JPH11112643A - Hand-free type speech device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hands-free type speech device by which a speech using a portable telephone set or the like is attained through the use of optical communication, hands-free, where reply to an incoming call and a speech is interrupted by the operation of a handset or the like placed close to the ear, and a destination telephone number registered in the portable telephone set or the like is displayed through an external operation. SOLUTION: This speech device is provided with a speech means 30, consisting of a voice output section 31 and a voice input section 32, an interface section 1 connected to a control signal terminal or the like of a portable telephone terminal 2 to communicate a control signal or the like, a machine side signal processing means 10 for converting a voice signal into an optical signal and to send the optical signal and to covert the received optical signal into a voice signal, and a speech means side signal processing means 20 that converts the optical signal received from the machine side signal processing means 10 into a voice signal and coverts the voice signal received from the speech means 30 into an optical signal to send the optical signal, and the machine side signal processing means 10 and the speech means side signal processing means 20 are communicated by light.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable telephone and the like using optical communication, which allows a user to answer a call and disconnect a call by operating a headset at his / her ear, or to control a call by an external operation. The present invention relates to a hands-free communication device capable of displaying, selecting, and making a call to a destination telephone number registered in the mobile phone or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a hand-free type communication device capable of performing a hands-free communication by connecting to a portable telephone terminal such as a portable telephone, a mobile telephone, a car telephone, a PHS (Personal Handy Phone System) by wire. However, it is being developed mainly by automobile manufacturers and the like. These conventional hands-free communication devices, for example, when used for a mobile phone in a car, the communication device is installed on a cabinet or a console box in a car or embedded in an audio panel and the like. A speaker for outputting the voice of the other party and a microphone for inputting the voice of the speaker (driver) to the portable terminal are connected to the communication device by wire. Usually, the speaker is
The microphone is installed on a cabinet or the like similarly to the communication device, and the microphone is attached to a console box, a sun visor above a driver's seat, or the like. The voice of the other party is output from the analog output terminal of the portable telephone terminal to an external speaker via a cord, and the voice emitted by the speaker is converted into an electric signal through the microphone, and the portable type is transmitted via the cord. It is input to the analog input terminal of the call terminal and can be heard as voice by the other party. An amplifying device for amplifying an audio signal, a noise reduction device for suppressing noise, and the like may be appropriately inserted between the speaker or the microphone and the communication device main body. In recent years, hand-free type communication devices have been developed in which a panel attached to the steering wheel can be operated in a conversational manner in combination with a car navigation system, but in any case, the other party's voice can be heard through a speaker, It is common to operate the call control that it is necessary to temporarily look away from the traveling direction and look at a predetermined panel or console or the portable telephone terminal.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-120151 discloses an optical telephone system comprising a telephone set including a receiver, a transmitter, a light receiving / emitting element, a master station having a light receiving / emitting element, and a PBX (private branch exchange). Has been disclosed. In such an optical telephone system, one light receiving / emitting element pair is one system, and it can be determined from the configuration that the frequency of light used for optical transmission / reception is a single. Only compatible with telephones. Therefore, when a plurality of the optical telephones are installed within a range covered by one master station, a plurality of lights having the same frequency can reach the master station, which may cause a malfunction of the master station. Further, since the optical telephone system is for making a telephone call using an optical telephone, it is not possible to perform a telephone call and a call control in a hands-free manner. Therefore, the speaker still holds the telephone with his / her hand or holds the telephone with his shoulder and chin. In addition to having to hold the optical telephone in the ear by holding the optical telephone to talk, the telephone needs to be operated while directly looking at the number button of the optical telephone when selecting a telephone number to be called.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-14099 discloses that a state in which a telephone (handset) is left on a table is set as a hand-free mode by default, and when the telephone (handset) is lifted, the hand-free mode is released and the hand-free mode is released. Discloses a communication device of a mode for holding the telephone (handset). The communication device can mute the speaker of the car stereo and output the voice of the other party using the speaker. However, when selecting a destination telephone number, the telephone (handset) is still used.
Alternatively, it is necessary to directly operate the number button of the communication device. Furthermore, when the communication device is used in a car,
In order to avoid the inability to hear the other party's voice due to outside noise, a certain amount of output level has to be secured in advance,
When the output becomes excessively large, the output sound wraps around from a microphone attached to the communication device, and howling is easily induced.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 8-256098 discloses a hands-free mobile telephone adapter in which an external speaker and an external microphone are respectively connected to a communication apparatus main body by wires. However, when selecting a destination telephone number, it is still necessary to directly operate the number buttons of the telephone or the communication device. Furthermore, when the adapter is used in a car, a certain amount of output level has to be secured in order to prevent the noise of the other party from being inaudible due to outside noise in advance, and the output becomes excessively large. The output sound wraps around from the microphone attached to the, and it is easy to induce howling.

[0006]

Accordingly, the usage of the conventional wired hands-free communication device is, for example, as follows.
When used in a car, the sound is output from an external speaker, so that the contents of the call must be told to others other than the speaker (driver) in the car. In some cases, the confidentiality of the conversation cannot be maintained. In addition, when the external speaker and the external microphone are used, inconveniences such as difficulty in hearing the voice of the communication partner may occur due to noise when a large vehicle passes through the adjacent lane. Further, even when using a headset, an earphone, or a so-called headset in which the speaker and the microphone are integrated, it is necessary to connect them to the hands-free type communication device by wire. The line of the headset may be entangled with the speaker (driver) or entangled with the gear or steering wheel around the driver's seat, and it is easy to induce the above-mentioned carelessness at the front, driving aside, etc. Affiliates,
Strictly pointed out by the parties concerned and the like, an epoch-making hands-free communication device that has improved the operation mode of the hands-free communication device that distracts the attention of the speaker (driver) is described. Appearance was required.

