KR20030070030A - Methods and apparatus for communicating information from a remote wireless device to a cordless telephone system - Google Patents

Abstract

Other devices in communication with remote wireless intercoms and wireless telephone systems are disclosed. The remote wireless intercom includes a transmitter, a receiver, a speaker, a microphone, a battery interface and a body carrying these components. A communication method between a remote wireless intercom and a wireless telephone device includes detecting an intercom voice communication request in a remote wireless intercom, transmitting an intercom voice communication request from a remote wireless intercom to a wireless telephone device by wire, and intercom voice communication request. And connecting the wireless telephony device and the remote wireless intercom to the intercom voice communication session after transmitting the. Preferably, the wireless telephone device is a wireless base station and an intercom voice communication session takes place between the remote wireless intercom and the wireless telephone. Upon receiving the intercom voice communication request, a unique intercom alert is generated at the radiotelephone device.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING INFORMATION FROM A REMOTE WIRELESS DEVICE TO A CORDLESS TELEPHONE SYSTEM}

Conventional communication devices, such as wireless telephones, are limited because it is impossible to receive and use information from various other devices, such as intercoms, sensors, televisions, video camera recorders (VCRs), radios, and computers.

For convenience of description, FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a prior art wireless telephone system 100. The conventional radiotelephone system 100 includes a radio base station 102 and a radio handset 108, the radio base station 102 being referred to as a wireless base unit, and the radio handset 108 referred to as a radiotelephone device. Can be. The wireless telephone system 100 provides end users with wireless telephone communications within a relatively small geographic area. Wireless handset 108 typically includes a user interface, which is a keypad equipped with conventional dual-tone multiple frequency (DTMP) keys to dial a speaker, microphone, display, and telephone number. It includes. The wireless handset 108 may be one handset of the plurality of wireless handsets 104 used in connection with the wireless base station 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of wireless handsets 104 include wireless handsets 108-112 designated as wireless handsets 1-N.

The wireless base station 102 and the wireless handset 108 communicate with each other via a radio frequency (RF) signal 106. The wireless base station 102 is coupled to an alternating current (AC) power source 14 via an interface so that it is commonly provided to homes or businesses. The wireless base station 102 couples to the ground line 116 via another interface, which couples the wireless base station 102 to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) to perform landline telephone communication.

1 also shows a plurality of other various devices. The plurality of devices 120 includes devices 128-132, designated devices 1-M, which are not compatible with the wireless telephone system 100. That is, the plurality of devices 120 and the wireless telephone system 100 are not configured to interact with each other or to convey information. The plurality of devices 120 include intercoms installed in homes or businesses, computers such as personal computers (PCs) or laptops (with or without browser software for the Internet or the World Wide Web), and AM / FM radios ( Associated tapes and CD players) and its associated wireless remote controllers, televisions and their associated wireless remote controllers, video camera recorders (VCRs) and their associated wireless remote controllers, temperature sensors, weather sensors, movement Devices such as sensors such as detection sensors. Currently, a large amount of information is available using a computer in the creation of the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW).

Although the plurality of devices 120 operate electrically in nature and have further wireless communication capability, the wireless telephone system 100 cannot communicate with the plurality of devices and cannot use information from the plurality of devices. Having many different devices that are incompatible with each other can be frustrating to end users who need to use separate interfaces for each device for a particular purpose.

Accordingly, what is needed is a method and apparatus for transferring information from various devices to a wireless telephone system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to wireless telephone systems and other various devices, such as intercoms, computers and televisions, and more particularly to devices configured for conveying information to a wireless telephone system.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless telephone system and various conventional incompatible devices.

2 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless telephone system and various remote wireless devices of the present invention.

3 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless telephone apparatus (wireless base station or handset) and a remote wireless intercom.

4 is a schematic block diagram of a computer and a remote wireless device.

5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for transmitting information from the remote wireless intercom of FIG. 3 to a wireless telephone device.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of receiving information from the remote wireless intercom of FIG. 2 at a wireless telephone apparatus. FIG.

7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of transmitting information from the remote wireless device of FIG. 4 to a wireless telephone system.

8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of receiving information from a remote wireless device of FIG. 4 in a wireless telephone system.

