WO1998038643A1

WO1998038643A1 - A mobile or portable playback apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1998038643A1
Application number: PCT/IB1998/000229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Iseli; Susanne Schwarz Raacke; Thomas Kaegi
Original assignee: Ascom Ag
Priority date: 1997-02-28
Filing date: 1998-02-25
Publication date: 1998-09-03
Also published as: JP2001510615A; TW408840U; EP0968499A1

Abstract

A mobile or portable playback apparatus, in particular with a MiniDisc or CD player or with a cassette apparatus, is characterised by a radio telephone circuit integrated into the playback apparatus and a speaker microphone for carrying out a telephone conversation. In a headphone cable (9) which creates a connection to headphones or earphones there is provided a dial (16) with at least one operating key (17.1 to 17.3) for the radio telephone circuit. The speaker microphone may then be accommodated in the dial (16) or pivotably carried by the headphones.

Description

A mobile or portable playback apparatus

Technical field

The invention relates to a mobile or portable playback apparatus, in particular with a MiniDisk or CD player or a cassette apparatus.

State of the art

Small mobile playback apparatus for MiniDiscs (an optical storage medium with considerably smaller dimensions than the Compact Disc), CDs, audio tape cassettes etc. enjoy a great popularity. They have the size of a pocket diary and may be carried around by the user, e.g. on the belt or in the jacket pocket. They are heard by way of light headphones or earphones. Portable apparatus are somewhat larger and have at present small loudspeaker boxes.

From WO 96/39753 there is known a playback apparatus which apart from the known function also comprises a radio telephone circuit. The mentioned circuit is integrated into a module which may be inserted into the playback apparatus.

Description of the invention

It is the object of the invention to increase the attractiveness of the known mobile or portable playback apparatus. In particular the operation is to be construed such that also apparatus with very small dimensions may be realised.

The solution to this object is defined by the features of claim 1. The playback apparatus according to the invention distinguishes itself by the fact that the radio telephone circuit may be operated by the keys provided for the playback apparatus. The radio telephone circuit is accommodated as a rigidly integrated component in the housing of the apparatus. For telephoning there is present a speaker microphone.

The playback apparatus thus additionally also has the function of a radio telephone. The smallness of electronic circuits available nowadays for implementing a telephone does not with this require a considerable enlargement of the housing of the apparatus. From the outside, the multi-functionality according to the invention cannot even be recognised directly. The outer shape may as a result be selected such that the casual observer would not immediately recognise that in the playback apparatus there is integrated a radio telephone. Of course there is no compelling reason to hide the multi-functionality. It is much more to be emphasised that the outer shape is at the discretion of the manufacturer.

The speaker microphone may be integrated into the housing of the apparatus or according to a particularly preferred embodiment form, be mounted on the cable of the headphones or earphones. The mentioned preferred variation has the advantage that the playback apparatus may then also be carried on the belt or in a jacket pocket when a telephone conversation is carried out.

A further variation lies in the fact that on the bow of the headphones there is provided a movable holder for the speaker microphone. The holder may then be a fine wire bow which is pivotably mountable on the headphones, so that on use it may be pivoted into the region of the mouth. After use the microphone bow is laid back on the headphone bow so that it does not disturb the user.

In order to simplify the operation of the integrated telephone there may be provided a dial on the cable of the headphones or earphones, which has at its disposal at least one easily operable key. By operating this dial key for example an incoming telephone call can be received or an existing connection may be broken after the completion of a call.

The dial may e.g. have the shape of a flat, round coin, wherein the flat side may for example be subdivided into several part surfaces (preferably two to four). One or more part surfaces may be designed as an operating key. Apart from the functions "receive call", "end call", further important functions may be implemented in the dial keys (such as e.g.: "start dialling procedure with a stored call number", "switch on/switch off microphone", "file dialled number in intermediate memory", etc.).

Within the context of the preferred embodiment form described further above (that with the microphone on the cable), the microphone may be integrated into the dial, wherein a certain region of the dial surface is provided with openings for the passage of sound. In principle, the dial may therefore be selectively used for operating keys and/or the microphone.

So that the playback apparatus or the integrated telephone may be operated comfortably independently of how it is carried or placed, a display incorporated in the housing may be equipped with an optical deflecting element so that it is possible for the user to view the display from various viewing directions.

