1;21;61) or the communication card (7;41).
8. A communication card according to any one of the claims 4-7, characterized in that it is adapted to register an audio device being connected by a wired connection by means of a sensing pin (147) located in the connector and informing the audio path selecting means (53,55;87,89) by means of a logical signal.
9. A communication card according to any one of the claims 4-8, characterized in that it is comprises means (115,117;135,137) for registering an audio device {101;
121) being connected by a wireless connection and informing the audio path selecting means (53,55;87,89) by means of a logical signal.
121) being connected by a wireless connection and informing the audio path selecting means (53,55;87,89) by means of a logical signal.
10. A portable terminal (l;21;61) adapted for wireless communication, to which more than one audio device (11,13;23,25,27,29;63,65,67,69;101;121) may be connected, either directly or through a communication card (7;41), characterized in that it comprises - means (71,87) for registering the audio devices (23,25,27,29;63,65,67,69;
101;121) connected, and - means (71,87) for informing an audio path selecting means (53,55;87,89) about the audio devices (23,25,27,29;63,65,67,69;101;121), connected.
101;121) connected, and - means (71,87) for informing an audio path selecting means (53,55;87,89) about the audio devices (23,25,27,29;63,65,67,69;101;121), connected.
11. A portable terminal (1;21;61) according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the audio devices (11,13;23,25,27,29;63,65,67,69;101;121 ) may be a hands-free set (11,13) connected either to the portable terminal (1; 21;
61) or to the communication card (1; 21; 61).
61) or to the communication card (1; 21; 61).
12. A portable terminal (1; 21; 61) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that at least one of the audio devices (11, 13; 23, 25, 27, 29; 63, 65, 67, 69; 101;
121) may be a loudspeaker (23; 63) and/or a microphone (25; 65) found in the portable device (1; 21; 61).
121) may be a loudspeaker (23; 63) and/or a microphone (25; 65) found in the portable device (1; 21; 61).
13. A portable terminal (1; 21; 61) according to any one of the claims 10-12, characterized in that at least one of the audio devices (11, 13; 23, 25, 27, 29; 63, 65, 67, 69; 101; 121) may be an external loudspeaker (27; 67) and/or microphone (29;
69) connected to the portable device (1; 21; 61) or the communication card (7;
41).
69) connected to the portable device (1; 21; 61) or the communication card (7;
41).
14. A portable terminal (1; 21; 61) according to any one of the claims 10-13, characterized in that it is adapted to register an audio device being connected by a wired connection by means of a sensing pin (147) located in the connector and informing the audio path selecting means (53, 55; 87, 89) by means of a logical signal.
15. A portable terminal (1; 21; 61) according to any one of the claims 10-14, characterized in that it is comprises means (115, 117; 135, 137) for registering an audio device (101; 121) being connected by a wireless connection and informing the audio path selecting means (53, 55; 87, 89) by means of a logical signal.
16. A portable terminal (1; 21; 61) adapted to wireless communication, characterized in that it comprises an audio path selecting means (53, 55; 87, 89) according to any one of claims 1-3.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE9800697A SE9800697L (en) | 1998-03-05 | 1998-03-05 | Method and apparatus for wireless communication |
| SE9800697-6 | 1998-03-05 | ||
| PCT/SE1999/000268 WO1999045685A1 (en) | 1998-03-05 | 1999-02-25 | Audio device selector for wireless communication |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2322258A1 true CA2322258A1 (en) | 1999-09-10 |
Family
ID=20410413
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002322258A Abandoned CA2322258A1 (en) | 1998-03-05 | 1999-02-25 | Audio device selector for wireless communication |
Country Status (13)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1060605A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2002506325A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20010041588A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1292967A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU756389B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9908515A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2322258A1 (en) |
| EE (1) | EE200000544A (en) |
| ID (1) | ID26357A (en) |
| IL (1) | IL138225A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO20004430L (en) |
| SE (1) | SE9800697L (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999045685A1 (en) |
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| US6411828B1 (en) | 1999-03-19 | 2002-06-25 | Ericsson Inc. | Communications devices and methods that operate according to communications device orientations determined by reference to gravitational sensors |
| JP2001169361A (en) * | 1999-09-20 | 2001-06-22 | Intertelecom Co Ltd | Card unit and data communication equipment for wireless data communication |
| FR2806581B1 (en) * | 2000-03-14 | 2002-06-28 | Sagem | MOBILE PHONE PROVIDED WITH AN IMPROVED CONNECTOR |
| WO2001089179A2 (en) * | 2000-05-16 | 2001-11-22 | Wolf Bunzel | Cableless hands-free device, especially for mobile phones and computers |
| JP3907526B2 (en) * | 2002-05-28 | 2007-04-18 | パイオニア株式会社 | Hands-free call device and hands-free call method |
| JP3707462B2 (en) * | 2002-09-18 | 2005-10-19 | 日本電気株式会社 | Mobile phone, local wireless communication method used therefor, and program thereof |
