US20110306393A1 - Headset base with display and communications base - Google Patents

Abstract

A headset base unit (2) comprising a base housing (4), a headset holder (5, 38) for holding a headset (3). The headset base unit (2) has control means (9), by means of which an audio channel can be opened between the headset (3) and a selected one of the telecommunication devices (9, 10, 11), and a display unit (39) with a display (6) adapted for displaying device icons (12, 13, 14) representing connected telecommunication devices (9, 10, 11). A further communication system (95) comprising a headset system (1) and a cordless telephone (109). The headset system (109) comprises a wireless headset (3) with a headset transceiver (51) and a headset base unit (2) with headset base transceiver means (27, 28). The handset transceiver (103) and the telephone base transceiver means (100) can be connected by a second radio link (96) according to the first radio standard. The headset base transceiver means (27) and the telephone base transceiver means (100) are adapted to be connected by a third radio link (65) according to the first radio standard, wherein the headset (3) can be used for a telephone call via the first radio link (66) and the third link (65).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The invention relates to a headset communications system with a base unit and headset.
BACKGROUND
• Wireless headset systems for use in offices and contact centres are well known. They normally comprise a wireless headset with a headset transceiver and a headset base with a corresponding headset base transceiver. The headset transceiver and the headset base transceiver can be connected by a radio link. Wireless headsets following different radio standards are known, but DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) and Bluetooth™ are the most prevalent. Bluetooth™ is the prevailing radio standard used by mobile phones and headsets, and DECT is the prevailing standard used by office headsets and their base cradles.
• DECT is also the prevailing radio standard for cordless phones, i.e. between the handset and its base. DECT devices can be GAP compatible. GAP is acronym for Generic Access Profile and describes a set of mandatory requirements to allow any conforming DECT Fixed Part (base) to interoperate with any conforming DECT Portable Part (handset or headset) in order to provide basic telephony services.
• DECT phones are sometimes sold with more than one handset. The extra handsets are only provided with charging cradles, as the extra handsets are communicates with the main headset base. A system with a main base, a main handset and one or more extra handsets also provides the possibility for intercom features, whereby people in a home can communicate with each other via the handsets. An example of a Cordless DECT phone with two extra handsets is Panasonic KX-TG6411.
• It is possible to use GAP compatible handsets and headsets with GAP compatible phone bases. Thus, a consumer can buy a GAP compatible DECT headset and connect it with the base station of his GAP compatible DECT phone in order to make hands free telephone calls. In this case, the headset base station functions as a charger only, as the headset transceiver communicates directly with the telephone base transceiver.
• Likewise, a headset base unit is a unit, which is arranged between a headset and one or more telecommunication devices, such as a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) desk phone, and IP (Internet Protocol) desk phone, an IP soft phone (installed on a computer) and a mobile phone. The headset base unit comprises a headset holder for holding the headset when not in use. The headset comprises one or two earphones and a microphone. The headset base unit is typically placed on a desk beside a telephone and/or a PC. When the user wants to use the headset, he picks up the headset from the holder and arranges in on his ear or head. The headset can be connected to the headset base unit by a wire or wirelessly. In both cases the user's hands are free for other purposes such as using the computer or handling papers while communicating via the headset.
• GN 9350 is an office headset system comprising a headset base unit to be placed on a desk surface and a wireless headset, which can be placed in a headset holder of the headset base unit when not in use. The headset is recharged when placed in the holder. The headset base unit can be simultaneously connected to a desk phone, which can be a PSTN phone or an IP Phone, and a USB socket on a PC. The headset base unit comprises a “telephone mode” button and a “USB mode” button. When the user wants to make or receive a telephone call via the desk phone, he presses the “telephone mode” button. If the user wants to make or receive a call via a soft phone installed on the PC, he presses the “USB mode” button. The buttons are so-called momentary buttons and small indicator LED is arranged at each button. When the button is pressed, the associated LED is turned on, so the user can identify the chosen telecommunication device. This system works well, as the user by means of the LED easily can identify the selected telecommunication terminal.
SUMMARY
• In one embodiment there is provided a new and advantageous communication system comprising a phone base, a cordless handset, a headset base and a cordless headset.
• The communications system having, in that the headset base transceiver means and the telephone base transceiver means are adapted to be connected by a third radio link according to the first radio standard, wherein the headset can be used for a telephone call via the first radio link and the third link. With such a system, it is possible to connect a headset system to a cordless telephone and still make use of headset base features, such as advanced user interfaces, headset base connectivity, status information indicators etc.
• According to another embodiment, also the first radio link follows the first radio standard.
• The first radio standard can be the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications standard (DECT). DECT was developed by European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
• Preferably, the headset base unit and the telephone base unit are GAP compatible. This ensures an easy exchange of parts of the system. The user can for example buy a new headset system to his existing cordless telephone or vice versa.
• The headset base transceiver means may comprise a first headset base transceiver, which is adapted to connect to the headset transceiver, and a second headset base transceiver, which is adapted to connect to the telephone base transceiver means. In this case, there is more freedom in configuring the different transceivers as master or slave.
• Preferably, the second headset base transceiver is configured as slave and the telephone transceiver means as master.
• According to a preferred embodiment, the headset base unit it is simultaneously connectable to additional telecommunication devices.
• Preferably, the headset base unit is adapted to be able to instruct a connected telecommunication device to initiate an outgoing call. Thus, the user does not have to use the connected telecommunication device in order to initiate a call.