On the other hand, with the spread of portable telephone terminals and the like in recent years, the number of traffic accidents caused by the use of the portable telephone terminals by a driver while driving a car has explosively increased. According to a survey by the National Police Agency, 129 personal traffic accidents occurred while using or operating a portable telephone terminal in June 1997, indicating a total of 62342 human traffic accidents that occurred during the same month. This corresponds to 0.2%. Among them, the most frequent accidents are accidents at the time of reception operation such as collision when trying to answer when the ring tone of the portable telephone terminal is emitted during a traffic jam. An accident at the time of a calling operation such as pressing a destination telephone number is cited. Further, after the end of the call, there have been many accidents such as a collision when trying to press the disconnection button of the portable telephone terminal in order to disconnect the call and a collision when trying to pick up the dropped portable telephone terminal.

[0008] As described above, many of the causes of traffic accidents caused by the portable telephone terminal when driving a car are caused by the operation of the portable telephone terminal or the portable telephone terminal ringing upon receiving an incoming call. This is because a state of carelessness ahead (driving aside) was formed by trying to look for in the car. In particular, since the use of speakers induces howling, if a howling occurs during a call, the speaker (driver) must adjust the volume control knob to reduce the volume in order to suppress the howling. You have to keep an eye on the direction of travel. In this regard,
It is clear that the inventions disclosed in JP-A-6-14099 and JP-A-8-256098 do not solve the problem. Also, even in the case of a hands-free type communication device or the like combined with a state-of-the-art car navigation system, when making a call, the display of the console or the operation panel is checked by eye, and the telephone number of the called party is checked,
Since it is necessary to select and transmit, it is still possible to keep an eye on the direction of travel, so it has been pointed out that a significant effect cannot be expected in reducing traffic accidents as described above. ) Can check, select, and make outgoing phone numbers without having to keep an eye on the direction of travel, and can respond safely, quickly and reliably to incoming calls. The early appearance of hands-free communication devices is strongly demanded mainly by drivers. In this case, the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-201251 cannot be applied to the present problem because outgoing and incoming calls cannot be controlled.

Similarly, when a dedicated console or operation panel or the like connected by wire from the hands-free type communication device is fixed on a part of the handle or on the cabinet, these communication control lines (codes) are used. Since the line (cord) of the headset is intricately entangled,
As a result that the speaker (driver) needs to do extra work such as stressing or entanglement, the speaker (driver) lacks attention in driving a car, and the above It has been pointed out by the National Police Agency, related organizations, persons concerned and the like that it is easy to induce caution, driving aside, etc., and epoch-making improvements in the operation mode of the conventional hands-free communication device have been strictly required.

On the other hand, in cases other than the use of a portable telephone terminal in a car, for example, when carrying the portable telephone terminal, the portable telephone terminal is put in a jacket pocket or worn around the waist by a dedicated belt or the like. And the problem of putting it in a bag has been pointed out. Specifically, when a commercially available wired headset is connected to the audio signal terminal of the portable telephone terminal and used, the wired headset can be used only for a telephone call, so calling and disconnecting a telephone call are not performed. It depends on a predetermined button operation of the portable telephone terminal. Since the audio signal terminal is only an analog audio signal input / output terminal, the signal line for transmitting and disconnecting is not provided in the jack, and there is no such technical standard. The control of disconnection depends only on the button operation of the portable telephone terminal body. Therefore, when an incoming call is received, the incoming call is cut off before the call can be answered quickly, or the answering machine function of the portable telephone terminal answers before the user can answer the call. Has been pointed out as dissatisfaction of users. In addition, it has been pointed out that the area around the line can be a hindrance, and in view of these problems, the emergence of a hands-free type communication device that can respond to incoming calls quickly when the speaker moves and does not hinder the area around the line. Was widely awaited.

In addition, the recent increase in the use of portable telephone terminals has resulted in use that can be used anywhere and anytime. Especially,
In an environment where advanced medical equipment such as a ventilator, a heart-lung machine, and an artificial dialysis machine are used in a hospital, if the portable telephone terminal is used in close proximity to such medical equipment (transmission and Including the case of an incoming call.
When an incoming call is received, transmission of an electromagnetic wave is started at the same level as that of a telephone call to transmit a common channel signal), and the medical device malfunctions due to the electromagnetic wave of the portable telephone terminal, and in the worst case, is coupled to the device. Some cases have been reported to take the patient's life. Therefore, it has been severely pointed out by medical professionals that moving the hospital by putting the portable telephone terminal in a chest pocket or attaching it to a waist belt is a dangerous act to induce such an electromagnetic wave problem. Have been. However, medical workers and the like need to carry such portable telephone terminals at all times for the convenience of business operations. Therefore, while resolving this contradiction, the necessary communication (communication) is at least in the same operating room. In medical examination rooms, hospital rooms, and the like, the emergence of innovative hands-free communication devices that can be performed safely, quickly, and reliably has been eagerly awaited by medical professionals and the like.

