JP2006121403A - Hands-free apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hands-free apparatus for which attachment and detachment of the head set are easy. <P>SOLUTION: The hands-free apparatus includes head sets 10-1 to 10-4 that can conduct radio communication with a portable phone 50, and a cradle 20 which can hold each head set. In this hands-free apparatus, since the portable phone 50 and the head set 10 are connected through a radio connection 60, in a state with the portable phone 50 put into a bag or a pocket, as it is, the hands-free telephone conversation can be selected in both the scenes of the state where is equipped with the head set 10 is worn on an ear and of the state where it is installed in the cradle 20. Moreover, since the head sets 10-1 to 10-4 are formed into the shape of a long image, a plurality of housings to the cradle become possible by space saving, even in the middle of operation, the head set can be worn quickly. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a hands-free device, and more particularly to a hands-free device capable of appropriately selecting a headset type and a desk type hands-free call.

As a hands-free device for a mobile phone, those described in the following documents are known.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-247173 discloses a configuration that enables hands-free operation by setting a mobile phone in a charger including a speaker and a microphone.

On the other hand, as a headset type hands-free device, those described in the following documents are known.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-509570 discloses a configuration in which a headset can be attached to a stand and used as a desktop microphone.

Moreover, what was described in the following literature is known as an information communication apparatus which can be attached to arbitrary positions of a user's clothes.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-135367 discloses a portable information communication apparatus that uses a Bluetooth communication function to notify a user of an incoming mobile phone.

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, in order to perform a hands-free call, it is necessary to take out the mobile phone from the bag or pocket and set it in the charger. Because it was necessary to make a call with a mobile phone, the hands-free call could not be maintained. In particular, when used in a vehicle, the configuration in which the mobile phone is set in the charger becomes unnecessarily large, and the center of gravity is not stable, so that the installation location in the vehicle is restricted.

  Further, in the configuration of the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, since the connection with the call source is wired, there is annoyance, and similarly to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is impossible to make a call with the mobile phone in a bag or pocket.

  In addition, the information information communication device of Patent Document 3 described above is difficult to use assuming a hands-free call because it can know the incoming call of a mobile phone but does not have a call function.

  Recently, a hands-free configuration that enables wireless communication between a mobile phone and a headset is also known. However, in this configuration, it is necessary to always put the headset on the ear, which is bothersome indoors and in a car. Remains. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to take out the mobile phone from the bag or pocket when taking the configuration shown in Patent Document 1.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a hands-free device that enables a hands-free call using a headset without setting a call source such as a mobile phone in a specific device such as a charger with a speaker.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is a hands-free device including a headset unit capable of wireless communication with a call source, and a clip unit provided in the headset unit, The headset unit includes a speaker and a microphone, and the clip unit is composed of at least two holding members having a long and flat shape.

  Here, as a call source, various telephone devices such as a mobile phone, a fixed telephone, a public telephone, an IP telephone, a computer device such as a PC and a PDA, an audio device such as a radio and a stereo, and various devices that handle audio signals. Is included.

  These call sources and headsets have built-in wireless communication circuits capable of exchanging audio signals by two-way or one-way wireless communication, and transmission and reception of audio signals via a wireless communication connection established between these circuits. Is done. As a wireless communication standard used here, Bluetooth is recommended which is suitable for exchanging audio signals and hardly affected by other signals.

  As described above, by providing a clip portion having a long and flat shape, it is possible to freely attach it to the user's hair, clothing collar or pocket, etc. This improves the stability of the phone, enabling a comfortable hands-free call for a long time.

  In addition, since the clip portion composed of two clamping members is provided, it can be mounted with one hand, so that a headset suitable for quick mounting during driving can be provided.

  As a clip part composed of at least two clamping members having a long and flat shape, a structure like a hair clip is desirable, and if it is assumed to be attached to hair, it should be slightly curved. It is desirable to keep it.

  The invention described in claim 2 is a hands-free device including a headset unit capable of wireless communication with a call source and a clip unit provided in the headset unit, wherein the headset unit includes: The clip portion is composed of at least two clamping members that can be opened and closed, and activation and stop of the headset portion are controlled according to the opening and closing operation of the clip portion. And

  In this way, by controlling the start and stop of the headset according to the opening and closing of the clip part, it is possible to control the power supply of the headset at the same time as the attachment / detachment operation to the user, so it is possible to start a call with one action become. This configuration is particularly effective in scenes where quick headset attachment / detachment is required, such as during driving.