• The headset base may comprise a base user interface. A great advantage with this is that the user, while wearing the headset, can use the interface while looking at it, which is not the case with a user interface on the headset.
• According to a preferred embodiment, the headset base unit comprises a display.
• In a particularly preferred embodiment, the display is a touch-screen display, which makes up a user interface.
• According to a preferred embodiment, the speaker volume, microphone volume, and speaker equalisation can be adjusted by means of the touch-screen display.
• The touch-screen display may be adapted to display a keypad for dialling a telephone number.
• The headset base unit may be adapted to store a call list or phone book and show this call list or phone book on the display, such that the user can initiate an outgoing call by selecting a contact from the call list or phone book.
• Preferably, the display is adapted to show information about caller identity or callee identity.
• In addition, the headset base can be adapted to show information about the charging status of the headset battery.
• In another embodiment there is disclosed a more flexible identification system.
• The headset base unit according to the invention is characterised in a display unit with a display adapted for displaying device icons representing connected telecommunication devices.
• The display gives the advantage that the user easily can identify which telecommunication terminal is connected to the headset base unit. For example, if a desk phone is connected, an icon clearly indicates this. Furthermore, the graphic software can be upgraded for future needs and or changed for different utilities.
• According to a preferred embodiment, the headset base unit is simultaneously connectable to more than one telecommunication device. In this case, a device icon for each telecommunication device on the display makes it easy for the user to identify the connected telecommunication devices.
• Preferably, the device icons change appearance, when the represented telecommunication device is selected.
• According to an embodiment, the display is a touch-screen display. In this case, the numbers of mechanical buttons and pointing devices can be reduced or omitted. This saves manufacturing costs and improves the design possibilities, as the base housing can be designed slim and minimalistic. Thus, the touch-screen display forms, in whole or in part, a user interface of the headset base unit.
• Preferably, a telecommunication device can be selected by touching the device icon representing the telecommunication device. For example, if a call is received by the desk phone, the user can easily choose to open an audio channel between the headset base unit and the desk phone by touching the device icon representing the desk phone.
• According to a preferred embodiment, one or more of headset speaker volume, microphone volume, and speaker equalisation can be adjusted by means of the touch-screen display.
• Preferably, the device icons change appearance in dependence on the call status, such as incoming call, on call and on hold, of the represented telecommunication device. Thus, the user can easily identify the call status of the connected telecommunication devices. It also reduces the number of erroneous actions by the user. If there is an incoming call on a connected PC soft phone, a device icon on the display clearly indicates this, and intuitively the user will receive the call by touching this icon.
• According to an embodiment, a caller identity icon is shown when a device icon signals an incoming call. The caller identity icon can show the telephone number or name of the calling party.
• According to a preferred embodiment, the headset base unit comprises a first base transceiver for wireless connectivity to a wireless headset comprising a headset transceiver. Such a wireless solution provides more freedom, as the user can walk around in the office and even into another room when talking through the headset. A transceiver is a combined transmitter and receiver with common circuitry. However, a transmitter-receiver with no common circuitry can also be used.
• If the headset is wireless, the holder may comprise charging terminals for charging a rechargeable battery of the headset, when the headset is received by the holder.
• Preferably, the display is able to show battery status of the headset. The status may be sent from the headset to the headset base unit during use of the headset, or the headset base unit may be updated every time the headset is received by the holder.
• In an alternative embodiment, the headset and the base unit are connected by means of a wire. According to an embodiment, the headset base unit is adapted to be able to instruct a connected telecommunication device to initiate an outgoing call. In this case, the user does not need to manipulate the telecommunication device itself.
• In a preferred embodiment, the touch-screen display is adapted to display a keypad for dialling a telephone number. In this case, the user dials the number by touching the relevant number icons on the touch-screen display.
• In another embodiment, the headset base unit is adapted to store a call list or phone book and show this call list or phone book on the display, wherein the user can initiate an outgoing call by selecting a contact from the call list or phone book. If a touch-screen display is employed, the user can select the contact by simply touching it on the display.
• The display device may be hingedly connected to the housing, so that it can be tilted. Then it can be adjusted for the best viewing angle.
• According to an embodiment, the headset holder is a part of a headset holder unit, which is an adjustable or releasable part of the headset base unit. In this case, the holder may be adjusted to hold the headset in the most appropriate position or the holder may be replaced by another holder unit, which is adapted for a headset of another type.
• According to an embodiment, the headset holder or headset holder unit is rotatable about an essentially vertical axis, when the headset base unit stands on an essentially horizontal surface. This is a simple and effective solution.
• The holder unit may be arranged beside the display device.
• According to an embodiment, the headset base unit comprises a second transceiver or transmitter-receiver for wireless communication with a telecommunication terminal comprising a corresponding transceiver or transmitter-receiver. The second transceiver could be a Bluetooth transceiver or transmitter-receiver, which is connectable to a mobile phone also comprising a Bluetooth transceiver or transmitter-receiver. The headset base unit according to the invention with a second transceiver or transmitter-receiver may be without a display.
• The invention also relates to a headset system comprising a headset base unit and a headset to be held by the headset holder when not in use.
• The headset system may be wired or wireless, which means that the connection between the headset base unit and the headset can be wired or wireless.
• The disclosure also induces a method of setting up a headset base unit according toclaim1, wherein the display instructs the user to one or more of the following:
• • connect the headset base unit to telecommunication devices