[0012] In a telephone office or a user support center of a software vendor, since it is necessary to promptly respond to a large number of telephone inquiries concerning a customer's question, it is generally composed of headphones and a microphone. A headset is used by the operator. However, since the headset is usually only connected to a voice input / output terminal of a PC (personal computer) or an operator dedicated terminal, the headset is naturally connected by a line. In many cases, the headset comes off, which causes work stress. In addition, since the headset handles analog signals, a so-called crosstalk phenomenon, in which voices of other operators working on the adjacent operator's desk are mixed and heard, often occurs. In this case, since it is extremely difficult to completely shield the portion to be shielded, it has been pointed out that the problem cannot be solved, and the operator has to accept such disadvantages inevitably. Similarly, it is widely known that many of the operators are women, but the use of the headset causes hairstyle disorder and has been pointed out as a problem to which many such female operators are considerably concerned. Was. The development of a new hands-free communication device that does not cause the above problems has been strongly desired by those concerned.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive studies and, as a result, have found that the present invention relates to a telephone having a voice output unit for outputting an electric signal and a voice input unit for inputting a voice. Means, an interface unit for connecting to a control signal terminal or an audio signal terminal of the portable telephone terminal to exchange a control signal or an audio signal, and modulating an audio signal output from the audio signal terminal into an optical signal Converting and transmitting, and demodulating a received optical signal to convert it into an audio signal; converting the optical signal received from the mechanical signal processing unit into an audio signal; Means for converting a voice signal received from the means into an optical signal and transmitting the signal. The signal processing means is provided between the machine-side signal processing means and the communication means-side signal processing means. By was hands-free telephone device or the like, characterized in that communicate Te, since the headset (headphones, including earphones, etc.) and between the main unit of a hands-free telephone device may be a wireless,
A speaker (including a driver or the like) can maintain the confidentiality of the call and can concentrate on driving as a result of not having to worry about tangling of lines and complicated operation of the portable telephone terminal. Also, in a hospital, even if the mobile phone terminal is located at a remote place, it is possible to control the call, and as a result, there is no need to carry the mobile phone terminal at all times. There is no danger of inviting,
In operator work, as a result of eliminating lines by optical communication, it is possible to avoid crosstalk phenomenon, and it does not disturb the operator's hairstyle, so there is no stress on the operator, etc. Things.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, in this specification, the term "portable telephone terminal" means a portable telephone, a mobile telephone, a car telephone, a PHS (Personal Handy Phone System), etc. "Telephone terminal" means at least a transmitter, a receiver, a response operation unit (response button) for answering an incoming call, and a call operation for transmitting a call. (Telephone call button) and a telephone terminal capable of voice communication, whether wired or wireless. The “control signal terminal” of the portable telephone terminal is used to remotely control the function of the portable telephone terminal or to connect to a communication port (RS-232C, 432, etc.) of a computer terminal such as a computer for computer communication. And the like (terminals, connectors,
Port, etc.) and the "audio signal terminal" of a mobile phone terminal
"Exclusively" means input / output terminals (connectors, jacks, ports) for exchanging audio signals (analog signals) with external headsets, earphones, microphones, etc., and may or may not be standardized or standardized . Further, “hands-free” means that the speaker holds the mobile phone terminal in a special manner from the start point to the end point of the conversation between two or more parties through the mobile phone terminal, It refers to a mode in which a conversation or a telephone call can be performed in a state where it is not necessary to perform a simple operation. "Light"
In addition to visible light having a wavelength of 380 to 770 millimicrons, it includes infrared light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and γ-rays. The “infrared light” is light that appears outside the red part of visible light in the spectrum, and The wavelength is longer than visible light and shorter than microwave, about 7500 angstrom to 100
It refers to a light beam of 00 angstroms.

First, the basic configuration of a hands-free communication device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the basic configuration. The present apparatus comprises an interface unit 1 and a machine-side signal processing unit 10.
And the communication means side signal processing means 20 and the communication means 30. In the present specification, the interface unit 1 and the machine-side signal processing unit 10 may be referred to as a “main device” of the hands-free communication device of the present invention. Information is exchanged between the machine side signal processing unit 10 and the communication unit side signal processing unit 20 by optical communication.

First, the interface section 1 will be described. The interface unit 1 serves as an interface for exchanging data, signals, voices, and the like between the main device and the portable telephone terminal 2. Specifically, in order to exchange an audio signal between the main apparatus and the mobile phone terminal 2 via an audio signal terminal (jack) provided as a standard feature of the mobile phone terminal 2, the audio The interface unit 1 is connected from a signal terminal (jack) with a predetermined wire (cord). As a result, the machine side signal processing means 10 can take in the voice relating to the call from the portable telephone terminal 2 as an analog signal, and input the voice of the speaker as an analog signal to the portable telephone terminal 2. Can be done. The “predetermined line (code)” may be a commercially available connection cord for a portable telephone terminal or the like, and is subjected to impedance matching processing.
It may be a line or 4-wire code. Similarly, in order to provide expandability such that the apparatus can obtain information registered in advance in the portable telephone terminal 2, for example, a telephone number, a ringing setting, an abbreviated number, and various setting parameter values. The interface unit 1 has a connector (port) for connecting a control signal terminal usually provided on the back, bottom or lower part of the portable telephone terminal 2. If necessary, an electrical element such as an amplifying means (amplifier), a shield, and a noise absorbing capacitor may be inserted between the wirings.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an example of a form that the interface unit 1 can take. FIG. 10 (A)
The case where the interface unit 1 is in the form of mounting the portable telephone terminal 2 upright is shown. The interface unit 1 receives a voice signal from a voice signal terminal (jack) of the portable telephone terminal 2 by a line (code) into the telephone device. In the case where the interface unit 1 is formed as a housing as shown in FIG. 10A, the portable telephone terminal 2 is supported by the back plate 1c and the horizontal plate 1b of the interface unit 1. By rotating the horizontal plate adjusting knob 1a, the interval between the horizontal plates 1b can be enlarged or reduced as shown in FIG.
Also, since the back plate 1c can be tilted back and forth, the portable telephone terminal 2 can be more firmly fixed to the housing. Further, the bottom plate 1d of the interface unit 1 is fixed to the support leg 1e with a powerful magnet by a freely movable ball, so that the mobile phone terminal 2 is firmly supported in normal use, and when necessary, The housing of the interface unit 1 can be removed. Here, a predetermined connector corresponding to the control signal terminal is mounted on the interface unit 1 in advance so that the control signal terminal provided on the bottom of the portable telephone terminal 2 can be connected to the interface unit 1. You may. When the portable telephone terminal 2 is inserted from above so that the control signal terminal of the portable telephone terminal 2 and the connector of the interface unit 1 are connected, the horizontal plate 1b and the back plate 1a are placed. The portable telephone terminal 2 can be fixed to the interface unit 1 with a constant strength in combination with the pinching force of the interface unit 1. However, the housing of the interface unit 1 can take any form other than FIG. Shall be. In addition, the housing of the interface unit 1 may include a driving battery (eg, AA) for the communication device, or a line (cord) for connecting to a cigar plug to obtain power as shown in FIG. ) May be included.