The communication system of the present invention includes a radiotelephone system provided with at least one radio base station and at least one radiotelephone apparatus for communicating with the at least one radio base station. This at least one radiotelephone device has a user interface, such as a visual display or speaker, that carries user information to the end user of the radiotelephone device. An advantage of wireless telephone systems and remote wireless devices is that they are configured to communicate with each other. The remote wireless device includes a controller that generates or obtains user information, and a transmitter that transmits the user information to the wireless telephone system for delivery to a user interface of the wireless telephone device.

The remote wireless device may be a remote wireless intercom that includes a speaker, a microphone, a receiver, a battery interface and a body that carries all these parts. Here, the user information includes a voice signal, and the speaker, microphone, receiver and transmitter are used to maintain a connection with the wireless telephone system in an intercom voice communication session.

The communication method between the remote wireless intercom and the wireless telephone device detects an intercom voice communication request at the remote wireless intercom, sends an intercom voice communication request from the remote wireless intercom to the wireless telephone device, and after transmitting the intercom voice communication request Connecting the remote wireless intercom and the wireless telephone device to an intercom voice communication session. Detecting the intercom voice communication request includes detecting switch operation at the remote wireless intercom or detecting a motion sensor signal at the remote wireless intercom. The intercom communication session may include direct communication between the remote wireless device and the wireless base station or communication between the remote wireless device and the wireless telephone device through the wireless base station. When the intercom voice communication request is received, the radiotelephone apparatus generates a unique intercom alert.

Alternatively, the communication interface of the remote wireless device is configured to connect to the computer. In such a case, an application program residing in the memory of the computer is executed to generate user information, which is sent to the remote wireless device and transmitted to the wireless telephone system. This application program can be any suitable application, such as a scheduling notification program, an e-mail program or a voice delivery program. Finally, the remote wireless device is coupled to various other devices, such as sensors such as temperature sensors, weather sensors or motion detector sensors, to receive user information.

This remote wireless device and wireless telephone system have the advantage of being able to communicate with each other to provide useful information. With a number of different devices compatible according to the present invention, the end user does not need to use a separate interface for each device for each particular purpose.

Described herein are remote wireless intercoms and other inventive devices in communication with a wireless telephone system. The remote wireless intercom may include a transmitter, a receiver, a speaker, a microphone, a battery interface and a body carrying these components. A communication method between a remote wireless intercom and a wireless telephone device includes detecting an intercom voice communication request in a remote wireless intercom, transmitting an intercom communication request from the remote wireless intercom to the wireless telephone device, and transmitting the intercom voice communication request. And later connecting the remote wireless intercom with the wireless telephone device in an intercom voice communication session. When the intercom voice communication request is received, the radio telephone apparatus generates a unique intercom alert.

2 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless telephone system 200 as well as a plurality of devices 220 and a remote wireless device 240. The wireless telephone system 200 includes a wireless base station 202 and a plurality of wireless handsets, which are referred to as wireless base devices, and each wireless handset 204 is referred to as a wireless telephone device, 2 includes radio handsets 208-212 designated as radio handsets 1-N.

As with conventional systems, the wireless telephone system 200 provides end users with wireless telephone communications within a relatively small geographic area. The wireless base station 202 and the wireless handset 208 communicate with each other via a radio frequency (RF) signal 206. The wireless base station 202 couples to an alternating current (AC) power source 214 through one interface, so that it is commonly provided to homes or businesses. The wireless base station 202 couples to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) via another interface to perform landline telephone communications.

The wireless handset 208, which represents another wireless handset 210-212, typically includes a user interface that includes a keypad with a conventional dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) key for speakers, microphones, display, and dialing. The wireless base station 202 may or may not have the same interface or a similar interface. Thus, the wireless base station 202, the wireless handset 208, or both devices can be used for telephone calls and reception.

3 is a schematic block diagram of the wireless base station 202 or the wireless handset 208 of FIG. 2 as well as the remote wireless device 242 of FIG. This schematic block diagram is described with respect to either the wireless base station 202 or the wireless handset 208 because similar components are in each device. In the following description, the schematic diagram of FIG. 3 shows a wireless handset 208.

