WO2000057566A1 - Portable communication and entertainment unit - Google Patents

Portable communication and entertainment unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000057566A1
WO2000057566A1 PCT/US2000/007038 US0007038W WO0057566A1 WO 2000057566 A1 WO2000057566 A1 WO 2000057566A1 US 0007038 W US0007038 W US 0007038W WO 0057566 A1 WO0057566 A1 WO 0057566A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
entertainment
portable communication
module
headphone
base unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/007038
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Diane L. Berkowitz
Martin G. Weinberg
Original Assignee
Berkowitz Diane L
Weinberg Martin G
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Berkowitz Diane L, Weinberg Martin G filed Critical Berkowitz Diane L
Publication of WO2000057566A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000057566A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
    • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
    • H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3805—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving with built-in auxiliary receivers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/06—Receivers
    • H04B1/16—Circuits
    • H04B1/20—Circuits for coupling gramophone pick-up, recorder output, or microphone to receiver
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
    • H04B1/38—Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
    • H04B1/3827—Portable transceivers
    • H04B1/385—Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
    • H04M1/72403—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
    • H04M1/72442—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality for playing music files

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a portable communication and entertainment device and more particularly to a hand-held unit integrating a cellular telephone and audio system.
  • the portable communication and entertainment apparatus of the invention includes a hand-holdable base unit and a headphone/microphone combination in signal communication with the base unit.
  • the base unit includes a power supply and a cellular telephone module connected to receive power from the power supply and functionally connected to the headphone/microphone combination.
  • the cellular telephone module may optionally be detachable from the base unit.
  • the base unit also includes an entertainment module connected to receive power from the power supply and to deliver audio signals to the headphone portion of the headphone/microphone combination.
  • the headphone/microphone combination may communicate with the base unit through wires or without wires using, for example, radio frequency signals.
  • the base unit further includes a user interface for operating the cellular telephone module and the entertainment module.
  • the entertainment module includes playback apparatus for playing recorded audio information.
  • Such playback apparatus may be a CD player, cassette player, mini-disc, microcassette and any digital audio technology such as MP3.
  • the entertainment module may also include a radio (AM, FM, shortwave, etc.).
  • the power supply be either disposable or rechargeable batteries.
  • an indication of an incoming telephone call will be heard in the headphone portion of the headphone/microphone combination.
  • the microphone portion of the headphone/microphone combination be retractable.
  • the single figure of the drawing is a schematic view of the portable communication and entertainment unit of the invention.
  • a base unit 10 has a size and weight so that it is readily carried by an individual.
  • the base unit 10 includes an entertainment module shown as a CD player 12 and a cellular telephone module 14.
  • the cellular telephone module 14 may be detachable. CD players and cellular telephones are described in
  • the CD module 12 and cellular telephone module 14 derive power from a battery 16 included within the base unit 10.
  • the base unit 10 is connected to a headphone/microphone combination 18 by a wire 20 with a removable plug 22 in this embodiment.
  • the headphone/microphone combination 18 may communicate to and from the base unit 10 in a wireless fashion using radio signals.
  • the headphone/microphone combination 18 includes a pair of earphones 24 and a swing down or retractable microphone 26.
  • the base unit 10 also includes a user interface for operating the modules.
  • a keypad 28 is used to dial telephone numbers, and calls are initiated by a send button 30 and are concluded by activating an end button 32.
  • the CD module 12 is activated utilizing play button 34 and stop button 36.
  • the controls of the illustrated user interface are merely exemplary and any other arrangement falls within the scope of this invention.
  • the keypad 28 might contain all of the controls for operating both the entertainment module and the cellular telephone.
  • the headphone/microphone combination 18 is placed on the head of the user so that the earphones 24 are adjacent to the ears of the operator of the unit. To listen to music, the user will insert a compact disc (CD) into the module 12 and activate the play button 34.
  • CD compact disc
  • Audio information such as music stored on the CD will be delivered through the wire 20 to the earphones 24.
  • Any other source of audio information is contemplated such as, for example, microcassettes, mini discs, DVD's, and digital sources such as MP3 players, as well as any type of radio.
  • the cellular telephone module 14 While the unit 10 is in operation, the cellular telephone module 14 is in standby mode and thus capable of receiving cellular telephone signals through an antenna 38.
  • an audible indication (ringing) will be delivered to the earphones 24. The audible indication will either be heard over the music from the CD unit or the receipt of the telephone call will mute or terminate the audio signal from the module 12.
  • the user may choose to receive the call by pushing the send button 30 and swinging down into position the microphone 26. (The retracted position of the microphone 26 is shown in phantom.)
  • the base unit 10 can be programmed so that upon receipt of a telephone call, the CD 12 is stopped for resumption at the same location at the conclusion of the telephone call.
  • the user will push the end button 32 to end the call and to resume playing music or other audio information.
  • the user will don the ea hone/microphone combination 18 and deploy the microphone 26 to a position adjacent the mouth. The user then uses the keypad 28 to dial a desired number after which the send button 30 is depressed to begin the call.
  • the battery 16 may be a disposable battery which will require periodic replacement or it may be a rechargeable battery.
  • a cradle (not shown) may be provided into which the unit 10 can be placed for recharging the battery 16. If a call is received while the user is listening to audio programming and wishes to ignore the incoming call, the user can push the end button 32 which will stop the interruption.

