Classifications

• • 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
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
  • G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
  • G11B31/00—Arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus
• • 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

Definitions

• a mobile or portable playback apparatus A mobile or portable playback apparatus
• the invention relates to a mobile or portable playback apparatus, in particular with a MiniDisk or CD player or a cassette apparatus.
• MiniDiscs an optical storage medium with considerably smaller dimensions than the Compact Disc
• CDs compact discs
• audio tape cassettes etc.
• They have the size of a pocket diary and may be carried around by the user, e.g. on the belt or in the jacket pocket. They are heard by way of light headphones or earphones.
• Portable apparatus are somewhat larger and have at present small loudspeaker boxes.
• a playback apparatus which apart from the known function also comprises a radio telephone circuit.
• the mentioned circuit is integrated into a module which may be inserted into the playback apparatus.
• the playback apparatus distinguishes itself by the fact that the radio telephone circuit may be operated by the keys provided for the playback apparatus.
• the radio telephone circuit is accommodated as a rigidly integrated component in the housing of the apparatus. For telephoning there is present a speaker microphone.
• the playback apparatus thus additionally also has the function of a radio telephone.
• the smallness of electronic circuits available nowadays for implementing a telephone does not with this require a considerable enlargement of the housing of the apparatus.
• the multi-functionality according to the invention cannot even be recognised directly.
• the outer shape may as a result be selected such that the casual observer would not immediately recognise that in the playback apparatus there is integrated a radio telephone.
• the outer shape is at the discretion of the manufacturer.
• the speaker microphone may be integrated into the housing of the apparatus or according to a particularly preferred embodiment form, be mounted on the cable of the headphones or earphones.
• the mentioned preferred variation has the advantage that the playback apparatus may then also be carried on the belt or in a jacket pocket when a telephone conversation is carried out.
• a further variation lies in the fact that on the bow of the headphones there is provided a movable holder for the speaker microphone.
• the holder may then be a fine wire bow which is pivotably mountable on the headphones, so that on use it may be pivoted into the region of the mouth. After use the microphone bow is laid back on the headphone bow so that it does not disturb the user.
• a dial on the cable of the headphones or earphones which has at its disposal at least one easily operable key.
• this dial key for example an incoming telephone call can be received or an existing connection may be broken after the completion of a call.
• the dial may e.g. have the shape of a flat, round coin, wherein the flat side may for example be subdivided into several part surfaces (preferably two to four). One or more part surfaces may be designed as an operating key. Apart from the functions “receive call”, “end call”, further important functions may be implemented in the dial keys (such as e.g.: “start dialling procedure with a stored call number”, “switch on/switch off microphone”, “file dialled number in intermediate memory”, etc.).
• the microphone may be integrated into the dial, wherein a certain region of the dial surface is provided with openings for the passage of sound.
• the dial may therefore be selectively used for operating keys and/or the microphone.
• a display incorporated in the housing may be equipped with an optical deflecting element so that it is possible for the user to view the display from various viewing directions.
• a pivotable or collapsible mirror may serve as a deflecting element. For viewing the display this is simply pivoted into the desired position. It is to be understood that the symbols must be so represented on the display that after the reflection they are not laterally inverted (suitable optical deflecting elements are known per se from EP 0 599 130 A2).
• the apparatus has at its disposal an interface and a memory for the exchange of data with a computer.
• a telephone index data bank with telephone numbers, names and in any case further details
• the desired entry in the stored index must simply be found and prepared for the dialling procedure.
• the user can page the index with forwards/backwards keys (which permit e.g. by a short tapping a further paging by one entry and by a continued pressing on the other hand a rapid search in the desired direction).
• the mentioned keys are preferably multi-functional so that they may also be used for operating the playback part (MiniDisc/CD player).
• any telephone numbers not already stored in the index may be inputted.
• One may change to a function "free number dial" which e.g. may be allocated as an additional simulated position of the stored index.
• the individual numbers of a number to be dialled may be set with the same key which is used for paging in the stored name index. With this, the setting of the value of the individual numbers may be effected similar to setting up a digital watch.