As shown, the wireless handset 208 of FIG. 3 includes electrical components such as a controller 302, a user interface circuit 304, and a transceiver circuit 306. The user interface circuit 304 is connected to a display circuit 308 for connection with a visual display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a keypad circuit 310 for connection with a keypad, a speaker 312 and a microphone 314. Audio circuitry 316 for use in an electronic device. The transceiver circuit 306 includes a transmitter 318, a receiver 320, and an antenna 322. The transceiver circuit 306 communicates using RF techniques, in particular using frequency modulation (FM) techniques. Preferably, the transceiver circuit 306 uses FM techniques in the 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Alternatively, the transceiver circuit 306 may use other well known communication techniques, such as time division multiple access (TDMA) technique or code division multiple access (CDMA) technique.

The basic operation of the wireless handset 208 of FIG. 3 is now described. When an end user of the wireless handset 208 is connected to a telephone call, the end user speaks to a microphone 314 that provides a low level analog signal to an audio circuit 316 that processes information or sends a micro audible voice signal. To pass. This information is conveyed to the transmitter 318 and transmitted via the antenna 322 to the wireless base station 202 (FIG. 2) by RF signal. On the other hand, the wireless handset 208 of FIG. 3 receives RF signal signals from the wireless base station 202 (FIG. 2) at the receiver 320 via the antenna 322, and the receiver 320 processes the RF signals. To the audio circuit 316. The audio circuit 316 processes these RF signals and provides them to the speaker 312, thereby generating an audible voice signal to the end user. Controller 302 provides general control via transmitter 318, receiver 320, and audio circuitry 316 as needed.

The keypad used for the keypad circuit 310 typically includes conventional telephone keys (ie, dual tone multi-frequency or DTMF keys 0-9, * and #) and control keys. The end user presses a key on the keypad to initiate a telephone call, and the keypad circuit detects a plurality of pressed keys and provides the information to the controller 302. Thereafter, the controller 302 forwards the DTMF key selection data to the transmitter 318 in a suitable form so that it can be transmitted from the antenna 322 to the wireless base station 202 (FIG. 2). In response, the wireless base station 202 (FIG. 2) generates a DTMF tone that initiates a telephone call based on the DTMF key selection data. This keypad is used to change the channel that the wireless base station 202 and the handset 208 use for communication for other reasons.

The visual display (eg, LCD) used in the display circuit 308 confirms the identification of the key being pressed by visually presenting the operation keys. This visual display also displays other useful information such as caller identification (ID) information, current date and time, and current channel number to the end user. Caller ID information is sent from the wireless base station 202 (FIG. 2) to the wireless handset 208 when a telephone call via the PSTN is received. The controller 302 receives the data from the receiver 320 and displays it through the display circuit 308 in a suitable form.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a plurality of devices 220 are designated as devices 1 -M in the figure and include various devices 228-232 that are compatible with the wireless telephone system 200. The plurality of devices 220 includes a device such as an intercom installed in a home or a company, a computer such as a personal computer (PC) or a laptop (with or without Internet or WWW browser software), and an AM / FM radio (that Associated tape and CD player) and its remote controller, television and its remote controller, video camera recorder (VCR) and its remote controller, and sensors such as temperature sensors, weather sensors, motion detection sensors, and the like. Although device 220 and remote wireless device 240 are shown as separate devices in FIG. 2, these two devices may be integrated into only one device and / or main body, which is a remote wireless intercom described below.

As will be clear, the plurality of devices 220 are electrically operated in nature and some of these devices already have wireless communication capabilities. The wireless telephone system 200 has the advantage of being able to communicate with multiple devices and use their information. With many different devices that are compatible with each other, the end user does not need to use a separate interface for each device for each particular purpose.

Referring again to FIG. 3, a schematic block diagram of the remote wireless device 242 of FIG. 2 is shown. In this embodiment, the remote wireless device 242 of FIG. 3 is configured as a remote wireless intercom. The remote wireless device 242 controls the controller 326, the transmitter 328, the receiver 330, the antenna 332, the microphone 334, the speaker 336, the audio circuit 344 and the actuators 338, 340. Include. All these parts can be carried in the body 342.