  The invention described in claim 3 is a hands-free device including a headset unit capable of wireless communication with a call source and a clip unit provided in the headset unit, wherein the headset unit includes: The clip portion is composed of at least two holding members that can be opened and closed, and when the clip portion is opened when the power of the headset portion is OFF, the clip portion of the headset portion The power source is controlled to be turned on, and the power source of the headset unit is controlled to be turned off when the clip unit is opened while the power source of the headset unit is on.

  As described above, by turning on / off the power of the headset unit according to the opening / closing of the clip unit, a headset is provided that automatically turns on when attached and automatically turns off when detached. be able to.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hands-free device including a headset capable of wireless communication with a call source and a cradle connectable to the headset, wherein the headset includes a speaker and a microphone. And the cradle is provided with a plurality of accommodating portions capable of accommodating the headset in a standing state in the longitudinal direction.

  As described above, by providing the cradle that can be accommodated in a state where the headset stands up in the longitudinal direction, a plurality of headsets can be accommodated in a space-saving manner. With such a configuration, even when the battery of the headset in use has run out, the telephone conversation with the headset can be continued by removing the alternative headset from the cradle.

  In this case, the user may operate the new headset side so that the wireless link with the mobile phone is switched from the headset that has run out of battery to the new headset, and when the battery runs out A configuration may be adopted in which a wireless link to another headset is automatically established from the mobile phone side.

  Such a pre-charging configuration can be designed with a small battery capacity on the headset side, which is useful as a means for supporting a reduction in size and weight of the headset.

  The elongated headset may have a cylindrical structure such as a pen or a flat structure such as a hair clip.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a hands-free device comprising a headset capable of wireless communication with a call source and a cradle connectable to the headset, wherein the headset includes a speaker and a microphone. And a clip portion and a connection portion to the cradle, and is formed in a long shape, and the cradle accommodates the headset in a standing state in the longitudinal direction and is provided with a connection portion for the headset. It is provided with.

  In this way, by adopting a configuration in which a long headset equipped with a clip is accommodated and connected to the cradle, charging starts when it is accommodated in the cradle, and when it is taken out from the cradle, it can be easily attached and detached with the clip. A headset can be provided.

  In other words, this configuration is designed so that the headset can be repeatedly charged and detached as quickly as possible in a scene that requires quick headset attachment / detachment, such as during operation, so that even a small-capacity battery can talk. A comfortable wearing feeling is ensured by the possible lightweight headset, and safety by quick attachment and detachment is provided.

  Note that when the headset is housed in the cradle, sufficient power is supplied to the headset and the sound output of the headset can be increased compared to using a battery, so the headset is housed in the cradle. However, a desktop hands-free operation may be performed using the headset speaker and microphone.

  The invention described in claim 6 is a hands-free device comprising a headset capable of wireless communication with a call source and a cradle connectable to the headset, the headset comprising a speaker and a microphone In addition, the cradle includes a speaker and a microphone, and an accommodating portion that can accommodate the headset in a standing state in the longitudinal direction.

  In this way, by providing a speaker and a microphone on the cradle side, even if the headset is removed from the cradle or installed on the cradle, a hands-free call with a call source can be performed. If you do not want your passengers to hear you, put your headset on your ear to make a hands-free call, and if you are driving alone, avoid the hassle of wearing the headset and install the hands in the cradle. You can make free calls.

  In addition, even when installed in a cradle, since the exchange of audio signals with the call source is performed via a headset, for example, the headset type and the cradle type with the mobile phone in a bag or pocket. Selective hands-free calling is possible.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a hands-free call in which a headset can be easily attached and detached is possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be modified as appropriate.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the hands-free device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the hands-free device is composed of wireless headsets 10-1 to 10-4 capable of wireless communication with a mobile phone 50, and a cradle 20 capable of accommodating these headsets. Here, the two-way communication by the wireless connection 60 is performed between the mobile phone 50 and the headset 10-1 taken out from the cradle, and Bluetooth suitable for voice communication is applied as a communication standard.