• the input of a telephone number by way of tapping keys is less comfortable for the user (that is when he has to store many numbers), it however permits the minimum of additional keys (in comparison to a conventional playback apparatus).
• the apparatus can therefore be kept small (since no particularly large number of input keys need be at one's disposal) or the keys may be available in a comfortable size which simplifies the operation.
• a conventional call signal generator may be incorporated which on arrival of a call produces an acoustic notice signal (e.g. a peep or trill signal).
• an acoustic notice signal e.g. a peep or trill signal.
• the music may automatically be set quiet or switched off on the arrival of a call.
• the mentioned functions may be programmable, i.e. the user himself can select what is to happen given a call signal.
• a clip may be provided on the outer side of the apparatus in the known manner.
• the apparatus may be inserted into jacket, trouser and shirt pockets without any problem.
• the playback apparatus is e.g. a CD player ("Discman”), a cassette apparatus ("Walkman”) or a small pocket radio.
• Discman a CD player
• cassette apparatus "Walkman”
• a small pocket radio As for the rest, a special form of the cassette apparatus is represented by the dictation device which is widespread in business applications. Of course in such a device a radio telephone may be integrated. It is however not to be excluded that the invention is applied to so-called portable apparatus which have a small stereo loudspeaker system.
• a further preferred possibility for inputting and storing a telephone number is to be specified.
• a number dialling signal is produced which is transmitted via the speaking connection and is directly stored in the form of a telephone number in the telephone part of the playback apparatus according to the invention.
• the receiver neither needs to take notice of the number nor to write it down. It is directly written to him from the conversation partner in the own memory.
• the typing-in via tapping keys is done away with.
• the number dialling signal is e.g. produced by pressing the corresponding keys or by deleting out an already stored number.
• the number is for example filed in the same memory as the telephone register which can be accessed via a computer interface. There may however also be provided a separate intermediate memory for the mentioned automatic transmission and storing.
• a recording key is pressed before a number dialling signal is produced by the transmitting apparatus.
• a number dialling signal is produced by the transmitting apparatus.
• the memory of the receiving telephone terminal apparatus may be designed or structured in various ways. In the simplest case e.g. there is provided a single memory space for receiving transmitted numbers. When a new number is stored, the previous memory content is deleted. With a so-called comfort telephone there may be provided several such memory spaces which are individually accessible by way of individual receiving keys. If a particularly large number of memory spaces are to be made available, then the telephone may be programmed such that each telephone number on receipt is provided with an identification detail and is stored. This detail may e.g. be a serial number or clock time with a date. Preferably the received telephone number is not only stored but also simultaneously shown on a display. By way of this the user has a control possibility. He may orally confirm the number to the conversing partner. For the same reason it is desirable when with the transmitting telephone end apparatus the e.g. typed-in or deleted-out number is indicated.
• the implementation of the method according to the invention does not present any particular problem. It may be effected with programmable circuit elements. If with a transmitted signal, it is the case of a tone dialling signal, then in the receiving apparatus there is incorporated a filter circuit which identifies the respective frequency so that the corresponding digital digit can be generated. The whole number is then stored in a memory.
• the transmitting terminal apparatus it may be the case of a conventional apparatus. In principle it needs no equipping specific to the invention.
• the beginning and the end of the telephone number may be marked with a special key (e.g. the "#-key") if desired. It is clear that in this case the receiving apparatus must recognise and interpret the mentioned special key. If the number dialling signal is produced by deleting out a number, then the special key is simply operated before and after the deleting-out.
• the receiving apparatus has a receiver key at its disposal. With this the filter circuit is activated and the desired memory space is set aside.
• a counter mechanism for producing a serial number and/or a timer for the date and clock time.
• accumulator for producing a serial number and/or a timer for the date and clock time.
• Fig. 1 a, b a perspective and lateral view of a playback apparatus according to the invention with an integrated telephone;
• Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a hearing set with earphones and microphone dial
• Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a headphone and of a dial with operating keys.
• FIG. 1 a, b shows schematically and by way of example one preferred embodiment form of the invention.
• a playback apparatus 1 the size of a pocket diary has a housing with a small box-like middle part 2.2 and two flat rectangular parts 2.1 and 2.3 outwardly projecting in a winged manner on both sides.