A schematic diagram of FIG. 3 is now depicted showing a wireless base station 202 (facing the wireless handset 208) operating in connection with a remote wireless device 242. The transmitter 328 and receiver 330 of the remote wireless device 242 are configured to communicate with the receiver 320 and the transmitter 318 of the wireless base station 202, respectively. Preferably, remote wireless device 242 also has a battery interface (not shown) that is physically and electrically configured to receive battery cells that power these components. In addition, microphone 334 and speaker 336 may be a combined speaker-microphone capable of only speaking or listening at any time. In an alternative embodiment, the wireless base station 202 has two pairs of transceivers, one transceiver being used to communicate with the wireless handset 204 (FIG. 2) and the other transceiver with the remote wireless device 242. It is used to communicate.

Operation of this remote wireless intercom is now described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of transmitting information from a remote wireless device 242 to a wireless base station 202, while FIG. 6 illustrates a method of receiving information from a remote wireless device at the wireless base station 202. This is a flow chart.

3 and 5 in combination, at the beginning of the initiation block 500 of FIG. 5, the remote wireless device 242 monitors one of its actuators 338, 340 to detect any intercom communication request ( Step 502). This can be done, for example, by a controller 326 that detects a change in voltage by the actuator 338 pressed by the end user or a controller 326 that detects a change in voltage from the end user walking very close to the actuator 338. The actuator 338 is a motion detector sensor. If no intercom communication request is detected, the remote wireless device 242 continues monitoring. In this state, the remote wireless device 242 preferably operates in a low power consumption mode when there is little transmission.

If an intercom communication request is detected in step 502, the remote wireless device 242 wirelessly sends an intercom call request to the wireless base station 202 (step 504). This can be done by the controller 326, where the controller 326 performs the operation of sending the appropriate unique message to the wireless base station 202 via the transmitter 328 and the antenna 332. After sending the intercom call request in step 504, the remote wireless device 242 waits for a voice communication session to be established (step 506). According to one embodiment, in step 504 the controller 326 sends the message only once to the wireless base station 202, and if the voice communication session has not been established within a predetermined period of time (e.g., 20 seconds), the request. Is canceled, and the method starts again at step 502. According to another embodiment, in step 504 the controller 326 forwards the message to the wireless base station 202 a predetermined number of times (eg, five times) before canceling the request and returning to step 502 again. send.

If a communication session is established, the remote wireless device 242 can connect (step 508) with the wireless base station 202 in a two-way voice communication session to establish a communication session with the wireless handset 204 (FIG. 2). This two-way voice communication session emulates a two-way telephone call. This session can be full duplex bidirectional communication establishing two voice channels between the devices or half duplex bidirectional communication establishing a single voice channel between the devices. The remote wireless device 242 exits the low power consumption mode and initiates transmission and reception of voice information using the transmitter 328 and the receiver 330. This mode may be referred to as conversation mode or high power consumption mode.

In particular, during step 508, the end user of the remote wireless device 242 provides a low level analog signal to the audio circuitry 344 that processes this information by speaking or delivering an audible voice signal to the microphone 334. . This information is conveyed to the transmitter 328 and transmitted by the RF signal to the wireless base station 202 via the antenna 332. The wireless base station 202 receives these RF signals at the receiver 320 via an antenna 322, which processes the RF signals and provides them to the audio circuit 316. The audio circuit 316 processes these RF signals and provides them to the speaker 312, thereby generating an audible voice signal to the end user of the wireless base station 202. At the same time, the end-user of the wireless base station 202 speaks or carries an audible voice signal to the microphone 314, which provides a low level analog signal to the audio circuitry 316 that processes the information. This information is conveyed to the transmitter 318 and transmitted to the remote wireless device 242 by means of an RF signal via the antenna 322. The remote wireless device 242 receives RF signals at the receiver 330 via an antenna 324, which processes the RF signals and provides them to the audio circuit 344. Audio circuitry 344 processes these signals and provides them to speaker 336 to generate an audible voice signal to the end user of remote wireless device 242.

The remote wireless device 242 continues to communicate the voice signal while the controller 326 monitors the end of the session (step 510). When this session ends in step 510, the voice channels established during the intercom session are disbanded, so that voice communication stops. The remote wireless device 242 resumes operation of the low power consumption mode when there is little transmission. This flowchart begins again at step 502.