  The wireless headset 10-1 and the cradle 20 are preferably used in scenes where use of the mobile phone 50 is restricted, such as during driving. For example, when talking while a passenger is present, the headset 10-1 is worn on the ear, and when talking alone, the handset with the headset 10-1 attached to the cradle 20 is being operated alone. Free calls are possible.

  Here, since wireless communication is possible between the mobile phone 50 and the headset 10-1, a call with the headset 10-1 attached to the ear while the mobile phone 50 is in a bag or pocket. Then, any hands-free call in a state where the cradle 20 is installed can be performed.

  These headsets 10-1 to 10-4 are formed in an elongated shape, and can be accommodated in the cradle 20 in a state where the headsets 10-1 to 10-4 are set up. The headsets 10-2 to 10-4 accommodated in the cradle 20 wait for use by the user while being charged.

  Here, when the user of the hands-free device makes a call using a headset, the user removes the favorite headset 10-1 from the cradle 20, and attaches a microphone and a speaker provided in the headset 10-1. Utilizing this, input / output of the transmission sound 500 and the reception sound 502 is performed, and this call signal is exchanged with the mobile phone 50 via the wireless connection 60.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the headset shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the headset 10 includes a headset body 12 containing various circuits, a headset speaker 16, a headset microphone 18, and a clip 17 that can be attached to hair and clothes, It is comprised with the connector 19 used as the connection part to a cradle. The speaker 16 is fixed to the clip 17 by a known fixing method such as bonding or screwing.

  Here, the headset microphone 18 is configured to be rotatable and has a structure in which the position of the microphone can be adjusted when the headset is attached. The microphone 18 may be provided with a bellows structure so that expansion and contraction and angle adjustment are possible.

  Further, the clip 17 is configured to be opened and closed by engagement of two members of the holding members 17-1 and 17-2 formed in a long and flat shape, and can be attached to the hair like a hair clip. Provided in a simple structure. A connector 19 is provided at the tip of the clip 17 and charging is started by inserting the tip of the clip 17 into a cradle.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the cradle shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the cradle 20 includes a cradle main body 22 that accommodates various circuits, headset accommodation units 23-1 to 23-4 for accommodating headsets 10-1 to 10-4, and a cradle. A microphone 26, a cradle speaker 28, and a power cord 30 that can be connected to a power source such as an in-vehicle cigar lighter.

  The cradle 20 preferably has a pen stand structure that can accommodate a plurality of long headsets, and the headsets 10-1 to 10-4 are set up so that they are stable even when attached to a vibrating body such as an automobile. Even if they are arranged side by side, a good sitting structure is adopted so that the overall center of gravity is lowered.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a call form using a cradle in the hands-free device shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, when a user of the hands-free device makes a call using the cradle 20, a transmission sound is transmitted via a cradle microphone 26 provided on the cradle 20 and a cradle speaker 28. 500 and the received sound 502 can be input and output, and a call can be made with the mobile phone 50 using a wireless function provided in any of the headsets accommodated in the cradle 20.

  Here, since the cradle 20 is connected to an external power source via the power cord 30, it is possible to output a sufficient volume from the speaker 28 and simultaneously charge the headsets 10-1 to 10-4. It is also possible to do. The speakers 28 provided on the cradle 20 are preferably disposed on both sides of the cradle 20. Further, a power source such as a solar battery may be used instead of the power cord 30.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal circuit configuration of the headset and the cradle. As shown in the figure, the headset 10 includes a Bluetooth circuit 100 that provides a wireless communication function with a mobile phone, a switch SW that switches an output destination of the Bluetooth circuit, a battery 102 that provides a power source of the headset, An audio processing circuit 104 that performs noise canceller and equalizer processing on the signal output from the Bluetooth circuit 100, an audio amplifier 106 that amplifies the signal processed by the audio processing circuit, and a microphone 108 that serves as an audio input interface from the user And a speaker 110 serving as an audio output interface for the user.