A pivotable or collapsible mirror may serve as a deflecting element. For viewing the display this is simply pivoted into the desired position. It is to be understood that the symbols must be so represented on the display that after the reflection they are not laterally inverted (suitable optical deflecting elements are known per se from EP 0 599 130 A2).

Preferably the apparatus has at its disposal an interface and a memory for the exchange of data with a computer. In this way it is possible, e.g. on a PC or laptop, to set up a telephone index (data bank with telephone numbers, names and in any case further details) and then to download these onto the apparatus. Then for telephoning, the desired entry in the stored index must simply be found and prepared for the dialling procedure. For this purpose the user can page the index with forwards/backwards keys (which permit e.g. by a short tapping a further paging by one entry and by a continued pressing on the other hand a rapid search in the desired direction). The mentioned keys are preferably multi-functional so that they may also be used for operating the playback part (MiniDisc/CD player).

Although the apparatus is not equipped with a conventional ten key dial, any telephone numbers not already stored in the index may be inputted. One may change to a function "free number dial" which e.g. may be allocated as an additional simulated position of the stored index. Subsequently the individual numbers of a number to be dialled may be set with the same key which is used for paging in the stored name index. With this, the setting of the value of the individual numbers may be effected similar to setting up a digital watch. Although the input of a telephone number by way of tapping keys is less comfortable for the user (that is when he has to store many numbers), it however permits the minimum of additional keys (in comparison to a conventional playback apparatus). The apparatus can therefore be kept small (since no particularly large number of input keys need be at one's disposal) or the keys may be available in a comfortable size which simplifies the operation.

In the playback apparatus a conventional call signal generator may be incorporated which on arrival of a call produces an acoustic notice signal (e.g. a peep or trill signal). In the case that the operator is just that moment listening to music, it is advantageous when the call signal is coupled into the headphones. In order to prevent the call signal from being overheard, the music may automatically be set quiet or switched off on the arrival of a call. According to the comfort grade of the apparatus, the mentioned functions may be programmable, i.e. the user himself can select what is to happen given a call signal.

As has already been mentioned several times it is comfortable for the user when he can fasten the apparatus to his clothing. For this purpose a clip may be provided on the outer side of the apparatus in the known manner. On account of its small size, the apparatus may be inserted into jacket, trouser and shirt pockets without any problem.

The playback apparatus is e.g. a CD player ("Discman"), a cassette apparatus ("Walkman") or a small pocket radio. As for the rest, a special form of the cassette apparatus is represented by the dictation device which is widespread in business applications. Of course in such a device a radio telephone may be integrated. It is however not to be excluded that the invention is applied to so-called portable apparatus which have a small stereo loudspeaker system.

In the following a further preferred possibility for inputting and storing a telephone number is to be specified. According to this embodiment form of the invention, during an existing speaking connection, with a telephone terminal apparatus a number dialling signal is produced which is transmitted via the speaking connection and is directly stored in the form of a telephone number in the telephone part of the playback apparatus according to the invention.

The receiver neither needs to take notice of the number nor to write it down. It is directly written to him from the conversation partner in the own memory. The typing-in via tapping keys is done away with. The number dialling signal is e.g. produced by pressing the corresponding keys or by deleting out an already stored number.

The number is for example filed in the same memory as the telephone register which can be accessed via a computer interface. There may however also be provided a separate intermediate memory for the mentioned automatic transmission and storing.

According to a preferred embodiment form, with the receiving telephone terminal apparatus (e.g. with the playback apparatus) a recording key is pressed before a number dialling signal is produced by the transmitting apparatus. In this manner it is avoided that accidentally produced tone signals are erroneously interpreted as telephone numbers and stored. Likewise, in this manner it is possible to store the transmitted telephone number in one or more memories which are present.

It is of course also possible to prefix a characteristic code to the number dialling signal, which is recognised by the receiving telephone terminal apparatus and sets the function "store telephone number" in motion.

The memory of the receiving telephone terminal apparatus may be designed or structured in various ways. In the simplest case e.g. there is provided a single memory space for receiving transmitted numbers. When a new number is stored, the previous memory content is deleted. With a so-called comfort telephone there may be provided several such memory spaces which are individually accessible by way of individual receiving keys. If a particularly large number of memory spaces are to be made available, then the telephone may be programmed such that each telephone number on receipt is provided with an identification detail and is stored. This detail may e.g. be a serial number or clock time with a date. Preferably the received telephone number is not only stored but also simultaneously shown on a display. By way of this the user has a control possibility. He may orally confirm the number to the conversing partner. For the same reason it is desirable when with the transmitting telephone end apparatus the e.g. typed-in or deleted-out number is indicated.

The implementation of the method according to the invention does not present any particular problem. It may be effected with programmable circuit elements. If with a transmitted signal, it is the case of a tone dialling signal, then in the receiving apparatus there is incorporated a filter circuit which identifies the respective frequency so that the corresponding digital digit can be generated. The whole number is then stored in a memory.

With the transmitting terminal apparatus it may be the case of a conventional apparatus. In principle it needs no equipping specific to the invention. The beginning and the end of the telephone number may be marked with a special key (e.g. the "#-key") if desired. It is clear that in this case the receiving apparatus must recognise and interpret the mentioned special key. If the number dialling signal is produced by deleting out a number, then the special key is simply operated before and after the deleting-out.

According to a preferred embodiment form the receiving apparatus has a receiver key at its disposal. With this the filter circuit is activated and the desired memory space is set aside.

As long as the memory is designed for receiving several telephone numbers, additionally there may e.g. be provided a counter mechanism (accumulator) for producing a serial number and/or a timer for the date and clock time. These additional functions are also automatically activated on operating the receiver key.

From the subsequent detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims there result further embodiment forms and feature combinations of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

The drawings used for illustrating the embodiment examples show:

Fig. 1 a, b a perspective and lateral view of a playback apparatus according to the invention with an integrated telephone;

Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a hearing set with earphones and microphone dial;

Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a headphone and of a dial with operating keys.

Basically, in the figures the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

Ways of carrying out the invention

Fig. 1 a, b shows schematically and by way of example one preferred embodiment form of the invention. A playback apparatus 1 the size of a pocket diary has a housing with a small box-like middle part 2.2 and two flat rectangular parts 2.1 and 2.3 outwardly projecting in a winged manner on both sides. The two outer parts 2.1 and 2.3 have a slightly smaller cross section than the middle part 2.2, so that step-like transitions are formed. The size of the middle part 2.2 in the present example depends on the size of the sound carrier (MiniDisc, CD, cassette). Both outer parts 2.1 and 2.3 house circuits or circuit parts which cannot be accommodated in the middle one.

On the upper side of the middle part 2.2 there is located a lid 3 which may be opened for inserting a MiniDisc or a CD. In the present example the lid only takes up part of the upper side (albeit the largest). A strip-like region (of a width of e.g. 1-2cm) is namely reserved for a flap 4. This may be pivoted upwardly in the manner shown in Fig. 1 b. Under the flap 4 there is located a display 5 (e.g. an LCD-display) for the operation of the apparatus. According to a particularly preferred embodiment form, on the inner side of the flap 4 there is formed a deflecting mirror 6. According to the position of the flap 4, the display 5 can be viewed from various directions. In particular an observation from the direction I (i.e. parallel to the upper side of middle part 2.2) as well as also from the direction II (i.e. perpendicular to the upper side) is possible.

The flap 4 may be partly transparent so that the display is also viewable with a closed flap 4 (cf. Fig. 1 a). With this, additionally an illumination of the display may also be suitable. With the flap 4 open, a part reflection or (with a sufficiently shallow angle of incidence) a total reflection on the (mirrored) inner side of the flap 4 takes place. It is e.g. conceivable that the display 5 can be switched over between two display modes. In one mode the symbols are displayed such that they are correct with a direct observation of the display 5, and in the other mode such that they are correct on observation via the deflecting mirror 6 (and not laterally inverted). The switching over may be effected automatically, this being dependent on whether the flap 4 is open or not. (With a contact switch it can e.g. be determined whether the flap is closed or not).

On the front side of the middle part 2.2 there is provided a control panel 7.6 with keys 7.1. This not only serves the control of the MiniDisc, CD or cassette player part but also for operating the telephone part. The first mentioned control may be effected in the known manner (selection of the track number, jump to the next/preceding track, start/stop, ejection of MiniDisc/CD or cassette etc.).

For operating the telephone part, in particular for inputting any free telephone number (i.e. not stored), the two keys 7.1 , 7.2 for example may be designed as tapping keys. With this, it is preferably the case of keys which in any case are required for the operation of the playback apparatus (e.g. for the forwards/backwards function of the choice of music title). This means a selection of a multitude of possibilities (that is to say the selection of the correct telephone number) is effected by going through a given index i.e. a stored index, in steps.