• the two outer parts 2.1 and 2.3 have a slightly smaller cross section than the middle part 2.2, so that step-like transitions are formed.
• the size of the middle part 2.2 in the present example depends on the size of the sound carrier (MiniDisc, CD, cassette).
• Both outer parts 2.1 and 2.3 house circuits or circuit parts which cannot be accommodated in the middle one.
• a lid 3 which may be opened for inserting a MiniDisc or a CD.
• the lid only takes up part of the upper side (albeit the largest).
• a strip-like region (of a width of e.g. 1-2cm) is namely reserved for a flap 4. This may be pivoted upwardly in the manner shown in Fig. 1 b.
• a display 5 e.g. an LCD-display
• the display 5 can be viewed from various directions. In particular an observation from the direction I (i.e. parallel to the upper side of middle part 2.2) as well as also from the direction II (i.e. perpendicular to the upper side) is possible.
• the flap 4 may be partly transparent so that the display is also viewable with a closed flap 4 (cf. Fig. 1 a). With this, additionally an illumination of the display may also be suitable. With the flap 4 open, a part reflection or (with a sufficiently shallow angle of incidence) a total reflection on the (mirrored) inner side of the flap 4 takes place. It is e.g. conceivable that the display 5 can be switched over between two display modes. In one mode the symbols are displayed such that they are correct with a direct observation of the display 5, and in the other mode such that they are correct on observation via the deflecting mirror 6 (and not laterally inverted). The switching over may be effected automatically, this being dependent on whether the flap 4 is open or not. (With a contact switch it can e.g. be determined whether the flap is closed or not).
• control panel 7.6 On the front side of the middle part 2.2 there is provided a control panel 7.6 with keys 7.1. This not only serves the control of the MiniDisc, CD or cassette player part but also for operating the telephone part.
• the first mentioned control may be effected in the known manner (selection of the track number, jump to the next/preceding track, start/stop, ejection of MiniDisc/CD or cassette etc.).
• the two keys 7.1 , 7.2 for example may be designed as tapping keys.
• keys which in any case are required for the operation of the playback apparatus (e.g. for the forwards/backwards function of the choice of music title).
• This means a selection of a multitude of possibilities is effected by going through a given index i.e. a stored index, in steps.
• a plug or contactless interface in order to assume data from a computer.
• the interface may be designed in the manner known per se (e.g. in the manner of an infrared interface as with laptops or data acquisition apparatus).
• a personal telephone index may be stored in the memory of the apparatus in a comfortable manner.
• the desired name is simply retrieved from the memory, after which the allocated number is dialled.
• any (not stored) telephone number may be set.
• the corresponding input may be effected as follows: each digit of the telephone number is inputted individually in that the selected digit in each case is increased by 1 by tapping the key 7.1 and reduced by tapping the key 7.2.
• further keys of the playback apparatus may be used (with the PLAY key the number set may for example be marked as valid, wherein afterwards it is automatically proceeded to the next number). With tapping keys therefore it is possible without further ado to input any telephone number without a ten-key keyboard.
• a clip 8 may be mounted so that the playback apparatus 1 may e.g. be hung on the belt of the user.
• Fig. 2 shows a particularly simple and practical solution.
• the hearing set comprises two earphones 18.1 , 18.2 which are each connected via a cable 22.1 , 22.2 to a dial 19. In this there is located a speaker microphone 20. Furthermore the dial 19 has a key 21 for switching the telephone on and off. With a further cable 22.3 and a plug 23 mounted thereon, the hearing set is connected to the apparatus.
• both earphones 18.1 , 18.2 are inserted into the ears.
• the dial 19 then hangs in the region of the neck. Taking this fact into account, it is recommended to equip the microphone with a suitable aligning characteristic (upwardly towards the mouth of the user).
• a microphone a throat microphone or head microphone may be employed.
• Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment form with headphones 10 which are connected to the rear side of the middle part 2.2 via a headphone cable (cf. also Fig. 1a,b).
• a headphone cable cf. also Fig. 1a,b.
• Such designs are known per se and are common with conventional playback apparatus (that is to say with " Walkman” and "Discman”).