Abstract

The unit includes a hand-holdable base unit (10) and a headphone/microphone combinaiton (18) for communication with the base unit. The base unit includes a cellular telephone module (14) and an entertainment module (12) along with a power supply (16) for powering the modules. A user interface is provided for opening the cellular telephone and the entertainment module.

Description

PORTABLE COMMUNICATION AND ENTERTAINMENT UNIT
Background of the Invention
This invention relates to a portable communication and entertainment device and more particularly to a hand-held unit integrating a cellular telephone and audio system.
Active individuals, including children, young adults and adults often listen to music through headphones connected to portable audio players while running, walking, hiking, rollerblading and participating in other activities. Many of these same people carry portable cellular telephones which have proliferated in recent years and are now ubiquitous.
A problem arises when one is listening to music through headphones in that the sound of a ringing cellular telephone cannot be heard. This circumstance can lead to the missing of important, or even emergency, telephone calls. Further, having to carry both a portable audio system such as a CD or cassette player and also a cellular telephone could result in added weight because of duplication of electronic functions. For example, both the audio system and the cellular telephone will have power supplies, such as batteries, amplifiers and separate user interfaces. This duplication of electronic components could add to the overall weight that the person must carry. As stated above, having separate units can result in missing phone calls when audio programming is being listened to through headphones.
Summary of the Invention
The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of the invention includes a hand-holdable base unit and a headphone/microphone combination in signal communication with the base unit. The base unit includes a power supply and a cellular telephone module connected to receive power from the power supply and functionally connected to the headphone/microphone combination. The cellular telephone module may optionally be detachable from the base unit. The base unit also includes an entertainment module connected to receive power from the power supply and to deliver audio signals to the headphone portion of the headphone/microphone combination. The headphone/microphone combination may communicate with the base unit through wires or without wires using, for example, radio frequency signals. The base unit further includes a user interface for operating the cellular telephone module and the entertainment module. In a preferred embodiment, the entertainment module includes playback apparatus for playing recorded audio information. Such playback apparatus may be a CD player, cassette player, mini-disc, microcassette and any digital audio technology such as MP3. The entertainment module may also include a radio (AM, FM, shortwave, etc.). It is preferred that the power supply be either disposable or rechargeable batteries. In this embodiment, an indication of an incoming telephone call will be heard in the headphone portion of the headphone/microphone combination. It is also preferred that the microphone portion of the headphone/microphone combination be retractable.
Brief Description of the Drawing
The single figure of the drawing is a schematic view of the portable communication and entertainment unit of the invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
With reference to the figure, a base unit 10 has a size and weight so that it is readily carried by an individual. The base unit 10 includes an entertainment module shown as a CD player 12 and a cellular telephone module 14. The cellular telephone module 14 may be detachable. CD players and cellular telephones are described in