  • configuring interface wiring between telephone and headset base unit,
  • microphone level setup
• The display instructions can be assisted by voice tags.
• The various embodiments can also be combined together into multiple permuations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention is explained in detail below with reference to the drawing illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and in which
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a headset system comprising a headset base unit and a headset arranged on a headset holder of the headset base unit,
• FIG. 2 the headset base unit of the system ofFIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 the headset base unit, where a headset holder unit is released from the remainder of the headset base unit,
• FIG. 4 the headset system with the headset holder unit is in a second position,
• FIG. 5 a second embodiment of a headset system,
• FIG. 6 the headset of the first embodiment,
• FIG. 7 a diagram showing the headset system according to the invention connected to three different telecommunication devices,
• FIG. 8 different views of the display during use of the headset system,
• FIG. 9 different views of the display during adjustment of call options, and
• FIG. 10 different views of the display during setup of the headset system,
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a general communication system,
• FIG. 12 is a diagram showing some of the main elements of the different parts of the telecommunication system according to a first embodiment, and
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing some of the main elements of the different parts of a second embodiment of a telecommunication system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• At various places in this disclosure the term “means” is used. It is a convenience but not intended to be interpreted under 35USC sec103 sixth paragraph as a “means+function” statement. Rather, “means” in this instance refers to the structures stated and equivalents thereof.
• FIG. 1 discloses aheadset system1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The headset system comprises aheadset base unit2 and awireless headset3. Theheadset base unit2 comprises ahousing4, aheadset holder5 and adisplay device39 with a touch-screen display6. The display device is a part of or physically connected to thehousing4. When not in use, theheadset3 is arranged on theheadset holder5, as shown inFIG. 1. Theheadset3 comprises anearphone housing54, amicrophone arm30aextending from theearphone housing54 and aheadband29a, which extends from theearphone housing54 and comprises a T-shapedendpiece31 at the opposite free end.
• InFIG. 2, theheadset3 is removed from theheadset base unit2. The upper side of theheadset holder5 comprises chargingterminals30 for recharging the battery of theheadset3, when the latter is received by theheadset holder5. Thedisplay device39 is step-less adjustable from 0° to 90° along thearrow55. his is made possible through a friction hinge. Thus, the user can adjust thedisplay device39 to an appropriate viewing angle. In the 0° position (not shown), thedisplay device29 is received in arecess37 in thebase housing4, so that it flushes with the upper side of thebase housing4. InFIG. 2, thedisplay device39 is positioned at an angle between 0° and 90°.
• InFIG. 3, it is showed that aholder unit56 comprising theheadset holder5 and abottom part35 can be lifted out of a receivinghole36 in thebase housing4. By turning theholder unit56 90° along thearrow57 about a vertical axis and return it to the receivinghole36, theheadset holder5 can be adjusted from “right ear position” shown inFIG. 1 to a “left ear position” shown inFIG. 4. In the “right ear position” (FIG. 1), the user can easily grab theheadset3 with his right hand and put it on his head so that theearphone54 is placed on the right ear. In the “left ear position” (FIG. 4), the user can easily grab theheadset3 with his left hand and arrange it on his head so that theearphone54 is placed on his left ear. A preferred embodiment would have a symmetric connector which worked in any of 4-90 degree rotated positions, or the connector itself was rotatable. In the case of a symmetric connector, the connections would be mirror imaged 2 or 4 times to allow for 90 or 180 degree rotations. Electrical contact between theheadset holder unit56 and the remainder of theheadset base unit2 can be maintained during adjustment by means of a not shown wire on pluggable connector. Alternatively contact terminals could be provided onbottom part35 of theholder unit56 and in the receivinghole36 so that electrical contact is established in the selected adjustment position.
• In an alternative embodiment, theheadset holder5 could be rotatably mounted, so that it could be rotated about a vertical axis without being removed from theheadset base unit2. In that case, the connector would allow for rotation and thebase35 and receivinghole36 would be circular. In the non circular configuration as shown, the preferred embodiment is square so that the based can be inserted in any of 4-90 degree rotated positions. Likewise,base35 may comprises a plurality of base units configured to be swapped out with different style headset cradles/chargers from the same manufacturer or competitive products so that thebase housing4 can be used for many different headset or cell phone products.FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative swap-out unit.
• Theholder unit56 can also be replaced by another holder unit. This is advantageous as theheadset base unit2 then can be adapted for use with another headset. InFIG. 5 is shown a second embodiment of theheadset system94 according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment by theholder unit38 being adapted for a different type ofwireless headset32. Thus, theholder unit38 according to the second embodiment does not comprise an upwardly extending headset holder but simply a receiving hole in the top surface. Theheadset32 according to the second embodiment comprises aheadset housing61, anearbud34 to be inserted into the ear and anear hook33 to be arranged around the outer ear of the user. The user interface of theheadset32 comprises amulti-function button52 and an elongatevolume touch button53. The user can inter alia receive and end calls by pressing themulti-function button52 and adjust the headset volume by sliding a finger along thevolume button53. Thus, the user turns the volume up by sliding the finger in one direction and turns the volume down by sliding the finger in the opposite direction. In this embodiment, the charging connection in thebase38 engages with theheadset61 which has an opening at its distal end which received a charging contact. This opening can operate as a charging port and microphone passage way (ie a passageway into a chamber housing the microphone, so that the port performs two functions