The wireless intercom method is now described in terms of the wireless base station 202 of FIG. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 6 together, initially in the initiation block 600 of FIG. 6, the wireless base station 202 monitors to detect any intercom communication request (step 602). This may be performed, for example, by the controller 302 detecting suitable specific messages from the remote wireless device 242 to be received by the receiver 320. If no intercom communication request is detected, the wireless base station 202 continues monitoring. In this state, the wireless base station 202 and the wireless handset 208 preferably operate in a low power consumption mode when there is little transmission.

If an intercom communication request is detected in step 602, the wireless base station 202 generates an audible intercom alert signal from the speaker 312 or other device (step 604). After receiving the intercom call request in step 604, the wireless base station 202 waits to pick up the call to be detected (step 606). According to one embodiment, in step 602 the controller 302 receives the intercom call request message from the remote wireless device 242 only once, and if no call pickup is detected within a predetermined period (eg, 20 seconds), The request is canceled and the method resumes at step 602. According to another embodiment, in step 602 the controller 302 sends a message a predetermined number of times from the remote wireless device 242 while monitoring the call pickup before canceling the request and proceeding back to step 602. For example, 5 times).

If a call pickup is detected in step 606, the wireless base station 202 establishes a two-way communication session with the remote wireless device 242 (step 608). As mentioned above, this two-way voice communication session emulates a two-way telephone call. This session can be full duplex bidirectional communication establishing two voice channels between the devices or half duplex bidirectional communication establishing a single voice channel between the devices. The wireless base station 202 exits the low power consumption mode and initiates transmission and reception of voice information using the transmitter 328 and the receiver 330. This mode may be referred to as conversation mode or high power consumption mode.

The wireless base station 202 continues voice signal communication while the controller 302 monitors call hang-up (step 610). If a hangup is detected in step 610, the voice channels established during the intercom session are disbanded to stop voice communication (step 612). The wireless base station 202 resumes operation of the low power consumption mode when there is little transmission. This flowchart starts again at step 602.

Remote wireless intercoms have the advantage that they can be located outside the home or office and used in a wireless telephone system without significant installation effort. In addition, the end user of the wireless telephone system does not need to interact with each intercom user interface, nor does it need to interact with the user's wireless telephone system. Although the embodiment described above includes direct communication between the remote wireless intercom and the wireless base station, it is preferable to communicate with the remote wireless intercom via the wireless base station using base to handset and handset to base communication. It is a good idea to place indirect communication between wireless handsets. In this case, what is displayed or heard at the wireless base station is something else or is displayed or heard at the wireless handset. It should be noted that other various changes may be made as in the above-described embodiment.

4 is a schematic block diagram of another type of communication system including a remote wireless device 400, a computer 402 connecting to the remote wireless device 400, and a wireless telephone system 200 (FIG. 2). Computer 402 is mostly a conventional operating personal computer (PC) or laptop computer with keyboard 404 and display 406 installed. Computer 402 also has an audio interface 412 and a communication interface 414 that couple to microphone 408 and speaker 410. Inside the computer 402 is installed a processor 416, a memory 418 holding an application 420 executing the processor 416, and an audio circuit 422 coupled to the audio interface 412. have. Application program 420 may be any suitable software program, such as a calendar / scheduling program, an electronic mail (or e-mail) program or an audio delivery program.

The remote wireless device 400 of FIG. 4 includes a processor 424, a transmitter 426, a receiver 428, an antenna 430, a communication interface 434, and an audio interface 438. All these parts can be carried in a body (not shown). Transmitter 426 and receiver 428 are configured to communicate with each receiver 320 and transmitter 318 of wireless base station 202 (FIG. 3). The remote wireless device 400 is also configured to receive a battery cell that applies power to its electrical components. In an alternative embodiment, the wireless base station 202 (FIG. 3) has two pairs of transceivers, one transceiver used to communicate with the wireless base station and the other transceiver used to communicate with the remote wireless device 400. do.

The communication interface 434 of the remote wireless device 400 is configured to couple to the communication interface 414 of the computer 402 via a cord and connector 436. The communication interface 414 of the computer 402 may be, for example, a standard I / O data port (serial, parallel, USB or other). Additionally, the audio interface 438 of the remote wireless device 400 is configured to couple to the audio interface 412 of the computer 402 via a cord and connector 440.

Operation of the remote wireless device 400 of FIG. 4 is described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of sending information from the remote wireless device 400 of FIG. 4 to the wireless base station 202 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 8 shows information from the remote wireless device of FIG. A flowchart illustrating a method of receiving at 202.

4 and 7 in combination, at the beginning of initiation block 700 of FIG. 7, the remote wireless device 400 monitors for notifications or other information from the computer 402 (step 702). For example, if the application 420 is a calendar / scheduling program that includes a scheduling notification function, the application 420 may call a time (eg, scheduled conference call at 10 am) corresponding to a schedule event input to the scheduling program. Will generate notification data to be sent to the communication interface. As another example, the application 420 will generate notification data to be sent to the communication interface 414 when it receives all new e-mail messages. Regardless of the particular program used, processor 424 monitors, detects, and receives information via communication interface 436.

Upon receiving the information, the remote wireless device 400 sends a download request message to the wireless base station (step 704). In particular, processor 424 detects and receives notification information at communication interface 434 and transmits a download request message via transmitter 426 and antenna 430. After sending the download request message, the notification information or other information is sent from the remote wireless device 400 to the wireless base station (step 706). Again, the information is received at the communication interface 434 by the processor 424 and transmitted via the transmitter 426 and the antenna 430. The downloading may occur immediately after sending the download request message, or alternatively after receiving a reply of the download request message from the wireless base station.

This computer information method is now described in the overall view of the wireless base station of FIG. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 8 in combination, beginning at the initiation block of FIG. 8, the wireless base station receives a download request message from the remote wireless device 400 (step 802). In response, the wireless base station generates an audible alert message for the end user to hear (step 804). Preferably, the audible signal generated at the wireless base station in response to the message is an audible signal that can be distinguished from the audible signal that is heard when receiving a telephone call or an intercom call. As an example, an alert for a standard telephone call is a standard ring signal, an alert for an intercom call is a ring signal with a unique rhythm, and an alert for receiving computer information is one or more "beep" signals.

The notification or other information is then received by the wireless base station for display in a visible display (step 808). This information may include, for example, identification of the date, time, person and subject of the corresponding scheduled event and may be received upon another request of the end user by pressing a key as well as the subject of the sender and the most recently received e-mail. May include identification of the e-mail message text.

In alternative embodiments, remote wireless device 400 may also be configured to send other signals, such as audio signals, initially processed at computer 402, to the wireless base station. In the case of audio, for example, the audio signal can be received from a compact disc (CD) inserted into a CD-ROM drive of the computer 402 or from a remote server on the Internet. Audio signals are obtained by the processor 416 of the computer 402, supplied to the audio circuit 422, transmitted to the audio interface 412, and through the cable 440, the audio interface of the remote wireless device 400. 438, and may be transmitted from transmitter 426 and antenna 430. Ultimately, the audio signals are received by the wireless base station and / or the wireless handset and reproduced from the speaker so that the end user can listen in a similar fashion. In an alternative embodiment, the remote wireless device 400 is configured to receive audio signals from the wireless handset, record and store them in the computer 402.

Obviously, many features and data are available in the remote wireless device 400 and the computer 402. This includes features such as audible alerts, LCD and / or voice reminders of scheduled events and appointments such as birthdays, meetings, TV shows, audible alerts, LCD text and graphics, and / or updates, income or weather forecasts, Features such as stock price breaking news, sports scores, and voice notifications of events such as email arrivals, IP phone calls via voice, speech synthesis information to review e-mail or web text converted to voice, text, graphics or Handset control and selection via voice menu.

Although the above embodiment includes direct communication between the remote wireless intercom and the wireless base station, preferably, indirect communication takes place between the remote wireless intercom and the wireless handset via the wireless base station using base-to-handset and handset-to-base communication. In this case, what is displayed or heard at the wireless base station is also displayed or heard at the wireless handset. It should be noted that likewise, the various embodiments described above may be made in the foregoing embodiments.

Also, other kinds of devices may be compatible with the wireless telephone system 200 of FIG. For example, a remote wireless device may include an AM / FM radio (including its associated tape and CD player) and its remote controller, a television and its remote controller, a VCR and its remote controller, a temperature sensor, a weather sensor, a motion detection sensor, and the like. It can be used as a sensor.