| US20040198464A1 (en) * | 2003-03-04 | 2004-10-07 | Jim Panian | Wireless communication systems for vehicle-based private and conference calling and methods of operating same |
| KR100563707B1 (en) * | 2003-09-17 | 2006-03-28 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Method for controlling the speaker output of mobile phone |
| KR100595638B1 (en) * | 2003-12-24 | 2006-06-30 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Method and apparatus of prevention removing photographing effective sound for mobile phone |
| CN100375487C (en) * | 2004-06-01 | 2008-03-12 | 联想(北京)有限公司 | Double-loudspeaker sounding system of mobile telephone set and control method thereof |
| CN100403655C (en) * | 2004-09-21 | 2008-07-16 | 华为技术有限公司 | Audio frequency output channel switching device and method |
| JP4384179B2 (en) * | 2004-10-26 | 2009-12-16 | パナソニック株式会社 | Information output device, information output control method, and information output control program |
| CN100555966C (en) | 2005-01-26 | 2009-10-28 | 华为技术有限公司 | A kind of method of T.38 gateway to guarantee reliable transmission of disconnection command to electrograph |
| GB2423886A (en) * | 2005-03-01 | 2006-09-06 | Automessenger Ltd | A PCMCIA card providing an audio transmission system for a computer |
| KR100827613B1 (en) | 2007-05-04 | 2008-05-07 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Apparatus and method for mic controlling in portable terminal |
| US8068925B2 (en) * | 2007-06-28 | 2011-11-29 | Apple Inc. | Dynamic routing of audio among multiple audio devices |
| CN102117221A (en) * | 2009-12-31 | 2011-07-06 | 上海博泰悦臻电子设备制造有限公司 | Audio frequency application conflict management method and manager |
| CN102665163A (en) * | 2012-04-09 | 2012-09-12 | 深圳市领华卫通数码科技有限公司 | Method for controlling sound channel of car sound system |
| CN102833404B (en) * | 2012-08-16 | 2014-12-17 | 小米科技有限责任公司 | Method and device for selecting conversation equipment |
| CN104469255A (en) | 2013-09-16 | 2015-03-25 | 杜比实验室特许公司 | Improved audio or video conference |
| KR101483213B1 (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2015-01-26 | 주식회사 팬택 | Terminal controlling audio output path and method for controlling audio output path between terminals |
| CN103699501A (en) * | 2013-12-17 | 2014-04-02 | 上海斐讯数据通信技术有限公司 | Audio equipment managing method and system of mobile terminal |
| US9852934B2 (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2017-12-26 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. | Semiconductor wafer transportation |
| CN105892982A (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2016-08-24 | 乐视控股（北京）有限公司 | External loudspeaker switching method and device |
| CN105872896A (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2016-08-17 | 乐视控股（北京）有限公司 | Switching method and device of external connection loudspeaker |
| CN106713978A (en) * | 2017-01-04 | 2017-05-24 | 青岛海信电器股份有限公司 | Method and device for selecting audio output channel and terminal equipment |
| CN109445745A (en) * | 2018-12-27 | 2019-03-08 | 努比亚技术有限公司 | Audio stream processing method, device, mobile terminal and storage medium |
| CN111984221B (en) * | 2019-05-23 | 2024-01-23 | 北京小米移动软件有限公司 | Audio output method, device, equipment and computer readable storage medium |
| CN112527231B (en) * | 2019-09-18 | 2023-01-13 | 华为技术有限公司 | Method and apparatus for audio output device selection |
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| US4876712A (en) * | 1988-12-09 | 1989-10-24 | Electronics, Inc. | Programmable telephone amplifier circuit interface |
| JP3508776B2 (en) * | 1993-01-14 | 2004-03-22 | ソニー株式会社 | Transceiver |
| GB9406872D0 (en) * | 1994-04-07 | 1994-06-01 | Deas Alexander R | Automatic telephone switching interface |
-
1998
- 1998-03-05 SE SE9800697A patent/SE9800697L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
1999
- 1999-02-25 KR KR1020007009779A patent/KR20010041588A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-02-25 WO PCT/SE1999/000268 patent/WO1999045685A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-02-25 EP EP99908022A patent/EP1060605A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-02-25 ID IDW20001700A patent/ID26357A/en unknown
- 1999-02-25 CA CA002322258A patent/CA2322258A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-02-25 AU AU27540/99A patent/AU756389B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1999-02-25 EE EEP200000544A patent/EE200000544A/en unknown
- 1999-02-25 CN CN998037095A patent/CN1292967A/en active Pending
- 1999-02-25 JP JP2000535127A patent/JP2002506325A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-02-25 BR BR9908515-1A patent/BR9908515A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-02-25 IL IL13822599A patent/IL138225A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2000
- 2000-09-05 NO NO20004430A patent/NO20004430L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IL138225A (en) | 2005-09-25 |
| NO20004430D0 (en) | 2000-09-05 |
| WO1999045685A1 (en) | 1999-09-10 |
| NO20004430L (en) | 2000-09-05 |
| IL138225A0 (en) | 2001-10-31 |
| ID26357A (en) | 2000-12-14 |
| AU2754099A (en) | 1999-09-20 |
| CN1292967A (en) | 2001-04-25 |
| SE9800697A0 (en) | 1999-09-06 |
| SE9800697L (en) | 1999-09-06 |
| SE9800697D0 (en) | 1998-03-05 |
| WO1999045685A8 (en) | 2000-02-03 |
| BR9908515A (en) | 2000-11-21 |
| JP2002506325A (en) | 2002-02-26 |
| EE200000544A (en) | 2002-02-15 |
| EP1060605A1 (en) | 2000-12-20 |
| AU756389B2 (en) | 2003-01-09 |
| KR20010041588A (en) | 2001-05-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |