KR100887371B1 - Wireless headset and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wireless headset and a control method thereof.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wireless headset for providing a voice call function by wirelessly communicating with a portable terminal includes: a storage unit for storing an internet phone program for providing a voice call function through an internet network; A connection unit for connecting to an electronic device connectable to the Internet network; And when connected to the electronic device through the connection unit, automatically executes the Internet telephone program stored in the storage unit in the electronic device, and transmits and receives a voice signal through the Internet network to the portable terminal. And a control unit for relaying the device.

Bluetooth headset, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Description

Wireless headset and control method thereof

1 is a block diagram of a VoIP system using a Bluetooth headset according to an embodiment of the present invention,

2 is a control block diagram of a Bluetooth headset according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a perspective view illustrating a USB connection of a Bluetooth headset according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a perspective view illustrating an external memory mounting unit of a Bluetooth headset according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a block diagram of a stereo Bluetooth headset according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 to 8 are flowcharts illustrating processes for each operation mode of a Bluetooth headset according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: PC 200: mobile phone terminal

300: Bluetooth headset 302: input unit

304: Bluetooth module 306: microphone

310: connection member connection portion 312: detection unit

314: USB connection 318: display

320: external memory mounting unit 322: storage unit

324: charging unit 325: receiving field strength detection unit

326: control unit

The present invention relates to a wireless headset and a method of controlling the same. More particularly, the wireless headset improves the utilization of the wireless headset, such as using the wireless headset as a Bluetooth dongle, and performs a VoIP service through a portable terminal. And a control method thereof.

Bluetooth technology is a standard technology for wireless communication at short range and low power between wireless communication devices, for example, a mobile computer, a mobile phone, a headset, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a personal computer (PC 100). , A technology used for information transfer between devices such as a printing press.

As the proportion of Bluetooth on a mobile phone increases, there is a growing interest in a Bluetooth headset that allows a user to make a call with the other party at some distance without directly lifting the mobile phone.

The voice call function through the Bluetooth headset is possible because Bluetooth has a separate voice call channel in addition to the data communication channel.

The general usage of the Bluetooth headset is to store the connection information of each other on the two devices through a series of tasks called pairing with the mobile phone, and then when the mobile phone is called, the mobile phone rings and pairs at the same time. Your Bluetooth headset will ring for a call.

At this time, the user can press the call button on the Bluetooth headset to make a voice call through the Bluetooth headset while keeping the mobile phone in his or her bag or clothes. If you want to make a phone call, you can press the call button on the phone or press the call button on the Bluetooth headset to try the call.

However, the conventional Bluetooth headset has only a built-in voice call function and its utilization is low.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is an Internet telephony technology that supports not only data but also voice using IP (Internet Protocol), which is adopted as a standard protocol in a network. VoIP service using this technology integrates telephone service by using existing IP network as it is, and greatly reduces the line cost for telephone or fax transmission, so that telephone users can make long distance and international calls in the Internet and intranet environment with only local call charges. The interest of the user is increasing because it has the advantage of receiving the service.

The recent VoIP service has been continuously developed to assign a called number which was not possible in the past PC-to-Phone or web-to-phone, and call quality has been greatly improved. In addition, P2P (peer to peer) messenger-based VoIP service, which bypasses the firewall and makes calls available on the web by bypassing the firewall, which is difficult to execute due to security system (firewall) in existing messenger services such as MSN messenger and Yahoo messenger (eg For example, Skeype, Allup, etc.), the user is gradually spreading.

However, since the P2P messenger-based VoIP service (hereinafter referred to as 'VoIP messenger service') has been generally provided through a wired method such as a headset with a microphone or a VoIP phone having a USB interface, the user has a VoIP messenger service. There is an inconvenience to be present in front of the terminal is provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The present invention provides a wireless headset capable of increasing the utilization of the wireless headset, such as using a wireless headset as a Bluetooth dongle, and performing a VoIP service through a portable terminal. The purpose is to provide a method.

However, the objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In order to achieve the above object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a wireless headset for providing a voice call function by wirelessly communicating with a portable terminal, a storage unit for storing an Internet phone program for providing a voice call function through the Internet network; A connection unit for connecting to an electronic device connectable to the Internet network; And when connected to the electronic device through the connection unit, automatically executes the Internet telephone program stored in the storage unit in the electronic device, and transmits and receives a voice signal through the Internet network to the portable terminal. And a control unit for relaying the device.

In order to achieve the above object, a control method of a wireless headset for providing a voice call function by wirelessly communicating with a portable terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention, the Internet phone program for providing a voice call function through the Internet network in advance Storing; Determining whether a connection is made to an electronic device connectable to the Internet network; And if the electronic device is determined to be connected to the electronic device, automatically executing the stored Internet telephony program on the electronic device, and relaying the portable terminal and the electronic device to the mobile terminal to perform a voice call function through the Internet network. Steps.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings, and the advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings.

However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be embodied in various different forms, and the present embodiments merely make the disclosure of the present invention complete and common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. It is provided to fully inform the person having the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Hereinafter, a wireless headset and a method of controlling the same according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying block diagram or the drawings of the processing flowchart.

At this point, it will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and combinations of flowchart illustrations may be performed by computer program instructions.

Since these computer program instructions may be mounted on a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, those instructions executed through the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment may be described in flow chart block (s). It creates a means to perform the functions.

These computer program instructions may be stored in a computer usable or computer readable memory that can be directed to a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement functionality in a particular manner, and thus the computer usable or computer readable memory. It is also possible for the instructions stored in to produce an article of manufacture containing instruction means for performing the functions described in the flowchart block (s). Computer program instructions may also be mounted on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, such that a series of operating steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a computer-implemented process to create a computer or other programmable data. Instructions for performing the processing equipment may also provide steps for performing the functions described in the flowchart block (s).

In addition, each block may represent a portion of a module, segment, or code that includes one or more executable instructions for executing a specified logical function (s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of order. For example, the two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the corresponding function.

1 is a block diagram of a VoIP system using a Bluetooth headset according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The illustrated VoIP system includes a personal computer (100) capable of accessing the Internet, a mobile phone terminal 200 for data transmission using a Bluetooth method, and a mobile phone terminal 200 connected to the PC 100 via a USB method. ) And a Bluetooth headset 300 connected to the PC 100 to perform a connection between the PC 100 and the mobile phone terminal 200.

Accordingly, the Bluetooth headset 300 plays the role of a Bluetooth dongle. In this case, the dongle may be connected to devices that perform different functions to perform specific functions.

That is, when the Bluetooth headset 300 is connected to the PC 100, wireless data communication between the PC 100 and the mobile phone terminal 200 is possible through Bluetooth.

On the other hand, the Bluetooth headset 300 stores the VoIP program. When the Bluetooth headset 300 is connected to the PC 100 in a USB manner and the user selects the VoIP service mode, the stored VoIP program is automatically executed in the PC 100.

The VoIP program automatically executed in the PC 100 is connected to the Internet network 110 by an ADSL or an Internet-only line, thereby allowing access to the VoIP service server 120.

Thus, the VoIP service can be performed by using the mobile phone terminal 200 which communicates wirelessly with the Bluetooth headset 300.

A detailed description will be described with reference to a control block diagram of the Bluetooth headset 300 of FIG. 2.

On the other hand, the mobile phone terminal 200 and the headset described above as a Bluetooth method, but is not limited to this, ZigBee (Rigby), Ruby (RuBee), UWB (ultra wideband), wireless LAN, etc. may be applied. Of course.

The Bluetooth headset 300 and the PC 100 are connected to each other by a USB method, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various types of interfaces are possible.

In addition, although the electronic device that can be connected to the Internet is the PC 100, the electronic device that can be connected to the Internet and connected through a predetermined interface with the wireless headset can be any type.

As shown in FIG. 2, the Bluetooth headset 300 includes an input unit 302 for user manipulation, a Bluetooth module 304 for communicating with a mobile phone terminal 200 having a Bluetooth module in a Bluetooth manner, A connecting member for connecting a microphone 306 for receiving a voice signal, a speaker 308a and 308b for outputting a voice signal, and a connecting member 400 to which a headset including a speaker 308b is connected at one side. A connection unit 310, a connection unit 400 connected to the connection unit 400 through the connection unit reconnection unit 310 to detect whether the speaker 308b has been added, and a voice signal processing unit 316 to process a voice signal. And a display unit 318 for displaying the state and operation mode of the Bluetooth headset 300.

In addition, the Bluetooth headset 300 may include a USB connection unit 314 that may be connected to the PC 100 by a USB method, a USB driver 319, an external memory mounting unit 320 for mounting an external memory, and data. A storage unit 322 for storing, a charging unit 324 for charging a battery, and a received field strength detection unit for detecting a received signal strength indication (RSSI) from a signal received from the portable terminal 200 ( 325, and a control unit 326 for controlling the respective parts of the Bluetooth headset 300 as a whole.

The input unit 302 includes a mode selection button for selecting an operation mode of the Bluetooth headset 300. Of course, the input unit 302 is not limited to the button form, and various forms are possible.

The Bluetooth module 304 is a part for wireless data transmission and reception according to the Bluetooth protocol, and the Bluetooth module 304 is wirelessly connected to the mobile phone terminal 200 in which the Bluetooth module is embedded. When a call is received from the outside to the mobile phone terminal 200, a ring to the Bluetooth module 304 is ringed, and when the call switch is turned on, the mobile phone terminal 200 and the Bluetooth module 304 are turned on. Communication is possible.

Connection member 400 is preferably in the form of a cable jack (jack) as shown in Figure 5, other various forms are possible.

When the connection member 400 is connected to the connection member connection part 310 to add the speaker 308, a voice signal may be output to the speaker 308b added through the connection member connection part 310.

The sensing unit 312 detects whether the speaker 308 is added by connecting the connection member 400 through the connection member connection unit 310 and transmits a detection result to the control unit 326.

The voice signal processor 316 modulates the voice signal input from the microphone 306 into a transmittable signal under the control of the controller 326, outputs the signal to the Bluetooth module 304, and outputs a signal received from the Bluetooth module 304. The demodulator outputs audio signals to the speakers 308a and 308b).

On the other hand, the voice signal processing unit 316 is connected to the connecting member 400, when the connecting member 400 is connected to the speaker 308, the stereo output is possible by separating into two channels under the control of the control unit 326 While processing the voice signal so as to, while the connection member 400 is not connected to process the audio signal to enable mono output of one channel.

The display unit 318 includes a charge display unit for displaying the charging state of the battery, an operation mode display unit for displaying the operation mode of the Bluetooth headset 300, and an operation state display unit for displaying the operation state of the Bluetooth headset 300.

Preferably, the charge display unit is an LED. When charging is complete, the LED is on and the user can easily recognize that charging is complete. Alternatively, the charging and discharging may be displayed through the battery icon.

The operation mode display unit may be applied to the LED, LCD, and the like. In the case of LED, the LED of the operation mode currently in progress is turned on. In the case of LCD, it is preferable to display the operation mode currently in progress.

As shown in FIG. 3, the USB connection unit 314 is preferably a connector connected to a USB port on the PC 100 side. The PC 100 of DC 5V input through the USB connection unit 314 may be used as a charging power for charging the battery of the Bluetooth headset 300.

When the USB driver 319 is connected to the PC 100 through the USB connection unit 314, the USB driver 319 notifies the controller 326 of this and drives the USB connection unit 314.

The external memory mounting unit 320 is a slot for mounting the external memory as shown in FIG. 4, and includes a smart media card, a compact flash card, a memory stick, and a multimedia card. (Multimedia Card), SD Card (Secure Digital Card) and the like can be mounted.

The storage unit 322 is preferably a flash memory which is a nonvolatile memory, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 322 stores a VoIP program, authentication information for accessing a VoIP service, and the like. Of course, it is also possible to store authentication information for accessing the VoIP program and the VoIP service in the external memory mounted on the external memory mounting unit 320.

The charging unit 324 is connected to a power line input through the USB connection unit 314 to charge the battery with power supplied from the PC 100.

According to the operation mode selection through the input unit 302, the control unit 326 may perform a 'VoIP mode' providing a VoIP function, a 'first storage mode' operating as an auxiliary memory for the PC 100, and data from an external memory. 'Second storage mode' for reading or writing, 'Data communication mode' for enabling data transmission and reception between mobile phone terminal 200 and PC 100, via USB connection 314 It controls to perform 'charge mode' for providing battery charging power, 'mono mode' for outputting mono signal, and 'stereo mode' for outputting stereo signal.

In addition, the control unit 326 outputs the received electric field strength detected through the electric field strength detection unit 325 in a predetermined form. Here, the predetermined form may be sound, vibration, LED, LCD, and the like.

As a specific example, when the mobile phone terminal 200 and the Bluetooth headset 300 are separated by a predetermined distance or more, a warning sound or a warning screen may be output. Therefore, the loss of the mobile phone terminal 200 and the Bluetooth headset 300 may be obstructed, and the loss of the mobile phone terminal 200 may be prevented even when the VoIP mode is performed using the mobile phone terminal 200. Can be. In addition, it is possible to grasp the location of the child or the elderly owning the mobile phone terminal 200 using this.

Meanwhile, although the received electric field strength may be output to the speakers 308a and 308b or the display unit 318 of the Bluetooth headset 300, the control unit 326 receives the received electric field strength to the PC 100 to which the Bluetooth headset 300 is connected. The reception field strength detected by the detector 325 may be transmitted to output the reception field strength to the PC 100.

A control process for each operation mode of the controller 326 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 as follows.

1. VoIP Mode

The controller 326 is notified that the PC 100 is connected to the PC 100 through the USB connection unit 314 from the USB driver 319 (S100), and when it is determined that the 'VoIP mode' is selected through the input unit 302, the storage is performed. The VoIP program stored in the unit 322 is read out to be automatically installed and executed in the PC 100 (S102). When the VoIP program is executed in the PC 100, the controller 326 reads the authentication information from the storage 322 and transfers the authentication information to the PC 100 through the USB connection 314. When the authentication is completed (S104), the control unit 326 allows the voice signal received from the Bluetooth module 304 to be processed through the voice signal processing unit, and the processed voice signal to the PC 100 through the USB connection unit 314. Control the USB driver to forward. Therefore, the PC 100 transmits the voice signal to the other party through the VoIP program. On the other hand, the voice signal received from the other party is output to the speaker 308 of the mobile phone terminal 200 in the reverse flow of the above-described process (S106).

2. First storage mode

When the controller 326 is notified of the fact that the PC 100 is connected to the PC 100 through the USB connection unit 314 from the USB driver 319 (S100), and determines that the "first storage mode" is selected through the input unit 302. By communicating with the PC 100 according to the USB protocol, the data of the PC 100 is written to the storage unit 322 or the data is read from the storage unit 322 and transmitted to the PC 100 (S110). Thus, it is possible to operate the Bluetooth headset 300 as a portable USB memory. Of course, at this time, the display unit 318 may be configured to display an operating state by configuring an LED that blinks when reading or writing data.

3. Second storage mode

If it is determined that the external memory is connected through the external memory mounting unit 320 (S140), the controller 326 reads the data stored in the external memory according to a user's selection and stores the data in the storage unit 322 or stores the data in the storage unit 322. The data stored in the control unit 322 is written to the external memory (S142). Here, selection of reading and writing of data may be provided in the input unit 302.

4. Data communication mode

If the control unit 326 is notified that the PC 100 is connected to the PC 100 through the USB connection unit 314 from the USB driver (S100) and determines that the "data communication mode" is selected through the input unit 302, the mobile phone terminal Control to perform data communication according to the Bluetooth protocol between the 200 and the PC (100) (S120). The PC 100 and the mobile phone terminal 200 may transmit and receive data through the Bluetooth headset 300 connected to the PC 100. In this case, the display unit 318 may display the data transmission and reception state.

5. Charging mode

When the control unit 326 is notified that the PC 100 is connected to the PC 100 through the USB connection unit 314 from the USB driver (S100), the charging unit 324 to charge the battery with the power input through the USB connection unit 314. Control (S130).

6. Mono mode

If the control unit 326 determines that the connection member is not connected to the connection member connection unit 310 as a result of the detection of the detection unit 312, that is, if it is determined that the speaker 308b is not added (S150), the voice of one channel is used. The voice signal processing unit is controlled to output a signal through the speaker 308 (S154).

7. Stereo mode

If the controller 326 determines that the speaker 308 is added by connecting the connection member to the connection member connection unit 310 as a result of the detection of the detection unit 312 (S150), the voice signal processor controls the voice signal of two channels. Separating into and output to each speaker (308a, 308b) (S152).

In addition, the controller 326 controls the display unit 318 to indicate that the operation mode is in progress when each operation mode is performed.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the VoIP service is performed when the VoIP mode is selected. However, when the USB connection unit 314 is connected to the PC 100, the VoIP mode may be automatically entered.

Although the wireless headset and its control method according to the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings illustrated as above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, but is within the technical scope of the present invention. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art.

As described above, according to the wireless headset and its control method according to the present invention, there are one or more of the following effects.

First, it is possible to use a wireless headset as a Bluetooth dongle.

Second, it is possible to use the Internet phone service as a portable terminal via a wireless headset.

Third, external memory can be installed in the wireless headset, allowing memory expansion and data exchange with external memory.

Fourth, the wireless headset can be easily charged using the USB port without a separate charger.

Fifth, the wireless headset can be used as a portable USB memory device for various purposes such as data exchange and back contact.

Claims (12)

A wireless headset that provides a voice call function by wirelessly communicating with a portable terminal, A storage unit for storing an internet telephony program for providing a voice call function through an internet network; A connection unit for connecting to an electronic device connectable to the Internet network; And When the electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connection unit, the Internet phone program stored in the storage unit is automatically installed and executed in the electronic device, and the portable terminal is configured to transmit and receive a voice signal through the Internet network. And a control unit for relaying the electronic device. The method of claim 1, An external memory mounting portion for mounting an external memory; The control unit controls to transmit and receive data with the external memory when the external memory is mounted through the external memory mounting unit. The method of claim 1, The connection unit comprises a USB type USB connector. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Further comprising a charging unit for charging the battery, And when the controller determines that the electronic device is connected to the electronic device through the connection unit, the controller controls the charging unit to charge the battery with power input from the electronic device through the connection unit. The method of claim 1, The control unit controls to transmit and receive data to and from the electronic device connected through the connection unit. The method of claim 1, A first audio output unit for outputting the audio signal; And And a second voice output unit detachably coupled to output the voice signal together with the first voice output unit. The method of claim 6, A voice signal processor for processing the voice signal; The controller controls the voice signal processor to output stereo through the first and second voice output units when the second voice output unit is mounted. The method of claim 1, A received field strength detector for detecting a received signal strength indication (RSSI) from a signal received from the portable terminal; The controller outputs the detected received electric field strength. A control method of a wireless headset for providing a voice call function by wirelessly communicating with a portable terminal, Storing an Internet telephony program for providing a voice call function through an internet network in advance; Determining whether a connection is made to an electronic device connectable to the Internet network; And If it is determined that the electronic device is connected to the electronic device, the stored Internet telephone program is installed in the electronic device and automatically executed, and the portable terminal is relayed to the electronic device so that the portable terminal can transmit and receive a voice signal through the Internet network. And controlling the wireless headset. The method of claim 9, Determining whether an external memory is mounted; And If it is determined that the external memory is mounted, the method of controlling a wireless headset further comprising the step of controlling to transmit and receive data with the external memory. The method according to claim 9 or 10, And determining to be connected to the electronic device, charging the battery with power input from the connected electronic device. The method of claim 9, Detecting a received electric field strength from a signal received from the portable terminal; And And outputting the detected received field strength.

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