• FIG. 6 discloses theheadset3 according to the first embodiment. As indicated with thearrow58, themicrophone arm30acan be rotated about an axis essentially perpendicular to the large outer surface of theearphone54 in order to point it in the direction of the user's mouth and to adjust theheadset3 from left ear use to right ear use and vice versa. InFIG. 6, theheadset3 is adjusted to left ear use. Theheadband29acomprises afirst headband part59 and asecond headband part60. Thesecond headband60 part is telescopically received in thefirst headband part59, so that the length of theheadband29acan be adjusted to the size of the user's head. On the outer side of the microphone arm and within the outer boundary of theearphone54, theheadset3 comprises an elongatevolume touch button53. The user can adjust the speaker volume by sliding the finger in the lengthwise direction of thetouch button53 as explained in connection with the second embodiment. The circumferential surface of theearphone54 comprises amulti-function button52 for inter alia receiving and ending calls.
• FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how a headset system according to the invention can be connected to a number of telecommunication terminals. Theheadset base unit2 comprises abase processor29, afirst connection device7, asecond connection device8, afirst transceiver27, asecond transceiver28 and atouch screen display6. Theheadset base unit2 is by means of thefirst connection device7 connected to a desk phone (PSTN)9, aPC10 and amobile phone11. Thedesk phone9 and thePC10 are connected bywires63,64 to theconnection device7. The wire betweenPC10 and thebase unit2 is aUSB cable64. Thefirst connection device7 also comprises anantenna43 by means of which awireless connection65 to themobile phone11 is established. This wireless connection is established by means of thesecond transceiver28 and a corresponding transceiver (not shown) in the mobile phone. The wireless connection follows the Bluetooth standard, which means that thesecond transceiver28 is a Bluetooth transceiver. However, other standards such as DECT could be utilized. The headset base unit comprises a speaker (not shown inFIG. 7) for generating an audible feedback to the user when operating the touch display. The speaker will also be used to signal an incoming soft phone call.
• Thesecond connection device8 also comprises anantenna44. Awireless connection66 between theheadset base unit2 and theheadset3 is established by means of thefirst transceiver27 and theantenna44. The user interface of theheadset base2 comprises thetouch screen display6, which will be described later in detail.
• Theheadset3 comprises aheadset processor48, aheadset connection device46 with anantenna45, aheadset transceiver51, a speaker49 amicrophone50 and auser interface47. Theuser interface47 comprises the multi-function52 button and thetouch volume button53. Thewireless connection66 between theheadset3 and theheadset base unit2 follows the DECT standard. However, other standards, such as Bluetooth could be used. If Bluetooth is used, theheadset3 could be simultaneously connected to another Bluetooth device, such as themobile phone11. The headset shown inFIG. 3 is especially suitable for such a solution, as it is compact and easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
• FIG. 8 shows different views of the touch screen display during use of the headset system according to the invention. A touch screen display normally comprises a flat screen display, which is based on LCD, TFT, OLED or other technology and is covered with a transparent touch panel. The touch panel is normally a so-called capacitive or resistive panel. However, other touch panel technologies can be applied. The touch screen display can show different areas, “widgets” or icons, the user can touch in order to control the headset system. In the following, thedisplay6 is shown for typical situations during use of a headset system according to the invention connected to a desk phone, a PC and a mobile phone.
• FIG. 8a) “Normal Idle Situation”
• In the idle mode situation shown inFIG. 8a), the headset is in idle mode, i.e. there are no active calls. The upper area of the screen is called the “status bar” and comprises aheadset icon15, abattery level icon16 and asetup icon17 represented by a small wrench. Theheadset icon15 indicates that the headset and the headset base unit are connected. Thebattery level icon17 indicates the battery level of the rechargeable battery of the headset. Thelarge icon12 showing a desk phone with the handset in the cradle is named thetarget phone icon12. An outgoing call made from the headset or the headset base unit is made from the telecommunication device selected as “target phone”. Below the large “target phone”icon12 there is a “button stack” with two smaller icons: a mobile phone icon13 and a PC icon14: These icons indicate that these telecommunication devices are also connected to the headset base unit. If the user touches the mobile phone icon13, thetarget phone icon12 changes from a desk phone icon to a mobile phone icon, while a smaller desk phone icon will appear in the button stack. In the lower part of the screen, there are afirst handset icon18 and asecond handset icon19, which are used for receiving and ending calls. It does not appear form the drawing, but thefirst handset icon18 is green and thesecond handset19 icon is red.
• FIG. 8b) “Ringing”
• In the ringing situation shown inFIG. 8b), there is an incoming call on the mobile phone, which is indicated by anincoming call icon40 with animated symbols representing sound waves. Thus, the user's attention is drawn to the display. If the user wants to receive the call, he touches thefirst handset icon18, and if he wants to reject the call, he touches thesecond handset icon19.
• FIG. 8c) “On Call”
• FIG. 8c) disclose the screen when there is an active call on the desk phone. The active call is indicted by an on call icon41 showing a sound wave symbol at the speaker of the lifted handset.
• During an active call, thesetup icon17 has changed to acall option icon67, represented by a small speaker with a sound wave symbol. By touching this icon, the user gets access to various call adjustments shown inFIG. 9. A “recording”icon42 shown in the status bar indicates that a call via the PC soft phone is recorded on the PC. However, there could also be a recording function built into theheadset base unit2, so that calls through any of the connected telecommunication devices could be recorded.
• FIG. 8d) “Call Collision”
• FIG. 8d) discloses what is called a “call collision scenario”. There is an active call on the desk phone and an incoming call on the mobile phone. The caller ID24 of the caller on the mobile phone is shown on the screen just below the status bar. The caller ID is normally a phone number or the name of the calling party. The user now has two options represented by a firstcall collision icon68 and a secondcall collision icon69. If he touches thefirst icon68, he rejects the incoming call on the mobile phone and continues the call on the desk phone. If he touches thesecond icon69, he ends the call on the desk phone and receives the incoming call on the mobile phone.
• FIG. 8e) “On Call/Hold”
• InFIG. 8e) a call on the mobile phone is put on hold, which is indicated by the onhold icon20. By simply touching the onhold icon20, the user can make the call active again. By touching the icon representing the active call (seeFIG. 8c)), the user can put the call on hold again.
• FIG. 8f) “On Call/Incoming Call on Same Line”
• InFIG. 8f), the user has an active call on the mobile phone while there is an incoming call on the same phone. He now has three options represented by a first incoming call icon21, a second incoming call icon22 and a thirdincoming call icon23. If he selects the first icon21, he continues the active call and rejects the incoming call. If he selects the second icon22, he ends the active call and receives the incoming call. If he selects thethird icon23, he puts the active call on hold and receives the incoming call.
• FIG. 8g) “N-Way Call”
• InFIG. 8g), the user has a call on hold on the PC soft phone, represented by the on hold icon25, and an active call on the PC soft phone, represented by the on call icon26. Between these two icons25,26 there is a swap icon62. The user can swap between the two calls, i.e. put the active call on hold and vice versa, by touching the swap icon62.
• FIG. 9 shows how different call options can be adjusted by means of the touch screen. If the user touches the call options icon67 (seeFIG. 8c)), the call options screen shown inFIG. 9a) appears. The call options screen comprises a call options menu with a speaker volume icon70, a mute icon71 and astart recording icon72. The screen also comprises a scroll downicon74, a scroll upicon75 and anexit icon73 in the lower end of the screen and a scroll bar76 in the right side of the screen. Further menu icons, such as “tone setting”, becomes visible by upwards and downwards scrolling by means of the scroll downicon74 and the scroll upicon75. The scroll bar76 indicates which part of the menu that is visible. Alternatively or additionally, the user may scroll by sliding the finger in the direction of the scroll bar76. If the user touches theexit button73, the call options menu is left. A selection of the speaker volume icon70 will be explained below in connection withFIG. 9b). If the user touches the mute icon71, the headset microphone is muted. If the user touches thestart recording icon72 all communication is sent by means of theUSB cable64 to thePC10 and recorded by means of appropriate software. The software can be set to stop recording at the end of a call, or just pause recording between calls. If the user selects the speaker volume icon70, the screen shown inFIG. 9b) appears. The screen comprises aspeaker meter icon79 indicating the speaker level, afirst adjustment icon77 with a minus character and asecond adjustment icon78 with a plus character. The user can turn the speaker volume down by touching thefirst adjustment icon77 and up by touching thesecond adjustment icon78. Thespeaker meter icon79 has eight levels and inFIG. 9b), speaker level four is selected. The speed or the number of steps, speaker volume is adjusted by touchingadjustment icons77,78 may depend on how long the user touches them. In an alternative embodiment, the adjustment make take place by sliding the finger across thetouch screen display6, so that the speaker volume is adjusted upwards, when by sliding the finger in a first direction and downwards by sliding the finger in the opposite direction. The headset base unit may be adapted to remember the last volume setting for each connected telecommunication device and report the volume setting by sending control signals to the headset when a telecommunication device is selected. Thus, the volume is separately set for the desk phone, the soft phone and mobile phone. The user can leave the speaker volume screen by touching theexit icon73.
• InFIG. 9c), the user has selected “tone setting” (equalisation) from the call options menu. Here the user can select the sound from the headset speaker to be one of three different types represented by atreble icon80, anormal icon81 and abass icon82. If he selects thetreble icon80, the sound in the treble area will be accentuated, and if he selects thebass icon82, the sound in the bass area will be accentuated. Thenormal icon81 selects a neutral sound. Preferably, the speaker volume, microphone muting and speaker tone setting takes place in the headset, which means that control signals for adjusting the settings are sent from the headset base unit to the headset. The headset sends status signals to the headset base unit about the settings, so that the display shows the correct levels.
• Some of these adjustments can also be carried by means of the headset user interface. It is especially advantageous, if the headset speaker volume can be adjusted by the headset user interface. Thus, theheadset volume button53 shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 is used for adjusting the headset speaker volume, while status signals simultaneously is sent to the headset base unit in order to update the display. In this case, it is optional for the user whether he wants to make audio adjustments by means of the headset user interface or by means of the base user interface. If the user is away from the headset, he will use the headset user interface. If he sits at his desk, he may prefer to use the base user interface.
• Alternatively, the adjustments take place in the headset base, in which case control signals are sent from the headset to the headset base in order to adjust the audio settings.
• In all cases, status or signals are exchanged between the headset and the base, so that the status information shown on the display of the headset base unit is synchronized with the actual sound setting.
• FIG. 10 discloses different views of the display during setup of the headset system according to the invention. If the user touches the setup icon17 (seeFIG. 8a)), the screen shown inFIG. 10a) appears. This screen comprises an advanced settings menu with asetup wizard icon83, areset configuration icon84 and adesk phone icon85. If the user wants to use the setup wizard, he touches thesetup wizard icon83 and thedisplay6 guides him through a setup. During the setup, a “connect to a desk phone icon”86 appears as shown inFIG. 10b). If the user wants to connect the headset base unit to a desk phone, he touches the “yes icon”87, otherwise the “no icon”88. If he touches the “yes icon”87, the screen shown inFIG. 10c) appears. Here, the user is asked with the question icon89: “Does your desk phone have a headset port?”. If the user touches the “no icon”88, the screen shown inFIG. 10d) appears. Here the user is instructed by theinstruction icon90 to unplug the handset cable and connect it to the headset base unit. Display graphics illustrate how to do this. The user can access further setup steps by touching the “next icon”93 or return to the previous step by touching the “back icon”92. Further steps guiding the user to a complete cable connection are not shown here. InFIG. 10e) the user is guided through adjustment of the microphone level by means of a microphone level icon91, which shows twelve levels. Before this screen, the user is instructed to call a friend. The user touches the “adjustment icons”77,78 until a desired microphone level is obtained. Off course,FIG. 10 only show a few setup screens, as several other not shown screens guides the user to setup the headset base unit with other telecommunication devices, such as a mobile phone and a PC soft phone.
• The invention also covers embodiments, where more than one telecommunication device of the same type, for example two or three desk phones, can be connected to the same headset base unit. In such a situation, it would be possible to name the devices such as “desk phone1”, “desk phone2” or “local desk phone”, “external desk phone”.