On the rear side of the apparatus, according to a particularly preferred embodiment form, there is provided a plug or contactless interface in order to assume data from a computer. The interface may be designed in the manner known per se (e.g. in the manner of an infrared interface as with laptops or data acquisition apparatus). In this manner a personal telephone index may be stored in the memory of the apparatus in a comfortable manner. For telephoning, the desired name is simply retrieved from the memory, after which the allocated number is dialled.

When required also any (not stored) telephone number may be set. The corresponding input may be effected as follows: each digit of the telephone number is inputted individually in that the selected digit in each case is increased by 1 by tapping the key 7.1 and reduced by tapping the key 7.2. For changing between the numbers further keys of the playback apparatus may be used (with the PLAY key the number set may for example be marked as valid, wherein afterwards it is automatically proceeded to the next number). With tapping keys therefore it is possible without further ado to input any telephone number without a ten-key keyboard.

On the underside of the middle part 2.2 a clip 8 may be mounted so that the playback apparatus 1 may e.g. be hung on the belt of the user.

Fig. 2 shows a particularly simple and practical solution. The hearing set comprises two earphones 18.1 , 18.2 which are each connected via a cable 22.1 , 22.2 to a dial 19. In this there is located a speaker microphone 20. Furthermore the dial 19 has a key 21 for switching the telephone on and off. With a further cable 22.3 and a plug 23 mounted thereon, the hearing set is connected to the apparatus.

On carrying , both earphones 18.1 , 18.2 are inserted into the ears. The dial 19 then hangs in the region of the neck. Taking this fact into account, it is recommended to equip the microphone with a suitable aligning characteristic (upwardly towards the mouth of the user). As a microphone, a throat microphone or head microphone may be employed.

Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment form with headphones 10 which are connected to the rear side of the middle part 2.2 via a headphone cable (cf. also Fig. 1a,b). With regard to the construction it is the case of stereo headphones with a light construction manner. Such designs are known per se and are common with conventional playback apparatus (that is to say with " Walkman" and "Discman"). On a light bow 12 there are therefore fastened two earpieces 1 1.1 , 1 1.2. The earphone cable 9 is e.g. connected at the right earpiece. The second earpiece 1 1.2 may be reached via a lead integrated into the bow 12.

According to a preferred embodiment form of the invention on the bow 12 (e.g. in the region of the earpiece 1 1.2) there is mounted a joint 13 for a fine microphone bow 14. This carries the microphone 15. The joint 13 permits the microphone 15 on usage to be pivoted into the region of the mouth in order to create an optimal understandability (with low as possible disturbance noise components).

It may be an advantage when on the bow 12 there is provided a small snap mechanism which can fix the microphone bow 14 in the pivoted-up condition (according to Fig. 3).

In Fig. 3 there can further be seen a dial 16 with e.g. three operating keys 17.1 to 17.3. The dial 16 is integrated in the headphone cable at a distance of e.g. 20 cm from the earpiece 1 1.1. In the present case it has the shape of a large round coin (diameter e.g. 2-4 cm). The operating keys 17.1 to 17.3 are arranged on the main surface (which may be flat or slightly cambered). The surfaces or shapes of the operating keys 17.1 to 17.3 may be structured or shaped differently so that the user can differentiate between them by way of touch sense alone. The largest operating key 17.1 in the present representation has e.g. the function "lift up/put down the receiver". It therefore allows a call to be answered or finished. The two other operating keys 17.2 and 17.3 may make available other further functions (such as e.g. "call last dialled number", "switch microphone on/off", "switch music on/off".

The dial 16 thus contains certain elementary operating functions of the radio telephone integrated into the playback apparatus 1. This has the advantage that the telephone may be comfortably operated when the playback apparatus 1 is carried on the belt or in a coat pocket. In the following it is to be explained how with e.g. a conventional telephone terminal apparatus via an existing telephone line a number can be transmitted and stored in the playback apparatus.

It is to be assumed that the two telephone terminal apparatuses (of which one is designed in the manner of a playback apparatus according to the invention) are connected to one another, i.e. the speaking connection is set up. It is further assumed that the one conversation partner is to inform the other of a telephone number. According to the invention this is not effected orally but electronically.