• On a light bow 12 there are therefore fastened two earpieces 1 1.1 , 1 1.2.
• the earphone cable 9 is e.g. connected at the right earpiece.
• the second earpiece 1 1.2 may be reached via a lead integrated into the bow 12.
• the bow 12 e.g. in the region of the earpiece 1 1.2
• a joint 13 for a fine microphone bow 14 This carries the microphone 15.
• the joint 13 permits the microphone 15 on usage to be pivoted into the region of the mouth in order to create an optimal understandability (with low as possible disturbance noise components).
• a dial 16 with e.g. three operating keys 17.1 to 17.3.
• the dial 16 is integrated in the headphone cable at a distance of e.g. 20 cm from the earpiece 1 1.1. In the present case it has the shape of a large round coin (diameter e.g. 2-4 cm).
• the operating keys 17.1 to 17.3 are arranged on the main surface (which may be flat or slightly cambered). The surfaces or shapes of the operating keys 17.1 to 17.3 may be structured or shaped differently so that the user can differentiate between them by way of touch sense alone.
• the largest operating key 17.1 in the present representation has e.g. the function "lift up/put down the receiver". It therefore allows a call to be answered or finished.
• the two other operating keys 17.2 and 17.3 may make available other further functions (such as e.g. "call last dialled number", "switch microphone on/off", "switch music on/off”.
• the dial 16 thus contains certain elementary operating functions of the radio telephone integrated into the playback apparatus 1. This has the advantage that the telephone may be comfortably operated when the playback apparatus 1 is carried on the belt or in a coat pocket. In the following it is to be explained how with e.g. a conventional telephone terminal apparatus via an existing telephone line a number can be transmitted and stored in the playback apparatus.
• the two telephone terminal apparatuses (of which one is designed in the manner of a playback apparatus according to the invention) are connected to one another, i.e. the speaking connection is set up. It is further assumed that the one conversation partner is to inform the other of a telephone number. According to the invention this is not effected orally but electronically.
• the user of the playback apparatus firstly operates the receiver key. Then he asks his conversation partner to input the desired telephone number via the keyboard (present with the other telephone terminal apparatus). As a result of this the telephone terminal apparatus produces a number dialling signal (e.g. a sequence of certain frequencies). This is transmitted through the telephone network (via the existing speaking connection) to the receiving playback apparatus. The number dialling signal is converted into the corresponding digit sequence and filed in a number memory. From here, at a later point in time (e.g. after completion of the conversation) it may be called up in order to create a connection to the corresponding participant. It is therefore possible to obtain a telephone number from the conversation partner, and to later call up this number as if it were a number stored by the individual.
• a number dialling signal e.g. a sequence of certain frequencies
• the embodiment example shown in the drawings may be modified in various aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. More specifically the invention is not limited to the outer shape which is represented. Also the arrangement of the key panel and the display may be chosen differently. It is advantageous when the apparatus can be comfortably operated hanging from the belt as well as lying on a table. In this context the usefulness of the flap 4 can be seen. Of course it is in any case possible to arrange an LCD display on a pivotable element (e.g. on or in the upper side of the flap 4), in order thus to permit the free selection of the angle of observation. Otherwise the deflecting element from EP 0 599 130 A2 is referred to.
• the playback apparatus may itself be formed in the manner of a handy radio telephone. This means the speaker microphone is e.g. integrated into part 2.2 and the loudspeaker for the earpiece into part 2.1.
• earphones may also be employed. Indeed with this variation the use of the dial 16 makes sense. Whether then the dial is designed as is shown in Fig. 3 can then be left open. However advantageously with the earphones design, the microphone is integrated into the dial.
• the dial does not necessarily need be equipped with operating keys but may serve exclusively as a microphone carrier.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Publications (1)

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• 1998
  • 1998-02-25 EP EP98902156A patent/EP0968499A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 1998-02-25 JP JP53745398A patent/JP2001510615A/ja active Pending
  • 1998-02-25 WO PCT/IB1998/000229 patent/WO1998038643A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1998-02-27 TW TW89201089U patent/TW408840U/zh unknown

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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