• Thedisplay6, whether it is a touch screen display or not, may also be used for displaying SMS messages, news feeds, e-mail's etc. For example, SMS messages received by a connected mobile phone may be forwarded to the headset base unit and shown on the display. Another example is e-mails received by a connected PC, which are forwarded to the headset base unit and shown on the display.
• A wireless headset system is described in detail here. However, the invention also relates to wired solutions, where the headset and the headset base unit are interconnected by a wire.
• FIG. 11 is showing acommunication system95 according to the invention. Thecommunication system95 comprises acordless headset system1 and acordless telephone109. It should be noted, that the terms cordless and wireless used here has the same meaning and are interchangeable. Thecordless headset system1 comprises aheadset3 and aheadset base unit2, while thecordless telephone109 comprises ahandset102 and atelephone base unit97. Theheadset3 comprises amulti-function button52 for inter alia receiving and ending calls and an elongatevolume touch button53. Theheadset base unit2 comprises aheadset holder5 with chargingterminals30. When theheadset3 is received by theheadset holder5 thecharging terminals30 contacts corresponding not-shown terminals on the headset and charges an internal battery of theheadset3. Theheadset base unit2 further comprises a touch-screen display6, which functions as a user-interface, by means of which the user can adjust settings and initiate or accept calls. Thetelephone base unit97 comprises ahandset holder114, which can receive thehandset102 and recharge an internal battery of thehandset102 via not-shown charging terminals in thehandset holder114 and on thehandset102. Thehandset102 comprises adisplay113 and a user-interface in the form ofinter alia buttons112.
• Both theheadset system1 and thetelephone109 are GAP compatible DECT systems, whereby they can communicate with each other. Theheadset3 and theheadset base unit2 communicate with each other via aradio link66 according to the DECT standard.
• Thehandset102 and thetelephone base unit97 also communicate via aradio link96 according to the DECT standard. Finally, theheadset base unit2 and thetelephone base unit97 communicate via aradio link65 according to the DECT standard.
• FIG. 12 is a diagram showing some of the main elements of the different components of thetelecommunication system95 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Theheadset3 comprises aspeaker50, amicrophone49, aprocessor48, aheadset transceiver51, aheadset antenna45, arechargeable battery110 and aheadset user interface52,53. Theheadset base unit2 comprises a touch-screen display6, aprocessor29, aheadset base transceiver27 and aheadset base antenna44. The chargingcontacts30 and other parts, which are not essential for the understanding of the invention, are left out for clarity reasons. Radio signals, which include voice and data, are transferred between theheadset transceiver51 and theheadset base transceiver27 via afirst radio link66, which follows the DECT standard. Theheadset base unit2 is by means ofcords98 connected to adesk phone9 and apersonal computer10. Thedesk phone9 can be a standard corded desk phone which by means ofcords98 is connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN)99. Thepersonal computer10 is by means ofcords98 connected to the Internet and my comprise Internet Protocol telephony software or other communication software, which can be utilized by theheadset system1. As symbolized with theline117, the public switchedtelephone network99 is connected with theInternet115, so that voice calls can be established between PSTN telephones and IP telephones. All thecords98 can be replaced by radio links.
• Thehandset102 comprises aprocessor105, arechargeable battery111, ahandset user interface112, adisplay113, aspeaker106, amicrophone107, ahandset transceiver103 and ahandset antenna104. Thehandset user interface112 comprises primarily buttons, so that the user can dial a number, choose a contact from an internal phone book, adjust speaker volume etc. Thedisplay113 is typically used for showing caller ID or callee ID, different settings, battery level etc. Thetelephone base unit97 comprises atelephone base transceiver100, atelephone base processor116 and atelephone base antenna101. Thehandset102 and thetelephone base unit97 communicate via asecond radio link96, when thehandset102 is removed from thetelephone base unit97. Thisradio link96 follows the DECT standard, just like thefirst radio link66 between theheadset3 and theheadset base unit2. Thetelephone base unit97 is by means of acord98 connected to the public switchedtelephone network99.
• Theheadset base unit2 and thetelephone base unit97 also communicate wirelessly via athird radio link65, which follows the DECT standard just link the first66 and the second96 radio link. As the threeradio links66,96,65 all follow the DECT standard and support the GAP-profile, only oneheadset base transceiver27 is needed to allow radio communication with both theheadset3 and thetelephone base unit97. Normally, a DECT phone is configured with the phone base as a master and the handset as a slave. The base is also typically the master and the headset slave in wireless headset systems according to the DECT standard. A master can be wirelessly connected to several slaves, and a slave can be connected to more than one master. However, two masters can normally not be connected. Therefore, theheadset base unit2 is configured to act as a master in relation to theheadset3 and a slave in relation to thetelephone base unit97. This configuration can be obtained in different ways. According to the embodiment shown inFIG. 12, in which theheadset base unit2 only has onetransceiver27, thesame transceiver27 is configured to work simultaneously as a master and a slave. This is possible, if the transceiver chip is powerful enough and programmed accordingly. Therefore it is possible to move the interface from the master to the slave where it may be more accessible to the user.
• FIG. 13 discloses a second embodiment of acommunication system95 according to the invention. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment by theheadset base unit2 comprising twoseparate transceivers27,28 andantennas44,43. The firstheadset base transceiver27 and the firstheadset base antenna44 communicate via thefirst radio link66 with theheadset3. The secondheadset base transceiver28 and the secondheadset base antenna43 communicate via thethird radio link65 with thetelephone base unit97. In this embodiment, the firstheadset base transceiver27 is master and the secondheadset base transceiver28 is slave.
• In the second embodiment shown inFIG. 13, each of the first and secondheadset base transceiver27,28 has an antenna. However,
• In both embodiments shown here, a standard DECT telephone with a master transceiver in the base and a slave transceiver in the handset can be used. Thus, the user can easily replace his telephone if he wishes.
• In the description above the, term “transceiver” is intended to mean a combination of a transmitter and a receiver in any physical embodiment. For example, the transmitter and the receiver can be combined in one chip or be two separate chips.