Next, FIGS. 11A and 11B show an embodiment in which it is not necessary to fix the portable telephone terminal 2 to the interface unit 1. FIG. When the connector of the interface unit 1 is used by connecting to a control signal terminal provided at the bottom of the portable telephone terminal 2 or the like, the shape of the housing of the interface unit 1 as shown in FIG.
By making the battery pack into a shape like a battery pack as shown in (A) or (B), the portable telephone terminal 2 and the interface unit 1 are integrally connected, and the portable telephone terminal 2 and the interface unit 1 are connected. And can be carried together.

FIG. 11C shows a form in which a plurality of portable telephone terminals 2 are set up on the interface unit 1. The structure corresponds to the control signal terminal of the portable telephone terminal 2 shown in FIG.
A plurality of connectors shown in FIG. 0 (B) are arranged at appropriate intervals. Since each connector corresponds to one hands-free type communication device according to the present invention, FIG.
In the case of (1), four portable telephone terminals 2 are erected in one place. Multiple mobile phone terminals 2
Can be used in an office where there is a possibility that the user can use the telephone at an extension, a hospital where a plurality of people work in the same room, a work site, or the like.

Next, the machine side signal processing means 10 of FIG. 1 will be described. The machine-side signal processing means 10 includes at least a first modulator 11, a first optical transmitter 12, a second demodulator 13,
It has a second optical receiver 14. The first modulation unit converts a signal input from the interface unit 1 into a pulse width modulated signal (hereinafter, referred to as a pulse width modulated signal).
"PWM") and the pulse
It is modulated by a high frequency of Hz. Here, the reason why the pulse width modulation is used is that a signal component is not included in the amplitude, so that a limiter circuit can be used. FIG. 9A is a block diagram according to the PWM principle. However, without directly adding the signal wave and the sawtooth wave, the pulse amplitude modulation (P
AM) may be used as a sample holding, and a sawtooth wave may be superimposed thereon. In this case, if a capacitor is connected to the load of the PAM circuit, sample holding can be obtained, and the voltage comparison circuit preferably uses a slice circuit, a Schmitt trigger circuit, an operational amplifier, or the like, but can take any other appropriate circuit. And

Next, the first optical transmitter 12 of FIG. 1 will be described. The first light transmitting unit 12 is for emitting light with a light emitting element such as an LED or a photo diode. From the viewpoint of switching speed, cost, etc., an infrared LED is ideally adopted. The optical transmission will be described with an example using an infrared LED. The signal modulated at about 455 KHz from the first modulator 11 in the preceding stage is:
The signal is input to the first optical transmission unit 12. The infrared LED emits an infrared ray in response to the modulation signal, and transmits the signal to the signal processing unit 20 on the next stage.

Next, the second optical receiver 14 will be described. The second optical receiving unit 14 is provided with a communication unit side signal processing unit 20.
This is for receiving an infrared signal received from a light receiving element such as a photodiode. From the viewpoint of switching speed, cost, and the like, an infrared photodiode (hereinafter referred to as an “infrared PD”) is ideal. In the following, light reception will be described using an example using an infrared PD. Since the received infrared signal may be weak,
The signal level of the infrared signal may be amplified to a level that can be easily demodulated by the second demodulation unit 13 at the subsequent stage by appropriately providing an amplifier or the like.

Next, the second demodulation unit 13 will be described.
The second demodulation unit 13 is a general pulse amplitude modulation (PAM)
As in the case of demodulation, the signal is demodulated by passing the signal through a low-pass filter (LPF). The configuration is usually an RC circuit as shown in FIG. PWM
This is because the wave has a large pulse width when the signal is large, so that the capacitor C can be charged when the signal is large, and the discharge can be performed when the signal is small.

Next, the signal processing means 20 on the communication means side of FIG. 1 will be described. Communication means side signal processing means 20
Has at least a first optical receiver 21, a first demodulator 22, a second optical transmitter 23, and a second modulator 24. The first light receiving unit 21 preferably uses the infrared PD. First, an infrared signal transmitted from the preceding machine-side signal processing means 10 is received by the first light receiving unit 21.
The operation here is basically the same as that of the second optical receiving unit 14. That is, the first optical receiving unit 21 receives the infrared signal by the infrared PD, but the received infrared signal may be weak. The unit 22 may amplify the signal level of the infrared signal to a level that can be easily demodulated.

Next, the second optical transmission section 23 of FIG. 1 will be described. It is preferable that the second light transmission unit 23 uses an infrared LED as in the case of the first light transmission unit 12.
First, a signal that has been PWM-modulated at about 455 KHz from the second modulator 24 at the preceding stage is input to the second optical transmitter 23. The infrared LED emits infrared light in response to the modulation signal, and transmits the signal to the machine-side signal processing means 10 at the next stage.

Next, the second modulator 24 performs pulse width modulation (PWM) on the signal input from the communication means 30 at the preceding stage,
Further, this pulse is modulated by a high frequency of about 455 KHz. Here, the pulse width modulation is used for the same reason as in the case of the first modulation unit 11. P shown in FIG.
The principle of the WM is the same as that of the first modulator 11. As described above, when the interface unit 1 has the form as shown in FIG. 10, the first optical transmission unit 1 that performs optical communication
2. It is preferable that the first light receiving section 21 and the like can be incorporated inside a window formed of an infrared filter at a location as shown in FIG. 10, but can take any other form. The modulation frequency was about 455 KHz,
From the machine side signal processing means 10 to the communication means side signal processing means 2
The modulation frequency may be different between the optical communication in the 0 direction and the optical communication in the opposite direction. This is because there is an effect of preventing interference, cross modulation, and the like.

Next, the communication means 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The calling means 30 includes at least an audio output unit 31;
The voice input unit 32 is provided. The audio output unit 31 refers to a device that converts an electric signal into human audible sound, and specifically corresponds to any device that can output audio, such as a speaker, a headphone, and an earphone. The voice input unit 32 refers to a device that converts human audible sound into an electric signal, and specifically corresponds to any device capable of voice input, such as a condenser microphone or a Rochelle salt microphone. Since the communication device of the present invention is characterized by hands-free operation, the communication means 30 includes a so-called headset or a microphone in which the audio output unit 31 and the audio input unit 32 are provided on the same support, from the ear to the mouth. In some cases, the headphone with a microphone extended toward the head may be used. However, in order to use the device comfortably with as little wearing feeling as possible, an earphone type as shown in FIG. ,
As shown in FIG. In the case of the earphone type shown in FIG. 12, the voice input unit 32 is embedded in the housing of
However, in the case of the still another form as shown in FIG. 13, the voice input unit 32 may go out of the housing of the communication means 30 in some cases.