When used in televisions, VCRs or radios, remote wireless devices are configured to communicatively control the operation of such a device or devices. Here, the remote wireless device may be installed in a TV, VCR or radio, or alternatively connected to the outside of the TV, VCR or radio. Preferably, the user interface of the wireless handset used to control the TV, VCR or radio is the same user interface used for telephone operation. The wireless handset sends appropriate commands to mute and unmut the audio automatically in response to user key actuation, channel change, programming, power on / off, when called or answered or by key actuation. In such cases, infrared to RF converters may be used in the wireless telephone system to convert infrared signals from TVs, VCRs or radios into RF signals, and RF to infrared transducers may also be used.

When a sensor such as a temperature sensor is used, the remote wireless device receives temperature information from the sensor, and transmits this information to the wireless handset for visual display. This transmission is sent only when it occurs periodically, only in response to a change in temperature, or when polled by a wireless base station. Other weather sensors may be used for wind direction, wind speed, precipitation, humidity, air pressure, and the like. The delivery sensor may be used to detect when storing a physical object such as a mail or a newspaper. In addition, the motion detection sensor can be used at various locations that provide alarm and status information.

The wireless handset 208 of FIG. 2 may be a "universal" device capable of operating with two or more such other devices. Here, the wireless handset 208 connects telephone calls, receives intercom calls, receives notifications and information (scheduling, e-mail, audio) from a computer, receives temperature and other weather variables, receives television, VCR and Control the operation of the radio.

Although described with respect to a "centralized" system with a single wireless base station for control and communication, the present invention may utilize multiple base stations having control and communication capabilities for one or more wireless handsets of a "distributed" system. In addition, each wireless base station and handset may be configured to be accommodated or accommodated if desired to expand the system. For example, an end user may wish to own an additional wireless handset in an existing wireless system that includes a single wireless base station and a single wireless handset. Additional wireless handsets with this feature are programmed in accordance with the present invention so that existing handsets and additional handsets operate within end user systems that receive user information.

Accordingly, the communication system of the present invention generally includes a radiotelephone system having at least one radio base station and at least one radiotelephone device in communication with the at least one radio base station. This at least one radiotelephone device has a user interface, such as a visual display or speaker, that conveys user information to the end user of the radiotelephone device. The advantage of the wireless telephone system and the remote wireless device is that it is configured to communicate with each other. The remote wireless device includes a controller for generating or obtaining user information and a transmitter for transmitting user information to a wireless telephone system to be delivered to a user interface of the wireless telephone device.

The remote wireless device may be a remote wireless intercom. Here, the remote wireless intercom may include a speaker, a microphone, a receiver, a battery interface and a main body carrying all these parts. User information includes voice signals, and speakers, microphones, receivers, and transmitters are used to connect to intercom voice communications sessions with wireless telephone systems. A communication method between a remote radio intercom and a radiotelephone device includes detecting a voice communication request in a remote radio intercom, transmitting the intercom radio communication request from a remote radio intercom to a radiotelephone device, and transmitting the intercom voice communication request. Connecting the wireless telephony device and the remote wireless intercom to an intercom voice communication session after transmission. Detecting the intercom voice communication request may include detecting a switch operation at the remote wireless intercom or detecting a motion sensor signal at the remote wireless intercom. The intercom communication session may include direct communication between the remote wireless device and the wireless telephone device or indirect communication between the remote wireless device and the wireless telephone device through the wireless base station.

Alternatively, the remote wireless device can configure a communication interface for coupling to a computer. In this case, the computer executes an application program residing in the memory to generate user information sent to the remote wireless device, and transmit the user information to the wireless telephone system. This application program may be a scheduling notification program, an e-mail notification program, or an audio delivery program. Finally, the remote wireless device can be combined to receive user information from various other devices such as a temperature sensor, a weather sensor or a sensor that is one of a motion detector sensor.

Since these remote radio devices are electrically operated in nature and have a radio communication capability, radio telephone systems have the advantage of being able to communicate with the radio phone device and use their information. With other devices that are compatible with each other, end users do not have to use separate interfaces for each device for each particular purpose.