U.S. Patent Nos. 5,797,088 and 5,243,640, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. The CD module 12 and cellular telephone module 14 derive power from a battery 16 included within the base unit 10. The base unit 10 is connected to a headphone/microphone combination 18 by a wire 20 with a removable plug 22 in this embodiment. The headphone/microphone combination 18 may communicate to and from the base unit 10 in a wireless fashion using radio signals. The headphone/microphone combination 18 includes a pair of earphones 24 and a swing down or retractable microphone 26.
The base unit 10 also includes a user interface for operating the modules. In particular, a keypad 28 is used to dial telephone numbers, and calls are initiated by a send button 30 and are concluded by activating an end button 32. The CD module 12 is activated utilizing play button 34 and stop button 36. It is to be understood that the controls of the illustrated user interface are merely exemplary and any other arrangement falls within the scope of this invention. For example, the keypad 28 might contain all of the controls for operating both the entertainment module and the cellular telephone. In operation, the headphone/microphone combination 18 is placed on the head of the user so that the earphones 24 are adjacent to the ears of the operator of the unit. To listen to music, the user will insert a compact disc (CD) into the module 12 and activate the play button 34. Audio information such as music stored on the CD will be delivered through the wire 20 to the earphones 24. Any other source of audio information is contemplated such as, for example, microcassettes, mini discs, DVD's, and digital sources such as MP3 players, as well as any type of radio.
While the unit 10 is in operation, the cellular telephone module 14 is in standby mode and thus capable of receiving cellular telephone signals through an antenna 38. When a cellular telephone call comes in, an audible indication (ringing) will be delivered to the earphones 24. The audible indication will either be heard over the music from the CD unit or the receipt of the telephone call will mute or terminate the audio signal from the module 12.
Upon hearing the audible indication that a telephone call is being received, the user may choose to receive the call by pushing the send button 30 and swinging down into position the microphone 26. (The retracted position of the microphone 26 is shown in phantom.) If desired, the base unit 10 can be programmed so that upon receipt of a telephone call, the CD 12 is stopped for resumption at the same location at the conclusion of the telephone call. When the call is over, the user will push the end button 32 to end the call and to resume playing music or other audio information. To initiate a phone call, the user will don the ea hone/microphone combination 18 and deploy the microphone 26 to a position adjacent the mouth. The user then uses the keypad 28 to dial a desired number after which the send button 30 is depressed to begin the call.
The battery 16 may be a disposable battery which will require periodic replacement or it may be a rechargeable battery. A cradle (not shown) may be provided into which the unit 10 can be placed for recharging the battery 16. If a call is received while the user is listening to audio programming and wishes to ignore the incoming call, the user can push the end button 32 which will stop the interruption.
It is recognized that modifications and variations of the invention disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that all such modifications and variations be included withing the scope of the appended claims.
What is claimed is:

Claims

1. Portable communication and entertainment apparatus comprising: a hand-holdable base unit; and a headphone/microphone combination in signal communication with the base unit; wherein the base unit includes: a power supply; a cellular telephone module connected to receive power from the power supply and functionally connected to the headphone/microphone combination; an entertainment module connected to receive power from the power supply and to deliver audio signals to a headphone portion of the headphone/microphone combination; and a user interface for operating the cellular telephone module and the entertainment module.
2. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the entertainment module includes playback apparatus for playing recorded audio information.
3. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 2 wherein the playback apparatus is a CD player.
4. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 2 wherein the playback apparatus is a cassette player.
5. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the entertainment module includes a radio.
6. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the power supply is at least one battery.
7. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 1 wherein an indication of an incoming telephone call will be heard in the headphone portion.
8. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 1 wherein a microphone portion of the headphone/microphone combination is retractable.
9. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cellular telephone module is detachable.
10. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the headphone/microphone combination is connected by wire to the base unit.
11. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the headphone/microphone combination communicates with the base unit by a wireless connection.
12. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the entertainment module is selected from the group consisting of a CD player, minicassette, microcassette, mini disc, DVD, MP3 and any digital audio technology.
13. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the user interface includes separate controls for operating the cellular telephone module and the entertainment module.
14. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 16 wherein an indication of incoming telephone call will be heard in the pair of earphones of the headphone portion.
15. The portable communication and entertainment apparatus of claim 13 wherein the separate controls include send and end buttons for controlling the cellular telephone module and play and stop buttons for controlling the entertainment module.
16. Portable communication and entertainment apparatus comprising: a hand-holdable base unit; and a head/microphone combination including a pair of earphones for attachment to the base unit; wherein the base unit includes: a power supply; a cellular telephone module connected to receive power from the power supply and functionally connected to the pair of earphones of the headphones/microphone combination; an entertainment module connected to receive power from the power supply and to deliver audio signals to the pair of earphones of a headphone portion of the headphone/microphone combination; and a user interface for operating the cellular telephone module and the entertainment module.
PCT/US2000/007038 1999-03-19 2000-03-16 Portable communication and entertainment unit WO2000057566A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US27281699A 1999-03-19 1999-03-19
US09/272,816 1999-03-19
US35836399A 1999-07-21 1999-07-21
US09/358,363 1999-07-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000057566A1 true WO2000057566A1 (en) 2000-09-28

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ID=26955759

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/007038 WO2000057566A1 (en) 1999-03-19 2000-03-16 Portable communication and entertainment unit

Country Status (1)

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WO (1) WO2000057566A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2432758A (en) * 2005-11-26 2007-05-30 Wolfson Ltd Method of operating a digital audio device
US7765019B2 (en) 2005-11-26 2010-07-27 Wolfson Microelectronics Plc Portable wireless telephony device
JPWO2014010635A1 (en) * 2012-07-11 2016-06-23 公益財団法人がん研究会 Fluorescent probe for cell observation and method using the same

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4875229A (en) * 1989-01-11 1989-10-17 Anthony P. Palett Vehicle telephone with call answering and recording means
US5978689A (en) * 1997-07-09 1999-11-02 Tuoriniemi; Veijo M. Personal portable communication and audio system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4875229A (en) * 1989-01-11 1989-10-17 Anthony P. Palett Vehicle telephone with call answering and recording means
US5978689A (en) * 1997-07-09 1999-11-02 Tuoriniemi; Veijo M. Personal portable communication and audio system

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2432758A (en) * 2005-11-26 2007-05-30 Wolfson Ltd Method of operating a digital audio device
GB2432758B (en) * 2005-11-26 2008-09-10 Wolfson Ltd Auto device and method
US7765019B2 (en) 2005-11-26 2010-07-27 Wolfson Microelectronics Plc Portable wireless telephony device
US7885422B2 (en) 2005-11-26 2011-02-08 Wolfson Microelectronics Plc Audio device and method
US8433430B2 (en) 2005-11-26 2013-04-30 Wolfson Microelectronics Plc Cellular wireless telephone and audio codec therefor
US8843227B2 (en) 2005-11-26 2014-09-23 Wolfson Microelectronics Plc Wireless cellular telephone with audio codec
US9666197B2 (en) 2005-11-26 2017-05-30 Cirrus Logic, Inc. Wireless cellular telephone with audio codec
US10504526B2 (en) 2005-11-26 2019-12-10 Cirrus Logic, Inc. Wireless cellular telephone with audio codec
JPWO2014010635A1 (en) * 2012-07-11 2016-06-23 公益財団法人がん研究会 Fluorescent probe for cell observation and method using the same

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