FIG. 13 shows a communication means 30 of a type that can be directly put into the ear. A portion corresponding to the earphone is the voice output portion 31 and a portion corresponding to the microphone is the voice input portion 32. The calling means signal processing means 20 is embedded in the housing of the calling means 30 in principle,
Regarding the first light receiving unit 21 and the second light transmitting unit 23, for the purpose of performing optical communication, only the infrared LED and the infrared PD part go outside so that The light-emitting surface can also be provided with the light-emitting surface facing outside. In FIG. 13, the first near the voice input means 32
Although the optical receiving unit 21 and the second optical transmitting unit 23 are provided, the present invention is not limited to this location. The support member 34 of the voice input unit 32 is flexibly bendable, and can be appropriately bent so as to fit the shape of the speaker's face. For example, rubber and flexible pipes can be used, but any other material that can be flexibly bent may be used. Further, it is preferable that the communication means 30 includes a driving battery (AAA, mercury battery, etc.) for the communication device. In the above description, the case where infrared light is mainly used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to infrared light, and the first light transmitting unit 12, the first light receiving unit 21, the second light receiving unit 14, and the second light transmitting unit 23 may be used. Any light that belongs to the operating range of an LED, photodiode, or the like applicable to the present invention can be used.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. The first embodiment is an embodiment in which the hands-free communication device according to the present invention is mounted on a car, and the embodiment is shown in FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram corresponding to this embodiment. FIG.
4A shows a mode in which the portable telephone terminal 2 is set up on the main device and fixed on a car cabinet, and its enlarged view corresponds to FIG. Since it is preferable from the viewpoint of stability that the interface unit 1 adopts a pedestal shape in order to stand the portable telephone terminal 2 as a whole from the viewpoint of stability, this embodiment will be particularly described in this case. Such a pedestal may be used. FIG. 14B shows a state in which the portable telephone terminal 2 and the main device are fixed to the bottom of the rearview mirror, and FIG.
(B), but in addition to these aspects,
The portable telephone terminal 2 or the main device can be placed, arranged,
A fixing method or the like can be used. FIG. 14C shows the communication means 30, which can be inserted into the ear of the speaker (driver), and which can be held just by putting it in the ear as in the case of the portable stereo headphones. ,
The earphone type shown in FIG. 12 may be used.
In the present embodiment, the speaker wearing the communication means 30 can transmit his / her own voice to the portable telephone terminal 2 by optical communication, and can also transmit the voice of the other party by optical communication. , And you can talk by freehand.

Referring to FIG. 15, a case where the portable telephone terminal 2 receives a call will be described. First, a response is performed by operating (pressing) a response button (not shown) of the portable telephone terminal 2 or a button equivalent thereto. Thereafter, since the voice trunk of the telephone line is connected in two directions, the state shifts to a state where voice communication is possible. At this time, the voice of the other party is output as an electric signal to an audio signal terminal (jack) of the portable telephone terminal 2 and is input to the machine-side signal processing means 10 of FIG. Here, in the present embodiment and other embodiments, it is assumed that the machine-side signal processing means 10 is built in the housing of the interface unit 1. Then, the signal is converted into an infrared signal through a predetermined modulation, and is transmitted by the first optical transmitter 12. FIG.
In the housing shown in FIG. 5, the first light transmitting unit 12 and the second light receiving unit 14 are provided near the housing of the interface unit 1 respectively, but they may be integrated on a single support. This infrared signal is transmitted to, for example, the first light receiving unit 21 in FIG.
Is received, the built-in first demodulation unit 22 performs a predetermined demodulation, and converts the signal into an electric signal.
, And the sound is output to the speaker from the sound output unit 31 as sound.

The voice uttered by the speaker (driver) in the present embodiment basically follows the reverse process. That is, the voice of the speaker picked up by the voice input unit 32 of the communication means 30 as shown in FIG. 12 or 13 is converted into an electric signal and input to the signal processing means 20 on the communication means side. Then, after being subjected to predetermined modulation, it is converted into an infrared signal and transmitted. This infrared signal is received by the machine-side signal processing means 10, converted into an electrical signal by performing a predetermined demodulation, transmitted to the audio signal terminal (jack) of the portable telephone terminal 2 via the interface unit 1, and To the other party. To end the call, the user operates (presses) the end button of the portable telephone terminal 2 or a button equivalent thereto to end the call. On the other hand, when a call is to be made from the speaker (driver), the user first inputs or selects the other party's telephone number on the portable telephone terminal 2 and then uses a predetermined call button provided on the portable telephone terminal 2 or If a call is started by operating (pressing) a button or the like corresponding thereto, the call can be made by the present call device. The call disconnection process can be performed by operating the end button of the portable telephone terminal 2 or a button corresponding thereto, or the like. finish. By the above operation, it is possible to make a freehand call without entanglement of the line, so this embodiment is not limited to driving a car, and during a medical practice in a hospital,
It is also applicable during the operator work at the telephone office.

Next, in the second embodiment, a telephone number determining means 40 is added to the first embodiment, and the embodiment is shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, which is a block diagram corresponding to the present embodiment, the telephone number determining means 40 has at least a telephone number operation unit 41, an operation switch 42, and a telephone number display unit 43. The telephone number operation unit 41 sends a control signal corresponding to a signal from the operation switch 42 to a pin defined by a predetermined standard in a control signal terminal of the portable telephone terminal 2. The portable telephone terminal 2 responds to the signal,
For example, when the speaker (driver) presses the “UP” button of the operation switch 42, the telephone number data stored in the telephone directory of the portable telephone terminal 2 is stored in the telephone number determination unit 40.
To ascending order. The telephone number read by the telephone number operation unit 40 is projected on the windshield of the automobile by the telephone number display unit 43. This is for displaying and recognizing the read telephone number to the speaker (driver) using the reflection of the windshield or the like. Therefore, based on the same principle as a mirror, the telephone number display unit 43 must have a function of projecting the read telephone number in the opposite direction (in a state of being reflected on the mirror). When the desired telephone number is displayed on the windshield, the speaker (driver) can call the telephone number by pressing the “ON” button of the operation switch 42. To end the call, press the “O”
When the "FF" button is pressed, a control signal corresponding to on-hook is input from the telephone number operation unit 41 to a predetermined pin of a control signal terminal of the portable telephone terminal 2 via the interface 1, and the call is disconnected.

Next, the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that
A call control switch 33 and a control signal separating unit 15 are added.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram corresponding to this embodiment. In the present specification, the term "call control signal" refers to a signal for bringing the portable telephone terminal 2 into an on-hook state to end the call during a call, and a destination telephone number during a non-call. To make the mobile phone terminal 2 go off-hook in order to send a call and respond to an incoming call. The basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, but a communication control switch 33 is provided in the communication means 30, and the mode is shown in FIG. The call control switch 33 can also be added to the call means 30 in FIG. FIG.
The call control switch 33 in FIG.
0, but may be provided at any other location.

In this embodiment, it is necessary to provide the control signal separating unit 15 in addition to the call control switch 33 as shown in FIG. That is, if the speaker goes off-hook to answer an incoming call and the speaker calls a desired destination, or if the speaker wants to go on-hook to end the call, the speaker may call It is necessary to keep pressing the call control switch 33 provided for about 1 second. This is because, as shown in FIG. 16A, when the call control switch 33 is continuously depressed on the call means 30 side, the signal processing means 20 from the call means side outputs a continuously emitted light signal (infrared ray) regarded as a call control signal. Signal) is transmitted.

When the machine-side signal processing means 10 on the receiving side receives the continuously emitted infrared signal, which is regarded as the above-mentioned speech control signal, it performs a predetermined demodulation and then performs the demodulation as shown in FIG.
The continuous signal is not a voice signal but a control signal for controlling a call, and is separated from the voice signal by the control signal separating unit 15 shown in detail in FIG. In FIG. 16B, I of the control signal separation circuit
As shown in the time chart of FIG. 16C, the continuous signal input from the N side forms a pulse having a large width for a certain period of time if it is a binary signal of positive logic. In the case of a normal audio signal, since it is PWM, there is always a level change of 0, 1 or H, L within a certain period. If this change has never occurred within a predetermined time, the signal may be regarded as a control signal for disconnecting or answering the call. Therefore, by recognizing the control signal of such a call, it is possible to go on-hook during a call and to go off-hook for incoming and outgoing calls.

The present embodiment can be used remarkably in a medical institution such as a hospital. In other words, doctors or nurses are required to wear gloves to ensure hygiene in ICUs, nurse centers, operation rooms, etc. where many medical devices are located. If you use a handset, you may have to strictly disinfect your hands again. This embodiment can be used freehand, and the call control switch 3
Since the call control can be performed by simply pressing the button 3 lightly, it is possible to avoid the above-mentioned hygienic problems and contribute to the business. In particular, if the call control switch 33 is made of a material mixed with an antibacterial material, a further effect is obtained. In addition, because of the optical communication, the influence of a malfunction on surrounding medical equipment can be ignored, and the portable telephone terminal 2 of each medical worker should be placed in a place sufficiently away from places where the medical equipment may be affected by electromagnetic waves. As shown in FIG. 11C, the portable telephone terminal 2 is concentrated in one place, and at the same time, the intensity of the infrared light of the first light transmitting unit 12 and the second light transmitting unit 23 is sufficiently increased. , At least the same ICU,
In a nurse center, an operation room, and the like, the advantageous effects described in this specification can be obtained. Here, the first optical transmitter and the second optical receiver 1
4 may be fixed to the same support as shown in FIG. 11C, or may be fixed to a different support (in this case, eight supports are used).

FIG. 19 shows a case where the portable telephone terminal 2 is in the bag (FIG. 19B).
19 is in a bag (FIG. 19C) and when the portable telephone terminal 2 is worn on the waist with a belt (FIG. 19C).
It is an outline figure concerning application of this example of (D)). When the portable telephone terminal 2 is in a bag, a bag, or the like, or is worn on the waist or the like, preferably, only the machine-side signal processing means 10 is connected to the interface unit 1 by a line (code).
From the bag and out of the bag or the like, a more stable call is possible. In this case, the interface unit 1 preferably has a form as shown in FIG.

Next, in the fourth embodiment, a telephone number determining means 40 is added to the third embodiment, and the embodiment is shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram corresponding to this embodiment. Regarding the operation of the telephone number determining means 40,
Since this is already described in the second embodiment,
In this embodiment, it is possible to make a free-hand call, select a destination telephone number and control the call with the portable telephone terminal 2, control the call with the call control switch 33 provided in the call means 30, and operate the operation switch. By using 42, the telephone number of the called party is read out, displayed on the windshield or the like, and the call can be made to the called party of the desired telephone number. Therefore, the most preferable effect can be obtained by applying the hands-free type communication device according to the present embodiment particularly when driving a car.

Next, in a fifth embodiment, a call control switch 3 is added to the interface section 1 in the first or second embodiment, and the embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 and 6 are block diagrams corresponding to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the main unit is provided with an independent call control switch 3.
The call control switch 3 is different from the call control switch 33. Specifically, the call control switch 3 is connected to the interface unit 1
It may be an integrated type, or may be extended by a wire (cord) to the outside and fixed to a handle, a gear, a cabinet, or the like. It is connected via the connector of the interface unit 1. Therefore, by operating (pressing) the call control switch 3, a control signal is sent to a predetermined pin, and on-hook and off-hook control can be performed. If the connection configuration of the pins is the same as that of the telephone number determining means 40, when the telephone number determining means 40 is included in the present embodiment, the telephone number can be displayed on the windshield or the like except that the telephone number determining means 40 cannot be displayed. Means 40
Can have the same function as. Therefore, the call control switch 3 can provide an effect as a backup when the telephone number determination means 40 fails.

Next, the sixth embodiment differs from the third or fourth embodiment in that a call control switch 3 is added to the interface unit 1, and the embodiment is shown in FIG. 7 and 8 are block diagrams corresponding to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, an independent call control switch 3 is added to the interface unit 1 as in the fifth embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the telephone number determination means 40 is not provided, the call of the portable telephone terminal 2 can be controlled by the call control switch 3. In the case where the telephone number determining means 40 is provided, when the telephone number determining means 40 is out of order, the call control switch 3 in this embodiment has a meaning as a backup of the telephone number determining means 40 or the call control switch 3.

[0041]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a communication means 30 having a voice output unit 31 for outputting an electric signal as a voice and a voice input unit 32 for inputting a voice, and a control signal for a portable telephone terminal. An interface unit 1 for connecting to a terminal or an audio signal terminal to exchange a control signal or an audio signal, and modulating and converting an audio signal output from the audio signal terminal into an optical signal for transmission and reception; A machine-side signal processing means 10 for demodulating an optical signal and converting it into an audio signal; and converting an optical signal received from the machine-side signal processing means into an audio signal, and converting the audio signal received from the communication means 30 The communication side signal processing means 20 for converting the signal into an optical signal and transmitting the optical signal. The communication between the machine side signal processing means 10 and the communication means side signal processing means 20 is performed by light. By using a hands-free type communication device, a speaker (driver, etc.) can simply set the communication means 30 (headset) on his / her ear when driving a car, and can use the portable telephone terminal. Since communication between the communication means 2 and the communication means 30 can be performed by optical communication, the result line is not troubled, so that the speaker (driver) can concentrate on driving, and traffic such as driving aside. An advantageous effect is obtained in that the possibility of causing an accident can be substantially eliminated. Further, even if noise occurs due to the passing of a large vehicle in the adjacent lane, the voice of the call can be clearly heard by the speaker (driver) by the communication means 30, so that the speaker (driver) may be unclear. It is free from lack of concentration during driving and has the advantageous effect of considerably eliminating the possibility of causing a traffic accident as described above. In addition, since the voice of the other party can be heard only by the speaker (driver) from the voice output unit 31 of the calling means 30, the confidentiality of the call to the fellow passenger can be maintained. Furthermore, when the portable telephone terminal 2 is used in a hospital, communication using light instead of electromagnetic waves is performed, so that a medical worker or the like in at least the same operating room, examination room, hospital room, etc. As a result of being able to perform freehand communication without worrying, there is an effect that the medical worker can safely, promptly, and reliably perform a medical practice while appropriately making contact necessary for business. In addition, since optical communication does not cause a malfunction due to an electromagnetic wave to a medical device or the like, an unexpected accident to a patient due to the malfunction can be prevented. Furthermore, in an operator's stand such as a telephone office, hands-free (optical communication) prevents a headset from becoming entangled with the headset. In particular, if the headset is an earphone microphone, the hairstyle is not disturbed. There is an advantage that the effect of reducing the stress of the operator is produced, and the work efficiency of the operator is increased. Also, by using optical communication, it is released from the crosstalk phenomenon that occurs in the case of analog signals,
It is possible to provide services to customers and the like with high call quality with high clarity.

Next, according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the light is infrared rays, so that the hands-free type communication device is used. External LED, infrared photodiode, etc., the first light transmitting unit 12, the second light transmitting unit 23, and the second light receiving unit 1.
4 or the first optical receiving unit 21, which contributes to a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the device according to the present invention, and as a result, this device can be provided at a price that is easily available to the public, and the claim 1 can be used. The same or better effects as in the case of the described invention can be obtained.

Next, in a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, a telephone number stored in advance in the portable telephone terminal 2 is read, and a desired telephone number is read from the read telephone numbers. The telephone number display unit 43 of the telephone number determination unit 40 displays the destination telephone number on the windshield by providing the telephone number determination unit 40 for determining the number. As a result of the projection, the speaker (driver) can check, select, and transmit a desired telephone number while continuing to drive the car while looking ahead, so that a complicated operation of the portable telephone terminal can be performed. This eliminates the need for side-by-side driving, thereby increasing safety and contributing to the prevention of traffic accidents. In addition, since optical communication does not involve wire entanglement, the possibility of driving aside can also be reduced to a considerable extent, resulting in a synergistic reduction in traffic accidents caused by the operation of mobile phone terminals. The effect which can contribute to can be acquired.

Next, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, a call control switch 33 for superimposing on-hook and off-hook control signals on a voice signal.
Is provided in the communication means 30, and the machine-side signal processing means 10 is provided with a control signal separating section 15, whereby the portable telephone terminal 2 receives an incoming call. If the call means 3
0 (headset) can be responded to by simply operating (pressing) the call control switch 33 at the ear for a moment, so that it is possible to respond to incoming calls safely, quickly and reliably. In particular, when an incoming call is received while driving a car, there is an advantageous effect that it is possible to respond to the incoming call safely, quickly and reliably while keeping the line of sight in the traveling direction. If an incoming call is received while the portable telephone terminal 2 is being carried, the call can be answered by operating (pressing) the call control switch 33 provided on the call means 30 (headset) with the ear for a moment. As a result, the work of taking out the portable telephone terminal 2 from the breast pocket, bag, or the like can be omitted. As a result, the incoming call may be cut off before the call can be answered quickly, or the portable telephone terminal 2 may be preceded by itself. As a result, it is possible to respond to incoming calls safely, quickly, and surely.
Also, particularly in hospital use, when a medical worker (doctor, pharmacist, nurse, etc.) wears the calling means 30 (headset), an emergency call (request for surgery,
(E.g., support, emergency) etc. as a result of being able to respond immediately without using harmful electromagnetic waves to medical equipment, and eliminating the need to share a single telephone with all parties as before.
It also has an advantageous effect on hygiene.

Next, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, a telephone number stored in advance in the portable telephone terminal is read, and a desired telephone number is determined from the read telephone numbers. In particular, when a car is driven, a speaker (driver) can see the direction of travel of the car by providing a hands-free communication device characterized by the provision of a telephone number determining means 40 for making a call. If it is, the display unit 43 of the telephone number determination means 40 can see the telephone number of the call destination projected on the windshield, can select a desired telephone number, and provide the call means 30 (headset) to the telephone means. By simply operating the provided call control switch for a moment at the ear, the telephone number can be transmitted safely, quickly and reliably to the telephone number. As a result, the portable telephone terminal 2 is freed from complicated operations, Calls and call control can be performed without the need to perform work such as entanglement of traffic, so that the speaker (driver) can concentrate on driving, and traffic accidents caused by distraction, side-by-side driving, etc. The advantageous effect that can be prevented beforehand can be obtained.

Next, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention,
2, 3, 4 or 5, in which a call control switch 3 for on-hook or off-hook is directly connected to the interface unit 1 to provide a hands-free type communication device, particularly when driving a car. In the case of the above-mentioned call, the call control switch 3 can be installed (customized installation) at an optimum location for the speaker (driver) according to the wishes of the speaker (driver or the like). There is an advantage that the operability of the hands-free communication device is improved for a driver (driver). Also, if the speaker (driver) cannot respond, the passenger in the passenger seat or the like can perform an operation such as answering instead, and respond safely, quickly and reliably to the incoming call. There is also an advantage that can be. In addition, when the telephone number determining means 40 breaks down, there is an advantage that the on-hook and off-hook of the call can be performed at hand as a backup.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a basic configuration of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram when a telephone number determining means is added to the basic configuration of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram in a case where a call control switch and a control signal separation unit are added to the basic configuration of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram in a case where a call control switch, a control signal separation unit, and a telephone number determination unit are added to the basic configuration of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram when a call control switch is added to the interface unit in the basic configuration of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram in a case where a telephone number determining means is added to the basic configuration of the present invention and a call control switch is provided in the interface unit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram in a case where a call control switch and a control signal separation unit are added to the basic configuration of the present invention, and a call control switch is provided in the interface unit;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram in a case where a call control switch, a control signal separation unit, and a telephone number determination unit are added to the basic configuration of the present invention, and a call control switch is provided in the interface unit;

9A is a principle diagram of pulse amplitude modulation (PWM), and FIG. 9B is a principle diagram of pulse amplitude modulation (PWM) demodulation.

10A is a diagram illustrating an example in which a portable telephone terminal is mounted on an interface unit housing; FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating an example of only the interface unit housing;

11A is a diagram showing a relationship between an interface unit housing and a portable telephone terminal. FIG. 11B is a view showing a state when the interface unit is connected to the portable telephone terminal. FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a plurality of portable telephone terminals. Diagram of an interface that can be attached

12A is a diagram showing one embodiment of a communication means. FIG. 12B is a schematic view when the communication means is attached to a human ear.

13A is a diagram of one embodiment of a communication device without a call control switch. FIG. 13B is a diagram of one embodiment of a communication device with a call control switch.

FIG. 14 is an image diagram when the communication device according to the present invention is applied during driving of a car.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view when the portable telephone terminal is mounted on the interface unit casing; FIG. 15B is a perspective view when the portable telephone terminal is separated from the interface unit casing;

16A is a diagram illustrating the principle of generating a call control signal according to the present invention. FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating the operation principle of the call control signal separating unit according to the present invention. FIG. 16C is a time chart of the call control signal separating unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view showing an embodiment of the second and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a view showing an embodiment of the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 19A is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of the third embodiment. FIG. 19B is a schematic diagram of a case where the portable telephone terminal is in the bag. FIG. (D) Schematic diagram when the mobile phone terminal is worn on the waist with a belt

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Interface part 2 ... Portable telephone terminal 3 ... Communication control switch 10 ... Machine side signal processing means 15 ... Control signal separation part 20 ... Communication means side signal processing means 30 ... Communication means 31 ... Voice output part 32 ... Voice input part 33: Call control switch 40: Telephone number determination means

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takeshi Itamochi 4-5-18 Mitoma, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture Blue Heights Tamaki 103 (72) Inventor Hidetoshi Wayama 1-9-12 Tsutsumi, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture Jassleheim 202

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A communication means having an audio output unit for outputting an electric signal as audio and an audio input unit for inputting audio, and connected to a control signal terminal or an audio signal terminal of a portable telephone terminal for control. An interface unit for exchanging a signal or an audio signal, and modulating an audio signal output from the audio signal terminal to convert it to an optical signal and transmitting the same; and demodulating a received optical signal to convert it to an audio signal. Machine-side signal processing means for converting an optical signal received from the machine-side signal processing means into an audio signal, and converting the audio signal received from the communication means into an optical signal and transmitting the same. A hand-free type communication device comprising signal processing means, wherein light is communicated between the machine side signal processing means and the communication means side signal processing means. 2. The hands-free type communication device according to claim 1, wherein said light is infrared light. 3. The telephone number determination device according to claim 1, wherein a telephone number stored in the portable telephone terminal is read in advance and a desired telephone number is determined from the read telephone numbers. A hands-free communication device characterized by comprising means. 4. The communication means according to claim 1, wherein a communication control switch for superimposing on-hook and off-hook control signals on a voice signal is provided in said communication means, and said machine-side signal processing means is provided with control signal separation. A hands-free type communication device characterized by having a unit. 5. A telephone number determining means for reading a telephone number stored in advance in a portable telephone terminal and determining a desired telephone number from the read telephone numbers. A hands-free communication device characterized by being provided. 6. The hands-free type communication device according to claim 1, wherein a call control switch for on-hook or off-hook is directly connected to the interface unit.