According to a preferred embodiment form the user of the playback apparatus firstly operates the receiver key. Then he asks his conversation partner to input the desired telephone number via the keyboard (present with the other telephone terminal apparatus). As a result of this the telephone terminal apparatus produces a number dialling signal (e.g. a sequence of certain frequencies). This is transmitted through the telephone network (via the existing speaking connection) to the receiving playback apparatus. The number dialling signal is converted into the corresponding digit sequence and filed in a number memory. From here, at a later point in time (e.g. after completion of the conversation) it may be called up in order to create a connection to the corresponding participant. It is therefore possible to obtain a telephone number from the conversation partner, and to later call up this number as if it were a number stored by the individual.

If the user wishes to set the telephone number obtained from the conversation partner at a later point in time, then he need only press the corresponding "memory" or "recall" key.

The embodiment example shown in the drawings may be modified in various aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. More specifically the invention is not limited to the outer shape which is represented. Also the arrangement of the key panel and the display may be chosen differently. It is advantageous when the apparatus can be comfortably operated hanging from the belt as well as lying on a table. In this context the usefulness of the flap 4 can be seen. Of course it is in any case possible to arrange an LCD display on a pivotable element (e.g. on or in the upper side of the flap 4), in order thus to permit the free selection of the angle of observation. Otherwise the deflecting element from EP 0 599 130 A2 is referred to.

There are various possibilities of accommodating the microphone. Apart from those already mentioned there exists also the option of an integration into the housing of the playback apparatus. If in this context a free speaker microphone is incorporated, on telephoning the user may place the apparatus in front of himself on the table.

The playback apparatus may itself be formed in the manner of a handy radio telephone. This means the speaker microphone is e.g. integrated into part 2.2 and the loudspeaker for the earpiece into part 2.1.

Instead of the headphones - in the context of a simpler embodiment- earphones may also be employed. Indeed with this variation the use of the dial 16 makes sense. Whether then the dial is designed as is shown in Fig. 3 can then be left open. However advantageously with the earphones design, the microphone is integrated into the dial.

The dial does not necessarily need be equipped with operating keys but may serve exclusively as a microphone carrier.

Concluding it is to be ascertained that by way of the invention an attractive extension of the functionality of known mobile and portable playback apparatus is made possible without the apparatus being burdened by additional operating elements. (Additional operating elements have the disadvantage of a considerably increased surface and or volume requirement or an unclear and complicated to operate control panel).

Claims

Patent claims

1 . A mobile or portable playback apparatus, with a MiniDisc or CD player or with cassette apparatus, with a radio telephone circuit integrated in the playback apparatus ( 1 ) and a speaker microphone ( 15) for carrying out telephone conversations, characterised in that in place of a ten-key keyboard for selecting or setting a telephone number there are provided tapping keys (7.1 , 7.2) which are designed multi-functional not only for carrying out functions with regard to the telephone circuit but also with regard to the playback apparatus.

2. A playback apparatus according to claim 1 , characterised in that there is provided a headphone cable (9) which creates a connection to headphones or earphones, and that on this headphone cable (9) there is provided a dial (16) with at least one operating key ( 17.1 to 17.3) for the radio telephone circuit.

3. A playback apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that there is provided a headphone cable (9) which creates a connection to headphones or earphones, and that on this headphone cable (9) there is provided a dial (16) in which the speaker microphone is accommodated.

4. A playback apparatus according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the speaker microphone (15) is pivotably mounted on a microphone bow (12).

5. A playback apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that there is provided a display (5) which with the help of an optical deflecting element (6) can be viewed from various directions.

6. A playback apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that the deflecting element (6) is a pivotable deflecting mirror.

7. A playback apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that there are provided an interface and a memory so that a data exchange with a computer may be carried out.

8. A playback apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that for the operation of the telephone part, in particular for the input of any free non-stored telephone number, there are formed two tapping keys (7.1 , 7.2) which also serve as a forwards/backwards function of the playback apparatus.

9. A playback apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that there is provided a circuit for blending in a call signal of an incoming call.

10. A playback apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that a clip (8) is provided for fastening the playback apparatus to a belt.

1 1. A playback apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised by a circuit arrangement for receiving and storing a number dialling signal which with an existing speaking connection is produced and transmitted by a second telephone terminal apparatus.

12. A playback apparatus according to claim 1 1 , characterised in that there is provided at least one function key in order to start and finish the receiving.

13. A playback apparatus according to claim 1 1 or 12, characterised in that there is provided a memory which is designed such that several telephone numbers together with an identification detail may be stored.