• Reference signs

  1	headset system
  2	base
  3	headset
  4	base housing
  5	headset holder
  6	display
  7	first connection device
  8	second connection device
  9	desk phone
  10	PC
  11	mobile phone
  12	target phone icon
  13	mobile phone icon
  14	PC icon
  15	headset icon
  16	battery level icon
  17	setup icon
  18	first handset icon
  19	second handset icon
  20	on hold icon
  21-23	icons for incoming call on same line
  24	caller ID icon
  25	on hold icon
  26	on call icon
  27	first base transceiver
  28	second base transceiver
  29	base processor
  30	charging terminals
  30a	microphone arm
  31	endpiece of headband
  32	headset (second embodiment)
  33	ear hook
  34	earbud
  35	bottom part of holder unit
  36	receiving hole in base housing
  37	recess for display device
  38	headset holder unit (second embodiment)
  39	display device
  40	incoming call icon
  41	on call icon
  42	record icon
  43-45	antennas
  46	headset connection device
  47	headset user interface
  48	headset processor
  49	headset speaker
  50	headset microphone
  51	headset transceiver
  52	headset multifunction button
  53	headset volume button
  54	earphone housing
  55	arrow
  56	holder unit
  57	arrow
  58	arrow
  59	first headband part
  60	second headband part
  61	headset housing (second embodiment)
  62	swap icon
  63, 64	wired connections
  65	third radio link
  66	first radio link (wireless connections)
  67	call options icon
  68, 69	first and second call collision icons
  70	speaker volume icon
  71	mute icon
  72	start recording icon
  73	exit icon
  74	scroll down icon
  75	scroll up icon
  76	scroll bar
  77	first adjustment icon
  78	second adjustment icon
  79	speaker volume meter icon
  80	treble icon
  81	normal icon
  82	bass icon
  83	setup wizard icon
  84	reset configuration icon
  85	desk phone icon
  86	connect to a desk phone icon
  87	yes icon
  88	no icon
  89	question icon
  90	instruction icon
  91	microphone level icon
  92	back icon
  93	next icon
  94	headset system
  95	communication system
  96	second radio link
  97	telephone base unit
  98	wire
  99	Public Switched Telephone Network
  100	telephone base transceiver
  101	telephone base antenna
  102	handset
  103	handset receiver
  104	handset antenna
  105	handset processor
  106	handset speaker
  107	handset microphone
  108	handset user interface
  109	cordless telephone
  110	headset battery
  111	handset battery
  112	handset user interface
  113	handset display
  114	handset holder
  115	the Internet
  116	telephone base processor
  117	connection between PSTN and the
  	Internet

Claims (36)

1. A headset base unit (2) comprising

a base housing (4),

a headset holder (5,38) for holding a headset (3),

a first connection device (7), is connectable to at least one telecommunication device (9,10,11), by which the headset base unit selected from the group of a desk phone (9), a PC phone (10) or a mobile phone (11),

a second connection device (8), is connectable to the headset (3) from which the headset base unit (2),

a controller (29), configured to open an audio channel between the headset base unit (2) and a selected one of the telecommunication devices (9,10,11),

a display unit (39) with a display (6) adapted for displaying device icons (12,13,14) representing connected telecommunication devices (9,10,11).

2. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 1, wherein it is simultaneously connectable to more than one telecommunication device (9,10,11).

3. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 1 wherein the display is a touch-screen display (6).

4. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 2, wherein a telecommunication device (9,10,11) can be selected by touching the device icon (12,13,14) representing the telecommunication device (9,10,11).

5. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 2, wherein the device icons (12,13,14) change appearance when the represented telecommunication device (9,10,11) is selected.

6. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 3 wherein one or more of headset speaker volume, microphone volume, and speaker equalisation can be adjusted by the touch-screen display (6).

7. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 1 wherein the device icons (12,13,14) change appearance in dependence on the call status, such as incoming call (40), on call (41) and on hold (20), of the represented telecommunication device (9,10,11).

8. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 1, wherein a caller identity icon (24) is shown when a device icon (40) signals an incoming call.

9. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 1, further comprising a first transceiver (27) or transmitter-receiver for wireless connectivity to a wireless headset (3;32) including a headset transceiver (51) or transceiver-transmitter.

10. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 9, wherein the headset holder (5,38) includes charging terminals (30) for charging a rechargeable battery of the headset (3;32), when the headset (3;32) is received by the holder (5).

11. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 10, wherein the display (6) is able to show battery status (16) of the headset (3;32).

12. A headset system (1,94) according toclaim 1, wherein the headset base unit (2) is adapted to be able to instruct a connected telecommunication device (9,10,11) to initiate an outgoing call.

13. A headset system according toclaim 3, wherein the touch-screen display (6) is adapted to display a keypad for dialling a telephone number.

14. A headset system (1,94) according toclaim 12, wherein the headset base unit (2) is adapted to store a call list or phone book and show this call list or phone book on the display (6), and wherein the user can initiate an outgoing call by selecting a contact from the call list or phone book.

15. A headset base unit (2) accordingclaim 1, wherein the display device (39) is hingedly connected to the housing (4), so that it can be tilted.

16. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 1, wherein the headset holder (5,38) is a part of a headset holder unit (56), which is an adjustable or releasable part of the headset base unit (2).

17. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 16, wherein the headset holder (5,38) or headset holder unit (56) is rotatable about an essentially vertical axis, when the headset base unit (2) stands on an essentially horizontal surface.

18. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 17 wherein the holder unit (56) is arranged beside the display device (39).

19. A headset base unit (2) according toclaim 1 including a second transceiver (28) or transmitter-receiver for wireless communication with a telecommunication terminal (11) comprising a corresponding transceiver.

20. A headset system (1;94) comprising a headset base unit (2) accordingclaim 1 including a headset (3;32) to be held by the headset holder (5,38) when not in use.

21. A headset base unit (2) comprising

a base housing (4) including a recess symmetrical along a central axis passing orthogonally therethrough,

a headset holder (5,38) for holding a headset (3), said holder having a base sized to be received within said recess and being insertable at 90 degree offset positions

a communications and power supply electrical connector between said base housing (4) and said set unit, said connector being capable of electrically connecting the headset to the base in any of the 90 degree offset positions;

a first connection device (7), is connectable to at least one telecommunication device (9,10,11), from which the headset base unit selected from the group of a desk phone (9), a PC phone (10) or a mobile phone (11),

a second connection device (8), is connectable to the headset (3) from which the headset base unit (2),

a controller (9), configured to open an audio channel between the headset base unit (2) and a selected one of the telecommunication devices (9,10,11),

a display unit (39) with a display (6) adapted for displaying device icons (12,13,14) representing connected telecommunication devices (9,10,11).

22. A communication system (95) comprising

a headset system (1) and a cordless telephone (109),

wherein the headset system (109) comprises

a wireless headset (3) with a headset transceiver (51) and

a headset base unit (2) with headset base transceiver (27,28), wherein the headset transceiver (51) and the headset base transceiver (27,28) are adapted to be connected by a first radio link (66),

and wherein the cordless telephone (109) comprises

a wireless telephone handset (102) with a handset transceiver (103) and

a telephone base unit (97) with telephone base transceiver (100), which is adapted to be connected to a communication network (99), such as the public switched telephone network or the Internet,

wherein the handset transceiver (103) and the telephone base transceiver (100) are adapted to be connected by a second radio link (96) according to a first radio standard,

the headset base transceiver (27) and the telephone base transceiver (100) are adapted to be connected by a third radio link (65) according to the first radio standard, wherein the headset (3) can be used for a telephone call via the first radio link (66) and the third link (65).

23. A communication system (95) according toclaim 22, wherein the first radio link follows the first radio standard.

24. A communication system (95) according toclaim 22, wherein the first radio standard is the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications standard.

25. A communication system (95) according toclaim 22, wherein the headset base unit (2) and the telephone base unit (97) are GAP compatible.

26. A communication system (95) according toclaim 22, wherein the headset base transceiver comprises a first headset base transceiver (27), which is adapted to connect to the headset transceiver (51), and a second headset base transceiver (28), which is adapted to connect to the telephone base transceiver (100).

27. A communication system (95) according toclaim 26, wherein the second headset base transceiver (28) is configured as slave and the telephone transceiver (100) is configured as master.

28. A communication system (95) accordingclaim 22, wherein the headset base unit (2) it is simultaneously connectable to additional telecommunication devices (9,10).

29. A communication system (95) according toclaim 22, wherein the headset base unit (2) is adapted to be able to instruct a connected telecommunication device (10,97) to initiate an outgoing call.

30. A communication system (95) according toclaim 22, wherein the headset base comprises a base user interface (6).

31. A communication system (95) accordingclaim 22, wherein the headset base unit (2) comprises a display (6).

32. A communication system (95) according toclaim 31 wherein the display (6) is a touch-screen display (6) which makes up a user interface.

33. A communication system (95) according toclaim 32, wherein one or more of headset speaker volume, microphone volume, and speaker equalisation can be adjusted by a touch-screen display (6).

34. A communication system (95) according toclaim 32, wherein the touch-screen display (6) is adapted to display a keypad for dialling a telephone number.

35. A communication system (95) according toclaim 22, wherein the headset base unit (2) is adapted to store a call list or phone book and show this call list or phone book on the display (6), and wherein the user can initiate an outgoing call by selecting a contact from the call list or phone book.

36. A communication system (95) accordingclaim 22, wherein the display (6) is adapted to show information about caller identity or callee identity.

Images