  The cradle 20 is provided on the headset side with an AC / DC converter 200 that converts AC power acquired from the AC power source into DC power to generate its own power source and also provides a charging function for the headset. It comprises an audio processing circuit 204 that provides functions in the same way as those, an audio amplifier 206, a microphone 208, and a speaker 210.

  When the headset 10 configured as described above is connected to the cradle 20, the switch SW provided on the headset 10 side is switched to the cradle 20 side, and the output from the Bluetooth circuit 100 is an audio processing circuit on the cradle side. 204 is input. At the same time, the battery 102 provided on the headset side and the AC / DC converter 200 provided on the cradle side are connected to start charging the battery 102.

  On the other hand, when the headset 10 is removed from the cradle 20, the switch SW provided on the headset 10 side is switched to the headset side, and the output from the Bluetooth circuit 100 is input to the audio processing circuit 104 on the headset side, The headset is driven by a battery.

  In the figure, the description has been made on the assumption that one headset is connected to one cradle. However, when a plurality of headsets are connected, the same circuit block can be expanded.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another circuit configuration example of the headset and the cradle. As shown in the figure, the audio processing circuit 104 and the audio amplifier 106 are shared by the headset and the cradle, and a changeover switch SW is provided in the output line to the microphone and the speaker, respectively, so that the same as in FIG. A function may be realized. In this case, since the audio processing circuit and the audio amplifier are not required on the cradle side, the cradle can be simplified.

  Also, recent Bluetooth ICs have been devised that include an audio processing circuit. By using such an IC, the Bluetooth circuit 100 and the audio processing circuit 104 can be integrated. good.

  In the figure, description has been made on the assumption that one headset is connected to one cradle. However, when a plurality of headsets are connected, the same circuit block can be expanded.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of use of the hands-free device shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, when a hands-free call is performed using this apparatus, the headset 10 is worn on the user's hair 602 using the clip 17 and the speaker 16 is disposed near the ear 600. At the same time, a call is made with the microphone 18 placed at the mouth.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the hands-free device shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, by incorporating a directional microphone in the headset 10, an action for determining the position of the microphone becomes unnecessary, so that the headset can be mounted more quickly.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the hands-free device according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, a suction cup 71 may be attached to the opposite side of the headset body 12 from the speaker 16 and attached to or removed from the window 550 in the vehicle. Desirably, the bellows 72 is provided on the microphone 18 of the headset 10 so that the expansion and contraction and the angle can be freely adjusted, and the microphone can be arranged at the mouth even when it is attached to the window 550.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of use of the hands-free device according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the wireless communication with the mobile phone 50 may be performed in a state where the headset 10 is attached to a collar or pocket provided on the clothes of the user.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the hands-free device according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the headset body 12 and the speaker 16 are built in, and the microphone 18 can be built in the clip 17. The switch 17 is provided at the engaging portion of the clip 17, A configuration may be adopted in which the power supply of the circuit provided in the headset body 12 is controlled to be turned on / off in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the clip 17.

  For example, when the clip 17 is opened while the power of the headset 10 is OFF, the power of the headset 10 is controlled to be ON, and when the clip 17 is opened while the power of the headset 10 is ON, the headset 10 power supply is controlled to OFF. As a result, when the clip 17 is first opened, the headset 10 is turned on (“1st” in the figure), and when the clip 17 is opened for the second time, the headset 10 is turned off (“2nd” in the figure). Thereafter, the opening and closing of the clip and the ON / OFF of the power supply are repeated in the same manner.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the hands-free device according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the headset main body 12 may be provided with a mode change switch 15 to switch the output direction of the speaker 16 up and down. For example, as shown in the figure, the mode for outputting the received sound 502-1 in the opposite direction to the clip 17 is Mode1, the mode for outputting the received sound 502-2 to the side where the clip 17 is provided is Mode2, and the switch 15 is operated to switch between Mode 1 and Mode 2.

  With such a configuration, for example, setting to Mode 1 when worn on the user's hair, and setting to Mode 2 when wearing on the collar makes it possible to direct the output of the speaker in the optimum direction.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the hands-free device according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the position of the speaker can be adjusted by connecting the headset body 12 and the clip 17 via the slide mechanism 73.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of the hands-free device according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the clip 16, the microphone 18, and various circuits constituting the headset may be built in the clip 17, so that a structure with better portability may be obtained.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a seventh embodiment of the hands-free device according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the headsets 10-1 to 10-4 may be configured as a pen type incorporating a speaker 16 and a microphone 18 so as to be housed in the cradle 20.