Having described the preferred embodiment of the present invention further, it will be understood that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as appended to the claims. Those skilled in the art should not define the term in a narrow sense because the terms written in the specification and claims do not have unusual meanings.

Claims (22)

A radiotelephone system comprising at least one radio base station and at least one radiotelephone device having a user interface for communicating with the at least one radio base station and for conveying information to an end user; A remote wireless device configured to communicate with the wireless telephone system, the controller generating and obtaining the user information and a transmitter for transmitting the user information to the wireless telephone system to be transmitted to the user interface of the wireless telephone device. And a communication system. 10. The communications system of claim 1 wherein the remote wireless device comprises a remote wireless intercom. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the remote wireless device comprises: With speakers, With the microphone, With receiver, A remote wireless intercom further comprising a main body carrying the speaker, the microphone, the receiver, and the transmitter; The information including a voice signal, wherein the speaker, the microphone, the receiver and the transmitter are used to connect the wireless telephone system to an intercom voice communication session. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the remote wireless device comprises: With speakers, With the microphone, With receiver, A battery interface used to power the speaker, the microphone, the receiver and the transmitter; A remote wireless intercom further comprising a main body carrying the speaker, the microphone, the receiver, the transmitter, and the battery interface; The information comprising a voice signal, and wherein the microphone, the receiver and the transmitter are used to connect the wireless telephone system to an intercom voice communication session. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the remote wireless device further comprises a communication interface coupled to the computer to receive information from the computer. 2. The wireless telephone of claim 1, wherein the remote wireless device includes a communication interface configured to couple to a computer, the computer executing an application program residing in memory to generate the information sent to the remote wireless device. Communication system. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the remote wireless device is coupled to a sensor that receives one of a temperature sensor, a weather sensor, or a motion detector sensor. A remote wireless intercom in communication with a wireless telephone device, A detector for detecting an intercom voice communication request; And a wireless transceiver for transmitting the intercom voice communication request to a wireless telephony device and for connecting the wireless telephone device to an intercom voice communication session after transmitting the intercom voice communication request. 9. The remote wireless intercom according to claim 8, wherein said detector comprises an end user switch. 10. The remote wireless intercom according to claim 8, wherein said detector comprises a motion sensor. The method of claim 8, With speakers, With the microphone, Battery interface, And a main body carrying the detector, the transceiver, the speaker, the microphone, and the battery interface. A communication method between a remote wireless intercom and a wireless telephone device, Detecting an intercom voice communication request in the remote wireless intercom; Transmitting the intercom voice communication request from the remote wireless intercom to a wireless telephone device by wire; Connecting the wireless telephony device and the remote wireless intercom to an intercom voice communication session after transmitting the intercom voice communication request. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein detecting the intercom communication request further comprises detecting switch operation at the remote wireless intercom. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein detecting the intercom voice communication request further comprises detecting a motion sensor signal at the remote wireless intercom. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein connecting to the intercom voice communication session further comprises transmitting and receiving a radio frequency (RF) carrier signal modulated with a voice signal. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein connecting to the intercom voice communications session further comprises connecting to a communication with a wireless telephone device comprising a wireless base station. 13. The wireless telephone apparatus of claim 12, wherein the wireless telephone apparatus comprises a wireless telephone apparatus in communication with a wireless base station, Connecting to the intercom voice communication session further comprises connecting the wireless telephone device to communication indirectly via the wireless base station. A radiotelephone system comprising at least one radio base station and at least one radiotelephone device having a user interface with a visual display and a speaker for communicating with the at least one radio base station and for transmitting information; And a remote wireless device configured to communicate with the wireless telephone system, the computer interface coupled to the computer to receive the information from the computer and a transceiver for transmitting the information to the wireless telephone system. . 19. The communications system of claim 18 wherein the transceiver of the remote wireless device is configured to communicate the information to the wireless base station of the wireless telephone system. 19. The communications system of claim 18 wherein the computer interface receives the information from an application resident on the computer, the application comprising a scheduling notification program. 19. The communications system of claim 18 wherein the computer interface receives the information from an application resident on the computer, the application comprising an e-mail program. 19. The communications system of claim 18 wherein the computer interface receives the information from an application resident on the computer, the application including an audio delivery program.