  At this time, in the headsets 10-1 to 10-4, a connector 19 for connection to the cradle 20 is provided at the tip of the headset main body 12, and a clip 17 for mounting is not accommodated in the cradle 20. It is desirable to provide in.

  According to the present invention, since the headset can be quickly mounted, application to an in-vehicle hands-free device that requires safety is expected.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the hands-free apparatus which concerns on the 1st form of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the headset shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the cradle shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the telephone call form using the cradle in the hands-free apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal circuit structure of a headset and a cradle. It is a block diagram which shows the other circuit structural example of a headset and a cradle. It is the perspective view which showed one usage example of the hands-free apparatus shown in FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the modification of the hands-free apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the hands-free apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is the perspective view which showed another example of use of the hands-free apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows 3rd Embodiment of the hands-free apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows 4th Embodiment of the hands-free apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows 5th Embodiment of the hands-free apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows 6th Embodiment of the hands-free apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows 7th Embodiment of the hands-free apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Wireless headset, 12 ... Headset main body, 14 ... Antenna, 15 ... Switch, 16 ... Headset speaker, 17 ... Clip part, 18 ... Headset microphone, 19 ... Connector, 20 ... Multicradle, 22 ... Cradle body, 23 ... Headset housing, 26 ... Cradle microphone, 28 ... Cradle speaker, 30 ... Power cord, 50 ... Mobile phone, 60 ... Wireless connection, 71 ... Suction cup, 72 ... Bellows, 73 ... Slide mechanism, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Bluetooth circuit, 102 ... Battery, 104 ... Audio processing circuit, 106 ... Audio amplifier, 108 ... Microphone, 110 ... Speaker, 200 ... AC / DC converter, 204 ... Audio processing circuit, 206 ... Audio amplifier, 208 ... Microphone, 210 ... Spy , 500 ... transmitting sound, 502 ... reception sound, 550 ... window, 600 ... ear, 602 ... hair,

Claims (6)

A hands-free device including a headset unit capable of wireless communication with a call source, and a clip unit provided in the headset unit,
The headset unit is
It has a speaker and a microphone,
The clip part is
A hands-free device comprising at least two holding members having a long and flat shape. A hands-free device including a headset unit capable of wireless communication with a call source, and a clip unit provided in the headset unit,
The headset unit is
It has a speaker and a microphone,
The clip part is
It consists of at least two clamping members that can be opened and closed,
A hands-free device, wherein activation and stop of the headset unit are controlled in accordance with an opening / closing operation of the clip unit. A hands-free device including a headset unit capable of wireless communication with a call source, and a clip unit provided in the headset unit,
The headset unit is
It has a speaker and a microphone,
The clip part is
It consists of at least two clamping members that can be opened and closed,
When the clip unit is opened while the headset unit is turned off, the headset unit is powered on, and when the headset unit is turned on, the clip unit is opened. A hands-free device that controls the power of the headset unit to be OFF. A hands-free device comprising a headset capable of wireless communication with a call source and a cradle connectable to the headset,
The headset is
It is provided with a speaker and a microphone and is formed in a long shape,
The cradle is
A hands-free device comprising a plurality of accommodating portions capable of accommodating the headset in a standing state in the longitudinal direction. A hands-free device comprising a headset capable of wireless communication with a call source and a cradle connectable to the headset,
The headset is
A speaker, a microphone, a clip part, and a connection part to the cradle are formed in a long shape,
The cradle is
A hands-free device comprising: an accommodating portion that accommodates the headset in a standing state in a longitudinal direction and is provided with a connecting portion for the headset. A hands-free device comprising a headset capable of wireless communication with a call source and a cradle connectable to the headset,
The headset is
It is provided with a speaker and a microphone and is formed in a long shape,
The cradle is
A speaker and a microphone;
A hands-free device comprising: an accommodating portion capable of accommodating the headset in a standing state in the longitudinal direction.

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